Spring fever

[David Petersen]

#5428

Toward the end of a long winter, even something so simple as this makes me deeply nostalgic for spring and aware of what a treat it is just to shoot a few, much less roaming the spring woods. Even planning a backpack turkey hunt next month–something I ain’t done in a way long time. 😀

[Ralph]

#40711

Nice shootin’. Spring fever biting me too. I’m ready too to see some turkeys. Maybe the 40+ bird herd I was chasing last fall will be hanging around this spring. I was only wantin’ one of them:D. I could’ve had a bird using other weapons but I doubt I ever shoot another unless with one my trad bows.

Hope you enjoy and do well.

Ralph

Dang it!:evil:

[Etter1]

#40760

I was out slinging a few today myself. Of course, it was 65 degrees. 🙂

[jason samkowiak]

#40766

I cant wait until spring! right now buried under 3 feet of snow and fingers crushed so cant shoot for a couple weeks.

Just seeing you guys shooting without snow gives me hope that someday ours will melt and I might see ground again.

[Col Mike]

#40767

R2

Yep made that same shot last spring except it was on a real bird. Hey you at least put it in the gap of the fence:D

No turkey sign yet they are still holding around the farms and lowlands–but weather is moderating and tomorrow after we run sleds likely last time for awhile if this melt continues, I will do some scouting and stump busting.

Mike

[Ralph]

#40774

Hey Col, maybe I was shootin at the gap! 😀 Yeah, uh.

[Wolfshead]

#41336

Driving to my Parents house yesterday, in my old hometown,

and as I drove past a neighbors house there were approx. 15 turkeys raiding a bird feeder in the neighbors front yard.

Good sized birds too!

Alas, we still have 3 feet on the ground here and todays morning temp was -17 sooooo…..

spring turkey hunting is a little while away still.

[Charles Ek]

#41477

The turkey season here in NH opens on May 3rd. I have long held an ambition to use skis to hunt them. Came close a few years back – this year is looking pretty good with a morning low of -6, three feet of snow in the woods and a possible big storm next week.

I’m inspired by one of the hunters depicted here:

Böksta Runestone

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#41483

eidsvolling wrote: The turkey season here in NH opens on May 3rd. I have long held an ambition to use skis to hunt them. Came close a few years back – this year is looking pretty good with a morning low of -6, three feet of snow in the woods and a possible big storm next week.

I’m inspired by one of the hunters depicted here:

Böksta Runestone

Thanks for the link and my morning history nugget. Leave it to the Norse to have one god for archery, hunting and skiing! And good luck in your quest to hunt turkeys on skis – keep us posted!

[David Fudala]

#41686

We are getting quite stir crazy up here in northern Wisconsin!After several long and tiring dicussions, my girlfriend and I have decided to sit out this Spring Turkey season. A decision that was very difficult to make but the facts remain. This winter has been the worst the state has experienced in almost 100 years and it has been devastating on the local wildlife. Reports are coming in about turkeys found starved to death all over the state. We decided that since we have such a small population in our area that it would be best to leave those that survive to recover when the snow breaks and hope they can rebound? We will still purchase our tags to make sure our dollars get back into the system but we will spend our “Spring Break” pursuing other outdoor activities this year. I worry greatly about this years fawn crop!

[grumpy]

#41908

Admirable sacrifice.

Saw a bunch of turkeys on the way to a breakfast at a maple sugar house last Sat. Must have been a dozen climbing up the 3′ snow bank.

[grumpy]

#41923

@#$%^&*() Obviously Dave, and R2 put those pics there just to make the cabin fever the rest of us are suffering from a little worse.

[David Petersen]

#41938

Grumpy — Well at least you have that great Mass. maple syrup to help you through the long winters. I’m lucky to have a friend (Ted Williams) who has a son who owns a maple grove and every few years, if I beg properly, I get a jug for xmas. While I don’t claim to own the experience in maple syrup that I do in whisky (and other good stuff), IMO the Mass variety is hands-down the best.

Of course, in the interest of self-education and fairness, if anyone reading this is from another maple syrup-producing area, U.S. or Canada, and wishes to argue that yours is better, just send me a pm and I’ll generously supply my mailing address so’s you can send along a sample. A guy can never get enough education in maple syrup, whisky … or all the other of life’s good stuff. 😀

[Col Mike]

#41949

Dave

OK, Garrett Co. Md maple syrup, the single malt double wood will have to wait for another campfire:D

Semper Fi

Mike

[sinawalli]

#42044

David Petersen wrote: Grumpy — Well at least you have that great Mass. maple syrup to help you through the long winters. I’m lucky to have a friend (Ted Williams) who has a son who owns a maple grove and every few years, if I beg properly, I get a jug for xmas. While I don’t claim to own the experience in maple syrup that I do in whisky (and other good stuff), IMO the Mass variety is hands-down the best.

