This morning, I drove to our Monroe County, West Virginia land to hunt on the final day of spring gobbler season. On my first visit to the land, I heard five different gobblers, so I had hopes that this outing would prove fruitful.
I was able to call in two turkeys over the course of the morning, but they were both hens. In fact, on the last two Saturdays of the season, I called in a total of four hens, but no gobblers.
Turkey hunting is often a perplexing pastime, but these last two Saturdays have been overly so. Where did all the gobblers on the mountain go? I heard not a single one the last three visits. Why didn't any of those hens have a tom in tow?
Anyway, though my Virginia and Tennessee seasons went well, I blanked in West Virginia and don't really understand why.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Friday, May 6, 2016
Living off the Land (Blog 293)
This week has been a wonderful one for Elaine and me living off what the land has to offer us and others. We've had various venison themed meals for our entrees, egg dishes from our chickens, a blackberry pie from the wild berries we picked last summer, and early season onions, spinach, chives, and asparagus from our garden.
The strawberry plants are setting fruit, as are our crabapple and cherry trees. Our Rome apple tree will hopefully do the same soon. I've planted 18 tomato plants and hopefully this weekend, if no more rain falls, I can at long last plant zuke and squash seeds.
Tomorrow morning, I'll be turkey hunting in West Virginia, hoping to add to our freezer supply of venison and wild turkey. The hens should be on the nest by now, and I hope the toms will come when called.
The strawberry plants are setting fruit, as are our crabapple and cherry trees. Our Rome apple tree will hopefully do the same soon. I've planted 18 tomato plants and hopefully this weekend, if no more rain falls, I can at long last plant zuke and squash seeds.
Tomorrow morning, I'll be turkey hunting in West Virginia, hoping to add to our freezer supply of venison and wild turkey. The hens should be on the nest by now, and I hope the toms will come when called.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
West Virginia Gobbling in the Flog (Blog 292)
This morning I went to a mountaintop in West Virginia's Monroe County to turkey hunt. The air was heavy with moisture and a dense fog shrouded the mountain, so I was worried that the toms would not be gobbling.
Instead, well before dawn, a tom sounded off to my barred owl call and then three more longbeards chimed in. The gobbling went on for quite some time, but eventually stopped but not the fog. The murk continued until well after 9 and even then did not entirely lift. I never saw a turkey.
That is until I walked back to my vehicle where a gobbler was feeding nearby. Of course, I spooked him. I am thinking of taking a half day personal day from school on the next clear morning.
Instead, well before dawn, a tom sounded off to my barred owl call and then three more longbeards chimed in. The gobbling went on for quite some time, but eventually stopped but not the fog. The murk continued until well after 9 and even then did not entirely lift. I never saw a turkey.
That is until I walked back to my vehicle where a gobbler was feeding nearby. Of course, I spooked him. I am thinking of taking a half day personal day from school on the next clear morning.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
West Virginia Turkey Hunting (Blog 291)
This morning I drove to a mountain in Monroe County, West Virginia to turkey hunt, and, unfortunately, as I feared would be the case at this stage of the season, the gobblers were all henned up. I used to bemoan the fact that I couldn't convince gobblers to answer me after they flew down from the roost, but, now, I understand why this is typically the case in this part of April.
The three toms I heard at sunrise never gobbled on the ground. Later in the morning, I was hoping that they would start up again, but the wind was howling on the mountain, and I probably would not have heard them if they had gobbled after 10:00.
Still, it was an interesting day afield. I heard my first scarlet tanagers, worm-eating warblers, and yellow-throated vireos of the spring. In a few days, I expect to hear my first yellow-billed cuckoo.
And in about a week when more of the hens have gone to the nest, I expect a gobbler will come charging in one morning.
The three toms I heard at sunrise never gobbled on the ground. Later in the morning, I was hoping that they would start up again, but the wind was howling on the mountain, and I probably would not have heard them if they had gobbled after 10:00.
Still, it was an interesting day afield. I heard my first scarlet tanagers, worm-eating warblers, and yellow-throated vireos of the spring. In a few days, I expect to hear my first yellow-billed cuckoo.
