Iowa Shotgun Season One Opening

 I reflect nostalgically on the beginning of my Timber Life Blog on December 7, 2006,   which began my thoughts about how I felt being in the field, hunting.  One of the greatest driving forces for beginning the Blog was my interest in the wildlife surrounding us, especially the White-tail Deer population. 

My interests and subject matter have varied overtime but the continued interest is still to share what I see in the natural world in which we live and breathe. When the animals struggle to exist, so shall we.

I myself may not hunt to harvest these days, however, I hunt and track with my prior knowledge of walking the hills and valleys. I'm aware of the health of the animals that use our ground as home during the rutting season. I sit and observe, at times I'm the one being observed.

It is with concerned awareness that the Iowa DNR has begun testing for CWD - Hunter's Field Guide. Cumulative testing results are being reported by the Iowa DNR starting back in 2013, to the present. The map indicating cases of CWD has shown isolated cases spread throughout the State, bringing to question how it could exist in populations so far apart? I'm glad to know that steps are being taken to understand how the disease travels and what impact it could have on the deer, other fauna and humankind as well.

                                             Iowa Deer Hunting Seasons 2023-2024

2023 Seasons	Season Dates	License On-Sale Dates
Youth Season	Sept 16 - Oct 1, 2023	Aug 15 - End of Season
Disabled Hunter (Requires a permit)	Sept 16 - Oct 1, 2023	Aug 15 - End of Season
Archery Season, Early Split	Oct 1 - Dec 1, 2023	Aug 15 - End of Season
Archery Season, Late Split	Dec 18 - Jan 10, 2024	Aug 15 - End of Season
Early Muzzleloader (residents only)	Oct 14 - 22, 2023	Aug 15 - End of Season (until quota is reached)
Late Muzzleloader	Dec 18 - Jan 10, 2024	Aug 15 - End of Season
Shotgun, Season 1	Dec 2 - 6, 2023	Aug 15 - End of Season
Shotgun, Season 2	Dec 9 - 17, 2023	Aug 15 - End of Season
Nonresident Holiday Season	Dec 24 - Jan 2, 2024	Aug 15 - End of Season (until quota is reached)

To the Iowa Whitetail Deer hunters getting out to hunt in the Iowa Shotgun Season 1 tomorrow December 2- December 6, 2023, Tag a Deer!

Happy Thanksgiving 2023

                 Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from Timber Life!

 

So many things have happened in these last few years for us here at Timber Life.

 

Today, I stand back to reflect on the goodness and kindnesses that have been expressed over those years, spoken or unspoken. 

           

       Simply put I would like to quote the Bible scripture from Ephesians5:20 -

        20. Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of  our Lord Jesus Christ.

         Have a great day with those who bring happiness into your lives.

House on the Rock - Part One

 What would a trip to Wisconsin be without a trip to House on the Rock? 

As we headed home from our week in Oshkosh we sought out our last minute destination to add to the accomplished part of Corey and my Couple's To-Do -List. I had heard other people bring up the huge compound -  now museum in conversation once in awhile...Often with my mental note,"Sounds like a great place to stop and look around." Well, dare I say that day was that very day?

We headed out of Appleton one last time to begin our miles headed back in the direction of home.

 Our timing brought us to our tourist destination shortly after twelve o'clock noon. We turned to follow the signs, joining others headed on the same route into the parking area.

When we entered the gate we could tell there would be little surprises dispersed in natural cul-de-sacs along the way.

Large urns planted with summertime flowers dotted the landscape everywhere. Some were so secluded you needed to look quick or you might miss them.

 

It became apparent during our visit that Lizards, Snakes and Dragons were important to Alex Jordan builder of the House on the Rock over looking the Wyoming Valley ...the House being constructed on a rock formation known as Deer Shelter Rock. 

The original intent for the compound was to be a weekend retreat for Mr. Jordan and invited guests.

As we arrived it was decided that Corey and I ,two tired travelers after a full week of events would take a couples-selfie documenting our visit before entering the museum. It was then time to begin our stroll through the mind and design of  the architect.  

The setting was absolutely one that I would choose to place a private dwelling.  My personal opinion,I imagine that having to step away to gain financing at intervals may have taken away some of the enjoyment of having such a wonderful dwelling. I definitely would have missed the solitude and the space to ramble aimlessly out of the elements.

