The weather has been more than challenging the past several weeks. O.K., yes I did ask for a big cold blast from the far north back around Thanksgiving. Uummm, and we got slammed for 3 plus weeks with snow and single digit temps leaving my hunting area looking like an ice rink. Ultimately ending my duck hunting after the first weekend
the storm hit. Well, I will make adjustments in the future and be more specific as to what type of weather I am asking for. Although I hope those of you down in California are enjoying getting out after those birds. Otherwise I am looking forward to venturing back to my happy hunting grounds in the next week or so. We are now having a big thaw and all the snow is melting. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The roads are no longer a sheet of thick ice or black ice and travelling is once again looking favorable without risking life, limb and dog. My body is finally recovered from the several hours of snow removal I was doing on a daily basis. Which included the roof eaves as well. Nothing like working with your arms over your head to get a really good shoulder workout in, geeze-lu-eeze! I think in the coming week I will be able to drive to the cabin, at least try blazing a trail in the wet slushy granular snow. They got 2' down there and this warm front has been quite modest there. So it may be a bit longer for conditions to improve and become huntable once again. I still have some new ideas to try on late season geese, provided there are some in the area. I have contemplated buying snowshoes for late season hunting and yet I am still without. I think they would help make the trekking easier, carrying my bag of G and H goose shells plus my Avery ground blind tied to it along with my gun and all the other stuff I take for a day of goose hunting. Anyhow, no snowshoes yet. Perhaps I will just continue to approach it as I have for the past 30 years. That walking in 18" of snow(post holing) is a good work out. Well DUH! Only problem is that the older I get the less it takes to get a good work out. So I guess it'll just be a really good work out. It doesn't take me to long to get to where I set up and I have learned how to better pace myself. After all it's not a race and it is something to be savoured. Ah yes, just savour each step and breathe deeply. Boy, and I thought I had short legs, poor Jet gets high centered in the snow.So, if any of you have tried snow shoes for winter hunting, please let me know how they worked for you. Also any suggestions as far as brands, sizes etc. will be appreciated. I do have a plastic sled of sorts, but it can be improved upon. Lastly, a snowmobile is just out of my price range. Looking forward to hearing any and all thoughts on carring gear and how you do it for goose hunting in a foot or two of snow. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Women's Hunting Journal Integrity For The Hunt
9 comments:
I'll be paying attention to this post! I was wondering the same thing - after bucking over 2 feet of snow for a coyote (that my brother missed, no less!) I began to wonder if snow shoes would be the way to go.
Sounds like things are improving for you Terry. Don't work too hard. We really stacked 'em up today. Had a nice windy storm blow in last night and the birds were on the move. Three limits in a few hours. Nice!
Way to go Jon! It sure is fun when when they get stirred up! Enjoy it while you can.
This is a dumb question, but I'm going to let fly... Is there a decent market in the Northwest for snowmobiles, I can pretty much get any type, any year, and any quality snowmobile here in Maine... I chose to get an ATV instead a few years back simply because it's a four season utility...
I know nothing about snow shoes, but the Rabid Outdoorsman might be your answer... he's my American Idol in that department!!!
DEDH, yes there is a huge market for snowmobiles here in Central Oregon. I am pretty sure the retailers have it covered thus far. Primary roads are closed to the "high lakes" and snowmobilers abound on those this time of year.
I'll give The Rabid a shout, thanks.
Happy New Year Terry, I look forward to your posts for 2009
Enjoyed reading you hunting adventures. I'm unable to hunt anymore so I live the sport second-hand. Thanks
Troutbirder, thanks for visiting.I know my day will come too.
here's wishing you a great 2009! and I hear you about needing to be more specific about what kind of weather you are asking for... we've had those experiences ourselves :)
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