One Spring Day

One Spring Day...That being said I must cringe with the abrupt change that developed in mid-afternoon Sunday.

Earlier Sunday it had turned off very balmy. Our snowpack was heading into the watery realm. I was pleased at how much reduction we had seen over the weekend.

The first sighting of Robins came,I looked out after Hubby pointed my attention in the direction of the front yard.My heart skipped with joy at the meaning of the moment. Spring was not far off. However, I do know that the male Robins usually show up late February to set their territories, not unusual for more winter weather once they get here. Other migrating birds have been making their way back as well. A couple of weeks ago a meadowlark was perched on an electric wire, some mourning doves were caught resting in the middle of the gravel road at the end of our drive. Grand-daughter Alexa and I saw waterbirds winging their way northward Sunday morning,they were looking for a place to sit and rest.

Oh BLAST! The clouds started filling in around 1:00, taking on the moisture laden dark color associated with rain. Good news though the precipitation didn't arrive until half past three. Things declined from there as the Alberta Clipper chased away the warming effects from the south. Once again it looks like cold through the week with a token promise of warmer temperatures come the weekend...When will it stay?

Opening Day Iowa Deer Classic

February 29,2008, 3 P.M- 9:00 P.M. - Hy-vee Hall Iowa Events Center, downtown Des Moines. Today turned out to be a bright spot in the week. The weather seemed to know how important it was for all the huntresses and hunters to make their way to find out the best approaches to enjoying the pursuit of the Whitetail Deer. Those attending ranged in age from the the tiny ones being pushed in the stroller(what a great start!), to those who had many stories to tell of the one that didn't get away. This being my first event, I was impressed by the mix of vendors and outfitters ready to make some positive memories happen for those interested in going beyond the borders of the state. For those of you who are still interested in getting to check things out you can do just that today, March 1st, from 9A.M.- 7P.M. Then again on Sunday, March 2nd, the closing day, from 9A.M. - 4P.M. Check back because I will have more to share about the seminars and a few products I found interesting. Until then...have a nice day!

What Do You See?

I had my trail cameras out during some relatively warm evenings,comparatively speaking, to try to catch the culprits invading our space again... Some of you may remember from last summer,August 23,2007 to be exact, the anxiety I was expressing when 4 individuals of this species were trying to find their way into our home via the sliding glass door one very early morning. It brought back memories of my threat of a showdown like that seen at the "OK Corral"~~~

Iowa Deer Classic

The 10th Iowa Deer Classic, is coming up the end of this week at Hy-Vee Hall Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, on February 29th - March 2nd,2008. It is an event that I have not yet attended and decided that this WOULD be my year. Friday night looks like the time I will capitalize on , "Ladies get in free"... They have some super attractions lined up and some seminars that are meant to enlighten those of us just starting to take trailing the Whitetail more seriously. Two well known names in the field of Whitetail archery hunting, that hail from Mt. Pleasant, in the southeast corner of this state,Lee and Tiffany Lakosky. They will be doing some seminars answering questions for novices and seasoned hunters, who would like to know about the techniques they find most advantageous. There are other folks worth mentioning as well. Another Iowan, who has made his mark in the Olympic Archery arena, Rod White. Then Byron Ferguson known for his longbow skills and Matt Morrett of World Champion Turkey calling fame. All will be adding insight into their specialties - what it takes to achieve the results they have experienced. Not to put words into their mouths, but I see it as "focus, determination, and hard work." The formula to reach goals of any kind. The weather has started off frightful again this week but there is a bright spot shining at the end. Yes, the Iowa Deer Classic exhibitors and some great attractions to help tide us over until the next seasons...which by the way have been tentatively set by the DNR for the 2008-2009 season. The final decision will come in June.

Lunar Eclipse Reminder

It is almost time for those interested in moon gazing to catch its disappearing act that I first mentioned on January 31st - Eclipse News 2008. Hope the weather will leave the sky clear for the viewing in your area...

Dilemma of the Feline Kind

There has been a flashback of sorts from last last November over at Alpha Trilogy. When Darrell found an unidentified feline on one of his trips to the timber for a hunt. Now comes another case - this time in December, three friends in the Northwest Iowa town of Newell, came upon an atypical animal for the area. Terry and Dale Pedersen, cousins, had been working at a farm 2 miles South of Newell, near the Raccoon River; when friend Mike Heinrich came to pick them up . They all proceeded to a field where Heinrich had seen a big animal. At first the animal was laying low in the field 300 yards away when the trio arrived...Terry's impression was that it was a coyote. After it stood and turned sideways they were sure Mike's sighting was that of a Mountain Lion. The length, height of the body, and size of the tail made it easier to put a name to the creature. Terry proceeded to take pictures which he turned into the Iowa DNR in an effort to report and get verification for what they had witnessed. The Iowa DNR is telling the guys that it was a housecat that they saw crossing the field. Ron Andrews,a DNR wildlife specialist, sought out experts in the field at the Eastern Cougar Network, after initially believing it was a big cat, himself. It is Ron Andrew's job to debunk rumors of Mountain Lion habitation in the state. There have been a return of sightings reported since 1995. Terry Pedersen and Newell residents couldn't believe the eventual deciphering of the picture. The friends have since done some optical tests themselves to determine how a housecat would be photographed at the same distance and zoom settings on the camera used to catch the larger feline a couple months ago. John Carlson a Des Moines Register reporter had this to say about the sighting a few months ago and the current opinion given by the DNR. The picture John took can also be seen here. The IowaDNR will be implementing a method used by the MissouriDNR of using cardboard cutouts in the actual size of mature cougars to either prove or disprove the Newell Mountain Lion. In their eyes anyway. Confirmed Mountain Lion Reports in Iowa 1995-2004 Numerous additional sightings have been reported, but are not mapped because of less than credible information. 1. Lyon County, December 1995: Cougar tracks confirmed by Iowa Department of Natural Resources personnel. 2. Webster County, April 2001: Cougar tracks confirmed by the IDNR personnel. 3. Jasper County, April 2001: A mountain lion was killed by a car, however this was not reported until later. When this animal was exhumed, it was found to have been declawed indicating an animal that was captive at one time. 4. Shely County, August 2001: A 130 lb. male cougar was killed by a car near the town of Harlan. Physical evidence indicated wild origin. 5. Allamakee County, September 2001: Cougar tracks confirmed by IDNR personnel. 6. Cherokee County, October 2001: Cougar tracks confirmed by IDNR personnel. 7. Carroll County, December 2001: Carroll County Conservation personnel visually sighted a mountain lion. 8. Ringgold County, December 2001: IDNR personnel confirmed a mountain lion sighting. Mountain lion tracks and scat were found at the site. 9. Fremont County, January 2001: Confirmed mountain lion sighting. 10. Monona County, April 2002: Confirmed mountain lion sighting. 11. Sioux County, October 2003: Farmers shot and killed a 113 lb. male cougar near Ireton. Analysis of the carcass and stomach contents indicates probably wild origin. 12. Wayne County, January 2004: A hunter killed a male mountain lion near Chariton. It was estimated to be between 1 1/2 and 2 years old (an age when mountain lions are trying to establish a home range). 13. Lucas County, February 2004: IDNR personnel confirmed a mountain lion track south of the town of Lucas. Source: Ron Andrews, Iowa Department of Natural Resources furbearer biologist, August 2004. 1-641-357-3517. Eastern Cougar Net http://www.easterncougarnet.org/confirm.htm August 2004. October 2004 - confirmed photo from Marshall County. The latter , Marshall County sighting, was on a trail camera within a 25 minute drive from my place, and 3 1/2 years ago. Although time has passed, everytime I am in the timber I look for any unusual activities, footprints, or sounds... Be Alert!