A large covered public entrance invited us into the tourist attraction.

By the time I finish sharing my thoughts about one of  Wisconsin's eclectic constructions,my hope would be to place enough interest so you too can see it as one of those out of the way places that might be put on your future "To -Do-List."

Please come back to visit soon to see some of the internal attractions I found to be of interest as we journeyed through the corridors,expansive rooms and intimate close quarters meant for the purpose of meditation...Always keeping the mind busy.

Have a great day!

A Visit To The Collins WI Marsh Wildlife Area

As I ponder about events I've experienced, documented in my picture gallery, it is without a doubt time to start speaking about what went on during those days. In a couple of weeks it's almost two years since my husband Corey and I had the opportunity to visit Wisconsin during AirVenture 2018.


I'd like to revisit Thursday, July 26,2018, when a drive through the countryside took us from Appleton through many little towns to arrive at a destination once visited by Corey back in July 2016 with some friends.

We drove by the Neustadter Nature Center sign and looked up the information about the area. If you click on Neustadter above you'll be treated to an Osprey Cam...So much Marsh acreage brings varied wildlife to be observed in many different ways. If you are a kayaker, they are available to be rented at the Nature Center, there are trails for Hikers and an Observation Tower to oversee the surrounding territory.

 Our decision not to go into the Collins,WI Wildlife area  and Marsh took us instead by the Neustadter Nature Center headed in the direction of Manitowoc. Collins Marsh is a 4,200 acre state wildlife area located just 20 minutes west of Manitowoc.

On this road, one of the first things we saw was a retired Fire Observation Tower for this Fire District.The Observation Tower is  110 feet tall open to the public free of charge. The top of the tower allows visitors a beautiful vista of the surrounding countryside. An Osprey couple have decided to make the top of the tower a nesting spot to raise a family this season.

I've seen Fire Observation Towers in Colorado,  South Dakota and now I can add to that list, Collins,Wisconsin.

The new arrivals finding their landing spot within the larger flock

I'd been told by Corey that the Sandhill Cranes might be visible to us in this area since the entourage in 2016 had caught a few on camera during their trip. 

July26,2018 was the first time I was witness to these large long legged birds...I was excited to see these Sandhill Cranes come flying in , making a long turn to come back onto the field where there was a larger flock of birds already interacting with each other on the ground.

Members of the flock

I was definitely in awe of the scene that lay before us here in Wisconsin- being made aware long ago about the migration of the cranes through the Platte River Region in Central Nebraska from February into April each year. It has now become a very popularly organized tourist industry for that State.

After seeing such a large group of cranes together I was on the lookout in every field we passsed along our travel route that day. I did see single couples once in awhile but you had to look fast since highway travelers don't have much patience with drivers not maintaining the speed limit.

The next post will be of our stop in Manitowoc...

Until then have a Great Day!

Retro Blogpost - Birthday Wishes for a Blog Friend

Birthday Wishes for a Blog Friend

This is a repost from January 27,2010... However, the message remains the same.

Today, I want to send special Birthday Wishes to a Blog Friend, Marian Love Phillips, known to many of us from over at Marian's Hunting Stories, etc., etc., etc.

In the picture above she was posing with the car I won in a give-away over at the Deer Camp Blog last July.

My wish for her today is to Celebrate many more years in the great outdoors .... a Dixie Lady Hunter.

Marian's drive to experience life in the great outdoors hasn't changed in all these years. Here's wishing you a very Happy Birthday my Mississippi blogging friend from an Iowa blogging friend...

Our Evening at Estes Park - Part Two

On our outing for the evening we scouted for future lodging around Lake Estes...Now,we are familiar with names and locations so we know what to look for when we plan another vacation,or can offer a suggestion. It certainly helps to know how the establishment appears from the street to determine whether or not it is a possibility to seek renting a room. 

This little cabin was our accomodation during our stay in 2015 with our family. It's required stay of two days was longer than the overnight we had allotted for our visit last September.

To find out more about renting cottages at Triple R Cottages <---please Triple R Cottages.

On our last stay in June 2015 I saw Mule Deer bucks across the road,a coyote running along the little creek to the back of the cabin and we were told by one of our kids another guest had informed them a bear had gone through the compound.

