Shooting at the Range

I challenged Matt to a shooting contest before he was deployed to Afghanistan.  He finished his tour and has been home on leave.  I called Mr. Pete to set things up before Matt goes back to NC.  I told Pete to tell Matt to be prepared for a Smack Down by Me!!  Matt told me "No crying when things don't go my way".

Now, Matt was selected for a special Marine Unit because of his shooting ability (especially with pistols).  He proved his ability last time he was at the range by taking Pete to task. 

I told Pete I had an idea to load a special clip for Matt with some reloads.  I would: 1) vary the power amounts in the reloads.  2) Use hot power in some but not in others.  3) Use a variety of bullet weights using 115 grain, 124 grain and 147 grain bullets.  I am pretty sure Matt’s shot pattern would be inconsistent.  It was a good idea and we laughed about it.  However, it sounded more like a nervous laugh on our part. 

We met Pete and Matt a the Manchester Firing Line Range.  I brought my 9mm and the .22.  Pete brought his 9mm. 

Matt didn’t have his military issue pistol so he used what we brought.  You would think that would make a difference.  When you shot as many rounds as Matt has it only takes a couple shots to figure out and adjust to the guns accuracy.  

The new range was excellent.  We filled out the paperwork and rented 2 lanes.  You can bring everything with you or rent guns, buy ammo, targets, eye and hearing protection, etc. 

I only had 50 rounds for the .22 so Kevin shot them.  We brought 550 9mm rounds for the 4 of us.  We were all shooting pretty well.  I decided to shoot the bottom of the bullseye from the target to intimidate Matt before our competition.   I told him I was going to shoot the top of the bullseye from the target which I did also.  He just laughed and with no hesitation said “Get Ready”.  The man was Ice …

Matt and I saved one target for our little competition.  3 shots at a time, the closest shot wins.  Matt said “Let’s shoot at the #7 on the target”.  Could I see the #7 at that distance??  Sometimes!!!

We started … #7 at 6 o’clock, Brian wins.  #7 at 9 o’clock, Matt wins.  We let Kevin shoot at the #7 at 3 o’clock.  #7 at 12 o’clock … Now the controversy.  Matt shot and was close.  I shot next and we thought I won.  When we pulled the target it looked to be a virtual tie.  Matt's shot is just to the left of the 7 and mine is to the right of the 7.

In an effort to prove a closer shot, Matt put his finger through the bullet hole making it bigger and thereby closer to the 7.  OH WAIT!! … I DID THAT.  I was thinking Matt has youth and good eyesight.  Shouldn’t any tie automatically default to the OLD GUY with none of the above? 

Matt has better shooting form and technique than I do.  He’s had excellent military training and much more pistol shooting experience.  No Doubt, he’s a better shot.  I am quite confident he would outshoot me the longer this went on.  I think he was going easy on me anyway … He gave me some good advise to improve my pistol shooting.

The 4 of us continued shooting.   With 12 rounds remaining we each took 3 shots at the bullseye.  Due to the mental strain of our competition Matt and I came close but didn’t shoot a bullseye.  Both Kevin and Pete shot a bullseye.  Guess we were lucky they weren’t in the competition. 

Results:

Brian and Pete … “Old but still a threat”

Matt … "In his Prime, Stay Away”

Kevin …“Great Shot and a Rising Young Star”

Target Shooting with Kate

Kate wanted to go shooting before going back to school.  We headed north to a place we could shoot.  I didn't expect the mud we encountered.  It has been warm so the ground thaw and the ice melt has caused lots of mud.  As we wound our way through the woods I came to a couple areas where someone else had broken through the ice on one side of the trail.  Ice, water, and mud can be exciting.  A couple of times I almost came to a stop because of the mud.  Momentum is key when 4 wheeling.  We arrived at an area that looked good for target shooting so we stopped.  I set up some paper targets.  I found a can and stuck that on a branch also.

I brought 3 pistols.  We started off with the .44 magnum (Beulah).  The Pachmayr grip was a bit big for Kate.  The .44 is heavy for her also.  After a dozen rounds or so her hand hurt. 

We moved to the 9mm.  We (mainly Kate) shot 140 rounds with that.  I should have brought more ammo.  I put 19 rounds in the clip and let her have at it in this video. 