Ah, So Sweet...

If you stopped by last Thursday you heard here at Timber Life that plans for a Valentine's evening were almost complete. Hubby stopped off at the store to get some pomegranite-blueberry juice and some ginger ale. A combination that you wouldn't think that works good together. Let me tell you, I do like it, and will offer it to guests if I get the chance. My sweetheart brought home some sweets that I can't ever remember having before...Can you guess what that could be? Chocolate dipped strawberries, not a frequent off the shelf type of delight. He went through an ordeal to get them , so it made the taste all the sweeter. Ah, what we won't do for Love. Then after he got home we emptied out the big styrofoam cooler that contained our full supper. It was wonderful!

- Cooler Inventory - 1. Single White 6" candle with holder 2. Butter warmer with a small container of butter 3. Pouch of Lobster Bisque(absolutely a wonderful appetizer) 4. 2 Filet Mignon (really tender and tastey) 5. 2 Live Lobsters(easy to prepare) 6. 6 Teton Cakes(three different flavors X 2) This is our list of delights; of course you can add what ever you like to make it a complete delectable dining experience. After supper we toddled from the table to the couch to enjoy our movie. Dishes were stacked waiting for clean-up later. Hubby let me know that he had enjoyed the evening. So nice to do something that makes for good memories... I have read about some nice Valentine's Day celebrations and the introduction of a new title for the day by some singles over at Hunt Smart Think Safety. Another way of spinning the positive. Ah, So Sweet...

Sweethearts Day...What's the Plan?

Oh my! Oh my!! Oh my!!! Here it is already.( tongue in cheek) Have a year to get ready for SweetHearts Day , and it isn't until the last minute plans are finally coming together. Sure, things have been formulating in the back of my mind for several years about how I wanted things to proceed at some future celebration. Well, I decided this would be the year...Putting all tottering between "Should I or Shouldn't I?", aside. Shopping online made things a little easier for me at Timber Life - no going out in the cold. As the Hunter's Wife mentioned she loves her computer in comment#6. So Do I! My computer gives me a lot of information and a sense of community. Running from place to place to compare prices for product provided just doesn't appeal to me. I let my fingers do the searching. Monday, off to Amazon.com, I got a movie Hubby and I went to see in the theater for our anniversary two years ago. A bit of nostalgia. I had it delivered to the place he works...was to arrive Wednesday, it did according to package tracking, but he didn't get it until this morning. Tuesday, it was time to prepare for the way into my man's heart through his stomach. It would be so much easier to go out and pay someone else to do the dishes you say. Sometimes it is fun to do the cooking at home. So, I traveled over to a live lobster website to pick out a complete meal for two. I saw so many great company's advertising their wares; maybe there will be another evening planned in the off season. As I check the clock, any minute now the tasty morsels should be arriving at Hubby's workplace according to the daily schedule of the delivery service. I'll let you know how things turnout. Hope everyone has something in the plans for today...Happy Valentines!

Whitetail Freaks

Picture this - Sunday , February 10,2008 , 1:00 P.M. Central Standard Time - the weather outside is uninviting. The television was on but NOTHING seemed to fit the entertainment need at the time. Hubby wasn't interested in watching the "Pro Bowl Game", we had caught the more important game last weekend . I took the remote in hand, taking my turn to seek boredom relief... Decided to flip over to Directv's channel #606, have been finding myself catching a few shows over at the Outdoor Channel these days...Well, what do you know?!? I came upon a show that highlighted a couple fellow Iowans. Bet you have heard of them too. The people I refer to co-host theThompson/Center's Whitetail Freaks. , Don and Kandi Kisky , from Leon, a small town in the southern part of the state. They have made themselves positive influences in bow and gun hunting worlds. Loved the fact that they have developed their hunting interest as a team. They share the vigilent tasks of creating the optimum fall experiences on their private land. Search for sheds, and constant observation, gives them an edge come the seasons. It was interesting to see the cameras with an enhanced sound detection device and the field cameras positioned to catch all kinds of activity. The footage of buck antlers in velvet rising above a summer time food plot,and mixed groups parading before trail cameras, brought some of the same excitement you would feel if they were actually walking in front of your blind or tree stand. Ah, the art of visualization. My recommendation would be to check out The Outdoor Channel for some intriguing winter distractions. One being Thompson/Center's Whitetail Freaks.

Mountaintop Removal Education

"Alright kids, May I have your attention please?" As the teacher stands before the 7th grade class Anywhere, USA. Today, we are going to examine a method of coal mining that is affecting the lives of fellow American citizens in Kentucky, Tennesee, Virginia and West Virginia. The strategy for mining in these areas have evolved from conventional strip mining to something called mountaintop removal. An environmentally destructive practice that eliminates quality of life for wildlife and humankind alike. Minimal reclamation of stripped mountaintops have occured because of accessibility difficulties and the initial inhospitable environments that are created by the by-products of the mining projects. Upon reading about long term studies of soil composition at the immediate mountaintop mine site - it appears after several decades it does once again have the ability to sustain vegetation. However, I argue"Why would we want to wait that long for a return to some form of normalcy?" Please go see what is being said over at Gristmill.org about a man named Larry Gibson also referred to as "gatekeeper", and the part he is playing in educating the public on this devastating deconstruction of the flora ,fauna, and communities. He is just one of many talking about what is happening in his neck of the woods. Thanks to Denny at Backwoods Drifter for bringing forward this earth shattering issue. I knew of these concerns several years ago because of environmental tidbits you catch on the news...it concerned me then and needless to say it concerns me now. Having many voices speaking out in unison against this method may or may not make a difference in the future of the way business and government will react, sadly to say. The crusade continues... The one thing that is important in my opinion is to keep seeking organizations with clout, politicians that can be your voice to stand in the State and Federal arenas. Marian at Marian's Hunting Stories etc.,etc.,etc... has joined an advocacy movement in making people aware of how to become an influential individual for the cause of protecting the Appalachian homelands. She is inviting others to join her in making a difference. I, for one, believe we need to leave the terrain of the land the way it was made. Something to consider in your own backyard...if business and governement can allow this to happen for so many years in these states. What could you be facing at the hands of local, state, or federal entities on your home-front?...

