Rifle Season Wrap-Up

Having filled my buck tag with a bow in October, the ’07 rifle season found me toting my cameras and putting on a few deer drives for my friends and family. Although most of my time deer hunting is typically spent in a treestand, it was nice to get out a cover some new ground. Several nice bucks had been spotted prior to the season, so everyone’s hopes on opening day were high.

A couple of trail camera photos of legal bucks captured during rifle season

But like it was throughout the state, the weather in our neck of the woods for the beginning of the season was pretty dismal. Driving rain and high winds kept deer movement to a minimum. The only person to tag a buck during that first day in our hunting party was my cousin Samantha. She snuck up on her buck while it was feeding on acorns with a group of deer. Her stalking ability impressed us all and we congratulated her on a job well done.

Samantha Schwabenbauer with a hard-earned buck on a very wet and foggy opening day; Samantha’s support crew included me, Vince Hoover, Bruce McHenry, and Buck Weaver (not pictured).

Colt O’Neil with his first buck, which was harvested in Clarion County; Mike Caun with a late season buck taken in management unit 2F.

As the season wore on, temperatures dropped and the rain turned to sleet and then snow. After the storms had passed, we were treated to 4-6 inches of fresh tracking snow. With new-found enthusiasm, we set out to find the deer that had been eluding us since the season began. One of our primary goals was to provide some shot opportunities for the young hunters in our group. And as luck would have it, we managed to do just that!

Morgan Johnson with her first deer; AJ was extremely proud!

The first youngster to score was AJ’s daughter, Morgan. She harvested her first whitetail with a well-placed shot from a 7mm-08. Seeing someone harvest their first deer is always a thrill, but it was great to witness Morgan’s success after several deer sightings earlier in the season didn’t present her with good shot opportunities. The other drivers and I were very glad we finally moved some deer her way. It was an awesome moment for everyone involved, and I felt fortunate to have been a part of it.

A well-hidden deer bed under a blanket of fresh snow; A black cherry rifle rest during one our field-dressing sessions

Since the deer still weren’t moving much on their own, we formulated a plan for another deer drive. This time, we focused on a thick swamp bordered by old clear-cuts. The result was another filled tag for Sara Weaver, who took a large doe with her 300 Savage. This deer was Sara’s third, and she has already displayed the shooting skills of a seasoned veteran.

Sara Weaver with a very nice Clarion County doe; Sara and her dad, Chuck, enjoy the morning’s success.

Despite the season’s foul weather early on, many hunters fared well during the second week. Here are a few more successful hunters from northwest PA.

Cliff Wingard, Kirk Tharan, and Jess Stewart all harvested these bucks in Clarion County.

John Meier with a heavy-racked 10-point taken in eastern Clarion County; Kyle Ritner with a nice Gamelands buck from Venango County

As in year’s past, this rifle season was filled with memorable moments and quality time shared with friends and family members. It was inspiring to see some of the younger generation get involved and be so excited about our great sport. I hope all of our readers were able to enjoy some time outdoors this season. Good luck to all of the hearty souls who are heading out for the late archery and muzzleloader season!

Thoughts From Our Recent TripTo Erie

So many times, we as outdoorsmen and women get so caught up with the size and quality of the targeted trophy, we tend to forget about the real meaning of what makes the outdoors special.  When I hunt or fish, my goal is to achieve what I set out to do… see animals and catch fish!  The last couple of years my desire to be successful hasn’t diminished, but time spent outdoors has taken on a different meaning to me.  A great example of this change of philosophy can be shown in this trip to Erie steelhead fishing.