Please forgive my huntress side, but apart of me was on alert to the fact a bear could have been through, because of being awakened in the night ,due to sounds of bumping along our cabin and later the discovery of animal scat pictured here.


I was searching the yard for evidence of wildlife when I came across more than one sample. It was found to the left of the trees between the tree line and the cabin.

So, if you are in need of getting a close look at mother nature you'll not be disappointed with adding Estes Park,CO. as a vacation destination...

Have a Great Day!

Next Stop Loveland CO

As we entered the Loveland,CO suburb of Johnstown my head turned to the left to follow as far as I could the huge new Scheel's  Sporting Goods store.

Looks like a great place to visit for one and all. I've found that they've included a 65 car Ferris Wheel,a mini-bowling alley,  an arcade etc...etc...etc...

To find out more at the company website, please click the links  at Scheel's Sporting Goods store.

Today had been full of countryside landscapes so I was ready for a change of  clusters of buildings that we saw closest to our traveled path within the Loveland City Limits.

Oh, LOOK! Mountains in the distance!!! 

This wind driven sculpture was the first one apparent  as we passed the Scheel's Sporting Goods store.

The skies were gray along our way and we did see the rain fall within visible driving distance around us but we weren't in any deluges coming into the city.

I appreciate greatly the new, updated colors and directional signs.

What an impressive sculpture! I know you would enjoy it much better in person. You'll find it located on Highway 34 on the Eastside of town .

Entering our airspace from the right, this jet flew over the hotel below as I kept snapping away to keep my mind alert.

Sitting at one of the traffic lights before we entered the Downtown Area...

This gentleman kept his puppy wrapped up so it couldn't wander away into traffic. I watched and wondered how the little tyke was being cared for???

Heading out of town on our way to Thompson Canyon we passed Lake Loveland.  After passing this body of water several times my curosity was piqued at the beginnings of the Lake construction. I've discovered it to have been reconstructed from a muddy marsh into a source of agricultural irrigation and over time has evolved into a municipal water source.  Please click Lake Loveland above to be enlightened if your curiosity has reached a level of need to know....

Getting to this point in Loveland made our next destination become more real. Getting through Thompson Canyon and then onto Estes Park!

Have a Great Day1

Happy New Year 2018 from the Timber Life Family

I want to share one of my favorite Youtube music video productions showcasing the musical talents of saxophonist Kenny G. in the classic song of the ages Auld Lang Syne.

 Here's wishing each of you a Happy New Year from our Timber Life Family.

 May the days ahead be filled with learning and expectations. God Bless and Have a Great Day!

Merry Christmas from the Timber Life Family

How wonderful it is to come to another Advent Season! 


To Celebrate what was heralded long ago on the hills surrounding the Little Town of Bethlehem. 



 It is with my simple offering of written word that I join in sharing with the Angel's Herald song to announce the anniversary of the birth of our Risen Savior Jesus Christ,our Lord.

                                                        

                                                           Luke 2:1-20

1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. 

(NKJV)

Corey,Sadie Sioux and I,the Timber Life Family ask God to Bless you and your families today and always...

Have a Great Day! 

Signs Signs Everywhere are Signs

We often find our way around this world by signs...These are some of the signs in Nebraska that made concrete by their words and designs the message they wanted to convey.

There seems to be so many destinations that we haven't had the opportunity to visit yet... Today, is a little wordless,and things aren't necessarily in the order we saw them, but I definitely see a message to start the bucket list once again.  

Have a Great Day!

Nebraska Barns, Windmills and Deer Stands

Today, I've decided to fill with pictures of some vanishing farm history found  along the I-80 corridor through Nebraska.

As you've gathered I was concentrating on a few varied objects while we traveled. I kept a  vigilant eye out for windmills,which seemed to be in operation for grazing animals more than what I've seen around us in our home state, barns or buildings with a country orientation and of course deer stands of many different designs. I'm always imagining what kind of wildlife traffic is available in such a highly trafficked area. It was quite an eye opener in June 2015 when we saw several flocks of turkeys and random sightings of deer along the Nebraska river corridors while en-route to our Colorado destination.

By the end of our total mileage during our September trip this year , I had witnessed the similar architecture of the two red barns with common roof design and painted crisscross patterns, both here in Nebraska and  South Dakota. I've looked back at the Pioneer history to try to unravel which group of European Settlers  that might have added their old world design to the early landscapes and came up with the possibilities of many peoples including German,Swedish,and Norwegian...