Of course, in the interest of self-education and fairness, if anyone reading this is from another maple syrup-producing area, U.S. or Canada, and wishes to argue that yours is better, just send me a pm and I’ll generously supply my mailing address so’s you can send along a sample. A guy can never get enough education in maple syrup, whisky … or all the other of life’s good stuff. 😀

Well Dave, I would gladly oblige you, but maple syrup here (Alberta) is like pope’s teeth on a whorehouse!

[Stephen Graf]

#42600

On the bow – that’s a beautiful green stain. But the goofball that put the leather grip on it needs a spanking.

Makes me want to go out and shoot right now… Except we’ve got about 2 inches of sleet laying on everything. Had to go out in my rubber boots with the air blowing up my skirt whilst I got the generator going. Serves me right for not running it every now and again. But alas it is going and I am typing on borrowed time.

On the maple syrup – Believe it or not, we make some pretty tasty maple syrup in the mountains here. The folks that make it are pretty proud of it, so we don’t get much.

Last time I was in Quebec, I bought about 5 gallons of syrup. Now That’s a deal! I came across the border with 400 lbs of moose meat, 100 lbs of bear meat, and 5 gallons of maple syrup. I was stuck at the border for 3 hours while they verified I was not a smuggler or something.

[grumpy]

#43789

To clear things up a little…

I grew up in the Green Mts, and the maple syrup from there is better than in MA. If you ever go there you will note that there is no wallpaper in kitchens. Steam from boiling the sap takes it off in a couple hours. lol

BTW If youseall go to VT and have pancakes at McDonalds it is 100% pure maple syrup. Its the law. Ronald took the state to court, and ended up looking like a clown.

[David Petersen]

#43838

Steve — the grip looks a lot better from the other side! Especially from a distance … 😆

[tom-wisconsin]

#44163

Dfudala I live in the land of the on going winter also. The north woods of Wisconsin. This is like winters we had thirty years ago. No turkey hunting for me either.

[David Fudala]

#44315

I’m your neighbor Tom! I live in Lac Du Flambeau.

[james gilmer]

#45431

Dave

you have not had syrup until you have had Kickapoo Gold from the SW of Wisc. I get it at the big farmers market just across the big river.

[tom-wisconsin]

#45453

Dfudala wrote: I’m your neighbor Tom! I live in Lac Du Flambeau.

Hi neighbor. Keep warm:D

[Stix]

#46649

This is “the worst” time of the year for me. The month or so after ice fishing and before turkey season.

[David Bartlett]

#46761

Just heard we have another winter storm watch for our area this week.

Another 12-15 inches of snow coming Wednesday, on top of the 25 or so inches on the ground still.

Turkey hunting is a ways off yet!

[Alexandre Bugnon]

#47251

Steve Graf wrote: On the bow – that’s a beautiful green stain. But the goofball that put the leather grip on it needs a spanking.

😀

That’s funny!!

I’ve been on the road for a month straight! Although my destinations have included a week in Florida and another in Southern California, I miss my bow, whom I haven’t seen in a couple of months. Going down to Georgia tomorrow until Saturday. Finally a nice warm weekend in the Hudson valley, and I predict a stump shooting adventure on sunday!! Yeehaa!:D

[Ralph]

#47278

You guys got snow and ice and can’t do much. Me, we have a couple of forecast days of high winds, 60 mph, and extreme wildfire danger and I won’t go out in that. Wildfires scare the pea-wadding outta me and that kind of wind not fit for anything.

I hope your thawing starts soon and is slow enough that floods won’t be too bad this year.

Might have to change turkey hunting tactics a bit.:D

[William Warren]

#47838

Ice storm last Friday and Saturday. High 70’s today but I’m not complaining. Ready for some warmer weather. Daylight Savings Time has me shooting in the evenings after work now. Turkeys will be gobbling soon and the carp will be rolling. And for those who care the sucker run takes place in March I think. All this high water will likely get it started. I have not shot suckers because the creeks they come up are so rocky. Worried about ruining arrows.

[DaveCrow]

#52974

Been seeing lots of turkey’s around here. Seems like smaller ones than I was seeing in the Fall.

Went out for a snowshoe scout, deer and rabbit tracks, no sign of turkey’s were I was, but also some dog or coyote tracks sniffing up behind the deer.

Took the girls to an indoor range with me yesterday. I think I have two more archers to equip now.