Jason Taking Time To Pose While Landing a Steelhead and Shawn in the Background

The wheels were set in motion to go steelhead fishing by my brother Shawn and my Cousin Jason.  They were talking about going to Erie on Monday and decided to move it back a day to include me because of my work conflicts on Monday.  Both Jason and Shawn called me last week and we planned on going up on Tuesday Dec 18th.  If I were reading this, I would probably be thinking big deal, so they moved the trip back a day to include me.  Well to me it was a big deal because they both had to work the day following the trip.  Jason had a 4 hour trip and my brother had a 3.5 hour trip to make it back to work the following morning.  As I was setting at home that evening, I was thinking how lucky I was to have these and many other great people to share outdoor pursuits with.

I know Jason already wrote a journal on this trip so I just wanted to touch on the high points that weren’t mentioned in his article.  First, before even touching the bank of the creek we had to wade through an icy beaver pond (not an easy task).  A 250 lb fat boy isn’t exactly a picture of grace in neoprene waders, so of course I ended up on my hands and knees, not once, but twice going through that pond (look at the sleeves in my pictures).  The soft bottom and the thin layer of ice didn’t help things, and of course I didn’t bring an extra pair of gloves.  Luckily, Jason had an extra pair and possibly saved my fishing trip (it was 21-29 degrees that day).  Thanks for the gloves Jason!

You can see my wet sleeves and this photo was at the end of the day!

Another part of the trip conveniently left out was the scenery pictures from the top of a train tressel.  Neither Shawn or Jason are especially fond of heights and my decision to take pictures didn’t go over well.  I was in the lead so neither Jason or Shawn could get around me.  I don’t believe they wanted me to stop and take pictures, but I took my time and enjoyed the moment of their sheer panic, and got some very nice photos to boot.   Please don’t think I’m evil as I probably get more than I give when I’m around those two.

Shawn Crossing the Bridge.  He isn't to fond of heights.

Jason Was Claiming That He Was Getting Sick From The Height???

Even though I have caught many more fish on the tribs, I can’t remember a more enjoyable time on those waters.  Overall, this trip was a great success and I hope it is the first of many for us.  We have fished together many times, but never in Erie, and never for steelhead.  I learned a great deal from fishing with these two on this trip including how to tie and fish a dropper fly, and different presentations used in different holes.  I am a novice fly fisherman and enjoy watching others and hopefully learn to become a better fisherman overall.  Thank you guys for allowing me to be a part of this trip and I hope to meet you on the tribs again soon.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Good luck on your outdoor adventures and be safe.

Mike

Why Do I (We) Hunt?

My son and I were sitting at home one evening watching a hunting show on television and he looked at me and said, "Mom...why do you hunt?”

This is the question that I feel every person who is new to the sport, or is a seasoned veteran, must continually ask himself or herself. Every person will probably respond in a different way to this question. The answer however, must come from down deep inside of the individual and at times will probably conjure up a passionate response.

MY personal response to my son went something like this; I hunt because I truly enjoy the sport. I love being in the woods well before dawn and watch the woods come to life all around me when the sun rises. I sit and admire the other animals I share the woods with on any given day.

The annoying cackle of the crows. The sound of geese circling their favorite feeding grounds or in travel is always a welcomed sound. The squirrels and chipmunks that scamper around looking for food. It’s as if they are keeping me company or entertaining me while I await my quarry. Also, the sudden thunder of a “Boss” turkey in the spring can get the blood pumping in even the hardiest seasoned hunter. I like hearing and seeing two bucks sparring for dominance. Hearing the whistling wings of ducks flying by at Mach 10. Watching my dog in the field that is truly passionate about the outdoors himself. Or seeing the many beautiful sunsets or sunrises.

But one of the greatest things to me, as a hunter is in the fall. Hearing the distant footsteps growing closer and closer or the sudden appearance of a buck approaching my stand. It’s at this time I feel truly alive! My heart starts pounding I believe the deer themselves must hear it. I have to calm myself down....confirm the target...pick a spot and make a quick, clean humane shot. Then the moment of truth. Everything is perfect, the wind, the shot, I am in control and I have to ask myself the question.......Do I shoot? If I shoot my season is over. If I don’t this buck, provided he makes it through the seasons, may be larger next year. So, I decide to pass on the shot and remain in the stand for the rest of the day.