I hope you too can enjoy this random sampling of what keeps my mind and eyes on the move to polish my ability to take pictures on the go.

The next post will include attention getting roadside signs.

Thanks again for being apart of our skip across the state of Nebraska...One more post and we'll make it to Colorado. 😀

Have a Great Day!

Nebraska Travels

 Good Day All! Time for me to start filling in more information and pictures to bring us up to speed on our fall trip to celebrate a special occasion for me.

As we traveled between Omaha and Aurora,NE. there were so many things that caught my photographer's eyes. Of course I can't share all of them at once... So, I'll just get going and see what we can get accomplished today.

I caught  a low-flying  airborne object glinting in the sun headed over Eastbound Interstate 80 traffic several times ,east of Aurora. When it became apparent that it was a plane, it began cutting north to make it's circle to drop what we believe was seed in the practice of Aerial Seeding for cover crops.

Taking pictures out the passenger side window I followed him as his path went away and returned at least four times until we caught up to him.

This was the last pass as we drove out of camera range.

 There are eleven westbound Rest Areas scattered along the 455 mile Interstate 80 system through the State.

This particular  Rest Area introduced us to the upcoming Great American Desert , which was located 50 miles to our west.Please click here to find out  facts about the desert.

This Great Platte River Road Archway Monument , an oasis that has been photographed by many a traveler - the challenge will be repeated by many more  as others enjoy their travels through Nebraska .

The day was bright and clear...

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post my photographer's eyes kept scanning the roadway and fields.

Look what we SAW!

Does anyone remember who this famous British cartoon character's name might be?

If I'm not mistaken,given a few years of exposure by our grandchildren and nephews , it would be Thomas the Tank Engine getting a lift to his next destination!

Ending the post on a cheery note! I'll be working on more pictures and thoughts to share.

Glad you are riding along to catch the views. Have a Great Day!

Solar Eclipse 2017

A week ago Corey and I  had one of the greatest opportunities of our lifetime together.

Along with many other die-hard astronomy  hobbyist we ventured  to a point in the United States easily accessible to us and other family members.

Our trek took us to Kirksville,Mo. on Sunday afternoon. A way point between where we could decide early the next morning,August 21st, what direction to go to find the clearest sky.

All weather reports at 4:00 A.M. on Monday had rain in the western section of  the Eclipse Path in Missouri...So, we headed off towards two other potential locations in the St. Louis area to get as much sun - camera exposure as possible.

At Columbia, where cloud cover was encircling our travel corridor we headed East towards our destination of Washington,Mo. to meet family, before deciding whether to seek the first planned destination at Saint Clair, to get an additional 11 seconds added to our documentation experience.

 The State of Missouri prepared  those who may not been aware already of the heavenly changes about to take place during the daytime travel time.

We came across this warning twice from Columbia to Warrenton.

It truly would be a shock if the skies grew dark at noon.Which they did!

I'm hiding in plain sight to the back left by the open car door.

One of our candid family moments at the Waters/Yoest home as we chose to stay with our larger family group for the total Eclipse.

It definitely was a blessing to witness one of God's magnificent natural events with others who waited expectantly for the appointed time....

Corey was able to get some fantastic eclipse stages starting at the right and working your way to the left. We had both Corey's camera and my camera in operation with Corey manning them both...His brother Bryan was able to coach him into great results with a 5-minute primer on my camera settings.

Here's a Great Big Thank You for Family, Food, and Fellowship!

Have a Great Day!

White Tail Institute Soil Testing

Thank you Whitetail Institute of North America Staff for doing an impromtu picture at the Iowa Deer Classic 2017!

It had been some years back that I purchased some seed samples for mini-plots at another Iowa Deer Classic. You can find my growth results written  here on September 2, 2010.

I'd done some research on the Whitetail Institute website about their soil sampling kits...Since I've not personally had our soils tested here at Timber Life, I wanted to verify some information I had classified by reading.  So, this year instead of buying the tests online I found the booth...I bought two of their limited supply.

The tendency of our Timber soils indicated to me a sour disposition with all the vegetation pointing in that direction. Makes sense,right?!? I had an idea of how negative the pH balance was by the specific plants that were flourishing, but to provide the proper environment to unlock the nutrients for a balanced diet for Man and Beast, I needed to do the soil test,to have my own results.