Finally, the .22 pistol.  A fun round (and cheap to shoot) but Kate liked the 9mm more. 

We wrapped up our shooting and headed down a couple more trails through the woods.  I ended up on the far side of a ravine.  I wasn't about to attempt going down the steep bank and try to make it up the other side without other trucks with me so I had to turn around.  Had a blast in the mud.
As we headed for home we stopped at a Sportsman show.  I met John Klucky who holds the state record for a typical buck in New Hampshire.  He is a guide and has taken some huge deer. 
We had a great time talking, shooting, and having father daughter time.

NH Ice Fishing Derby - Lake Winnipesaukee 2012

It has been a warm winter so the reports say the ice is thin on Lake Winnipesaukee.  We decided to fish the first day of  the derby.



Kevin and I planned to meet Rick and Steve near the same spot we fished last year from Cow Island.  I was up at 4:19AM.  I woke Kevin at 4:45PM.  We loaded up and were off to Dunkin Donuts.  Rick and Steven were stopping for bait on the way up. 

I brought extra socks, gloves, hats, hand and foot warmers, ice cleats, ice picks, etc. in case we got wet.  I also brought a long tow rope from my truck thinking if anyone went through the ice it may be useful.  If you aren't prepared you shouldn't be playing on the ice.  Grill, food, table, food, traps, food, bait, food, chairs, and ... oh yes, food. 

We arrived about 5 minutes before Rick and Steve.  There weren't many ice houses on the lake due to the thin ice.  We had 8 inches of ice in our area but we could see open water in several places.  We did have snow showers throughout the day.

Steven was the grill master and made his heart attack breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, chili, venison (backstrap), and hamburgers throughout the day.  We never got to the kielbasa or the chicken ...  I often thought someone could get rich with a mobile Dunkin Donuts sled being pulled around the lake by a snowmobile.

We drilled many holes in the ice and set our traps.  Most of the time we had 7 traps (allowed 2 each) set up and used one Jig pole.  We caught quite a few Perch.  At one point Rick thought we may run out of bait so we moved most of our traps to deeper water. 

Fish & Game came around on ATV's counting traps and checking licenses. 



Kevin and I headed out mid afternoon and stopped in Center Harbor.  Looks like they had more like 4 inches of ice.


We also stopped in Meredeth to look at the board. We walked around on the ice also.  Looked to be 2 - 3 inches of ice when we checked. 

At one point we walked by a trap that was 15 feet from open water.  As we walked the ice was bouncing as water was squirting up through the trap hole with each step so we moved carefully to thicker ice away from the open water.  Kevin had the ice picks and I told him if I went in he could slide them to me and I would pull myself out.  I think I will buy a second pair next time.

The board had some nice fish.  A biggest fish on the board at that time was a 12 lb Lake Trout.  The categories were Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Pickerel, Cusk, and Black Crappie.

Because of the thin ice there weren't as many ice shacks out this year.  There were quite a few portable ice shelters.  Some were large and looked pretty slick.  Ice shelters are light, easy to put up, mobile, and probably the way to go.  However, it is nice to see some of the creatively decorated ice houses ...

They said on the evening news that two snowmobiles did go thought the ice on the lake.  Both riders survived.

Search Blog Archive: February 2013, February 2011, January 2010 & February 2009 - for more Winnipesaukee Ice Fishing.

Hunting Adventures - 2011

Hunting season has started so I need to start writing my blog post for our 2011 Hunting Adventures.  Brian, David, Derek, Doug, Frank, James, John, Kevin, Mike, Paul, Ray, Rick, Ryan, Stephen, and Steven are all in.

Some of the guys have trail cameras.  Here are a couple trail camera pictures that are encouraging.  These are before pictures.  I would like to add the after pictures of these also ... go get em guys ...

From Ray ...

From Ryan ... 

From Stephen ...

From Doug ... "Who needs a trail camera?"

From Mike:  “I’m gonna have to get a camera so I can show you guys pics of my does and fawns.” 

From Brian: I may have to get out in the woods for the first time this year … Where’s My Spinner? 

