Cut short...

Coulter · January 18, 2009, 09:14:08 AM

The good news is that our temps picked up to the 20's this morning compared to 1 yesterday and -7 the day before. The bad news is we got blasted with more snow. That didn't stop me though. Being the ambitious young guy that I am

I busted out the snow shoes and headed into the dark snowy morning for what I was hoping would be 3-5 good stands. I arrived at my first spot and the plows sealed off the parking area. Well the wind wasn't right for that location anyway. So I kept rolling to the next location. Same thing...the plows closed off the entrance to the parking area.

Normally I would just park on the road and walk in, but both of these areas have pretty high traffic and I wasn't about to leave my vehicle to get plowed into by some idiot. On to location number 3...

Well...this location was plowed in as well, but the road wasn't quite as busy. I began to pull off as far as I could when a jeep came rolling my way from the north. I dimmed my headlights so I wouldn't blind him (I was on the his side of the road). As he got closer he stopped next to me. So much for being inconspicuous

We exchanged good mornings and he said he was just checking to see if I was all right. Now that doesn't happen in these parts too often and I was appreciative, so I just told him I was out predator hunting. He wished me luck and headed off. I finished parking my vehicle and jumped out to get prepped for the first hunt of the day. I put my snow camo jacket over my wool jacket and grabbed the snowshoes. It had been a while since I had worn them last, but I managed to get them on no problem. I grabbed my .22-250, made sure I had sufficient ammo and headed off into the snow.

My plans to walk the mile to the hollow below were quickly put rest when my snow shoes sunk 12" - 15" into the fresh powdery snow. Every step I took I brought back a shovel full of snow on my shoes. That crap gets heavy after 20 yards!! I opted to cut my distance in half and hunt the power line instead. I called intermittently for about 35 minutes and decided to head back to the truck. I don't think any critter in his right mind would have waded in that snow to come after anything but a sure bet. While I had the snow shoes off to sit on stand. I walked a bit without them and sank an additional 10" with every step.

I arrived back at the truck and decided I would try a property closer to home. I would have to call the landowner first like I always do and get his permission. More bad news!! He told me there was a good 3 feet of snow on his property and he had buried one of his ATV's in it. He also said his nephew and himself are going to try to get after the coyotes in February. He would call me if anything changed and he wanted me to come in and hunt. But no hunting today. Oh well...might as well head home.

I didn't get or even see any fur, but I did enjoy being on the one stand that I was able to make. I just wish the snow wasn't so deep, there are other areas that I could have hunted if I thought for a second the critters might move. I think if I found a good frozen stream I would probably find fox and coyote tracks all over it. I do know of a couple areas, but they are a considerable distance from my place. Maybe next weekend

Steve

alscalls · January 18, 2009, 12:05:21 PM

A wonderful story of dedication Steve.....Your freackin nuts like me

cb223 · January 18, 2009, 05:59:59 PM

Sounds like you've got the same conditions as I do! All the snow makes it tough to get out and all the parking spots plowed in leaves you parking on the road, not even on the shoulder.

At least you got out even if it was only one stand.

Coulter · January 18, 2009, 07:54:08 PM

QuoteYour freackin nuts like me

Don't tell my wife Al...she'll have me committed. Aw heck, if she hasn't yet she probably won't.

One stand is better than none I suppose, but it will be a long week. Oh hey...I have your waterfowl calls almost done Chad - I just have to tune the goose call and send them on their way.

Steve

nastygunz · January 18, 2009, 10:07:48 PM

Im in the same situation all my spots are plowed in so theres no where to park and in addition to not wanting to get hit by another vehicle they will ticket you for parking in the traveled road way

Coulter · January 19, 2009, 06:22:40 AM

Now that really sucks...even on the dirt roads?

Steve

nastygunz · January 19, 2009, 05:00:22 PM

That depends on the location......one guy who is the chief and lone policemen in his tiny town dont like outsiders hunting HIS town so if he catches you he tickets 100%

FinsnFur · January 19, 2009, 05:37:11 PM

WALK!...what are your legs broken? :roflmao:
Where you hunting at? too close to Walmart parking lot?

SCcoyotehunter · January 19, 2009, 06:51:35 PM

Better luck next time!!!

FinsnFur · January 20, 2009, 08:49:34 PM

He aint, I say...he aint answering me.

nastygunz · January 20, 2009, 09:30:03 PM

i know you aint talkin to me champion...........

Quote from: FinsnFur on January 20, 2009, 08:49:34 PM
He aint, I say...he aint answering me.

Coulter · January 21, 2009, 06:27:37 AM

He couldn't be talking to me either. I would have to walk about 4 miles out of town to make my first stand, then about another six miles to my next stand. That ain't gonna happen

Steve

nastygunz · January 21, 2009, 08:09:00 AM

Although I am guessing we are BOTH a combination of elite triathlete and NFL running back

Coulter · January 21, 2009, 08:38:10 AM

Oh yes, of course...Sort of like the Navy Seals of the predator hunting world

Steve

nastygunz · January 21, 2009, 08:54:34 AM

This one time....at predator camp.....I jogged across Wisconsin.....

Coulter · January 21, 2009, 05:34:07 PM

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

nastygunz · January 21, 2009, 09:07:29 PM

NUFF SAID...

Quote from: FinsnFur on January 20, 2009, 08:49:34 PM
He aint, I say...he aint answering me.