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Post by brokennock on Dec 25, 2019 13:03:58 GMT -7
Finally got out for a couple hours of muzzle loader deer season yesterday, Christmas Eve. It was the last day of our state land muzzleloading season. I'd gotten out only once before for a 3 hour walk that amounted to a pleasant evening, but nothing but tracks seen, well, I saw plenty of other "hunters." The recent snow had limited places for people to park, thus condensed a lot of activity.
Between then and now we had a warming and refreezing pattern and a ice and freezing rain event. Tough hunting conditions. But, with only a few hours left of the season, free time, and my heart heavy with a Christmas season flavored mostly with thoughts of those lost this year, I needed to get in the woods. Very pretty scene, but dangerous walking. Where things were soft enough to not fall, it was impossible to move quietly, where it was solid enough to move quietly, it was solid ice. Pleasant cool temps for the 1st couple hours, but, I was also climbing the "hill." I sat for the last hour and a half and those last 45 minutes got very cold. On the way out, the temps had dropped enough that there were no more soft spots to dig one's boot edges into, the forest service road leading down the mountain (hill for those in the Rockies or Blue Ridge) was a solid sheet of ice. I saw tracks, 1 set moose (small), many coyote, raccoon, bobcat, and a few old deer tracks. My hunting buddy was already at the top when I got there and we walked out together. He said all the deer had seemed to move to the top and were on and off the state land/private land up there. He saw no deer but a lot more fresh sign. Of course we also encountered our usual compliment of dag walking non hunters, not wearing any orange.  that little hill, leading into the big climb is FAR more treacherous than it looks,
ugly, but, looking so much younger than I am with all the grey shaved off my face, lol
at least I had a warm knit hat made by a friend to help keep the chill from my "chrome dome" once I sat somewhere.
Merry Christmas all.
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Post by spence on Dec 25, 2019 18:04:35 GMT -7
Good to be out, though, isn't it? I can't think of a better way to spend Christmas eve.
Spence
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Post by Sicilianhunter on Dec 26, 2019 11:46:14 GMT -7
Finally got out for a couple hours of muzzle loader deer season yesterday, Christmas Eve. It was the last day of our state land muzzleloading season. I'd gotten out only once before for a 3 hour walk that amounted to a pleasant evening, but nothing but tracks seen, well, I saw plenty of other "hunters." The recent snow had limited places for people to park, thus condensed a lot of activity.
Between then and now we had a warming and refreezing pattern and a ice and freezing rain event. Tough hunting conditions. But, with only a few hours left of the season, free time, and my heart heavy with a Christmas season flavored mostly with thoughts of those lost this year, I needed to get in the woods. Very pretty scene, but dangerous walking. Where things were soft enough to not fall, it was impossible to move quietly, where it was solid enough to move quietly, it was solid ice. Pleasant cool temps for the 1st couple hours, but, I was also climbing the "hill." I sat for the last hour and a half and those last 45 minutes got very cold. On the way out, the temps had dropped enough that there were no more soft spots to dig one's boot edges into, the forest service road leading down the mountain (hill for those in the Rockies or Blue Ridge) was a solid sheet of ice. I saw tracks, 1 set moose (small), many coyote, raccoon, bobcat, and a few old deer tracks. My hunting buddy was already at the top when I got there and we walked out together. He said all the deer had seemed to move to the top and were on and off the state land/private land up there. He saw no deer but a lot more fresh sign. Of course we also encountered our usual compliment of dag walking non hunters, not wearing any orange. that little hill, leading into the big climb is FAR more treacherous than it looks,
ugly, but, looking so much younger than I am with all the grey shaved off my face, lol
at least I had a warm knit hat made by a friend to help keep the chill from my "chrome dome" once I sat somewhere.
Merry Christmas all.
Nock, I’ve always found the Forest a safe haven despite its dangers. It’s a place where you can ground yourself and focus on a true REALITY which lends to letting those heavy thoughts taking a back seat to more basic concerns like how to take your next step on an icy trail. I’m happy to hear you were able to get out and hunt this holiday. Your kit is looking REAL good!! Well Done!!! |
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Post by brokennock on Dec 26, 2019 22:57:07 GMT -7
Thanks Sicilian Hunter. It was good to get out. The guy starting b.s. with me really sucked, ruined my whole evening. I was looking for solitude and my way of connecting with God. As you know, my heart is heavy, it is a tough holiday season. I really needed that time, b.s. free, drama free. Oh well, can't undo it. I still have a few days I can spend in a treestand with my bow if I get time.
As to the kit,,,, getting there. I really like my other frock better, but it creates the issue of lack of hunter orange. One of the projects on my list that didn't get done this year was to dye the one in the pics in order to bring the natural color more in balance with the orange when viewed in greyscale or black & white. I want to try to dye it with sumac berries as walnut seems so overdone. Here are the black & white renditions of the selfies, (good lord I hate seeing my face in pics, especially on the net, but glad I shaved)
I need to find thin wool stockings and period correct half boots (or whatever one calls them, Jefferson boots, trekkers,,,), also a pair of wool French fly breaches. A snapsack is high on my "to make myself" list.
How do the rest of you deal with navigating icy hills in a period manner?
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Post by skychief on Dec 28, 2019 21:40:29 GMT -7
I've enjoyed this Brokennock. Thanks for taking the time to share your hunt and photos with us.
Best of luck.
Stay safe, Skychief.
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Post by Black Hand on Dec 29, 2019 5:50:20 GMT -7
How do the rest of you deal with navigating icy hills in a period manner?
I have a pair of creepers that are used when conditions are icy and/or additional traction is needed.  These were made by a friend but could easily be made with flat stock, hacksaw, drill, file, hammer, pliers and vise (perhaps a propane torch to use when making the bends). The only thing I'd do differently is make the tines a little shorter. With shoes/boots, long tines would be great, but with moccasins it can get a little painful, as the creepers are tied to the instep. |
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Post by brokennock on Dec 29, 2019 10:05:08 GMT -7
I wondered if something like those were allowable/period.
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