Thursday, November 29, 2012

One Of The Best

This is a post about our annual deer hunt in Pennsylvania. My son and I arrived Sunday for the opening day of the season on Monday. The weather was typical late November, with a mix of sun and gray, with temps in the 30's. The month had been pretty dry and the leaves were so crunchy, a sound that could be heard by the forest dwellers we were in search of. We have hunted this area for many years, some very productive and some not. But like angling for wild trout your enjoyment is based on the experience of being there and not your catch rate. This was the case on this first day, while several deer were seen most were not legal to harvest. The weather was sunny and bright so the day felt good.


Day two was a bit different with snow falling at three thirty in the morning and the temp of 28 degrees. After getting coffee and a sandwich at Turkey Hill we started the long walk to our stands.


As I sat in the dark woods waiting for the light to filter through the woods it seemed like all was blended into one. The sky, woods, and the snow were the same. The snow continued to fall and it seemed to get colder. Suddenly I picked up the subtle movement of something moving. It appeared to be at the edge of a clearing. Watching for what seemed like a deer. A few minutes later a spike buck made a brief mistake of stopping. I could not shoot for they are not legal , so I watched him walk by.


Something to keep your interest those long hours on stand. A small stream, with wild brook trout. The stream varied in size from a few feet to a few inches. It went underground for a spell and then surfaced. I viewed many small brookies darting among the bank and rocks. A beautiful but tough environment.


The landscape was so beautiful this day. And though we did not fill a tag, it was one of our better times spent afield.


Snow laden hemlocks.


CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

27 comments:

  1. What could be better than spending a day in the woods with your children in pursuit of things that are shared in common? Nice post Brk Trt.

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  2. That is what hunting is about... being in beautiful places and observing nature. Sometimes, you bring home amazing food and all the time you can bring home amazing stories. Glad you had a good trip!

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  3. nice images Alan...I love that initial coating - LOL - before the snow gets to headache amounts :)

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  4. Hi Alan.....I'm glad that you and your son made it home safely.

    Nice pictures and better perspective (as usual).

    Welcome back.

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    Replies
    1. Ed,
      Thanks.
      There's something special about that first snow.
      Has Boston received its first snow?

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    2. Hi Alan.....a dusting is coming tonight allegedly. If it comes, then it will mess up my plans for golf.

      I may get out and do some deer hunting next week. MA is in shotgun season now. Bow season has ended and black powder is in a couple ofweeks I believe.

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  5. Hi Alan!

    Beautiful place! The snow makes it brighter this time of year. Lovely little stream you found too. I'm not a hunter but that is also a way to enjoy the wonders of nature. Thanks for sharing!

    Friendly greetings,
    Mats Olsson

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    Replies
    1. The Jassid Man,
      Thanks.
      It surely does make for a brighter day...a winter wonderland.

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  6. Hey there Brk Trt, nice post!

    I too remember the past days of spending deer season up in the North Country of New Hampshire with my father, brother & brother inlaw. What great memories that we made! All & all, the stories & memories we remember are about the companionship, not as much about the filled tags, though the filled tags are nice memories as well.

    Good Stuff!!!

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    Replies
    1. DRYFLYGUY,
      Thanks.
      Phil your right on. The Great North Woods...beautiful place.

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  7. We have a new way of hunting deer in California. Get your deer tag and drive down the street. You'll hit one sooner or later. Just kidding. just A response to my wife hitting another one day before yesterday. Five in nine years. Better than some of the local hunters. Something breathtaking about a snowy field.

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    1. Mark Kautz,
      Thanks.
      I know people who fill there tags just that way. You should see their cars.

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  8. Back when I lived on the coast fall bow season conflicted with the best run of stripers. So I had to choose between sitting in a tree or standing in the surf. The surf would always win, I haven't hunted since I was 18 but I do miss it. Now I've traded the surf for the stream and wait for my neighbor's venison jerky!

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    Replies
    1. Bill,
      Thanks.
      I suffer the same. Small stream fishing is #1 with me, but I manage to squeeze a day or two in the woods. They say that fall run of stripers is awesome.

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    2. Yes indeed, its the thing I miss most since leaving the coast. We have our fall run of Lake Erie rainbows but its not the same. Seeing an acre or two of blitzing stripers that're willing to eat a fly...lake run fish can't hold a candle to it!

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  9. I just love the PA woods, Used to Hunt Potter County with my Father and some family friends. They went out this year, haven't heard of any luck from them. But someday when my son is old enough just as I started, I dream of leading him into the woods and teaching him the traditions and passions of Deer Hunting!
    Great photos and posts Alan! Keep those great pics of Brookies and browns coming! Looking forward to your winter tying posts
    -Tony

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  10. I was wondering how your PA hunt went. I had to cancel my NJ deer camp trips this year and have to live thru those that made it to camp. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Goig to be a long wait until next season. Thanks for sharing the photos.

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  11. Well I'm late to the party here but I'm glad you enjoyed your deer hunt here in PA, even if no deer were taken. It's not always about that though, as I'm sure you understand, and it looks like you took in some beautiful scenery. Enjoyed the pictures very much!

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