Ray has been spending lots of time in his tree stand waiting to take a shot at the drop tine buck from his trail camera.  While he was up in his stand he had this bear come up on him.  The bear never knew he was there.  Ray doesn't hunt bears.  I was thinking Ray ... Your moose, this bear, and the drop tine all in the same year would get you in some kind of record book here in NH.  How come I don't see Doug behind the rock anymore?

Special note ... Ray and his brother were drawn for the 2011 NH Moose Lottery.  They took a moose opening weekend.  Great job Ray!

Rick and Steve to Dave's for opening weekend of muzzle loader in NH .... hunted Red Hill Saturday. Rick saw 5 coyotes, 4 at one time within 10 yards. He said he was trying to line up a one shot, two down, kill but thought it better to hold off. He was where he wanted to be and a blast from my 50 cal would have woken up the neighborhood. He said in hind sight he should have taken a least 1 out. 

Steve saw nothing but a few earlier feeding spots. Not much sign. The next morning they headed back to Red Hill and tried to cut track in the new snow.... again just a few tracks and coyotes in hot pursuit.  They said they could see where the coyote’s got the deer running, some even up hill.  About 10:15 they headed to the “L”... lot of fresh sign. Steve busted one that ran past Rick (75 yards) doing a 100 mph. Rick said he didn't see horns but at that range and speed it would have to be a record breaker for him to pick up.  Rick dogged the track ... large with dew claw visible on every stride. It ran in the opposite direction than all other sign into the wet stuff and eventually circled back.... Rick said he lost him in a wet area next to a stream where other tracks mixed.

Steve saw plenty of sign but it was obvious that they missed them.... should have gone there first thing!

On their way back to Dave's (2 o'clock) they decided to check out the top of the “L”.   Rick said as they saw 3 deer coming off the clear cut and crossing the road.  Both got out and eventually caught up with them...  4 does, no bucks. With lots of sign Rick said they would be back to that area.

On 11/2, Ray ran this moose out of his yard before she destroyed all of the grafting he had done on his trees.  He said he was about ten yards from her when she took issue with the dog barking at her.  “The hair on her back and neck went up, her ears went down, and she charged us trying to stomp the dog into the ground.  We escaped untouched”.

On11/5, Derek was in his tree stand waiting for one of his large bucks to come by and noticed off in the distance a coyote. He stood up and grab his bow off the tree, got his release locked in on his loop and watch this thing keep coming right up toward his tree. The coyote got about 15 yards from his tree in a clearing facing toward him.  Derek started squeaking so the coyote stopped and looked up at him.  It was a good shot.  Several minutes later 3 more coyotes came in.  He took 3 more shots, one hit two misses.  With no more arrows he decided to race down the tree to fetch his arrows.  He grabbed 3 arrows quickly and started back to the tree with one coyote still barking at him from about 40 yards.  The last coyote wouldn’t come any closer.  This is the first one he took at 15 yards.  Great bow shot Derek …

11/9 Stephen finished his 36 hour hunt for this 8 point (DH boys would say 7 point) old guy the wildlife biologist said was 7+ years old.  Stephen had several bow shots connect early morning on 11/7.  He and Ryan tracked the deer that day.  Continued tracking again on 11/8 and spotted it near very populated area.  They decided to back out and wait another day.  11/9 they found a couple deer beds with dried blood and there he was.  He weighed 225 lbs dressed so a heavy deer.  And to think this wasn't one of the ones you took trail camera pics of. 

Ryan said "Stephen has taken a commanding lead in the hunt for this years DH cup with this 225 lb MA Swamp Donkey."

Kevin had no school on Friday so Rick and I headed north in NH for the day.  I dropped Rick off on Red Hill.  Kevin and I went to the “L”.    We sat for an hour.  I left Kevin and headed to the cliff in the field.  I continued near the edge of the field toward the Squiggle then looped around on an ATV trail.  I made a large rectangle hoping I would see something or push something toward Kevin.  The wind was in his face so he was in a good spot.  I saw a huge rub on a run with a porcupine up in a tree.  We headed back to that area.  Kevin wanted to see the porcupine.  Wayne in Vermont eats porcupine.  Mike says it’s like Corned Beef.  With no Wayne we left the critter alone.  We sat in that area with no deer sightings.