"The Excellent Blog Award II"

This is the second edition from Timber Life(click to read the first edition) on presenting authors in the blog world with recognition. I will be pointing attention to some blogs that may not have had recent posts for quite some time, but I liked what the writer has said. Many that faithfully bring their readers thoughtful, or entertaining perceptions of their personal life experiences. If you have some time, most of the following writers are apart of my RSS Feed or Blog Roll, maybe they will become apart of your's too if they aren't already - Alphatriology Black Bear Blog Deer Camp Blog deerPHd Huntin' Junky Hunting Life Marian's Hunting Stories, etc..etc... Outdoor Bloggers Summit - Hunt Smart Think Safety Outdoors with Othmar Vorhinger Simply Outdoors Tails and Trails The Buck Hunters Blog The Hunter's Wife The Shed Antler The Trout Hunters Blog The Wild WoodsWoman Upland Feathers

Visiting these folks and clicking on their Blog Rolls opens other windows in the 'Net. May be this gives you an idea of just how hard it is to actually name everyone that deserves to place "The Excellent Blog Award" on their site...

Jesus Christ Superstar Musical Review

How many of you grew up in the era of Ted Neeley, portraying Jesus in the movie"Jesus Christ Superstar?" For those of you who think nostalgically of this cinematic production, I am with you... Ok, I will put a year on it, 1973 if you'd like to know. A very controversial movie when it came out because of the artistic license taken in the depiction of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I don't have a problem with it, because I know what the Bible says on the issues. It came to the attention of our daughter's that the musical would be making a stop in central Iowa. So, for a Christmas present, they provided 2 tickets to Ted Neeley's farewell tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. The weather seemed to cooperate , no difficult commutes to attend the venue. Everything went off without a hitch - We really enjoyed the musical talents of all the actors, but of course there were those that seemed to standout. Ted Neeley, a very talented artist at age 64, still able to hit the high notes... Corey Glover, gave a wonderful performance as "Judas Iscariot". Aaron Fuksa, aka "King Herod" created some comical interactions with the audience upon arrival of his character, continuing to connect the crowd to the stage. Craig Sculli used his talent in the convincing portrayal of "Pontius Pilate." I was able to feel his pain of indecision and the ultimate choice he made. Want to know if it will be playing close to your neighborhood, click here.

It is my opinion that if you like musicals you would like this one. The choreographic expertise has all the individuals working seamlessly to present a well rehearsed production.

Eclipse News for 2008

The topic for this post is a divergence from the normal topics, but one that focuses us to a heavenly body that has a very important influence in our day to day lives. Last summer I happened to make it out of bed in the early morning hours to catch the partial lunar eclipse on August 28th. At that time I became aware we would be having another chance to see a full eclipse come Winter 2008. The time is now to get ready for the total lunar eclipse of February 20-21, 2008. It is going to be visible in the US and Canada during the prime-time evening hours. No need to climb out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to watch the moon seem to disappear. There are 2 solar eclipses and another partial lunar eclipse this year as well. None of these are going to be visible in the United States. So, if you are a person that likes to watch the sky, or know of someone else who might not be aware. Mark your calendar for February 20 - 21st, if the weather allows for unobstructed viewing. Happy "Eyes to the Sky."

Deer-Cat

This picture came to me by way of a forward. The source of the picture was attributed to a lady in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, taken on Saturday. Deer on the deck. Looking in the sliding glass door. That would certainly bring excitement in this household! I wouldn't want the deer to be finding their way through the window... Brings to mind the story I read over at Simply Outdoors about Jeff's deer hunt that seemed to find the bucks confused. At any rate, I wanted to share this picture of a buck, nose to nose, looking longingly into the eyes of an individual of the opposite species. You just wonder what they're thinking???

POST UPDATE March 5, 2008: The original photographer of this picture has offered the facts. Please read the following - This is in regards to the deer and Cat photo. It had been brought to my attention that some one claiming to had taken this photo is from Wisconsin. i am just here to say this is not true, i am the owner of this photo and it was posted in the " country Extra" magazine - Jan issue of 2008 - page 22. It clearly states Marilyn Thornbery, outta Colorado was the photographer. i took this shot and a series of approx 10 more in sequence of the interactions between my cat and the deer. so if your reading this Post and can pass along the information and give credit due where it belongs, i'd appreciate it. Thank you, M. Thornbery

Passing "The Excellent Blog Award"

Recently I received a very nice recognition ,"The Excellent Blog Award", from a southern lady, Marian from Marian's Hunting Stories etc...etc... Since I was graciously bestowed this honor I have some blog writers I think could certainly place this emblem proudly on their sites. I will start with one for now... look for more in the future. deerPHd comes to mind when I think of hard working, devoted to his cause. He has so many great articles, but I think one of my most favorite on going series is "What would you do?" Presently,Bryan is working on pursuing a doctoral degree in Psychology. Raised by a dad that loves hunting and fishing, Bryan is passing along his interest in the same outdoor sports. I am sure you will find spending sometime over at deerPHd an enjoyable read. Please click on over and tell him CDGardens sent you.

Thank You!

Yesterday,Marian stopped by to let me know she had awarded me "The Excellent Blog Award". An honor to be apart of a larger group that enjoys catching up with each other in the blog world. There are so many authors I read and respect for their slant on common experiences that to try to pass the award along would take forever. We have writers that need to step out of their comfort zone (me included), people experiencing illness in the family and illness in their own lives. A few who aren't sure if they are being read...and some that just sit down to type with nothing less than perfection coming off those keyboards. Always something new coming off the 'Net. It is more fun to have a voice behind the numbers reflected by page impression counts, but in case they don't speak up, just smile to yourself and know the"lurkers" are taking a minute to see what you are made of. Why did you choose the internet for your platform? 1.Was it because you thought you had something unique to add? 2.You want to gain a passive income and started to talk about things you are passionate about. What ever the case, my encouragement to everyone is to keep writing. Sure, there will be readers who like the way you write and some who won't. Thanks again Marian for the award. Congratulations to you on your award!