I then realize that this deer passed within my shooting range that I did everything right to get the shot. I choose not to shoot and enjoy the wildlife that pass my way the remainder of the day. I keep reminding myself that tomorrow is another day and the story starts again. This is why I hunt!

As hunters, no, as true sportsman and woman we all have similar stories to share. But one thing we can say is a constant. We aren’t in it for the “kill”. We are in it for the true enjoyment of the sport. Being a part of the great outdoors. The excitement of trying to harvest animals that are so well adapt to eluding us. Making memories with family and friends.

To be a TRUE sportsman and woman we need to enjoy every trip afield. Take care of the animals we pursue. Help improve the habitat of the animals we hunt. Only take what we can use or are lawfully permitted. Help defend and positively promote the sport. Cherish the time in the field and hope to conserve it for our children. Teach them this and hopefully they will want to continue on these ways. After all the future of our sport depends on the children. So the best thing we can do as hunters is try and pass on our good ethics and traditions to the youth.

This is my personal code of ethics. This is why I hunt.

After a minute or two I asked Jimmy, “So why do you hunt?” His response, “I like being with you and Pap and Don, and my Uncles and friends, and DIDO what you said Mom.” I have enjoyed most, watching my son conduct himself in such a way this past hunting season with the Mentor Youth program, that does not make me doubt for a moment his ethics and passion for the sport.

I hope all of you have a passion deep down in you that helps to promote our sport positively. Our kids need the example. Our children need to realize the sport isn’t easy. And you don’t have to bag your quarry to be successful. You just have to have a passion and an appreciation for the outdoors. That itself is a success. Teresa

I have included some pictures of my trips afield.

From the Forest Floor to the Kitchen Door

Well the gun season was winding down only a few more days remained and God blessed our family with another successful hunt. It has been six years since my brother Rex has harvested a buck in PA. He attempts to allow younger bucks to walk as to both prolong his hunting season and harvest a more mature deer.

The illuminated white forest floor enabled Rex to still hunt through the tops of ridges entwined with grape vines deep in the mountain where he was the only human track. Thus, allowing his predator like senses to kick in and utilize mother nature to his advantage. Low and behold 3 miles later, the billowy snow erupts and emerges from beneath the grape vines seven silhouettes of brown. Three of which sported antlers. In a split decision Rex was able to harvest a heavy antlered 8 point. Congrats to my brother!!!!

Rex and his buck.

On the other side of the mountain we had my son Jimmy out for yet one more attempt to harvest a buck. Although unable to connect, I can say, I know he has a much greater respect for the sport. He realizes it is not as easy as 1,2,3. We trekked 5 ½ miles in 4 inches of snow with only a sighting of 2 deer. Neither of which Jimmy would be able to harvest...more does. But once he saw his Uncle Rex’s buck the smile returned to his face and hopes of knowing someday it would be his buck in the back of our vehicle. And it is that feeling that would keep him coming back for more.

Later that evening we decided to make some deer bologna . Jimmy understands from hunting this year the many hours in the field then the preparation for the kitchen table consumes a lot of time and makes for a long day. It's all part of the sport we love and hope one day he to will pass on the tradition.

Pap Ott and Toad stuffing the bologna.

Fortunately for us the many generations of hunters in the family we have been taught to respect the animals we pursue and prepare them for the table. I will pass on a good recipe that we hope you will enjoy as much as our family and friends. God Bless! Happy Hunting. Until next time!

Teresa

Bologna Recipe

40 pounds of ground deer meat
10 pounds of ground beef OR 10 pounds of ground pork (Optional)
2 ounces of mustard sed
2 ounces of garlic powder
2 ounces of black pepper
1 ounce of crushed red pepper
1 pound of Morton’s Quick Salt
1 ½ pounds of brown sugar

Mix ingredients together. Stuff then let smoke for 8 hours. Cook meat in low boiling water until it floats. Then it is done. If you do not have a smoker you can use liquid smoke to your liking. If you do not have a stuffer like Pap Ott’s, you can buy muslin cloth to wrap meat and cook in oven. If you cook in oven cook approximately 2 hours at 250 degrees. You can utilize any amount of deer meat just adjust your ingredients per pound of meat.
Enjoy!