I sent in soil samples from two different spots on our property to get an idea of the pH range I could expect to modify.

To find specific results some preliminary seed possibilities, just to get an idea of what would be needed was required.

Weed populations have increased over time on my plot...They are being addressed. 

Purple Top Turnips, used for human consumption was also implemented for Whitetail Deer and Turkey here in the past. The produce became sweet after the frost and a well consumed food source. You could say they, cleared the patch,eating it down to ground level.

The annual seeds shown are those  I might consider for planting for a fall crop after the weed population is under control. Then it will open up the potential for a perennial crop to be  planted next spring, or the chance for double cropping. Keep those Deer happy is my goal!

Thanks for stopping by Timber Life today....I like talking Deer.

Have a Great Day!

Iowa Deer Classic 2017 in the Rearview Mirror

Iowa State Capitol off I-235

Welcome to Des Moines,IA, home of the Iowa Cubs baseball team , Iowa Barnstormers Arena League Football and the Iowa Wild Amateur Hockey League!

Iowa Proud?!? You Bet!

My husband Corey and I  headed past the State Capitol towards the Iowa Events Center on Saturday, March 4th, to walk the aisles of

Hy-Vee Hall to become one of the many hundreds to experience the Iowa Deer Classic 2017.

We came in from the Eastside so we are now Westbound I-235 to get the right street heading to the main parking lot north of Veteran's Auditorium. Taking 3rd St. to end up at the right spot.

Veteran's Auditorium-Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center and Wells Fargo Arena straight ahead!  For those of you who don't have any history of visits to Iowa's biggest city

I know! Go this way and then that way...then you end up HERE!

Parked outside the Hy-Vee Hall's north entrance was the team bus for Driven with Pat & Nicole.

Later, I found their booth #1 and stopped to listen to the end of one of their seminars downstairs. So many good seminars to attend, I didn't get a chance to hear all that was said...

I was out to take pictures! And that I did! Thanks to these willing souls ...their passion being the Iowa Morel with a little bit of Buck tine decoration to make things interesting.

A few more months and we will be out hunting for morels. Another one of those natural treats that has us out and about in the great outdoors.

AH! Look! Nicky Boy Charters at booth #843. Set-up and ready to share what they can do to provide a vacation on the waters of  Lake Michigan.

I've just gotten a good start but my blogging time for today has come to and end. Spring temperatures are calling before the snow arrives this coming weekend. See you tomorrow!

Shed Hunting Begins at Timber Life

The time has come to get out and search for the antlers that had been gracing the stately bucks of the timber just a couple week ago...Yes, it's shed hunting season!

I was viewing my Facebook thread around the 3rd when I saw that Tiffany Lakosky posted that her little Lab/shed hunter had starting finding sheds at their place in southeast Iowa. My thoughts had shifted in that direction about that time when the deer were showing up without bucks being evident any longer and the bunching up behavior had begun .

The last picture I took of a buck still carrying was of this guy the evening of December 30th, when he was on his way out of the timber for the evening browsing in the neighborhood.

I have been a little slow in getting out, because of the snow depth we still have around from the storm that arrived not long before Christmas.

Being short in stature I find the drifts to be a challenge to navigate even with the melting that has occurred the last few days. That being said I have been out looking around in an attempt to find the trophy sized tines this year before all the little creatures use them for chew sticks. High coyote activity in our area has them gnawed up before I can get to them.

                                                      Some Examples of Shedding Rubs
These are just a few of the shedding rubs I discovered on my second day of searching. My total hunting experiences in the past and so far today haven't automatically led to the immediate reward of finding antlers.

  
I usually find sheds along trails, beside fences, tucked under bushes, or tall grass and occasionally on the remains of mature bucks too tired to leave the comforts of home.

Our forecast for the next couple of days is rain and warmer temperatures. My hope for the short-term future is that the leftover antlers will be revealed once this snow has been washed away and I can see their contrast to the landscape.

I enjoy the time out looking around the timber, not only for the sheds, but for the birds flitting by and identifying tracks of animals that passed sometime ago.

It is my hope to be able to bring some pictures of "where-it-lays" soon, to let you know of the possibilities you could search in your situation.



Do you find shed collecting to be a hobby you pursue every year?