And in about a week when more of the hens have gone to the nest, I expect a gobbler will come charging in one morning.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Saturday Morning in the Virginia Turkey Woods (Blog 290)
After tagging out in Virginia last Sunday, I looked forward all week to not toting a shotgun and taking friend Doak Harbison back to the same Franklin County farm - and woodlot - where I found three gobblers sounding off, one of which ended up riding home with me.
I promised Doak that we would at least have two toms rumbling in the pre-dawn, instead we heard nine separate toms gobbling. For over an hour, the toms entertained us, as did numerous hens. We estimated that were over 20 turkeys within 200 yards of us.
With all that cacophony, I opted to stay put until 8:30, but it was evident at that time that the turkeys had deserted us. We moved deeper into the forest and heard two more gobblers, both of which came partially in over the course of the next 80 minutes or so but would not fully commit.
Although we never actually saw a turkey, the morning was still an interesting one as I heard my first prairie warbler and ovenbird of the year. Now, I am looking forward to heading for West Virginia next Saturday.
I promised Doak that we would at least have two toms rumbling in the pre-dawn, instead we heard nine separate toms gobbling. For over an hour, the toms entertained us, as did numerous hens. We estimated that were over 20 turkeys within 200 yards of us.
With all that cacophony, I opted to stay put until 8:30, but it was evident at that time that the turkeys had deserted us. We moved deeper into the forest and heard two more gobblers, both of which came partially in over the course of the next 80 minutes or so but would not fully commit.
Although we never actually saw a turkey, the morning was still an interesting one as I heard my first prairie warbler and ovenbird of the year. Now, I am looking forward to heading for West Virginia next Saturday.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Virginia's Opening Weekend of Spring Gobbler Season (Blog 289)
Saturday, opening day of Virginia's spring gobbler season, found me in a woodlot bordering an alfalfa field in Franklin County. The up to 40-mph winds buffeted my decoy and me about, and the only turkey seen all morning was a lonesome jake.
Sunday found me back at the same farm but I opted to hunt a different section of the farm where I had seen lots of sign during pre-season scouting. It was the right call because I called in and killed a nice two-year-old tom.
With my two turkeys back in the fall, I am now tagged out in Virginia and look forward to taking other people in Virginia and hunting in West Virginia. The older I become, the more I enjoy not bringing a gun and trying to help other people be successful. In fact, friend Doak Harbison and I have already planned a trip to the Franklin County farm next Saturday.
Sunday found me back at the same farm but I opted to hunt a different section of the farm where I had seen lots of sign during pre-season scouting. It was the right call because I called in and killed a nice two-year-old tom.
With my two turkeys back in the fall, I am now tagged out in Virginia and look forward to taking other people in Virginia and hunting in West Virginia. The older I become, the more I enjoy not bringing a gun and trying to help other people be successful. In fact, friend Doak Harbison and I have already planned a trip to the Franklin County farm next Saturday.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Spring Gobbler Scouting in Virginia (Blog 288)
Yesterday, friend Doak Harbison and I spent a marvelous morning scouting for turkeys in Franklin County, Virginia. We heard at least a dozen different gobblers, probably closer to 15, as well as numerous hens. Of course, all that cacophony of sound may not translate into success on April 9, but still the turkey talk was impressive.
What was also a thrill for me was hearing numerous species of songbirds. I heard my first pine warblers, Louisiana waterthrush, chipping sparrows, and hooded warblers of the season. But the best bird of the day is what Doak and I thought might have been a rough-legged hawk, though we were not totally convinced.
We will be hunting at this Franklin County farm on opening day.
What was also a thrill for me was hearing numerous species of songbirds. I heard my first pine warblers, Louisiana waterthrush, chipping sparrows, and hooded warblers of the season. But the best bird of the day is what Doak and I thought might have been a rough-legged hawk, though we were not totally convinced.