Teresa

2007 Archery Season Wrap-Up (including videos)

I have to apologize for not writing for a while, but my work schedule around the holidays keeps me pretty busy. Being in Colorado for a week and a half didn’t help either, but as usual, the time out west was worth playing a little catch-up at the office. It was tough being away during the rut, knowing that all of my friends were experiencing some of the best hunting of the season. This year was no exception, and there was a flurry of activity during the final two weeks.

One noteworthy event that occurred during this time was AJ getting a little redemption from his botched attempt at a doe in the early season (see “Opening Week Meltdown”). I have to give him credit because, not only did he finally harvest a deer, he managed to film the shot himself without a cameraman. This feat is even more impressive when you consider that AJ had only learned how to use his new video camera a few weeks before the hunt. I’ll let the video speak for itself. Click the link below to watch AJ’s hunt.

I’m sure many of you might have noticed the somewhat small size of AJ’s deer. You can bet this fact wasn’t overlooked by any of our hunting buddies either. Even AJ finally conceded that the doe might have actually been “a mature fawn”. At any rate, the steaks should be excellent and he was happy to regain some confidence after the events of the opening evening.

The arrow was a little bit low, but still got the job done; AJ was relieved to have some meat for the freezer.

As you might expect, some nice bucks were also harvested during the season’s final weeks. Here are a few photos of some successful hunters from northwest PA:

Dana Kellogg with a nice Clarion County 8-point; Gary Henry with a very unique 12-point, also from Clarion County

Al and Andy Hogue with two dandy bucks they harvested near their homes in Clarion County

Vince Hoover with a huge Venango County 6-point; Tom Varner with a suburban 8-point from Butler County.

Finally, no archery season would be complete without a story about the one that got away. I’ve been sworn to secrecy regarding the details of this buck sighting, so I can only say that a close friend of mine pursued this whitetail for the entire season and only managed to see him once. Unfortunately, a shot never presented itself, but he was able to capture some brief footage of this elusive buck. Although it’s pretty shaky, you can see that this is a once-in-a-lifetime Pennsylvania buck. Click the link below to watch the video.

Some still shots of the heavy-beamed buck that obviously knows of a few good hiding places.

To the best of my knowledge, no one has seen this buck since early archery season. Let’s hope he survives until next year. We might even try some late-season tactics once the woodlots calm down after Christmas. I’ll keep you posted if we have anymore close encounters. Good luck to everyone during rifle season!

My Son’s First Opening Day

The PGC Mentor Youth program allowed me another opportunity and another special time spent with my son on the opening day of PA rifle season.

It all started with the “Hunting Camp” experience. Jimmy’s friend Cody and his dad Jim came up to hunt at my brother’s property in Cambria County. This is one of our “hunting camps”. My son I think was looking forward to the preparation and camaraderie of hunting camp as much as the possibility of harvesting a buck. Sunday he went up to Camp with my father, “Pap”. I was at home I guess doing “Mom” things. Washing hunting clothes, packing lunches for Monday, running to pick up extra hand warmers and things of the sort. Jimmy and Cody shot their BB guns in the woods behind camp. Practicing their aim on leaves hanging in trees. Jimmy explained they were practicing ‘Their Eye” and aim. Then they were off to the woods to put up ground blinds in preparation of Monday’s weather. Each child went with the other to visit their Hunting spot and help with the blind. My dad said they had the best time and all they talked about was dreams of their first buck and “what ifs” that may happen first day.

Left, Jimmy and Cody at Camp.

