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.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
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.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
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...
Thursday, December 27, 2007
On the Trail Again
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 .
Thursday, December 20, 2007
BassPro Shop Announces New Construction
Sunday, December 16, 2007
End of Shotgun Season II
Friday, December 14, 2007
Additional Deer Season Declared by IDNR
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Beginning Deer Shotgun Season II
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.