Poachers from South Carolina caught in Iowa

Two South Carolina men were arrested for deer poaching on November 10, 2007 at a Des Moines area hotel by Iowa DNR officials. Michael Sillanpaa Jr., of Summerville, S.C., and David Gordon, of Goose Creek, S.C. found themselves the focus of conservation officers. Tips came from a concerned citizen which led to the search of a local residence and a vehicle. Results of the search led to the seizure of deer, two shotguns, two crossbows, a rifle and other equipment, according to the DNR. The men came to Iowa last October...purchasing small game licenses and paying the habitat fee so they would have a legitimate reason to be in the woods hunting. Little did they realize they had become the focus of surveillance by the DNR. These guys were observed purchasing a $1,060 crossbow by officers at a local sporting goods store. Conservation Officer Jeff Swearngin reported later that they had been followed through two state parks where they would kill deer by shooting the crossbow from their vehicle, coming back at night to get the animal's head. Crossbows are not a legal form of weaponry to hunt unless you are disabled here in the state of Iowa. The Iowa DNR said the men shot two bucks, and South Carolina game wardens found three shoulder mounts and two other separate set of deer antlers also taken in Iowa. This wasn't the first time Sillanpaa has been involved with poaching officials from South Carolina revealed. Without this breakthrough these guys would never have been caught. What was strange was that they have been deer poaching in Iowa for the last 10 years. What kind of penalty was imposed you ask? State environmental officials required Michael Sillanpaa Jr., and David Gordon to pay $24,000 in damages, give up $5,000 worth of hunting equipment, and pay a fine of $2,137 which reflected the value of the recovered deer antlers. In looking over the facts - a question comes to mind. What has made the collection of deer antler so valuable that they would risk going above the law to procure them? They don't seem to be alone...

"What would you do?"

Bryan,over at deerPhD has started a weekly article giving scenarios for the hunter to decide what decisions they might make while in the timber or field. If you haven't had a chance to stop in yet, I highly recommend taking a look around deerPhD to see what this author is bringing to his readers. Now, I would like to ask what you would do with the facts I am about to present. This is how I've assumed events unfolded when I went to look later in the day. Heading back to the second day of muzzleloader season I heard three shots , two of them not far from our house. It appeared that the muzzleloaders may have injured a deer that took off running. I found one tiny blood drop at the corner of the fence where they crossed onto my property.... There were tracks of two ATVs, to me it looks as though they were chasing deer, because of where they went in correlation to deer tracks.

Bringing hunter activity from the neighbor's cornfield down into the tree line between our cornfields. Having pictorial documentation of the results of the two shots close to our homestead, I could correlate position of hunter to hunted. What I would like to know-

1. As a hunter, how far would you go in a chase by foot to get your injured deer in the snow and cold? Would you pursue with an ATV? 2. As a landowner, what would you do if you weren't certain if those who didn't have permission to hunt your property, but had the right to retrieve a kill without firearms, was hunting illegally? First shot wasn't lethal. Here at enotes.com,"Law & Politics" section you can find some interesting facts about what is considered trespassing in 40 of our 50 states. The information is worth checking out to see where you stand as a hunter and or a landowner...

Anybody Home?

Today I went to collect my two field cameras to see just what was stopping to pose for their pictures. The time stamps have wide gaps - when the batteries warm up they catch anything walking by. The cameras have been out since the 4th with a limited amount of wildlife being captured.

A couple of Alberta Clippers are scheduled to make their sweep through the state, the decision was made to keep one camera inside, and the other would be stationed on the back steps to catch the bird activity. Pictures of the re-cycled Christmas Tree and birds will come at a later time if the chill doesn't prevent the process from happening.

We have had some marauding wildlife in the vicinity as of late. The tracks and vocalizations point to Opossum which make their yearly reservation. It may be possible to catch the little critters in view of the back steps with the trail camera. One was caught in a foggy picture in the field. While I was out hunting I watched one as it briskly bustled from place to place.

Hope everyone is finding something to do to keep warm and well through these cold blustery months. Later!

Resident January Antlerless Season Begins

The planned resident January Antlerless Deer season started on Friday ,the 11th,and will run through Sunday,January 27th, in 59 designated Iowa counties. Once again the purpose of this season is to decrease the doe population in accordance with the DNR's management of the herds. An added week has been granted this year in hopes more tags will be filled. This hunt will bring to conclusion the opportunities for Iowa deer hunters to take to the field until the Fall openers. There are 21 counties in the southern two tiers of the state that will allow the use of center fire rifles .24 caliber or larger for the term of the antlerless season. An overlap of dates came January 11th-13th with the Muzzle Loaders,who had their hunt extended due to the specially declared season on December 21st-23rd. They felt slighted by other methods of weaponry being in the timber and fields at the same time. So, to curb the discontented feelings the DNR extended their day count by three. Let me remind you that party hunting remains a legal option to funnel the deer to other members of your group. Don't forget to wear your blaze orange when you are out and about, for visibility sake...Should you be found by an agent of the DNR without it, you will see a fine. A note to deer hunters that have licenses, as of January 11th, 2008 you will need to pay an additional fee known as the "Habitat Fee" to be able to hunt. Tags are still available for resident purchase in 22 counties, among them are two northeast counties, Winnishiek and Allamakee. Reports state that the eastern and southern counties still have the heaviest concentrations of the 4-legged foragers. The DNR is promoting the HUSH program to hunters that have more than enough deer to help the Iowa Food Bank to provide meat to the needy. If you would like more information checkout the state site.

Minding My Own Knitting

This time of year other things besides hunting can gain my attention. I admit these projects are from the past. A good representative of the type of things I like to do when I get the yearning for a bit of the yarn. (child's hat) Pictured below is one of my most favorite things I add to my winter apparel, my scarf, so soft and warm. It has seen extreme weather hikes and burdock in the field. Probably why it is difficult for me to get the deer to take me seriously. These following two examples of stitchery are included in Leisure Arts leaflet 932. An instruction book filled with 60 different stitches to chose from to create sampler afghans for the eyes to feast on. Not to mention keeping the knitter occupied for a good amount of time...when they aren't blogging about one thing or another.

Special Deer Season Results

The Iowa DNR has published the tallied results for the special deer season declared to run on December 21st-23rd. It appears even with the additional season doe counts still need to be reduced according to the projected management numbers. Opening day for the season started off extremely foggy and ended no better than it began.