Upon returning home, Jimmy told me about his “camp” experience, and his hopes of he and Cody harvesting a deer. He then prepared his rifle and shells in a case. Then off to pack his own backpack. He had his flashlight, extra gloves, warm hat, snacks and JUST IN CASE Tums and Tylenol GO Tabs. Because as he explained, “If I get sick then I won’t have to leave the woods.” Like that would happen. If he were sick he would be leaving the woods, I would be sure of that. But I went with it. Then of course, he needed his Hunter Specialties spray and scent wafers. Got have them. He then sharpened his knife for like the 3rd time in a week. That was all packed. What about hand and toe warmers Mom? He took a handful and packed them. Right to bed and I could so remember the night before my first time out for deer hunting. Not sleeping and nervous. It was worse than the night before Christmas.

We arose early the next morning and headed up the mountain. I had gotten jimmy a Medalist rain gear jacket and it arrived a day before Thanksgiving and he needed it that day. It was a little foggy and raining. We got to Camp and chatted a short time before we all headed out with anticipation. We got to our blind and sat waiting until break of dawn. Well dawn came and went and no sign, sound of a deer. But Jimmy was making the best of it. Not once did I look at him and he not smile back. There were very little gunshots and they were far off in the distance. Suddenly we hear a close shot and Jimmy had the gun up on his homemade rest (compliments of Pap!) and was ready. He looked at Pap and me and whispered with wide eyes, “I’m getting ready, they might have missed!” About 10 minutes later we saw one deer moving into the area. Jimmy saw it and was on the deer through the scope before we even said anything. He slowly moved his head and looked up and said, “It’s a real nice doe.” My heart sank. Then Jimmy turned with a big smile and said, “That was so cool! That was the first deer I ever had in my crosshairs. Too bad it wasn’t a buck or I would have had him.” I looked at my dad and I think we were both thinking the same thing. “Wow!” How great to have an 11-year-old kid make such a positive spin on something some adults let alone kids would think was a disappointment. Not to mention how Jimmy handled the gun when he saw the deer and was on it in the scope within seconds. It was like he had been hunting for years rather than his first time deer hunting. Perhaps it was the Mentor Youth program allowing us to take him out for ground hog and squirrel. Maybe it’s all the practice at the range and at the camp with the “leaf targets”, or maybe it is just born in him. A desire like myself, my parents, brothers and Don all have had all our lives.

Jimmy sat from predawn until dark. He fell asleep a few times for a moment here and there and we laughed when he woke up.

Jimmy on one of his naps. We joked around saying he looked like a Christmas favorite in this picture.....Ralphie from Christmas Story. Jimmy doesn’t like his old glasses but they sure help him in the woods and he is a trooper in wearing them!

We never saw another deer that day in the woods. When we got back to the vehicle he made a call to his Grandmother and told her he was out ok and how it was the AWESOME! In his words, “Grandma it was great! I loved it. It was the longest I ever was in the woods. Me and mom and Pap had a great day. And this Medalist coat and stuff my mom got me is TWO THUMBS UP! I am completely dry underneath. Everyone else had to change their clothes I just took off my coat and pants and am dry underneath. But I loved it and can’t wait until I go again!” Music to my ears! I was so proud of him and his outlook. The same outlook I try to have each time I go out. The one I wanted so much for him to acquire. It’s not about what getting your limit or harvesting your quarry every time out. It’s the experience, appreciating the beauty of the land and animals God gave us, the camaraderie and the memory of a time shared with family and friends. For my 11 year old son to sit all day in the woods and see only one deer and then WANT to go out again. That to me is amazing.

Jimmy and Pap.

Jimmy and I coming out of the woods in our Medalist gear.