We will be hunting at this Franklin County farm on opening day.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Working to Renew a Former Trout Stream (Blog 287)
Last weekend, I continued working to reinvigorate a former trout stream that flows through my 94-acre parcel in Monroe County, West Virginia. After school let out for the day, I drove the 56 miles to the land and planted 20 trees, 10 each of sycamores and silky dogwoods.
This part of the creek formerly suffered damage from livestock-caused erosion, and the banks have been worn down in a number of places. It is at those places where I planted the trees.
One learns something about a particular piece of land almost everytime the property is visited. On this occasion, I found where a small spring dribbled into my creek - a fount that I have never noticed before. Hopefully that spring, and the improvements I've done and will do, will one day result in trout being restored there.
This part of the creek formerly suffered damage from livestock-caused erosion, and the banks have been worn down in a number of places. It is at those places where I planted the trees.
One learns something about a particular piece of land almost everytime the property is visited. On this occasion, I found where a small spring dribbled into my creek - a fount that I have never noticed before. Hopefully that spring, and the improvements I've done and will do, will one day result in trout being restored there.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Smallmouth Fishing on the New River (Blog 286)
This past Saturday as part of Britt Stoudenmire and his New River Outdoor Company's annual March "Guides' Tournament" I had the chance to fish with guides Steve Journell and Boo Garber. The goal is to catch, measure, and release your best five smallmouth bass per boat, and the three of us had a quintet of smallmouths that measured, as I recall, around 92 inches.
March action, or action really just about anytime on the New, can be that good. Our total was good enough for a tie for first place. To be truthful, my losing a 21-inch or so smallmouth was the reason my team failed to win, but such is life and such, sometimes, are my fishing skills.
In any event, Britt and his guides are always a pleasure to fish with. For more information: http://www.icanoethenew.com. The picture below shows Steve playing a trophy smallmouth while Boo readies the net.
March action, or action really just about anytime on the New, can be that good. Our total was good enough for a tie for first place. To be truthful, my losing a 21-inch or so smallmouth was the reason my team failed to win, but such is life and such, sometimes, are my fishing skills.
In any event, Britt and his guides are always a pleasure to fish with. For more information: http://www.icanoethenew.com. The picture below shows Steve playing a trophy smallmouth while Boo readies the net.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Living the Locavore Lifestyle Book Comes Out (Blog 285)
Elaine's and my new book, Living the Locavore Lifestyle, has just come out. It's about how by hunting and fishing for food, as well as gathering wild berries, mushrooms, and nuts, planting a garden, raising chickens and fruit trees, and buying locally grown produce and meats, people can lead a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle.
For the book, Elaine wrote most of the recipes while I interviewed folks from the Quality Deer Management Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, and guides and fishermen like Britt Stoudenmire, Herschel Finch, and Richard Furman, well-
known outdoors people such as Jim and Sherry Crumley, as well as expert small game hunters such as Jay Honse and Jerry Paitsel.
If folks are interested in signed, dedicated copies, they can send a check for $17.50 to us at 1009 Brunswick Forge Road, Troutville, VA 24175. That amount covers taxes and shipping.
For the book, Elaine wrote most of the recipes while I interviewed folks from the Quality Deer Management Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, and guides and fishermen like Britt Stoudenmire, Herschel Finch, and Richard Furman, well-
If folks are interested in signed, dedicated copies, they can send a check for $17.50 to us at 1009 Brunswick Forge Road, Troutville, VA 24175. That amount covers taxes and shipping.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Rhode Island Red Chicks Arrive (Post 284)
Wednesday our heritage Rhode Island Red chicks arrived from Dick Horstman, a well-known breeder of birds from Pennsylvania. We also ordered chicks for two friends, Bryce Clingenpeel and Zach Kyle who will be raising heritage birds for the first time.
The plan is for us to periodically exchange hens so as to inject new genes into the mix. It is always exciting to greet two-day-old chicks, but this is especially true when the birds are heritage ones.
Elaine has done a superlative job helping our young charges feel at home, assiduously setting up their brooder and making sure that clean water and food are always present. Many times every day we go downstairs to the brooder and talk to our birds so that they can become accustomed to us.