[Ralph]

#53075

Spring has been flying by here in Amarillo about 35-60 mph the last 24 hours but the wind starting to settle now. Dust was bad last night. We did get a breezy and chilly 3D shoot in today though. Set up in the creek bed with nice hunting situation type shots. It was worth the trouble and the weather to be with friends.

[Stephen Graf]

#55951

Duncan wrote: …Turkeys will be gobbling soon and the carp will be rolling. And for those who care the sucker run takes place in March I think…

Been out twice so far and not even seeing fish yet. Got good and cold though!

[Charles Ek]

#55989

Two to three feet of stout, walkable snow in the woods here in NH. Three to five inches more forecast for tonight, with lows this weekend and beyond in the single digits.

Still lookin’ good for chasing turkeys while I’m on my skis – 45 days and counting. 😈

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#56202

eidsvolling wrote: …Still lookin’ good for chasing turkeys while I’m on my skis…

I really hope you pull this off, E. It would be a very cool accomplishment.

[ChumpMcgee]

#56211

I finally was able to find my target in the backyard the past weekend underneath all the snow. Started practicing and after loosing 3 arrows into the snow and breaking 2 more I decided that I was doing something wrong and went inside with my tail between my legs…..I got some major rust issues that will need to be taken care of soon

[SteveMcD]

#58550

It has been a long hard winter. I spent the good part of February in the Hospital in Respiratory Care and supplemental oxygen due to complications with Pneumonia. The outcome at the time, no one could say. But thank God I bounced back. I got out for the first time today and shot my Montana Longbow for the first time in three months. Amazing how muscle memory kicks right in! It felt Great! Even a bit Surreal! Extremely thankful.

[Ralph]

#58556

Glad you’re better Steve. Not quite the spring fever one looks to. I had a bout of that stuff a couple of years ago myself. Kinda hard on a guy.

Enjoy the spring, your bow and life!:D

Ralph

[SteveMcD]

#58594

R2 wrote: Glad you’re better Steve. Not quite the spring fever one looks to. I had a bout of that stuff a couple of years ago myself. Kinda hard on a guy.

Enjoy the spring, your bow and life!:D

Ralph

Thank you, my friend! I know you must feel the same — I am all the more grateful!

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#58618

Yikes, Steve – glad to hear you’re ok, and welcome back!

[paleoman]

#58662

Yes, welcome back Steve. Can’t imagine how awful that must have been.

[SteveMcD]

#58707

Thank you, All! Gentlemen.. Sorry I hope not to hijack the Thread! It’s a good one! But Thank you! 😀

[Fallguy]

#59341

Welcome back Steve. I have found that a extended layoff has helped my shooting. The first 3 shot’s are perfect then with practice the bad habits reappeared.:P

[SteveMcD]

#59448

Fallguy wrote: Welcome back Steve. I have found that a extended layoff has helped my shooting. The first 3 shot’s are perfect then with practice the bad habits reappeared.:P

Hahaha,, Thanks, Fallguy! Glad to be getting back to normality (whatever that is!).

After 40 years of shooting I’ve learned one thing about it. We tend to think too much when we shoot! Like Eli Wallach (as “Tuco”) in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, says.. “Don’t Think! Just Shoot!”. 😆

[Ralph]

#59466

My spring fever plans got changed today. Gotta paint a bathroom. The person whose idea it was to do so is gone for the day so, what y’all think she’ll think when she gets home:? Just pondering some designs to incorporate. 😀

Think not perhaps, eh!

[SteveMcD]

#59490

R2 wrote: My spring fever plans got changed today. Gotta paint a bathroom. The person whose idea it was to do so is gone for the day so, what y’all think she’ll think when she gets home:? Just pondering some designs to incorporate. 😀

Think not perhaps, eh!

Might not be a bad idea! I’m NOT ALLOWED to Paint Inside!! 😆

[Arid zone A]

#59511

R2, Great idea,,,I put some peck-to’s on my bedroom wall back in 197-something,sure got some funny looks,

I got to get gall blader yanked out on Valentins Day, but last friday went on a scout to some old stomping grounds, found a nice shed, nice base, I want to persue this one. any body got a old trail camera they don’t want?

Really like to hear that you guys across the country got some snow,,we aint got squat here in the AZ. high country.

[SteveMcD]

#59729

Impressive Antlers R2.

Yes.. for us.. one of the snowiest and coldest winters in a long time. I’m done.. ready for my sandals and the Sea!

[Col Mike]

#59918

Steve

Welcome back. Trust all is well on the way to full recovery.

However I think you all are going to get the majority of the system that’s going to hit us tonight. Spring has not yet sprung for us out east.