We arrived back at camp only to find out that one close shot we heard was made by John who had harvested his second buck ever. John was sitting in a stand with my brother Ben when Ben saw 4 deer running out through the field and when he saw one was a buck he had John switch him places and take the shot knowing John had only ever harvested one other buck hunting. Ben has been fortunate to have harvested many bucks over the years. John made a phenomenal shot and got an awesome 8 pointer. Congrats again to John (AKA Jeremiah Johnson). And my brother Ben, again showing his unselfishness and demonstrating a good sportsman by allowing John to take a shot. This is the type of people I like to surround myself and Jimmy around when hunting.

John’s buck

This buck had a really cook rack!

I am looking forward to taking Jimmy out the first weekend and some evenings in hope of he being able to harvest his first PA buck. Even though he may not be successful I look forward to sharing good quality time with my son and making another memory to look back on. I hope you all had an opportunity to make some favorable memories this season with family or friends. Good luck with your pursuit and God Bless! Until next time!

Teresa

Everyone from Camp who hunted up there first day.
Left to right. Front row, Cody Carbaugh, Jimmy and John Lubert.
Back row, my brother Ben, my Dad (“Pap”), my nephew Trevor, myself and Cody’s dad, Jim.

Back Down from the High Country

I’m happy to report that I’ve returned safely from the untamed wilderness of northwestern Colorado. Overall, I’d say our do-it-yourself elk hunt during the third rifle season (November 3-10) was a success despite being plagued by hot, balmy weather that was not very conducive to late-season elk hunting. To me, any time spent in the mountains is a privilege that I feel fortunate to have experienced. I won’t lie though, seeing a few more elk would have been nice.

A view of the valley where we camped for the week; Our new canvas wall tent performed very well on its first trip.

Our hunt took place entirely on public land, including the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and other lands managed by the US Forest Service. These areas are restricted to hunters on foot or using horses and contain some very steep and rugged terrain. The elevations from our camp to the highest hunting grounds ranged from 8,000 to 11,400 feet. The public campground where we stayed was shared by several small groups of hunters from neighboring states as well as a few local outfitters who used it as a drop-off point for their clients who were headed to nearby spike camps.

Our cook tent contained two Coleman stoves for preparing meals; A look at our sleeping quarters inside the wall tent

Our campsite contained two tents, one for sleeping and eating, and one for cooking meals. The canvas tent where we slept and kept most of our gear was 16’x20’ and was custom made by Davis Tent Company in Denver, CO. We installed wood stoves in both tents, but due to the unseasonably warm temperatures that reached 65-70 degrees in the afternoons, we only used them at night.

A few mule deer on private land; A cow elk feeding on a distant ridge on opening morning

The elk tags among our group of hunters included two cow tags and three bull tags, and legal bulls in our management units had to have at least four points on one antler or a five inch brow tine. Despite the lack of fresh tracking snow, our group of energetic hunters remained optimistic as we made preparations for the season opener.

The first few days of our hunt revealed that very few elk currently inhabited the densely timbered slopes surrounding our camp. After speaking with several other hunters and guides in the area, we learned that heavy snows in the second rifle season had initiated the annual elk migration and driven most of the herds to lower elevations which are comprised largely of private land with limited access. We were pretty disappointed, but with the huge amount of wilderness at our disposal, we were determined to locate some remnant elk that hadn’t yet migrated.

That’s me at a little over 11,400 feet; A pika shares my view of the north face of the Flat Tops Range

Knowing that any remaining bulls in our area would be at very high elevations to avoid hunting pressure, I decided that my time would be best spent by doing some serious climbing and covering as much territory as I could. When the alarm clock beckoned at 3:00am, I gathered my gear and began the long, dark hike to the top of the ridges encircling our camp. My strategy was to arrive at the highest alpine meadows before daylight and hopefully catch the elk in the open before they retreated to the dark timber. If I didn’t see anything within the first couple of hours, my time was spent sneaking through the thick timber of the north-facing slopes. I should clarify that I’m using the term “sneaking” very loosely because the frozen two-week-old snow usually made it sound like I had bags of potato chips strapped to my feet.

Large elk rubs were common in the black timber

Claw marks on an aspen tree signaled that we were in bear country.

