The"Eyes" Have It !

Sunday, April 13th, I changed the location of one of the field cameras to the back of the garden. Deer activity is always busy back there so I decided to get pictures. What has been comical is the up close, curious attitudes of some of the brown, four-legged creatures.

This picture was caught back in January, in a place not far from the one on Sunday. I have shared it before, but it's entertainment value continues to make me laugh...

Up Up and AWAY!!!!!!

The weather has brought out the birds of all kinds. Those that come by it naturally, and one that has decided to defy gravity with an engine, flaps, and rudder. This is the second flight of the year - originating from our home grass strip. The plane is my Hubby's concept creation taken from an actual WWI French Voisin Bomber.

The goal is for Hubby to finish flying off the required 40 hours within a 25 mile radius of the home base since he received his inspection by an agent of the FAA. He has 8 hours to go. There are some extended trips in the works after he proves the plane airworthy. Three destinations in fact. He would like to head to Columbia,MO. to an event called "Salute to Veterans 2008", in a little over a month from now, Memorial Day weekend. A friend from the"Kansas City Dawn Patrol" has submitted Hubby's plane for presentation, so of course he wants to be able to follow through. Then a trip to Gardener,KS. over the Father's Day weekend to the home base of "The Kansas City Dawn Patrol", and the last seriously considered , most important flight, off to the Experimental Aircraft Air Adventure 2008. If things work out for him he will point the plane in the direction of OshKosh, WI. the last week of July into August. All of his future plans depend on weather conditions, because he doesn't ever plan on taking the plane apart again to trailer it from place to place. For now he is watching the weather, and wind, trying to get in every minute he can to get those 8 hours put into the past...

Birds, Birds, and MORE Birds!

Look what the warmer temperatures are bringing north. Twice a year we experience over populations of a bird called the Common Grackle. Migrations from the far north to the south in the fall and back again this time of year. So, after snapping the pictures above, there was a pair of birds that seemed to be walking around looking things over. Placing human values on their activity; it was if they were checking out the surroundings in an effort to find suitable accommodations. We have had geese in the neighborhood for years, because of a pond they adopt for raising a family on their return from the south, but until now, they have only visited the surrounding fields. It wasn't long after I got this picture they felt the need to flee, hmmm... or is that fly?

Water Quality Concerns

Iowa water quality is being put to the test... Sample results of spring runoff in the State's waterways have led officials to look at farming practices on frozen ground. Measurements beginning the first part of March, when periods of snowmelt were being experienced, showed some increased ammonia levels in municipal water systems. According to The Des Moines Register, the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines, which uses the Raccoon River, to provide drinking water needed to implement auxillary plans to keep up supplies for all its constituents. Researching the issue has opened other avenues of why we are seeing conditions on our lakes and rivers that have influenced oxygen supplies for our fish. I don't want to infringe on copywritten information. So, to be safe I will give you the urls I found particulary informative. These sources may not have Iowa based information. However, they clearly spell out what I would like to share, about the science behind some of the problems we experience in the Spring after ice and snow melts. IMPORTANT WATER QUALITY FACTORS INFORMATION: www.h2ou.com/h2wtrqual.htmhttp://anchoragecreeks.org/pages/water_quality/fire_creek.php

April Showers Bring May Flowers

APRIL Showers...Bring MAY flowers! Well, it started off with showers this morning. The contrast from today to tomorrow, and beyond is that we are going to be seeing the sun and get up to the upper 50's and beyond. HURRAY!!! This little Junco was the only bird that would sit still long enough for me to take its picture. Had the WHOLE suet cake to himself. The bluejays,cardinals, chick-a-dees, downy and hairy woodpeckers, red bellied sapsuckers,and nuthatches all took flight when the backdoor swung open ...

Pictures for the photo album..."Remember the last Iowa Spring snow on April 3rd, 2008. " Famous last words?

Deer Meat Recall

The Iowa DNR issued a warning to the people in the State that benefit from the HUSH Program(Help Us Stop Hunger). Distribution of donated ground deer meat has been halted until officials get the all clear from the tests being done at the State Hygenic Lab in Ankeny, IA.. Residents of Iowa are still waiting for releases to be made for the charities to begin using the meat again. People with private supplies should not become alarmed and dispose of the meat needlessly. This came after Health officials in North Dakota sent out a recall Wednesday, March 26th. Being tipped off by two Bismarck doctors they x-rayed 95 packages of donated deer meat and found 53 of the packages carried metal fragments. Minnesota, decided to follow the lead of the other two states in temporarily withholding pounds of protein that charity groups depend on to help cover the needs of the needy. It has been pointed out that Iowa hunters primarily use shotguns for hunting whitetail. Our North Dakota, co-horts however are allowed to use high-powered rifles, lead tipped high-velocity bullets. RECALL UPDATE: After testing the donated deer meat Iowa Officials have found only two incidents of a tiny amount of lead fragments. The supply has been cleared for public consumption once again as of April 1st,2008.