I did go out on Friday...Saturday morning we spent trying to determine whether we would brave the weather conditions after noon to travel 40+ miles one way for a late afternoon family Christmas. The concern was the return trip home for everyone after dark with the wind whipping up the newly fallen snow. Sunday morning was again a decision making period for another trip to another family Christmas. There was blowing snow and slick spots to navigate in places, otherwise the day was sunny and bright. On our way home from Sunday's Christmas gathering the sun was beginning to set. I looked over to our right, saw a pick-up truck leaving a cornfield with two orange clad riders. My thought imme-diately went to wonder at what they were able to achieve on the close of another hunting season here in Iowa. Feeling a little bit of disappointment that I wasn't closing the day in the same way; brought back the memories of the time that was spent outside, and the future that will yield more opportunities...

On the Trail Again

May not be getting out to hunt deer until next year, but I certainly will get to see where and when those creatures are moving with my new Moultrie Game Spy D40 trail cameras. My sweet Hubby did the Christmas shopping to enable me to keep track of the wildlife in our neighborhood. It is really a challenge to decide what locations I want to watch the most.

Looks like at a future point I will get to post photos of interest. Really want to see what will be caught that we don't see by merely walking the property. I have appreciated seeing some pictures by other trail cameras posted by Simply Outdoors, Nature Knitter, and Inside Iowa Hunting. If you have a few minutes on one of these winter evenings and you need something to do - might checkout these websites for pictures and good writing .

BassPro Shop Announces New Construction

The BassPro Shop Outdoor supply company has issued an announcement on December 18th,for the people of Iowa. Construction of a retail outlet will begin in Altoona a suburb east of Des Moines. It will be an anchor store of a new development expected to open in early 2009. BassPro Shop

End of Shotgun Season II

Today ended another season for deer shotgun hunters in Iowa. The temperatures started off around 10 degrees this morning, wind speed was almost nothing, left over attached oak leaves lightly rustled when a breeze passed. I didn't go out before sunrise because I was headed for an area with dense brush and didn't want to trip over fallen trees. Made it to my new location around 8:15. My decision to go out was spurred by seeing a buck and some young moving around 7:30. There wasn't any disappointment when it came to seeing deer. Several close calls. One occasion occurred when someone in the neighbor's field sent a bunch of deer running somewhat in my direction. A very small fawn came within 20 feet of me. The others, including a 10 point buck, were probably in target range if the brush wouldn't have been so dense. Trying to head them off before they all took off for far away destinations wasn't successful. I went back to my original position for awhile longer. Hoping they would re-group and pass either closer behind me or on a well worn path to the front of me, neither of which happened. While I was out there were two separate times a shotgun was fired to the south of me, the second closer than the first. I always wonder just how far away they actually are from my locations. Since I came away without a deer, according to the new ruling by the Iowa DNR, on Friday, December 21st thru Sunday the 23rd, I can use my tag to attempt to gain a doe. Family holiday plans are scheduled during that time period, but you can be assured I am looking for some time in the timber again. Don't want to wait another year to try again. Who knows?!? Could be if there were more guys on the other side of the ravine, and somebody to the north, the deer would find their way in front of me... The muzzleloaders will be out and about to start their season tomorrow, December 17th. Happy Hunting !

Additional Deer Season Declared by IDNR

December 13th, at their meeting in Des Moines, IA., the Commisioners at the Department of Natural Resources added an additional deer season to run December 21- 23. This season will be anterless-only and will run concurrently with the second muzzleloader season that begins on December 17th and was to have ended January 10th,2008. Now, the muzzleloader hunters will have an extension of three more days because their has been some opinions of feeling slighted by the timing of this new effort to manage the number of deer. They sited the reason of lower reported deer numbers taken since the beginning of past seasons ,starting with bow. Weather too has been a factor in people not getting out to ply their skill or desire to fill the tags. It appears the management is considered crucial for them to declare more days. Some concerns that have already been voiced by all hunters is the safety factor with bow,muzzleloader, shotgun, and handgun all legal in this short concentrated time span. If you should be apart of this hunting season please watch out for yourself, and the other person who may not be looking out for anybody but themselves.

Beginning Deer Shotgun Season II

Saturday, December 8th, began the second deer shotgun season here in Iowa. I was up and out early. Positioned myself where there had been previous success and constant deer pressure. That is until this morning. Saw one nice buck following his nose very quickly in the opposite direction, never being within range. Changed places after an hour and a half. Walked to the edge of our yard facing the south ravine. Unbelievably there were three deer laying down, but not for long after hearing me coming. I was astounded they would feel comfortable there with all the hunting going on a quarter of a mile to the west. Spent time working on getting the the pick-up and tractor more prepared for the down right cold weather that had over taken the state. Sunday, I stayed inside but I was constantly running to the window. Should have gotten dressed up in all my layers and at least walked around outside. Monday, was a day for working on some little knitting projects to get ready for Christmas. Tuesday, the 11th, brought freezing rain and snow. Deer travel patterns continued to go on the same routes they had taken for the last three days. Wednesday, tolerable weather has arrived. Out the door I went before daylight to capitalize on observations for the last three days, bundled up in so many layers I could hardly move. Stealthy movement wasn't possible. The ice from yesterday left a crunchy surface - with each step crunches and crackling resounded in the otherwise silent atmosphere. I was watching 2 bucks battling over a doe when Hubby came out of the house, warmed up the pick-up, chipped off the ice, and disturbed the activity I had been watching for at least 5 minutes if not longer. Trying to send out mental vibes to draw those 4-legged creatures closer in my direction,it wasn't to be. After they left, so did I. The intent today was to spend a great deal of time outside; 9:30 A.M. arrived , there wasn't activity of any kind, plans changed. 3:00 P.M. rolled around, time to bundle up for the evening migration. Headed out to the first place I started this morning...It wasn't until 4:37, I heard crunching and crackling in the vicinity. Still over on the other side of the fence - like this morning . The doe hopped the fence over a rise so all I heard were the elements underfoot. She circled around and went back over to the other side. Dark was swiftly coming, thought it best to be getting on the way in to the house . If I'd have waited probably less than 5 minutes I may have had a chance at 3 various sized does. They had started on one of the paths dissecting the pasture. As it goes they live another day... Local News Reports have the Iowa DNR considering a special season for this seasons license holders due to the bad weather that has taken away some of the hunting chances. The reporter said the DNR reported 34,000 less deer taken than anticipated at that point in time. Includes the Bow, first Muzzleloader, one shotgun and part of another shotgun season. The tentative dates for the special hunt to be considered at the December 13th, meeting are December 21-23. Holiday plans will probably not allow me to take part if these dates are put into action. Would like to hear some hunting stories for those who do get to participate if they pass the amendment to the dates.

