[lyagooshka]

in reply to: I'm Goin In #43686

Good luck! Be safe!

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[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Bring it. #41409

I don’t like to be jealous of anyone for something that is available to me should I want it badly enough, but times like this, it is difficult. Good for you for living the dream and still being able to appreciate the true wonder of nature every day. I made my choices, and they involve car fumes, police sirens and the like. It made me who I am, but as I “grow”, I truly learn that there are things to appreciate that no amount of money could ever buy and no brand name label could be worthy of. What really gets me sometimes is that it costs nothing and is available to anyone at any time. I hope you all enjoy your season(s). Be safe. I know I will be cherishing every moment out there.

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Game Cameras #41270

Nate,

How far do you have to lead a mushroom when hunting one? 😆 😆 😆

I use a camera. I agree completely with your reasoning. As a matter of fact, my profile picture is from my game camera from the summer. I always “bet” myself how many pictures I will get. Some are really funny.

I guess an argument could be made against them, but if you are getting pictures like mine, you still have to spend DAYS in the woods before seeing “your” deer.

Alex

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[lyagooshka]

in reply to: GOOD LUCK!! #39004

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. I’m sure hunting is only one of the things you are missing. Don’t worry; with people like me in the woods, there will be PLENTY of game left for you to hunt when you get back stateside. 😆

Be well and thanks again,

Alex

😀

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Please don’t kick me off the forum… (this is a long one, so grab a beer and happy labor day) #38823

wildschwein,

Thank you for touching upon probably the only point that was still left unreplied to. The “exotic” argument is another reason I posted this topic. While it is not a reason or excuse to have or not have high-fenced areas to harvest (I also don’t see it as hunting) it can allow for interesting table-fare and even trophy. I am actually glad I had the experience at the preserve. In a wierd way, it led me to appreciate “true” hunting that much more. I don’t plan to go back, except MAYBE with the little tikes, and that is becoming more and more of a maybe every day. I am actually looking forward to feeling my butt go numb out in the woods much more than I have ever looked forward to a trip to the preserve. I still would love to get a Fallow or Axis deer though. Unless I save up the scratch for a trip to Europe, a preserve may be the only way. BTW: If you ever plan a trip to Florida, bring your bow. Some great and inexpensive hog hunting in some totally open (no fences) ranches. Be well.

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Please don’t kick me off the forum… (this is a long one, so grab a beer and happy labor day) #38738

I would really like to thank everyone for their input. I know this is not a comfortable topic. I looked at this from my situation, living in a big town, not many places to go, starting out late, so I don’t have that many contacts, etc. I agree with pretty much everyone. Like I said, I do not plan to return to the preserve. For my children, possibly, but if I am ever at a level that I can make their hunt successful (seeing game, the killing is optional and not even necessary), I may very well choose that option after all.

Lastly, I’d like to just explain a bit more about what led me to posting this topic and why my interest. As I stated, I started hunting only a few years ago. I had had a hunting license since I was 18, but I never was able to make it out. This was largely because I had no “mentors” of any kind and since at that point I lived in Philadelphia and the “concrete jungle” didn’t offer many. I know, it’s an excuse, and that is correct, but it’s what happened, so I am pointing it out. Then, I decided it was time (I hit the point in life where I didn’t want to have any “should haves”). So, where to start? Naturally, a well known, ethical group that can take me under their wing and show me the joys of the hunt. Wrong. For me it was hunting shows. By the time I started out, I had just about every gadget imaginable to make it easier for me to be successful (kill something, because that is how success is measured). This whole bombardment of advertising and “expert” advice is probably the reason I am so against mega-hunting stores and shows that condense 5 days of hunting a fenced preserve into a 30 minute show (sponsored by the latest thing that will make you successful). It really hit me early on that this was not hunting, it was something I was not willing to be a part of. The preserve “quenched my thirst” and did give me some valuable experience that I would not have gotten on my own, but even that was not what I wanted. With the (almost) guaranteed success at a preserve, the hunt seems anti-climatic. The possibility (almost a guarantee) of “failure” (again, still using a kill to define success) makes it a hunt. And when viewed that way, one begins to realize that success can be measured on a whole different scale altogether. One that puts the kill as necessity, but does not emphasize it beyond making sure it is done with the animal in mind.