Mid afternoon Pam headed north to pick up Kevin.  Kevin and I went to an area we call “The Landing” to hunt the swamp trail before she arrived.  Kevin took a shot at a deer and I saw 2 deer on the same trail last year.  We walked about 70 yards from the truck when Kevin said he saw an ear.  I looked and it ended up being 2 deer that someone had taken.  It looked like they were dressed, hides removed and very fresh, and a head with antlers.  We headed back to the truck and called the game warden.  The game warden told me if someone pulls in before he arrives take a plate number, drive off, call him, but do not confront.  20 minutes later 2 game wardens arrived and checked it out.  They wrote down some information at the scene including a tag number that was on one of the deer.  It was very out of the ordinary and they appreciated the call.  We ran out of time and never did make it down the swamp trail.  Pam arrived for Kevin so Rick and I headed to Vermont for opening day.

I finished the skull cap from the deer Kevin found.  I put it on our Christmas tree.  Looks good.  I do realize it is small enough, so much so, that the tree doesn’t fall over by the weight or size of the rack.  HA … Bet Derek or Ryan can’t do that …

You see … another reason why I am so selective about the deer I choose to shoot or pass up … or in this case scavenge from my son … who also scavenged … OH NO … are my hunting habits rubbing off on my son !!!  This is why I need you guys to help Kevin, and help me help Kevin, and help me, develop better hunting techniques. 

James took a 4 point with a bow in Vermont.  I took a pic of this milkweed pod as I walked the trail.  Shouldn't I be scouting or something!!

11/12 – 13 There were 7 of us at Mike’s for opening rifle.  Stephen took 2 shots at a 6 point and missed.  Stephen saw a black bear running across a ridge and took a shot.  Lost the blood trail.  Sunday he and Mike went back to continue searching but didn’t find more blood.  I had a different 6 point in my sights, gun up, safety off, looking at the stomach and back legs (front of the deer behind 2 big trees).  It turned and for a brief second I had a shot behind the right shoulder as it moved away from me.  I hesitated looking for the perfect shot.  10 feet in front of it a clean opening through the whips.  I was ready but the buck turned just before the opening and disappeared.  I never fired … NUTS … If I get skunked this year I will regret not taking that shot and will think about that til next year.  I kept hearing “It is better to shoot and miss than not shoot at all.”  We had several misses from the group and a NO SHOT on my part.  I took another stand and thought Stephen was going to push a field for me.  As I sat a very big coyote came from that direction.  Had him in my sights but didn’t shoot thinking Stephen could have pushed a deer right behind it.  30 minutes later Stephen calls on the radio back at camp.  Turns out he said he was tired and didn’t push the field so I should have shot the coyote. 

Mike saw the perfect spike close up but no 3^rd point and more doe sightings for everyone else.  Ray brought a moose roast from his New Hampshire moose for our big Saturday night dinner.

Mid week Mike spotted a 10 point on the run, took 2 shots, missed.  I would like to say I held off from shooting that 6 point last weekend for the 10 point buck but I didn’t know there was a 10 point buck in the area. 

11/16 Rick asked me about hunting with Steven and Mike in Vermont this coming weekend.  I told him I had family to pick up at the airport Friday night then off to be with family in CT for the weekend. 

Rick said “This is hunting season..... kids, wife, home, can wait! Don't you realize that this is but a moment in our busy lives... a moment to replenish our soul. To readjust, to again center and make straight the path that life so easily bends. Do you wish to walk as a blind man? If not tomorrow, then when will you answer the call and hunt. Is it next week or possibly next year? You, my friend are on a slippery slope. Make the time, follow that inner calling.... go hunting....go hunting...go.

This is our time! 

ps .... I still have to clear it with Paula.”

Steven and I headed back to hunt on 11/25.  There was 8 inches of snow on the ground from a storm.  I saw some good tracks and deer beds but I no deer.  I came out on one trail and saw boot tracks going the opposite direction from the morning.  This deer track is inside the boot track.  Right place, Wrong time ...

Steven stayed over and on 11/26 took a 5 point dressed at 92 lbs … yes 92 lbs … Mike and Lauren called it a fawn with antlers.  He ran out of bullets and was contemplating hand to hand combat to finish it off until Mike came from his stand to give him another round to finish things.

I was not there but I hope Mike closely examined the antlers.  Could they have been yet another set of screw on antlers purchased from the "DH" website?  We had a similar incident during last years’ hunting adventures.  Did you notice SMURF GLOVES Mike?