I do have through the 16th that I could be out and about. So I will not be closing down any possibilities...nothing like an 11th hour story to take us into deer season next year.

Synopsis of Shotgun Season One

Day 2 - B-R-R-R...Not in a hurry to get outside. I did get all ready and out the door. Reaching the end of the house I heard a gun go off in my north pasture...then another shot close to the same area. The shots belonged to my mentor/neighbor. Hubby and I found out later he had gotten a doe and a buck. We helped him get them loaded into his pickup. Here is a picture of a savvy hunter and his buck for this season. Later in the day he came back and got another doe. I spent 2 1/2 hours total sitting in below zero wind chills,no close activity. Time to go in and try to get warmed up. My prize for the day was to see the success of my mentor/neighbor. Day 3 - Didn't head out the door until the afternoon, was out for 4 hours. Mentor/neighbor showed up again was between me and the deer in that particular location . He shot at one at 4:40 p.m., figured everything was said and done at that point so I came into the house . Day 4 - Spent time on the south side of our property. My all the fresh tracks in the slush. Did some tracking of the human kind. I did find one set of boot tracks headed south from our middle ravine, definitely not mine. Melting and re-freezing puts the impressions made between Sunday or Monday, when extra close gunshots were heard. Sent the deer scurrying to the north , where they like to congregate behind the garden. Arriving back to the house was the cue for them to take off at a gallop as I opened the pick-up door. Sat for a while close to the back where the deer were earlier. Saw four does, but my movement was detected by the first, "About Face -Forward RUNNNNNNN!" Golly gee...I would have been a happy hunter if the shot had hit just one. I'm thinking about one of those ground blinds Dana over at The Wild WoodsWoman has been talking about. A way to be concealed out of the elements, almost a home away from home. Last Day - Went out before sunrise. Scared a couple of shapes away from their grazing spaces. After daylight as I was trying to move to stay warm I saw a doe turn and run, an awesome buck that didn't want to stick around for more attention...I packed it up and went back to the house. I continued to watch out the windows and doors, sighting deer after 11:00 - got dressed and ready to sneak again. Spent time watching them gather out of range and running as fast as they could go to elude the enemy after being pursued for so long. While I was out I heard the elusive turkey calls ringing through the ravine valley...5 days after their season ended. Didn't remain outside. I needed to do other things to get ready for bad weather coming. Don't want to be out on the road running errands when it has the possibility of repeating last weekend. The days end was beautiful, ending the same way as last year. Wind had died down, the sun was setting, and a few deer were seen in a distance... with none finding their way into our freezer. Onto season 2 !

Opening Day of Shotgun Deer Season in Iowa

What a day ! The snow started spitting well before daylight, flakes getting bigger and more abundant as the time came to be getting into the timber. 6:50 AM rolled around ,I went out the back door to start my quest for a deer, only to have the wind whip the door out of my hand. It crashed against the rail to the steps . The thought crossed my mind that the deer standing out in the cornfield wouldn't be there by the time I got around the house . There were three fawns and three does. The fawns took off early...then the does decided the open field wasn't for them either. Half a mile down the drive there was a pickup surveying the deer activity... After the does took a route towards the neighbor's hunting plot I went back to commonly traveled paths. Stood in a couple of spots within 50 yards of each other. Heard lots of guns shots not far away, none were my own. My choice to go inside came when the freezing rain coated my gun barrel with ice. My double layer mossy oak hunters mitten/shooting gloves weren't able to keep my hands warm any longer... Got back into the house after 8:00 and ran to the window several more times, hearing guns going off , wondering what the die hards were actually achieving by staying outside being pelted by freezing rain and ice pellets. More power to them! My landowners tag allows me to hunt either December 1-5th , or December 8-16th, if I don't claim a deer in the first season . I will be back after MY deer come tomorrow....

In My Dreams

Today everywhere I looked seemed to have a deer of one shape or another occupying the space. I am wondering if it is because they feel safe here after the bow season has been going on for so long and the anterless season which ran over the weekend finished up last night. People have been using the south side of our property for their personal use without permission. Most evident on our return from the Thanksgiving holiday when we had time to survey things Saturday morning. Caught someone leaving after dark when I was returning from a grocery run Saturday evening. They were intending to come down the hill from the other side but I was blocking the way. As I started their direction the exit through the cornfield was the escape of choice. Will continue to make more runs down that direction to keep them on guessing. My mail excursion happened shortly before 3:00 today. What was unexpected were the 2 bucks and 2 does feasting west of Hubby's runway . Later,working on putting a few Christmas decorations up I glanced outside. My eyes grew wide as saucers, not unlike those of a child in awe of new sights. Feast your eyes on what I saw and know what will be in my dreams,to focus on , in order to get ready for the shotgun seasons beginning at the end of the week.

Iowa Bobcat Season Closed

The conclusion of the first Bobcat season in Iowa came on Monday, November 19th. Reaching the quota number of 150 ended anymore hunting and trapping of the animal for this year. Initially the season was set to run from November 3rd, 2007 - January 30th, 2008. It appears that the population of the elusive cat is more prevalent than most people are aware of. As the hunt was limited to the southern tier of counties this year it might indicate how large of a group that is already active there. Trappers, hunters, and drivers, still need to report any accidental killings, traffic collisions, or sightings to the Iowa DNR in order to keep current on movements anywhere within the state.

Everybody Up!

The deer have started the familiar schedules I have seen in the years past with the daylight influences. On Sunday, the 25th, as the rays were barely perceptible there was one doe feeding in the field as I went to the car to drive to town after a paper. In front of the house, in a sheltered area, two more young deer were roused from their bed. Coming back from town about a mile from home I saw a buck and doe still in bed by a local creek. It was frosty out so the circulation probably was not moving very quickly...I likened it to those cold mornings when we don't feel like getting out from under the blankets. Arriving back home I was met by the "Welcome Deer Band". It was a sight to see them all turn and run as I pulled up, big and little alike. This Monday morning after 7:00 the doe and fawn in the backyard joined the others in the pasture in deciding to checkout of the hotel to start the day...Time for an acorn or two, with a side dish of grass that has not yet gone completely dormant. Continued assurances were exchanged that they all would be back for their room later.

Happy Thanksgiving from Timber Life!

To Everyone that has a moment to stop by this holiday weekend I would like to wish You and your's - Free Comments & Graphics Codes

Observations at Timber Life

Walking fence perimeters during our mild temperatures revealed nothing but what had been around when you weren't looking. 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. 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.