All in all, it has been a good week on the chicken front. Our three heritage Rhode Island Red pullets, that arrived from Horstman last year, had a fantastic week of egg production - their best yet by far.
The plan is for us to periodically exchange hens so as to inject new genes into the mix. It is always exciting to greet two-day-old chicks, but this is especially true when the birds are heritage ones.
Elaine has done a superlative job helping our young charges feel at home, assiduously setting up their brooder and making sure that clean water and food are always present. Many times every day we go downstairs to the brooder and talk to our birds so that they can become accustomed to us.
All in all, it has been a good week on the chicken front. Our three heritage Rhode Island Red pullets, that arrived from Horstman last year, had a fantastic week of egg production - their best yet by far.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Tomorrow is Virginia's Last Day of Squirrel Season (Blog 283)
Monday when I arrive home from school, I am going out my backdoor and hunt for squirrels as it is the final day of the bushytail season. The ending of the season will be little noticed by many state hunters, but I really enjoy walking through the woods on a winter day and pursuing squirrels.
I really don't care if I kill one or not, it is just being out in the woods with a shotgun that is pleasurable to me. A hollow sycamore is where I plan to take a stand as the creatures should be emerging from the hardwood about 5:00. Then the action should be really good until dark.
But, then again, I may not see any, as it won't be the last time that I have guessed wrong about squirrels and their peculiarities. We'll see how things go and whether Elaine will be making a squirrel casserole this week.
I really don't care if I kill one or not, it is just being out in the woods with a shotgun that is pleasurable to me. A hollow sycamore is where I plan to take a stand as the creatures should be emerging from the hardwood about 5:00. Then the action should be really good until dark.
But, then again, I may not see any, as it won't be the last time that I have guessed wrong about squirrels and their peculiarities. We'll see how things go and whether Elaine will be making a squirrel casserole this week.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Wildlife Sign in Snow (Block 282)
Just enough snow blanketed our Botetourt County, Virginia land this Saturday morning for me to go on a wildlife sign expedition before higher temperatures melted what was left of the five inches that fell on Monday. I had only walked a few steps into the woods when I found racoon tracks and only a few more steps showed where several deer had passed by.
When I arrived at the seeded logging road that runs the perimeter of most of our place, I found even more tracks. An entire flock of turkeys had ambled down the pathway as had numerous whitetails. I also located coyote scat, squirrel tracks, and where an opossum had been.
It's true that nothing usual had come by, but I still immensely enjoyed the experience. I can only hope the turkeys will still be here when spring gobbler season arrives.
When I arrived at the seeded logging road that runs the perimeter of most of our place, I found even more tracks. An entire flock of turkeys had ambled down the pathway as had numerous whitetails. I also located coyote scat, squirrel tracks, and where an opossum had been.
It's true that nothing usual had come by, but I still immensely enjoyed the experience. I can only hope the turkeys will still be here when spring gobbler season arrives.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Elaine Returns Home from Her Cruise (Blog 281)
Elaine came home yesterday evening from her week-long cruise to the Virgin Islands, and I was thrilled to see her again. Given that we couldn't even talk to each other because of the distance, it was the longest we have been apart in our nearly 38 years of marriage.
Elaine regaled me with stories of seeing Broadway shows and eating lobster tail for dinner, and the sheer majesty of her cruise ship. I told her how many eggs the chickens had laid while she was gone, how the pot holes on our rural road were finally filled, and how I had cut firewood in advance of a snow.
She once told me that as a girl growing up, she always thought that she would marry some professional man, like a lawyer, doctor, or businessman, and live in the suburbs. "Instead," she said, "I'm living out in the woods with nature boy." There was a long pause, and she added, "And I'm very glad that I am."
Welcome home, sweetheart.
Elaine regaled me with stories of seeing Broadway shows and eating lobster tail for dinner, and the sheer majesty of her cruise ship. I told her how many eggs the chickens had laid while she was gone, how the pot holes on our rural road were finally filled, and how I had cut firewood in advance of a snow.