I consider myself to be in pretty good physical condition, and I can tell you that the mountains of the Flat Tops Range are very humbling. Their slopes are extremely steep, and impassable shear cliffs are common. Not having a horse (or mountaineering equipment), I was limited to the terrain I could safely cover with my own two feet. I think it would be accurate to say that, on this trip, I saw more territory than my two previous trips combined. On most days, I traveled 10-12 miles and over 3,000 feet in elevation. One thing I can tell you is that I’m very impressed with the Medalist Silvermax silk-weight base layers. I wore these for five straight days of hunting and couldn’t detect any foul odors. They dry very quickly and are definitely the best option I’ve found for demanding hunts where working up a sweat is inevitable. I was also very pleased with the Cheyenne pants. They’re very lightweight, and the soft fabric was extremely quiet when I was crawling through sagebrush and thick blow-downs.

My morning post overlooking a huge alpine meadow; I was ready for a long shot, but the elk didn’t cooperate.

During my hunts, I saw all kinds of interesting sights and critters including squirrels, ravens, grouse, a mink, pikas, coyote tracks, wolf tracks, bald eagles, mule deer, and cow elk. You’ll notice I didn’t mention bull elk because that was basically the only thing I didn’t see throughout the course of the trip. I’m not complaining though, because I enjoyed every minute of it, and I can’t wait to go back. To me, avoiding disappointment is a matter of having realistic expectations of a hunt before you leave home. Hunting public land in over-the-counter bull tag areas in the late seasons is a very challenging proposition. Killing a big bull is not only difficult, it is highly unlikely. I knew that when I purchased my tag, and I was willing to accept the odds.

A curious porcupine kept me company one morning while I waited for elk; Our crew of hunters included me, Vince Hoover, Shane Hoover, Brad Jeannerat, and Dean Ritner.

I’d like to say thanks to the other guys on the trip for a great experience in absolutely awesome country. Everyone worked well together and stayed in good spirits despite the obvious disappointment of not harvesting any elk. Our empty meat coolers weren’t the only ones in the campground, as none of the neighboring groups of hunters (including the outfitters) filled any of their tags either. And that, I’ve come to understand, is the nature of elk hunting. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

First Steelhead Fishing Of The Year

This fall has been unusually warm and dry with near drought conditions through October in Erie.  The steelhead season has suffered.  The once fast flowing waters of the Lake Erie Tributaries were little more than a trickle throughout much of October.  I had been itching to get up there to fish for steelhead, but with reports of low clear waters, few fish and many anglers, I decided to stay away.  On November 8th, I was at my house making a plan for an evening archery doe hunt and a thought crossed my mind…  With the recent rains, I wondered what kind of shape the creeks were in Erie.  After a few phone calls, and a little research, my decision was made.  The word I received was the water was up and a little off colored.  The locals suspected there was a nice run of fresh fish making it into the Tribs.  At 10:30 am I was packed up and on my way to Erie.

My first stop as I entered Erie was to Lake Erie Ultimate Angler on West 12th Street.  I needed to pick up a couple tapered leaders and weights before hitting the streams.  After driving to several spots on Elk, I found a stretch that didn’t look as busy as the rest of the areas.   This isn’t to say I was all alone, as fishing for steelhead in the fall isn’t typically a sport of solitude.  I found a nice semi-deep run that usually held fish about a half mile from my truck which nobody was fishing.  This was where I spent the better part of the afternoon.  After a few weight, and fly changes, I had my first hit of the afternoon.  The only problem is that I didn’t see or feel this until I was lifting my fly rod to cast back upstream.  This scenario played out more times than I would like to admit until I made my first solid hook set of the evening.

