Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Observations at Timber Life

Walking fence perimeters during our mild temperatures revealed nothing but what had been around when you weren't looking.
Trail Evidence
Living in a timber as I do you would think that it would constantly be teaming with animal life everywhere you look, all the time; not necessarily so. Some days the timber appears absolutely empty. Continuing to the interior of what we call the south side brought more deer paths resembling interstate thoroughfares and secondary highways. In evidence were new scrapes and rubs that had just been done a short time before my arrival. The purpose for my rambling was to listen for possible location of turkey, pheasant, and to observe deer present at the late after-noon hour. I was only able to get information on the latter. Scared up two, year old does, sent them scurrying across the ravine, running as fast as they could to get away. Moving westward along the trail I eventually found one nice buck with other does and family groups. Headed back to my transportation to sit and observe longer. The deer family groups kept vascillating between the tree line that extends in between two cornfields and the heavier timber being so willingly seeded by the Black Locust and Cottonwood trees.
Between the Fields
I cannot say I see the difference between walking and not walking the trails,making a human scent presence. The only difference I see is after any gun season starts. More on other observations about differences in animal activities from this year to past experiences at a later time.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The Ghost of Pheasant Past?

Late yesterday afternoon, after communicating with my sister-in-law for an hour and a half via Yahoo Messenger, my eyes were drawn to the cornfield. I caught a sight reminiscent of the last day of pheasant season in January. I can remember pulling out my new Remington 870 Youth Express and squeezing off a couple of shots.( just to see if it would work mind you;) ) At 3:40, a rooster pheasant had made himself a visible target, must have gotten beyond the jitters of the opening day of the current pheasant season. Could it be the same one I didn't get in January?!? Like always at this time of year my gun was sitting beside the front door ready to pick up and go. The gun being a pump action I wanted it to be ready to fire when I got outside. My mistake was moving back and forth in front of the door. Blasted bird seemed to be watching me with his head cocked to one side. Went into a bedroom to pull the chamber closed and add more shot cartridges. ( if you're going to shoot be prepared!) Slipped on my boots, headed out to an adjacent field since he wasn't anywhere to be seen by this time. Guess I really should get a clue, and keep my shoes on to be ready ...Once again re-hashing some previous self-analysis from earlier experiences. The search was brief since I didn't send anything into flight. Returning to the house to reflect for a time - my thoughts brought a smile to my lips...As the long shadows gave way to darkness "The Ghost of Pheasant Past" has come back to haunt me....; )