She once told me that as a girl growing up, she always thought that she would marry some professional man, like a lawyer, doctor, or businessman, and live in the suburbs. "Instead," she said, "I'm living out in the woods with nature boy." There was a long pause, and she added, "And I'm very glad that I am."
Welcome home, sweetheart.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Grouse Hunting in the Virginia and West Virginia Mountains (Blog 280)
Today, I went grouse hunting in the Virginia and West Virginia mountains with friends Paul Hinlicky and Andy Rosenberger. My reflexes and wingshooting skills are terrible and anyone who has ever gone bird hunting with me can attest to that condition.
Which is one of the reasons I enjoy going grouse hunting in January and February after the deer and turkey seasons have closed. We experienced
a number of flushes today and on one of them the ruff flew very close to my position. Paul and Andy both asked why I didn't shoot, and I explained that the bird was only visible for two seconds, and, for me, the first second and a half was taken up with my being surprised and the the next half second with my fumbling with my shotgun.
Later, I told Paul how I needed for a bird to act when it flushed.
"A grouse would need to rise up and fly directly away from me in a straight line at an even height for about four seconds, then I might have a chance."
Of course, ruffs don't fly like that, but, nevertheless, I had a great time in the mountains today.
Which is one of the reasons I enjoy going grouse hunting in January and February after the deer and turkey seasons have closed. We experienced
Later, I told Paul how I needed for a bird to act when it flushed.
"A grouse would need to rise up and fly directly away from me in a straight line at an even height for about four seconds, then I might have a chance."
Of course, ruffs don't fly like that, but, nevertheless, I had a great time in the mountains today.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Squirrel Hunting on a Saturday afternoon Blog 279)
One of the most pleasurable activities possible on a January or February Saturday afternoon is to walk out our backdoor and squirrel hunt for a few hours on our 38-acre Southwest Virginia land. The snow that fell a week ago was so deep and it has been cold for so long, that I have not been able to hunt bushytails until today.
I had been outside for about 45 minutes without seeing or hearing any gray squirrels, so I decided to make some squirrel barks with my mouth. A squirrel about 75 yards away answered, so I tried to still hunt toward it through the still, deep snow.
Despite my best efforts, I made too much noise, and the animal spotted me, as did the next squirrel, I tried the barking gambit on.
Meanwhile, my son-in-law David was also afield, and he was able to kill a silvertail. Tomorrow afternoon, we are going again. The goal...kill four squirrels between us and have Elaine and Sarah fix us a squirrel casserole.
I had been outside for about 45 minutes without seeing or hearing any gray squirrels, so I decided to make some squirrel barks with my mouth. A squirrel about 75 yards away answered, so I tried to still hunt toward it through the still, deep snow.
Despite my best efforts, I made too much noise, and the animal spotted me, as did the next squirrel, I tried the barking gambit on.
Meanwhile, my son-in-law David was also afield, and he was able to kill a silvertail. Tomorrow afternoon, we are going again. The goal...kill four squirrels between us and have Elaine and Sarah fix us a squirrel casserole.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Happy Birthday, Elaine (Blog 278)
Today is Elaine's birthday, the snow is falling heavily here in Botetourt County, Virginia, and accumulations could be several feet. Snowed in with my sweetheart is not a bad thing to contemplate.
When Elaine woke up, I had a series of Youtube birthday songs cued for her, leading off with "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby," followed by "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen," and others.
Yesterday our grandson Sam and I made the birthday dessert (wineberry cobbler) for today, and this morning Elaine and I put the makings for her birthday lunch (venison roast) in our cast iron pot to simmer throughout the morning hours. The recipe comes courtesy of friend Doak Harbison.
This evening, we'll have homemade strawberry jam on bread and perhaps some lunch leftovers, then play Scrabble for the evening entertainment. All in all, not a bad day.
When Elaine woke up, I had a series of Youtube birthday songs cued for her, leading off with "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby," followed by "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen," and others.
Yesterday our grandson Sam and I made the birthday dessert (wineberry cobbler) for today, and this morning Elaine and I put the makings for her birthday lunch (venison roast) in our cast iron pot to simmer throughout the morning hours. The recipe comes courtesy of friend Doak Harbison.