After getting the first fish of the year (an 18 inch jack) under my belt, I continued to fish this same general area for the next couple of hours.  After a couple more hookups and fish landed, I decided to call it a day, and head back to my truck for the lengthy ride back home.  On my way back, I noticed a large pool (usually holding several fishermen) with nobody around.  I decided to take this rare opportunity to fish this hole alone, and ended up making a good day, a great day.  I possibly, had my best hour of fishing I have ever experienced in Erie as the fish were plentiful and hungry.  The flies of the day for me were a pick sucker spawn, and a chartreuse glo-bug… both size 12.  Most of the fish caught were relatively fresh with a couple of chromers, and all were full of fight.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to fish for steelhead in Erie, I would encourage anyone to give it a try.  One hookup with these powerful fish could get you addicted for life.  The fishery in Erie is incredible, and many people around the world visit to enjoy the great fishing this lake and its tributaries provide every year.   Good luck in all your late fall ventures and as always, be safe.

Mike Bell

“Fowl” Weather, Snow Day and A Waterfowler's “Gem”

Pictures I took of the snow goose 1 ½ weeks before season.

The second season water fowl came in with a bang feeling a little under the weather and keeping me indoors until mid-morning. Feeling better, I dawned my gear, grabbed my gun and Drake. Don and I hit the highway in pursuit of waterfowl.

I have hunted in worse conditions, but we encountered numerous weather, sunshine, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme winds. It was definitely “fowl” weather! However, the medalist gear really held up to the test! I was impressed. Not only did I remain warm, I was bone dry without the added weight and bulk of wet garments. Which we all know can make it difficult to maneuver and not to mention uncomfortable.

We located a variety of birds due to the extreme weather and were able to capitalize on a few flyaway birds physically and vocally. As you will see by my pictures we harvested 2 Canada geese, one which I shot sporting the “waterfowl gem” (and you all know how I like my jewelry!), 2 mallard drakes, 1 bufflehead hen, and one snow goose. That's right our first snow goose. We had been watching this bird for a couple of weeks on different waterways and it seemed to disappear a few days before season. I had even taken pictures of it on water way it was frequenting with this flock of Canada geese.

Don and Drake above with our Snow goose and Canada goose.

Drake and I with the snow goose and Canada goose.

Drake posing handsomely

Snow goose

We also called in a few Black ducks and Don gave the command “Take em” and I heard, “Click-slide, click-slide” thinking to myself, “Oh yeah! Honey you just confirmed your guns empty!” I wasn't able to shoot...maybe because I was laughing so hard, but the birds didn't stick around. They banked and flew to parts unknown. Just seeing such a beautiful bird and knowing you had them within gun range is a success in itself. It's not always about the kill. Oh and by the way, Don loaded his gun after our laughter settled.

Drake, our yellow lab, worked the elements and the birds like a pro. He loves the water but did have to close his eyes at one point while on a retrieve due to the pounding sleet. Although I think Drake could retrieve in his sleep. All in all it was a really great hunt.

Drake with the sleet pounding in his face. He kept closing his eyes.

Drake and Don below with our two drake mallards.

When arriving home we were met by Don's son Brandon and his friend Scott that had also been out hunting after work. They had harvested in all five drake mallards. One of the birds Scott shot was banded. Which is pretty rare in these parts. Later we went on line and submitted the band number on my bird and Scott's mallard. It came up that Scott's mallard was banded in Ontario Canada. How cool is that? You can just imagine the places that bird had been, how far it traveled, how many hunters he may have encountered. To think just harvested here in Central PA.

Upon giving Scott the good news about his bird, he stated that the date of it being banded, September 18, 2004, was the day he and his wife got married. Congrats again to Scott! We have introduced Scott to waterfowl hunting just two years ago and he is hooked. He already has one banded goose and one banded mallard to add to his memoirs.

So despite the “Fowl” weather it was another great memory in the field with family, friends, trusty canine, laughter and success.

Here's to hoping all you have a great memory your next trip afield. Until next time! Teresa

My Banded Bird

Don Drake and I with our days efforts.

Scott with his banded mallard, left.

Brandon and Scott with their mallards.

The day's harvest