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....; )

Bobcat Hunting in Iowa

Iowa is having it's first Bobcat hunting season which runs from November 3, 2007 thru January 31, 2008. The Iowa DNR has estimated numbers of the elusive animal at 3,000 - 4,000, possibly higher . Reports say the heaviest concentrations exist over 2/3rds of the state, mainly in the southern tiers of counties and in the southwest area of the state know as the Loess Hills. However, sightings have been recorded in all 99 counties at this time. Bobcat population expansion in Iowa has been directly associated to the Missouri group moving northward by wildlife officials. Limit for this year has been set at 150 . They can be taken by either by trapping or firearm. A specific fur harvester's license is required whether or not you already hold a regular small game license. Each license entitles the holder to take one animal. As of November 9th, the state quota was already well on it's way to being filled for this season, 56 have been taken. Updates to numbers are posted at the IowaDNR website, or by calling the main office. Officials state that only 2 out of the 52 bobcats that have been radio collared for tracking were among the animals being reported as killed so far. None of the 12 tagged individuals had showed an appearance as of this writing. Public assistance has been requested in southern Iowa by Iowa State University to get an idea of how visible the Bobcats have become. The results of this year's hunt will give DNR officials information about how to proceed for future management decisions.

How Many Days Left?

How many days left for what you muse? Well yes, we have Thanksgiving coming up next week. One of the nicest holidays we can share with our family and friends. For Hubby and me, we are off to North Dakota to visit our daughter, and her husband. This time we are going to travel with our oldest daughter, and her family. The first time they have been able to go visit up North for a holiday. I still get to cook. ;) So, to answer the question ,"How Many Days Left?" Click below to find out how long we have left 'til the holiday we have set aside to bestow on others our heartfelt desire to give of ourselves... Countdown to Christmas

Bobcat or Lynx?

Darrell over at AlphaTrilogy.com presented his readers with a picture of a member of the cat family. He and a friend found this animal while they were out on a Turkey hunt. Made me curious after I assumed it was a Bobcat ; being aware they have growing populations in the southern Missouri area from previous research. However, the suggestion of the possibility it might be a Lynx by Kristine sparked a need for me to look further. When I started the search for more information I found an animal control company located in Sarcoxie, MO., west of Springfield, on Interstate 44. Both Bobcat ,and Lynx, were included in the list of pests they were licensed to handle if they become a nuisance. Looks like we can draw from that, both populations do exist simultaneously in that part of the country. Maybe ,with more of us visiting the woodlands, we will have more chances to catch animals like this unexpectedly, as their presence expands throughout the country.

A New Gadget Alert

Ankeny, IA inventor Steve Ugolini, has developed a method to assist hunters and shooters to be more accurate. Mr. Ugolini recently got the patent on his product called an AccuScope, it uses math calculations to analyze how to chart adjustments for firearm mounted scopes. He theorizes that "sighting in" can be expensive if people go through ammunition by trial and error, spinning the dials without getting the target in the cross hairs. The chart is supposed to help the hunter/shooter by allowing them to input measurements and match them with the shooting distance. On the chart below the shooting distance is the number of clicks the hunter/shooter should turn the scope dial for windage or elevation. Reports have it that Mr. Ugolini has worked out calculations on two charts that covers three different types of scopes. What makes it handy is that it fits in your pocket. The listed price is $9.95 plus whatever taxes your state would tack on. If you find yourself needing some extra help in homing in on the target - Look for this little gadget from theSportsman's Guide, from Casey's General Store through November 30th,and last but not least the company website...

Pheasant Hunting Statistics for Opening Day

According to six Iowa Conservation Officers in various sections of the state, hunters had mixed success when checked on opening day October 27th. Heading over to the eastern border in Jones and Jackson counties Officer Mike Macke reported having checked five hunters. Two birds had been bagged at the time of the interview with Des Moines Register reporter Juli Probasco-Sowers. He commented that conservation set aside ground has become limited in his area eliminating good cover for the pheasant populations. Traveling to the far west side Buena Vista, Cherokee, and Woodbury counties , then south to Union and Ringgold all seemed to reflect a lower hunter number with lower success rates. They attributed some of the difficulties to crops still being in the fields and some extreme weather conditions like our late severe spring snows and sporadic flooding. Coming back to Linn and Benton, close to Jones and Jackson the hunters were seeing good results for their early morning foray. Conservation Officer Aric Sloterdyk reported talking to between 50-60 hunters in his area with the average of one bird for each by noon. Closer to home in Marshall and Grundy counties, Officer Jeremy King had some positive information as well. He said he had visited with 100 hunters and saw 25 dead birds. The comment made was that the people who were out have seen more birds than they did last year. So far there has been one "freak accident" sending a pheasant hunter to the hospital. In Iowa's Tama county, for some reason a hunter had put his gun on the ground. Apparently not putting the safety on,his dog stepped on the gun and it discharged, injury was to the hunter's leg. Again we must not second guess being safe - Anything can happen! ...

Pheasant Season Opening

This morning marks the opener for Pheasant Season at 8:00 A.M.- 4:30 P.M. here in Iowa. The weather is cool and looks like the sun will be shining when it finally comes up, wind speed looks like it is going to be between 11-16 from 7:00A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Going by the Air Sports Net Launch Code for the Marshalltown,IA airport. Have to keep abreast of the flying weather might as well use it for hunting weather. ; ) Those who are participating will be hunting from now until January 10,2008. I plan to be among those putting their money on the counter to get a license.( Yes, I am a straggler) May be this year I will get one and may be I won't but I am going to be out none the less. Won't know if I could get one unless I get out there and give it a try... Happy Hunting!

Eyes to the Sky

The Discovery Space Shuttle lifted off Tuesday at 11:38 A.M. EDT and docked this morning with the International Space Station at 8:46 A.M. EDT ... Last night Hubby and I had the chance to watch the International Space Station streak across the sky from the Northwest to the Southeast over our property, pursued by Discovery almost a minute later. Oh, did I mention it could be seen with the naked eye? They both appeared like moving stars through the almost night light. The sun was glowing in the West from below the horizon and the moon was shining brightly from it's rising in the East. The weather crisp, the sky extremely clear. Tonight,about 20 minutes later than last night, I once again caught the Space Station/Shuttle making a pass over central Iowa. The moon in full phase, named the "Hunter's Moon" is making the landscape shine even now...Hope everyone gets a chance to stop to take a look ; see the big and little things that make our world special...

What Season is this?!