Garden Dreams

This is the time of year gardeners are getting a need to play in the dirt...I am among them. Thus the name CDGardens... Last year,I didn't cultivate my deeply ingrained need to start plants from seed. Through the winter the seed offers me the best option of continuing to be productive. To watch life spring forth, mature, and then return to the earth. In the past I used to start seeds way back in January. My kitchen became a jungle as the plants needed to be given more potting mix to maintain its health and continue to grow.By the time spring arrived I was ready to empty out the house. As soon as I placed the plants outside,it wasn't long until they were chewed off by one animal,or another. Then of course I felt great loss,because in just a few days all my work had been reduced to wilted heaps. Eventually, I built some fences to try to keep marauders of all sizes at bay. For a brief moment it worked. That is until the rabbits decided to go over the top of the rabbit wire at the base of the fence in the big garden, and under the gate of the little garden, even with a board across the bottom. You can surely say, "Where there is a Will - There is a WAY." The wildlife aren't doing things to be mean. They are looking for an easy source of nourishment. More times than not, the rabbits would chew the plant mat-erial in two, realizing afterward they really don't find the taste all that appealing. Little critters either smelled or saw fresh greens . BLESS their Pea Pickin' hearts!!! Happens year after year...They have a lapse of memory. My gardening dreams still continue in spite of set backs, because it seems to come from deep within the heart of me - so I continue on with determination. The Farmer/Huntress syndrome?

Spring Time

Spring time ...Guess, I should wipe my glasses off to see if it changes the view. Nope, nope... That didn't change the view any. Still see that white stuff filling the air and covering the ground.

I must be thankful for what we are seeing as far as weather goes. So many people have had to face tornadoes, flooding, and feet of snow in parts of our country. My heart goes out to those touched by recent disaster. I know that fortitude, family, and friends will be the way that the challenges for each new day will be faced. So, now that the picture was taken the snow is subsiding ...maybe even a little melting going on.

Yesterday I was out picking up limbs and raking...

The Joys of Spring!

Feeling the Pain

Denny, at Backwoods Drifter ,is sharing with us some intense emotion about the destruction of local flora and fauna with the practice of mountaintop removal for the purpose of coal mining. Now,it is reaching his own backyard, so to speak. It is definitely a hard thing to pass through when EVERY thing familiar is going to be rearranged,scarred, and have no rhyme or reason for years to come, maybe never. Trees,animals,rivers,buildings, and people all take a beating in situations where the practice of dynamiting away huge rock surfaces becomes the norm to reach an end result. Human nature has a way of ignoring the situation when it doesn't want to face the facts. Either on the side of the commercial entity - turning a blind eye to the people's lives that are irrevocably damaged, or the residents of the affected areas that shove it under the rug in the backs of their minds - telling themselves it "won't happen to us." My hope is that big business can start being up-front with the populations in the areas where they plan their next excavation. Or is that EXplosion ? In closing, there are many issues that can lead us to become proactive about the spaces that we live in. I hope that somewhere along the mountain road each group involved can find a solution that will satisfy the needs of both...

Antler on a Tree

Antler on a Tree you say... Now what in the world could that possibly mean?!? Had some fun exploring recently. Took a climb up a huge staircase, behind a mountain, in the back middle of the interior of a store we see spoken of quite frequently on this blogspot. These antlers have long since parted company with the original owners. Imagine they may have been procured from antler auctions like those that took place at Dubuque,IA., at the 7th Annual Whitetail Classic Sport Show & Antler Auction ,this month. Only seeing these creations online or in catalogs didn't have the same effect as getting up close. My imagination went back to the beginning when the antler was still attached to the Whitetail "Big Buck", or in the case of Moose or Elk "Big Bull", sporting it high above his head. Were there some reindeer antler in there too? For some reason my mind wanders to the question"how many dogs would be using an antler table lamp for a chew toy given the opportunity?" Looks like something I wouldn't mind including in a cabin setting - to dream of the future... Do you own antler art, other than the trophy bucks hanging on the wall?

Writings by Linda K. Burch

Last week I met a very vivacious huntress by the name of Linda K. Burch. She began her hunting passion when she was 37 years old, that was 18 years ago. Linda comes across as a positive go getter. Since our introduction I have been reading her writings to gain a more complete picture of who she is and where her articles are published. She has started her own safety supply company with items you might be familiar with - "Firetacks" products for marking trails. A women that lives and breathes hunting, Linda has done some writing for Bowhunting.net. Her range runs from instructional to humorous.

