Son Gets First Buck In Pennsylvania Rifle Deer Season 2016

Took my son on the first day of deer season 2016 in Pennsylvania. He is 14, and just in his second season of deer hunting. Last year was discouraging, as he missed his first chance at a deer. Luckily, this season proved to be better. I was fortunate enough to have him come along with me as he lost interest after missing deer last season. He surprised me on opening day by waking up early and heading out in the woods. We sat quietly on a nice ridge before dark and waited for first light. I could see he was eager to hunt. Good fortune came when a beautiful 6 point walked through the pines below us. I prayed that deer would stop and give him a shot. The deer stopped broadside in an opening in the pines. My son pulled the trigger of his .243 and I knew it was a good shot. The deer buckled and jumped behind some brush. My son's excitement was unbelievable. The hardest part was to keep my son from running down the hillside after the deer. I told him we were to wait sometime to make sure the deer had time to die. I was not sure where he hit the deer yet, and did not want to push an injured deer further in the brush. We waited a painful hour before I let him go down to where the deer stood in the pines. When he arrived, there was no blood. Just fur. His heart sank, and was in anguish. I told him I could see it was a good hit, and for him to slowly look for the deer. He picked up fresh tracks in the mud and about 30 yards in the thick stuff I heard him yell with joy. He screamed "I see a deer" and was looking at this beautiful buck laying dead under a tree. I gave him a high five as he began to light up with excitement. He dragged it to a creek a few yards away. I showed him how to gut the animal and get it ready for dragging. This was a blessed day. He immediately became excited to hunt again and has been hunting with me this last part of the season. It took just a little success and luck to put the hunting passion back into him. I only hope he continues the tradition as he grows older. It was a very special day for him and me both as we both enjoyed Pennsylvania's great outdoors. I am very thankful.

PA Pheasant Banding Fall 2015

Went on an enjoyable pheasant hunt on opening day in North Western PA. Three of us hunted a Gameland in Crawford County. Had great success limiting out with a good bird dog. The exciting thing was I shot a beautiful ringneck at first light that was unusual. When my dog brought it back to me it had a leg band. This year PA is participating in a pheasant study. Approximately 5000 birds were banded. Over 200,000 will be stocked without leg bands. The study will help determine hunter harvest rates. I am very fortunate to harvest a bird with a band. I promptly called the Game Commission number on the tag to report it. Several questions were asked to help retrieve data for their very important study. They need this information to improve pheasant hunting in PA and have accurate data on hunter harvests. I also learned that there are different colored bands. I am very fortunate to get this bird, especially when you think about predators and the small numbers of birds banded. I strongly encourage all hunters harvesting a banded bird to call.

Late Winter Pheasant Hunt Northwest PA Game Preserve

Decided to take my son and my nephews out for a late season pheasant hunt in northwest PA. This is a great time to find a local Pheasant preserve in your area. We found a good one in Albion PA. Most of the small game is gone on PA gamelands this time of year. With tough winters game becomes scarce. It's worth a few dollars to keep the kids interested.Research game farms and read reviews. Meet the owners and survey the land. We worked heavy cover in rough snow conditions. Birds held very tight and stuck to larger brush piles rather than open fields. Make sure you hit it hard, as birds will not move at times. Also, tracking was very effective. We found many sets of tracks leading to piles of structure. Kids had a blast and it was a great day spending time with family hunting.

Spring Boating Out Of presque Isle Yields Limit Of Yellow Perch

Took the boat out for the first time of the year. Ice has just left the bay, and we anchored in deep water targeting perch. 3 of us ticketed out by 8:30am. 90 perch I the cooler. Wide range of sizes from 7inch to 15. Shiners on the bottom with spreaders.

Spring Crappie Fishing Presque Isle Bay Erie

Took my boat out on Presque Isle Bay for some early crappie fishing. Fished just outside a weedbed in shallow water. Found a hot spot, started catching fish immediately. Look for warmer water areas just after ice. Target structure and weed beds. Used a white jig head tipped with emerald shiners. Single split about 1 foot and half down from small bobber. Crappie were stacked and plentiful. Were excellent tasting in very cold water.

Take A Kid Squirrel Hunting In Pennsylvania

Took my son out for his first squirrel hunt of the year. Decided to go with a 16 Ga single shot. Loaded up with high base 4s. Was able to get close to a beauty. Son made out with a nice squirrel. Some pointers. Squirrels are tough. They have thick hides and I feel it is better to use a lower shot size and more powder with these animals. My son hit a few last year with a 410 and low base but the squirrel escaped. This year we upgraded and he had his first squirrel kill. Look for sign and sit quietly. If no action, move. We did three moves before locating this guy. Beechnut was the key. Found a large mast and posted up. It didn't take long. Was very enjoyable and he has a trophy tail to forever remember this special outing.

Ringneck Pheasant Hunting On PA State Gamelands

Went out for a late season pheasant hunt on a Northwestern PA state gameland. Birds were scarce and tough to find. Took my young bird dog for a long days hunt. She did well and flushed two cock pheasants. If you put some time and determination on gamelands, they will produce. I found these birds in heavy cover. Not in open fields or by parking lots. Work the edges and find birds on the inside curtain of woodlots. I pushed thickets and and went through heavy cover. Birds this time of year are pressured and become quite educated. You must go after them, and search good hiding places. Allow your dog to work the cover thoroughly. I often hit spots of thick cover several times at different wind angles. Most importantly, watch your dog. Your dog will lead you to birds if you take them to good habitat and thickets. Go where most hunters stay away from. Take that long walk and fight the thorns and briars. It will pay off.