I was fortunate enough to find a copy of TBM on a supermarket shelf one day. I was very pleased with what I saw (and didn’t see). My first issue was the one with Ishi on the cover. Starting there, it was a bow hunter and not a monster buck that would score 300+. This trend continued throughout. The pictures matched the words, and so did the advertisers. I don’t remember even seeing a set of antlers in the whole issue. If there was one, it was just that “memorable”. The stories were of the hunt, and of the people, the kill was given a short blurb in a sentence that was underlined by sadness and respect. The hunter’s paradox. This is what I was looking for, and this is what my reason for wanting to hunt was (along with PETA, but that’s a different post). So here I am. And I am happy to be here.

I am sure I have bored you all enough. Again, I do appreciate the replies. Looking forward to reading more, and maybe “poking the skunk” a bit with some future posts on other “hot” topics. Thanks again all, good luck out there and be safe.

Alex

BTW: if you know anyone who wants to buy a bear compound, let me know.

😀

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Hunting styles… #38704

This will actually be my first year out with the bow. I didn’t think I woulf make it, but with some advice (mainly off of these forums) I feel pretty good about making a shot in the 10 yard area. I am not expecting much other than a good learning experience and a great time outdoors. I plan to sit under a tree in my ASAT camo and hope for the best. Can’t really squeeze a tree stand in that spot, and I am not sure if a ground blind would work. Very heavy cover. I just have to trust in the ASAT, and hope something comes along before my rear end goes to sleep. I actually have a trail camera at the spot. Only a few deer and then it attack of the turkeys. That really got my because my area is closed to fall turkey hunting. Story of my life. Oh well.

Good Luck everyone and be safe!

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Good Reading #35513

I’ve been getting pumped up on Dennis Dunn’s stories of getting the North American Super Slam with a trad bow. I got part 1 on my Kindle. Soon as I am done, I will look for part 2. I can actually start my season 2 weeks before you in SE PA as long as it’s antlerless. I hope to hit your neck of the woods about the same time you are. Good luck to you (and everyone). Keep the updates coming on how the season is going.

Be well,

Alex

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[lyagooshka]

in reply to: 40 yards, Kodiak Mag, elevated rest. #33740

I’d be happy to do that at 10 yards that consistantly. Great shooting. Thanks for sharing.

Alex

🙂

[lyagooshka]

in reply to: I might go crazy trying to figure this out #33121

Too new to this to be of any use, but have you though about hot gluing a small piece of hardwood to the shelf? You can reheat the glue to move the piece until you find the sweet spot. Then epoxy it in place, sand it, laquer it and remember to move your hock point. Hope it helps.

Alex

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[lyagooshka]

in reply to: 15 to 30 yards, 48# Recurve. #33116

Wow!!! Great shooting. Love to see those types of shots. Every time I get discouraged, I watch stuff like this to get me motivated.

Alex

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[lyagooshka]

in reply to: I have to sit down to shoot… #32893

Thank you all for the advice. Wexbow, I didn’t even think about the cant of the bow. I will have to pay attention to that next time at the range. All in all, I think I may actually have a shot this year (pun intended). I’ll let you know. Thanks again.

Alex

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[lyagooshka]

in reply to: Congratulations Dave Petersen! #31606

Well done and well earned.

Alex

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[lyagooshka]

in reply to: What are your plans? #30548

jmsmithy,

I don’t think I have ever been through NJ without seeing deer. Whenever I go to Ft. Dix, I almost always sit and stare at heards as they casually stroll around. Sad part is, I have heard from many people that finding a place to hunt there is almost impossible. This past Saturday I saw a “buck of a lifetime” on the side of 287 when I was on my to Staten Island via Outerbridge. Saw a few fawn with spots about a mile further down on the median. The women’s prison around Clinton on 78 is always loaded with grazing deer. But again, it’s like a zoo, look but don’t touch. You really are blessed to have the spots you do, and especially people close to you that you can share them with. How are the Sika deer? I have been meaning to look into it since I saw a magazine article on them.

Be well and good luck,

Alex

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[lyagooshka]

in reply to: quad tracks behind every locked gate #30418

George,

What part of PA are you from? Here in SE PA (Lehigh Valley) I would agree with you. SGL 205 is pretty well patrolled. Our WCO is diligent and he does write fines. Problem is, my buddy from the army is a DWCO up north in the Scranton area and he says that there, the laws are not well enforced. The WCO for the area does write citations, but the magistrate throws them all out, so people know that if caught, the worse thing will be a trip to the magistrate to have the citation tossed. Actually, one magistrate is actually one of the worst offenders. Yes, there are good people riding ATVs. These people respect the land and others around them. There are also slobs, just like in hunting, fishing, etc. I wish there was an easy solution. But I do agree that stricter enforcement and stiffer penalties are a good deterrent.

Alex

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