Hop

Ah Ha!! Skipping school to go fishing! Someone from Geneva told me a while back you mainly skipped to spend time in the pool hall. I always thought you were a bit of a slacker... (just got back from running to the boat to pull the drain plug, fuel tanks were starting to float)

Temp was a hair over 44 in 4 feet near Willard today (Friday).

What a lot of guys probably don`t realize is that at the time you were fishing out of a 13 foot whaler bathtub with all those rods. Fortunately, you started catching bigger fish and were forced to get a bigger boat!

Dark Water-that is one beautiful setup you have-have to see it in person to appreciate it. Thanks again for the sinkers, and good luck in the derby.

If you are molding any up I`d love to buy two.

I was down to the marina yesterday. Larry was moving snow with his tractor, but launch ramp was closed up tight. Not sure he was able to get it cleared with the angle of the ramp.

Les, I do believe I included a new "Geneva" spoon in your "Christmas" bag. I have several, even the old Geneva card they were sold on. Not sure if I picked them up at a yard sale or perhaps were mixed in with a bunch of the old "Pine Valley" stuff I got.

TC Super Glide-will have to look for them. Would like to find something heavier than my current 245 gr. that is just as accurate. A bit more "slamin power" in case of a less than perfect placement. Headed out now-two more sits for this season for me!

Yes, I know it shouldn`t be happening. That was kind of the purpose of my post to Legacy-he screwed up on a buck by looking at his phone, I screwed up by not using proper sealant on breach plug and nipple. I bought that gun some time ago the second year they came out and have loved it ever since. As much as I hate to admit it, it`s me, not the gun.

I shoot a Savage 10ml-II. I use 43 grains of IMR 4227 pushing a 245 gr. powerbelt. It is a real tackdriver. I would be interested if anybody shoots the same rifle but uses a different load.

With the exception of opening day, when I use my Dad`s old 16 model 37, I use the muzzleloader exclusively also. I normally just pop caps off, but am so paranoid about this not firing, that until season is over I will fire several shots before hunting. Only 3 days left, can`t afford to screw up anymore.

Well, Legacy, if you can admit to a screwup, I guess I can fess up too. But first I want to thank you, and everyone who contributed to this thread this season. After a cold fruitless, frustrating morning or evening hunt, I enjoyed coming home and reading about everybody`s experiences, good or not. Sure can relate to a lot of them and it`s nice to know other guys feel the same pain I feel much of the time. Ok, a week or so ago I shot a doe. Reloaded the muzzleloader, then when I got home I reloaded it again. Yes, put a second charge on top of first! So, had to break down rifle (a Savage in line that shoots smokeless powder). So, while breaking it down, naturally cleaned it, put anti seize on nipple, etc. (Didn`t have rifle antiseize, so used some anti rust seize that I use on brake componets) No harm, right? Put rifle back together, popped a few caps, and reloaded. Well, went to shot a doe the other nite, you guessed it, POP, and the doe waved goodbye. After screwing up that nite, I came home, next day shot several shots with no problems. Soo, reloaded and been hunting ever since till last nite, when nice buck (at sunset, but my watch usually runs slow) stepped out. You guessed it, POP. So today tore rifle down, cleaned and lubed it properly and put back together. Tomorrow AM will fire several rounds and load just before I go out. I surmise that overtime, a little antiseize contaminated the powder. So, if the big guy in the sky gives me just one more chance, I promise not to screw it up.

Not sure how to transfer a pic from my phone, but two days ago made a sweep through a bedding area and found a real nice 9 point-half eaten. Couldn`t get too close due to odor, etc., but thought I could see a hole in gut area. I wondered why I hadn`t seen this guy for a while. So far season consists of doe w/muzzleloader. Screwed up on nice buck w/crossbow earlier. Time is getting short.

Nice deer Jersy L. Did you have him aged? Looks like an old warrior-gray/white face. Maybe on the way down-hence the smaller rack verses body size. Might want to grind that old boy into burger!

He`s a beaut-thanks for sharing. I especially like hearing equipment used, where hit, how far he went, etc. Tonite first nite I`ve seen action-nice buck shagging after doe, chasing in big circles, just out of range.

Thanks everybody for the ideas. I am thinking about a lower poundage compound-but for last part of last year and this year have been using the longbow. It`s actually not a recurve, but a true long bow. I know I won`t have many chances where I can take a shot. My only option is to draw and shoot almost in one motion, which I actually have gotten pretty good at out to 20 yards in the back yard. At least it gets me out in the woods. These days it`s gotten so bring something home is almost secondary. Thanks again. Stay safe.

I`m really enjoying reading the various opinions and experiences. Wondering if anyone can offer their experiences using a longbow. Due to shoulder and back issues I was forced to switch from my compound to a longbow. Currently using Muzzy`s, haven`t shot a deer with them yet. Any other ideas on fixed blades for a 47# longbow?

BSmaster, I was nodding my head in agreement as I read your entire post, especially your last comment about feeling good when I see a post or picture that includes a youngster with a fish or deer, etc. At first I wasn`t too sure about this early season for kids, but from what I have seen and read, I think it`s getting some of the younger generation the "bug". Good hunting, safe hunting to you and all.

Way to go. real nice buck. still searching for mine, plenty of time...

Chris-here is a question that will tell you how techno challenged I am-How do you reformat a SD card? Think that may be a problem I`ve been having with my Wildgame cams. Thanks..

Nice videos. What brand trail cams do you use? Generally, are these photos from the finger lake region? Thanks.