Once again we are reaching a time of year where outside activities are increasing. If you have a minute to bookmark Linda's writings, I believe you will find entertainment, and tips to checkout after those tiring trips to the timber. She is a Christian woman with a positive voice for the proliferation of the art of ethical hunting in the world of women today...

Should We Eat the Fish?

The advisories are beginning to surface here in Iowa about the consumption of fish caught in parts of our rivers and lakes. Largemouth Bass have been found to carry high levels of mercury in their tissue on examination by the tests conducted for the Iowa DNR, click here for more specific information. Predator fish species are being included with some sports fish categories. The Iowa DNR,in association with the Iowa Department of Public Health, have developed a site that will inform the fishermen and women. Letting them know what fish are being effected and what locations to watch for the fish concerned with the consumption limitations can be found. It probably isn't a problem exclusive to Iowa. Checking with your local authorities may point out some fish you should consider eating limited quantities of. That is not to say you should curtail your fishing activities;the terms "Catch and Release" come to mind. The weather is changing and Spring is on the way...Get out there and have a great time!

Spring Fishing

It isn't going to be long now until it is time to be out on the lake, or river, looking for some exciting tussles with those finned fighters. Went to Cabela's to hear a woman angler speak of her experiences and association but found she wasn't able to attend the Spring Outdoor weekend after making our trip of 2 hours 40 minutes northward. Hubby and I decided to head over to the fishing section anyway where we did get in on part of an informative seminar by Mike Frisch. The seminar was titled -"Early Season Walleyes in the Shadow Seasons." He was speaking about what he has found beneficial in his love of snagging the Spring Walleye. Mr. Frisch went as far as laying out his specific method of fishing a favorite lake on the Minnesota/North Dakota border. The scenario was how to locate the schools of fish after days of high winds out of the Northwest at this time of the year. He told us he found them on the backsides of land outcroppings after the wind died down. Walleyes are generally lazy fish looking for food to float by them while they lay in the currents. I don't know how many of you use GPS systems to locate bottom formations to find likely fishing hot spots but it was something that came up during the seminar. Mike does use it to maximize his time on the lakes. He covered what baits and lines he used for in the Spring. In closing his seminar Mr. Frisch told those in attendance when the Spring Walleyes quit biting he is off to fish Bass... What are your stories or tips for fishing Walleyes?

Linda K. Burch at Cabela's Spring Outdoors Days

Today, I would like to introduce you to a very vivacious huntress. Someone I became acquainted with via an excursion to one of the outdoor suppliers I like to visit. A lady sold on getting women into the outdoors to tackle both archery and gun seasons... Linda K. Burch, Executive Director of Women Hunters. Hubby and I got to visit with Linda exclusively for almost two hours as she was setting up for the Turkey and Bear Hunting seminars at our local Cabela's at Owatonna,MN. She introduced us to some neat pictures of her adventures and DVDs of both Turkey and Bear hunts of herself and a few male compatriots. Turkey calling became apart of the seminar syllabus. Oh boy! Hubby took to the slate and mouth calls a whole lot better than I did. Now, I have something to practice on before the season comes. Need to be getting out there to find where they are sleeping. Linda, is a writer...as of this writing I haven't had an opportunity to read any of her articles, but I will certainly let you know what I find... As a part of introducing you to Linda I have a True Timber Camo Turkey Hunt She participated in down in Georgia. Hope you enjoy. Disclaimer: In no way am I being compensated for the publication of this video on my blog. It is being put here for the sole purpose of sharing one person's positive hunting results , an inspiration for the upcoming season.

Spring Outdoors Days at Cabela's

This week in my e-mail box I received notification from one of my outdoor supplies providers - that they would be having some informational and hands-on workshops. Twenty-six stores of the Cabela's Retail outlets will be hosting Cabela's Spring Outdoors Days. The location closest to me at Owatonna,MN. will be starting their first weekend event at 11:00 AM, Saturday March 15th,2008. If you aren't able to make it on Saturday they will have repeat events from 1:00 - 4:00 PM on Sunday the 16th. Then again the following weekend there are activities planned. Just wish they were closer so it would be easier to hangout and take in the information in the seminars. The events are getting everybody going on fishing, which if you haven't done yet with ice fishing, you probably will be gearing up for Spring and Summer. Ladies, they are getting some guest speakers for us too. Shannon Hentges from the Women Anglers Association will be there to enlighten those able to attend. She is a lady who can tell you some exciting experiences she has had in fishing ,and about being apart of a women's Angler's association. Shannon will be able to tell you how you can get started with fishing because of her long time association with the sport. 1:00 p.m.(both Saturday and Sunday) Location:Great Lakes Conference Room. A representative from the Women Hunters Organization, Linda Burch will be available to relate her adventures in Spring Turkey or Bear Hunting - Some of her accomplishments will be presented in an informal seminar. She will also tell you about the Women Hunters organization she belongs to and how you can also get in on some of the adventures and fun. 2:00 p.m. (both Saturday and Sunday gatherings are at the same time and location) Location: From the front entrance, take the left wood walkway to the fishing department on the left. I, for one, have plans to attend to keep working towards my goal to become a more complete outdoors woman. Maybe I will see you there!