This evening, we'll have homemade strawberry jam on bread and perhaps some lunch leftovers, then play Scrabble for the evening entertainment. All in all, not a bad day.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Wintertime Turkey Hunting or Snowed in? (Blog 277)
This coming Saturday, I am supposed to take two friends turkey hunting. One of the friends has never gone afield for turkeys, so I am very much looking forward to taking him. Virginia's two-week winter turkey season in January is a great time to introduce people to the wonders of turkey hunting.
But the forecast for Friday is for five inches or more of snow, so I spent part of my time today bringing firewood from our outdoor woodpile to our garage where we store wood.
I have to confess I will be quite content if there is snow or not. If the snowfall does not happen, I will have a great time trying to find and call in birds for my friends. If I am snowed in for the weekend, I will start the wood stove on Friday and be content to sit by the fire, work on stories, and play Scrabble with Elaine. I think she is planning to bake a blackberry pie for the weekend and prepare some kind of wild turkey dish. It's a win-win situation for me.
But the forecast for Friday is for five inches or more of snow, so I spent part of my time today bringing firewood from our outdoor woodpile to our garage where we store wood.
I have to confess I will be quite content if there is snow or not. If the snowfall does not happen, I will have a great time trying to find and call in birds for my friends. If I am snowed in for the weekend, I will start the wood stove on Friday and be content to sit by the fire, work on stories, and play Scrabble with Elaine. I think she is planning to bake a blackberry pie for the weekend and prepare some kind of wild turkey dish. It's a win-win situation for me.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
First Saturday after Deer Season (Blog 276)
The first Saturday after Virginia's deer season, Elaine and I fall into a comfortable groove, which is one of the reasons I enjoy the winter season so much. I spend Saturdays behind the house either cutting wood, doing wildlife habitat improvement projects, or squirrel hunting.
Then on Saturday evenings, we have a locavore themed dinner, play Scrabble, and listen to Prairie Home Companion. Elaine almost always cooks dinner, but as a way of saying thank you for her being so understandable about all my deer and turkey hunting, I was the cook last night.
My two major efforts were baked venison burgers with sharp cheddar cheese and wineberry cobbler, the former from a deer I had killed on our land, the latter from berries picked during our rambles. We then had a rousing game of Scrabble (our Scrabble tournament is over 25 years old and we have had 64 best of 11 matches) and listened to the radio. All in all, it was a wonderful evening with my wife.
Then on Saturday evenings, we have a locavore themed dinner, play Scrabble, and listen to Prairie Home Companion. Elaine almost always cooks dinner, but as a way of saying thank you for her being so understandable about all my deer and turkey hunting, I was the cook last night.
My two major efforts were baked venison burgers with sharp cheddar cheese and wineberry cobbler, the former from a deer I had killed on our land, the latter from berries picked during our rambles. We then had a rousing game of Scrabble (our Scrabble tournament is over 25 years old and we have had 64 best of 11 matches) and listened to the radio. All in all, it was a wonderful evening with my wife.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Downton Abbey Comes to Botetourt County, Virginia (Blog 275)
It is the launch weekend for the final season of Downton Abbey, and as part of the preshow hoopla, I was given an afternoon of royal English treatment. Bruce had told me to vacate to the upstairs around 3:00. Shortly afterwards, I heard the clomp, clomp, clomp of footsteps in the hall, and there, making an appearance, were two black-clad footmen presenting tea and a muffin. The taller of the two was Bruce, and the mystery of the clomping became clear when I looked down and saw his leather wingtips, worn at our wedding 37 1/2 years ago and sporting almost that large a layer of dust.
The shorter footman was our grandson Sam, carefully carrying the muffin plate.
I dressed for dinner in all my jewels, some of which Sam had to alternately wear or place on the toy train track for crashes and other excitement. After an appropriate time of puzzle play and trains, dinner was served informally in the kitchen with all household members eating together. The dowager would be shocked, but after all, times are changing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)