Yesterday, the morning started off cool and calm. Hubby jumped out of bed before sunrise to pull the voisin 3/5 out of the hangar. He wanted to head it up above the cool temps into the inversion layer, warm, smooth sailing. The voisin went higher than it has ever flown. Sunrise came shortly after he was air borne. Said he" wished he had remembered his camera." Needless to say he wished he would have extended his flight time by a half an hour, loves to soar... Caught some deer activity before the sun came up. Headed one in the direction of the pasture north of the house; cut a buck off from crossing our country road as I drove in the direction of the local blacktop. Was wishin' the light of day had been brighter so I could check out the statistics. We reached the pleasant temperature of 77 degrees, not what you might consider very good hunting weather. Had to open some windows to cool the house down, with the sun making good thermal heat and the oven working to bake that special treat for the weekend things got HOT. Watched for things considered out of the ordinary due to the calendar date. Bees still swarming out of the hallow in the tree. Monarch flitting by the window, Asian Beetles making their presence unmistakeably conspicuous, where's the Box Elder bugs?! Heard some gun shots in the vicinity . The youth and disabled individuals of Iowa were given two days to find their Pheasants for this year on October 20th and 21st. Can't say for sure that the activity was for that purpose, but I can positively confirm that someone was cultivating the art of using a shotgun. Before the sunset on this gorgeous day I was off into the timber to checkout the well worn deer paths. Didn't see anything but I did hear activity on the other side of the ravine, running away from me. Ah, the imagination, replaying what I saw in the back yard earlier in the week. Maybe, it was one of those guys....

Weather Changing

The weather is starting to change around here this afternoon. After a full week of clouds and gloom the sun is finding its way out from behind the solid cover.

The wind has been a factor since last night. We were at 20 mph this morning , moving on up to 35 mph this late afternoon. Forecast says we are going to see the decline back to 10 mph by 10:00 tonight.

Everybody that has been waiting for the break in the weather its on the way! Get out to those deer stands in the morning , find the right shot and bring that "Trophy Buck" back to the camp. ; )

Sparring Whitetail Bucks

This morning shortly after 7:00, I had the opportunity to observe one spike buck and a small 8 point working each other with antlers inter-locked. The skies were cloudy and the light of day was still barely visible. Opening the door to try to catch some pictures anyway. I was greeted with the sound of something making a heavy crackling noise across the leaves and twigs lying on the ground in the timber. I had gone to alert Hubby to the two bucks ,only to come back and find two more had entered the arena. They too were jousting, antlers inter-locked. What was more impressive is they also carried racks of impressive size. You should have seen the most dominate of the whole group(pictured in the middle above). Not only did he carry majestically a nice rack on top of his head but he was thick in body muscle. An awesome creature. I will have to clarify the antler formations in this region of central Iowa are relatively small compared to what you might find in the southeastern part of Iowa. At least that has been my experience so far. These guys will still be the center of some ones story very soon. Maybe, even mine ;) Hubby and I observed them between 5 - 10 minutes, had them all watching us from the back door,eye to eye contact. We did get some pictures that look much like trail cameras at a distance. Hoping I will get another chance to see them all today with enough light to get a great picture for "Show and Tell"...

Buck on the Rut?

While standing at the kitchen sink last night around 5:30, I had the opportunity to watch the white tail deer community interaction. There were does, fawns and a two year old buck. The buck was checking out the surroundings by raising his head to test the air, went from deer to deer and visited the places the does had stood to browse the grass and tree leaves. Must be getting close to rutting. Before the light of day disappeared totally, I saw 5 or 6 does running from one field to another, not seeing what was in pursuit I can only imagine a buck had sent them scurrying.The signs of the season to begin ? Head for the hills and fields to snag your prize. For those who have had success in filling your current seasons tag. Congratulations! Let us hear your story... Iowa Deer Hunting Seasons Youth aged 15 or younger & Severely Disabled - Sept. 15th - 30th Deer (Bow only) Oct. 1st - Nov. 30th -- Dec. 17 th - Jan.1oth,2008 Muzzleloader : Oct.13th - Oct. 21st -- Dec.17th - Jan. 10th,2008 Shotgun : Dec. 1st - 5th (first) - Dec. 8th - 16th (second) November Anterless Only: Nov. 23rd - 25th *Non-Resident Muzzleloader Holiday Season Anterless Deer only*: Dec. 24th - Jan.2,2008 http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/deerappl.html

How Timber Life Is Evolving

Thanks to Editor stopping by and giving me something to contemplate; at least for a couple of seconds anyway ;) Guess I should try to keep it short and focused. Here is my answer to “What got me to blog and how it has changed since I started.” Honestly, I have been thinking about why I came to the World Wide Web for a platform, not thinking I would really get any feed back. That is at least not until I found “MyBlogLog”. It probably adds a reason to have more depth in relating your thoughts, so many very good writers. The desire to hunt was stirred after my kids left home and the guns would be going off on our property. The guns of those who had been granted permission for the shotgun deer seasons. It got to be where I wanted to be one of them. My in-experience and frustration as a relatively new “woman” hunter made for some funny scenarios running across my minds eye in order not to become totally incapacitated by “not bringing home the turkey, pheasant, or deer.” Facing Hubby , on occasion family, and the guy who lent me his old Remington 11-87,2o gauge, they think I just go out to hear the gun go off. Brings the rush of disappointment which I have to learn to laugh about and head out again. I like to relate the things going on around me in nature because I see it everyday out my windows. In the night I hear critters sauntering around . That is why I take on the critter characters, it is my way of coping with their mischievous antics.(Psst! she's telling on herself) We are multi-faceted individuals , it is my intent to move from interest to interest. I would like to invite you to go along for the ride !

I Found IT !

Over at YAHOO 360 the definition of "meme" mentioned by Editor in his post of October 10th in trying to get Phillip,Moose and Dana to carry on additional topics for the reason why they write. Meme's the Word What is a meme? From the dictionary: meme (mēm), noun: A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. In the world of blogging, a meme is any idea that is spread from one person to another. It can be anything from a funny news story to a game of some sort to a what-type-of-kitchen-appliance-are-you? quiz. If you got the idea from someone else and you’re spreading the idea to other people, you’re contributing to a meme. Blog Tag: There are a million versions of this one too – basically write about something, and then tag someone else. Of course, with a game like this you don’t necessarily have to wait to be tagged – just go ahead and start a tag blog! (Thanks to Yahoo 360 for their definitons) How fun is this?!? I want to "meme" Jody over at http://www.thehunterswife.net/. Please don't be to upset ; ) In essence I think we already do a lot of this. Find topics of conversation we would like to continue and develope to say in a different fashion...