Preserving the memories: affordable options exist
A good taxidermy mount can be an expensive option, but for this blogger, there’s a more practical and far less expensive way to make the memory last.
New York – Mike Raykovicz
It’s not the size of the deer, it’s the size of the memory
Let’s face it. Deer season is about memories, both good and bad. I can vividly remember the morning a beautiful 10-point cautiously walked across an overgrown gas line that bisected the farm on which I was hunting. I was about 100 yards above him and the shot was easy. His antlers now grace a wall in my office. On the flip side, I still remember last deer…
Hanging up the bow, sighting in the rifle
Archery season has come and gone and it remains to be seen as to how the next few weeks will play out now that the firearms season has opened. After chasing deer with a bow and arrow in two states for over six weeks, I remain deerless. Sure, there were those two small four points I could have arrowed, and the two spikes that sparred and butted heads…
Don’t knock lighted nocks
Few can argue about the impact technological developments have had on archery in the past decade. From broadheads to bows, these advancements now allow many of us to shoot straighter and to achieve better results both in the field and on the range. Lighted nocks are one of those developments, and the first ones were developed by brothers Eric and Curt Price, who introduced their new…
Preparation is key for archery hunters
September is now a memory and archery season here in New York’s Southern zone is already open. Pennsylvania’s archery season opened on Oct. 5t and I believe this is the first time the New York season opened before the Pennsylvania season. I’ve always felt extremely lucky to be able to hunt two states because there’s no Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania but there…
Pennsylvania CWD regs could impact New York hunters in the Keystone State
Chronic wasting disease is an untreatable and fatal brain and nervous system disease found in deer, elk, and moose and it’s of grave concern for biologists around the country. Fortunately, there have been no cases discovered in New York since 2005. However, that’s not the case with 24 other states, including Pennsylvania, where CWD has been discovered in both captive and free-ranging deer in several southcentral counties. Following the…
States, including New York, continue to grapple with CWD fears
Chronic wasting disease is an untreatable and fatal brain and nervous system disease found in deer, elk, and moose, and it’s of grave concern to biologists around the country. Fortunately, there have been no cases discovered in New York since 2005. However, that’s not the case with 24 other states, including Pennsylvania, where CWD has been discovered in both captive and free-ranging deer in several southcentral counties. Following…
Drawing interest: Getting kids into archery
Things are different than they once were, of that there is no doubt. As kids, my friends and I entertained ourselves without the intervention of any adults because our parents were too busy working to make a living. Today, there are dozens of activities that seem to be competing for a youngster’s attention. A few weeks ago I picked up the local paper and I was astounded…
Purple loosestrife: Looks can be deceiving
The sad truth is that the invasive plant can’t be totally controlled, but its density in overrun areas can be managed.
In New York and elsewhere, mud puppies matter
Quick now, what’s the official amphibian for New York state? Don’t know? Don’t feel bad, because I didn’t know either – until I read an article about the hellbender, or mud puppy, being designated by the Pennsylvania State Senate as the official amphibian for the Keystone State. So I had to look it up. The move by the Senate to name the hellbender (mud puppy) as the official state amphibian…
Bass season kickoff presents plenty of options for N.Y. anglers
New York’s season for both smallmouth and largemouth bass traditionally opens the third Saturday in June, which this year means June 15. Bass are a favorite among fishermen because of their relative numbers and the fact they readily adapt to life equally well in large, shallow lakes or even farm ponds. Newcomers to bass fishing should look for bass near obvious cover such as lily pads,…
Decoys are effective on gobblers, but let’s use them safely
When using a decoy setup in an area where another hunter might be encountered, it’s beyond wise to play it safe. If you see another hunter stalking your decoy setup, call out in a loud, clear voice to warn them, and never wave or make a turkey sound to get their attention.
Ready for more lessons in the spring turkey woods
Like hunting deer, turkey hunting is a lifelong experience, and the more time you spend in the woods the better hunter you’ll become.
Tips on selecting a turkey hunting vest
Next to your gun and your turkey calls, a good turkey vest is perhaps the most useful item a turkey hunter can own. A little knowledge of what to look for will help you choose the right vest.
March madness: It’s about a lot more than basketball
A great time to scout ahead of spring gobbler season.
Never a bad time to shoot your bow
Year-round practice works wonders.
Orange regs may change – in Pennsylvania
Game Commission is currently considering abolishing the blaze orange requirement for archers, but fall turkey hunters would still be required to wear an orange hat while moving. The regulations concerning deer and bear hunting during the firearms season would remain the same. No orange is required for hunting spring turkeys because that requirement was rescinded back in the late ’90s.
Binocular-buying 101: raise a glass
Sure, you can hunt without a good set of binoculars, but without top-quality optics, the writer believes you will never be as efficient or successful as someone who constantly glasses their surroundings.
Surviving the season: dressing for the cold
Layering a way of life outdoors in this neck of the woods, and doing so properly could be the difference between an enjoyable hunt and not-so-fun outing.
Following a blood trail: mark it along the way
By marking a sparse blood trail, the hunter can use the information to determine the animal’s line of flight and, if need be, come back the next morning to easily pick up where he or she left off.
Antler rubs tell part of the story – and can help hunters
For the writer, the value of a rub is that it tells where a buck has been and in which direction he was heading.
A small first-aid kit can save the day
Over the years, I’ve discovered that an essential piece of outdoor equipment and one that many hunters and even fishermen fail to consider is a small, compact first-aid kit. It could be argued ad infinitum about what should be included in a first-aid kit, but I try to keep things simple by including what I feel might be required for…
While watching Pennsylvania, New York maintains CWD vigilance
There is a lot at stake here because in states where CWD has been present for many years, deer and elk populations declined. Deer hunting here in New York represents a $1.5 billion economic value to rural communities and small businesses throughout the state.
Today’s coolers are marvels of modern technology
Some of my fondest memories as a kid are of the summer weekend picnics our family took to a favorite picnic grove along the Big Bear Creek in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. After arrival, my father set up a folding picnic table then placed the cooler of food my mother packed in a shady spot under a large hemlock tree. If memory serves, the cooler was a green…
Tent camping tips based on experience: Go bigger or stay home
Rummaging through a storage closet a few days ago I came upon the backpacking tent I frequently used on our overnight canoe trips down the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers. Back in the day, the Eureka tent company held an annual tent sale where they sold tent “seconds” at really cheap prices. My friends and I never missed it. At one sale I bought a two-person backpacking…
The time-tested weedless frog: Still the best for summertime bass
A non-professional bass fisherman’s opinion on the three best artificial lures for catching bass under difficult conditions.
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