Seminar Report

Local co-host of WHO radio's Sportsman's Notebook and field editor for the Iowa Sportsman magazine Ron Kuntz, moderated the weekend seminars featuring Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, at the Iowa Deer Classic on the Hunter's Specialties Stage. The Lakoskys along with Matt Morett and Ron White fielded some questions after introducing themselves. Lee, a trained Chemical Engineer and Tiffany, a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines met in Minnepolis, MN. The couple became aquainted at an archery shop where Lee was employeed. Tiffany said her family was into fishing and Lee's family enjoyed hunting. Six years ago Lee invited Tiffany on a hunt. She declined the first invitation, but on the second invitation she agreed to go to see if she would like it. Well, as things worked out she brought down a 6 point buck her first shot. From that moment until now she says that is her trophy buck because of the circumstances that surrounded its take. After that hunting trip Tiffany was hooked both on the hunting experience and on Lee. The joint decision to buy land, and move south to Iowa, to continue the deer hunting passion brought them south five years ago. They now own 3,500 acres in the Mount Pleasant area in Henry county. The floor was opened by Ron to a few questions focused in the direction of Lee. A question was asked concerning being able to determine the difference in appearance of a 6 year old buck in comparison with a 3-4 year old buck. Lee responded that he likes checking out the neck and shoulder structure. Most older bucks have a larger mass over the whole body but the neck and shoulders are much thicker under the influence of hormones in the rut, than are the younger bucks. Then he made a point that they may be the first to lose their antlers with declining hormones and stress during the later seasons. He commented that caution should be practiced in the "Doe only"season, individuals traveling alone are most likely anterless males, females usually still have fawns at their side. Great points which I observed more this past season myself. The discussion turned to Lee's love of watching the deer from the couples bedroom late at night on the infrared trail camera over the food plot closest to the house. A big supporter of all season feeding, the Lakoskys have 72 seperate plots of various sizes. When asked about filming their show they revealed how long it could take to get the right shot, to make enough good material. Hunting is a full-time job for this young couple. They hunt 100 days a year. These people eat, breathe, and sleep ethical whitetail deer management in an effort to bring healthy specimens to their hunts and for the future generations to come...

The Iowa Deer Classic Main Exhibit Hall

It has been a week ago now since the Iowa Deer Classic came to Hy-Vee Hall. The second seminar attended was again at the Hunter's Specialties Stage at 7:30 P.M., February 29th. Being the instigator of the trip, trying to find the people that hold high profile positions brought by the OutDoor Channel- I kept hunting. Didn't need the exhibit hall floorplan,just kept checking out the booths. Had a great time seeing what was available...Looking at the picture you can see success was mine. Both couples that have become household names here at Timber Life signing autographs! From left to right, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky of "Gettin' Close!" based at Mt. Pleasant, IA and Kandi and Don Kisky of "Whitetail Freaks" out of Leon, IA. Checkout my next post of the discussion that happened at the Seminar. I found it very interesting and running paralell to what has been discussed here on the 'Net. Hope you will have time to stop in again.

What Do You See?

There is another picture I would like to get your point of view on. It came back in January when we were plagued by some foggy days and nights. You will have to concentrate for a little while before your eyes will become accustomed to what you are looking at, or maybe not... Are you able to see it? These little critters have had their moments in making our life interesting when they decide they want a place to set-up housekeeping, mainly in the winter months. I keep reminding myself we moved into their territory not the other way around. We just made it easier to find a warmer place to get comfy-cozy...

Byron Ferguson Iowa Deer Classic Seminar

As Hubby and I walked the display floor opening day of the Iowa Deer Classic, Friday afternoon, we found Mr. Ferguson's booth pre-seminar. A very interesting display of what he has to offer the public to inform and promote the skill of longbow archery. If you aren't familiar with his talent and would like to know more about him, please slide your mouse over the picture below for his web url.

Byron Ferguson, a very skilled longbow archer, brought his talents to the Hunter's Specialties Stage at the 2008 Iowa Deer Classic.

Here he is taking some time between shots to tell the audience what got him started in archery, and the experiences that have challenged him through the years. He provided 30 minutes of fun filled entertainment. If you ever have the chance to see Mr. Ferguson demonstrate his trick shot abilities in person it will be well worth your time.

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.