R2

Awesome idea for the bathroom–do it –last time Lin asked me to do that I painted it in red and gold (Marine colors) and hung all my plaques and stuff on the walls–Like Steve I have never been allowed to paint inside again8)

Oh yeah I crowded my caribou antlers in, hanging from the ceiling 😆

I’m just allowed to wash dishes now and shoot my bow:D

Mike

[David Petersen]

#62117

Steve — So sorry to be late in wishing you great good health going forward. I haven’t checked this thread in a while. I for one really appreciate you on this site.

Paleo — I like your new “selfie” photo. For a Neanderthal, you’re a handsome fellow. I have a friend in bush AK, I kid you not, who could pose for Neanderthal paintings … and he lives the life as well.

Mike — Re your weather, well, you pays your money and takes your chances. You could be living in Pensacola again, or anywhere out here in the warm dry desert West.

Back to spring — I got out stumping this afternoon for the first time, with Clay’s Osage bow, which is glued to my hands until it gets blood on it other than my own.

[James Harvey]

#63631

It’s actually autumn here, but I forgive you guys for all your upside down, back to front seasons 😉

I got down to the range today (during work hours no less) for a spot of shooting. I’m really enjoying my EFA bowquiver too. It’s a nice little quiver.

[Ralph]

#7794

Good thing for gravity Jim or y’all be falling off.

What’s winter like in your part of Australia?

Our newly sprung spring is quite breezy and making my backyard archery quite the challenge. The red dot is standing still but what’s trying to hit it ain’t.

[SteveMcD]

#9846

David, Col. Mike.. Thank you both as well! Good to be back! 8)

[David Bartlett]

#12081

Yesterday I was able to get outside and shoot some in the driveway. It was a nice change from the basement range.

Much better lighting and distance options.

[Charles Ek]

#12153

dbartlett1958 wrote: Yesterday I was able to get outside and shoot some in the driveway. It was a nice change from the basement range.

Much better lighting and distance options.

Looking good! I got out for some limited stumpin’ the other day. I thought today’s predicted downpour was going to wash away more snow, but the rain has moved on and there’s still a couple feet in the woods. Only the bases of our trees are bare so far.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#12176

We took a big step backward today – it’s been dumping heavy snow all day….

[Col Mike]

#12398

Bruce– yeah. We got six inches of the wet stuff this morning. If you’re interested take a look at Linda’s pics on our biz facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Husky-Power-Dogsledding-at-Mountain-Maryland-Kennels-LLC/133592426676477?ref=hl

Just to keep on thread I shot the bow this afternoon.

Mike

[James Harvey]

#12506

I feel for you guys. If you check out the ‘what you got going’ thread you can see that fall is really setting in down here too. Brrr 😉

[Ralph]

#13196

Thought some of y’all up in the NE might relate to this.

Looks like you got more storms coming your way.

[Fallguy]

#13622

Punxsutawney Phil, the King of the Groundhogs, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after predicting an early spring.

[Charles Ek]

#14212

R2 wrote: Looks like you got more storms coming your way.

One should never forget the possibility of this when living here in New England:

The Year Without a Summer

[Ptaylor]

#14230

Nope, still don’t have it!

[Charles Ek]

#14875

Hmmm, 32 days and counting …

[WyoStillhunter]

#15754

SteveMcD wrote: Thank you, All! Gentlemen.. Sorry I hope not to hijack the Thread! It’s a good one! But Thank you! 😀

Good for you! Continue to rehab. I bought a 35# Bear Montana early last year to rehab after double bypass surgery. I am now back to shooting my Sky Rogue 55#. But I could be just as confident with a 55# Montana for hunting elk or deer. They are a solid performer and good value for the price.

[paleoman]

#15761

eidsvolling wrote: Hmmm, 32 days and counting …

You know those arrow marks to find your way out are gonna melt?:lol:

[Col Mike]

#17004

Paleo

Darn they looked like turkey tracks to me:shock:

Eids

Good luck on the ski hunt I think we have one more dump of snow coming:evil:

Semper Fi

Mike

[Charles Ek]

#17435

They are indeed turkey tracks. I’ve been having a ball following their comings and goings. At times they’ll follow woods roads in squad-sized groups or larger, marching for a half mile or more without even pausing to look to the side.

I was out stumping yesterday – had to stick to the packed-down snowmobile trails and could have used snowshoes for sure in the woods. The bottom has dropped out of other trails and in the woods, so the skiing has pretty much ended. But there’s still hope, Colonel. Thirty days and counting. 😈

[sinawalli]

#22165

Finally some decent weather today! 8C made for my first serious practice session! Good times!

[Author]

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