Steven’s 2012 hunting list: Carry FULL box of ammo. 

I poke fun at Steve, yet, HE GOT A BUCK.

12/1 was a big day for the group.  As I sit in my home office working I get several calls.  Ryan took a nice looking 3 point.  Derek took a big doe (112 lbs dressed) with one of his doe tags.  Stephen took 2 bucks. One was a button buck and not sure of the other.  4 deer on the same day is a record for the group.  Great job guys ... 

I hunted the following day in Moultonborough.  I jumped 3 deer but never saw them as they were in the hemlocks.  One turned and came back to me when I used a grunt call.  Still couldn't see through the trees but crashed off when I finally moved again.

Derek took this nice 7 point dressed at 145lbs.  He said it had a belly full of corn so someone in the area must have be feeding the deer.
  

Ryan has been waiting on a monster buck in one of his areas.  He said he was up early in his tree stand.  The deer were in the high grass.  When it got light all he could see was the deers breath in the cold air.  As they started to move around he counted 12 does but no bucks.  Sounds like a good spot to return to.

Ray emailed this trail camera picture of the drop tine buck taken on 12/8.  It made it through another rifle season.  Another nice buck, showed up on 12/9.  He can't believe it showed up during shooting hours.  The NH season ends on 12/15 so Ray is running out of time. 

The bucks are playing head games with Ray.  On 12/13 Ray left his morning stand to go to work.  An hour later this was taken. 

Ray didn't see either buck before the season ended.  Still a bit more time for MA hunting. 

12/14 Steven took two quick shots at a buck in MA.  Rick said "From the maestro and off we go....".  They follow what appeared to be a good blood trail and then nothing. The buck had crossed the road and what was a hunt became a typical day in the life of a DH hunter. Nothing like walking a neighborhood with a loaded weapon; kids playing, dogs barking and traffic.... a true urban experience.

Rick: Between the many arrows slung and the countless shots that have rang out, I've come to the conclusion that Steve is a terrible shot.

Brian: I didn’t see many deer in the woods so I have a possible solution.  Steve will spot them for ME and I will shoot them …

Rick: Well Brian, you and Steve would make the perfect killing machine if only braille was an option. Steve's shot so many times he now suffers permanent hearing loss and you can't see. The perfect hunting storm! 

Mike: Seriously, he’s got a problem…the acuity of this syndrome began to express itself last year, if you recall.  He needs to go to a shrink that specializes in “Buck AND Doe Fever”.

Brian: Not to sound the alarm but could he be the first human case recorded of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

Stevens reply to all of our banter: “It is better to shoot and miss than not shoot at all.”  I have one in the freezer … Do you?

12/24 I decided to take my camera and try to take some deer pics in the woods.  I had a hill in mind in MA.  I was about 200 yards down the trail going to the hill when I spotted a hunter coming toward me. He said he had 2 buddies on the hill coming toward me.  I had an orange hat.  He had a muzzle loader and was in full camo.  Hmm … I don’t hunt in MA so correct me if I’m wrong but I thought you had to wear several hundred square inches of hunter orange when hunting in MA.  I told him I may loop around on the other side which might push something to them or I may see something coming from them.  He said I was good because I had an orange hat.  I continued in another direction and ended up by a swamp with deep water around me.  I didn’t want to continue and potentially get my camera wet so I headed for the truck then to a different area.  Only a couple more days of MA hunting left then I can try again.

Ray in NH sent me another pic of the drop tine deer.  He named it “9 Ball”.  He sent more pics of the 8 point he named "Arnold".  Check out the rippling muscles.   The steroid additives in the apples are working.  Ryan’s thought it was an unbelievable deer that looks to be about 250 lbs.

We may all have some good hunting to look forward to next year if these big guys make it through the winter. 

Our group had a good year hunting even though most of these big bucks disappeared on us during hunting season. I made a collage from some of this years trail cam pics.

I didn't get a deer this year because of my "NO SHOT".  I've decided to change my strategy for attracting bucks next year by carrying apples in my pockets, using more buck lure, and wearing this hat.

Go to: "Search This Blog" at the top of my page and type in "Hunting" to see other hunting posts.