Capt Vince Pierleoni

The problem with Rapala is they are now owned by the "Normark" conglomerate. They also acquired Luhr Jensen, and arrogantly discontinued most of the tried n true Kwikfish colors and came out with a bunch that must be easier to paint in China. This is why the Great Lakes companies like Dreamweaver and Atomik are so much better to deal with.

Happy Birthday Jerry, from Steph and I. I can still remember oh-so- clearly how you would walk off your nervous energy through the streets of "downtown" Olcott before and during the Pro-Ams. You of course were clad in camo pants WAY before they were in vogue. Make sure "in the midnight hour, you cry more, more, more" and give a "Rebel yell" later. Have a great day and many more. Wind should die by tomorrow so you should go get a crack at "one eyed jack". Looking forward to Spring so I can actually talk to you in person.

Sorry you have to go through that. I've had 2 stands stolen that were LOCKED in the last 3 bow seasons, from properties that I had permission on. I've always felt that it would be the ultimate to have a couple hundred acres of my own. I guess it would just end up a nightmare.

Congrats! Way to hang in there.

The last 2 paragraphs are exactly why the DEC and the State goverment must be run like a business. Absolutely beyond idiotic to cut anything that has to with "the Golden Goose".

Good stuff guys. Other factors that I am observing now that I am spending more time hunting "piecemeal" parcels is where the ground you can hunt is in relation to sanctuary properties. I know all about those "chance encounters" when hunting near large tracts with absolutely no hunting allowed. They are denser, provide cover and browse year around, and have no legal human intrusion within. The only reason the deer need to leave these properties is to seek additional food sources, which of course can easily wait until after dark. I plan on learning alot more about these spots once the snow is on the ground.

Just to add to the last few posts that are dead on, I had a very experienced mechanic explain to me why those outboards are particularly bad in cold temps. It has to do with the lean/rich capabilities and lubrication. Should you end up with one of these, even blown they have a cash value as many of the parts are useable in Merc of the same vintage.

I'm sure volumes have been written on this subject here, but with the recent excellent threads regarding deer numbers I thought I'd start a new one. What have you guys seen as for mid- day movement just before and around the opener of gun season? My experience here in NY and on a couple hunts in the past in IL was very poor morning hunts. Mid-day could be good if weather was conducive. Evenings usually OK. I'm wondering if the reports of low sightings this year could in part be due to the Full moon hitting right at the same time the pressure hit. What have you farmers and "students" of wildlife movement observed this year as well as past years? I am specifically talking about natural movement and not bumped or driven deer.

Love how you share the weights. The body size can be as impressive as the racks. Chest measurement is a real good way to estimate weight. Congrats!!!!

Real cool thread. Rather than hijacking this one I will start a new one about moon phases.

Super deer, Congrats!

j karol is dead on. Not knowing how old your kids are, regardless of their age they will grasp "chuckin'" spoons and winding 'em back in. Spring(April) will probably be a good time to introduce them to this type of fishing. They will see fish caught and and what is working for anglers. 2/5 oz will probably not snag bottom as often for them, the depth at those piers is not over 10'. Reminder, if they are under 12 they will need to wear a life jacket by law, and you will want them to wear one anyways. The piers can still be icy in the AM, and when pier fishing is best the water is usually hypothermic temps. Plenty of great pier fishermen on this site, and they will post alot towards spring. Good Luck.

Its a bit of a tough go right now, as the water is very turbid. As for launch fees, technically they are in place, but in inclement weather, often there isn't anyone on duty to collect. You are welcome.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and their families.

Launching takes place at all hours in Lewiston, but in the dead of winter most of the plowing, salting,and ice removal won't happen before the Town highway day shift is on. As for all the boats you see after daybreak, its mostly aboat safe commuting to the ramp or in the case of charters, getting clients there early in the cold is not always easy.

Excellent piece, Lee. I can add to the difference in the schools these days. I have clients from an area in central OH where they still give them opening monday off from school. They told me that a teacher there "went off" one day to her Jr high students about "how wrong" hunting of any kind was. Fortunately, some of the students opened their mouths and the teacher was reprimanded. Unfortunately, this type of influence is going on in public schools all across the country.

Beautiful deer!

Congrats! Nice story too.

There are many more on here with more expertise than I on this subject. Everything Jerry said is true. With less driving, guys who care can identify button bucks and harvest mature does if they choose. I think that it has alot to do with overall population numbers being down. This provides more food for bucks at any age, especially when it is most critical in the late winter. In addition to this, with less does available to "lock down" with, the older ghost bucks are more prone to a mistake and daytime movement as they cruise for their next partner.

Thanks for starting this thread. I had some guys bring venison slim jims from OH that were fantastic. Love to find someone nearby.

Very sorry to hear about your stepson. Best wishes to him for a speedy recovery. We were talking about this very topic on the boat today. I have gone home this year after realizing I had forgot my harness, years ago, no way that would have been the case. Thanks for the reminders, never too many. What make and age was the climber?

Well written, Chad, and all of it o-so-true. I did the exact same thing with such a youngster only it was Spring turkey hunting. The blind hunting went just like yours. However, the belly crawl stalk we did when we spotted a gobbler in the grass as we left will be with him forever. No, he didn't get the shot off(he suddenly stood up when we got to 30yds), but he was all smiles as we drove away. Seems to be countless families in that situation, fractured in just the same way. Men AND women succumbing to the "fantasy world" of the internet. Thanks for helping sportsmen and society in general with your time and patience.

Congrats! Way to win the battle of "he who moves last....."!

Congrats! Sounds like a great hunt!

Congrats, Jeremy! Glad your plan came together!