Larry A. Smail's Blog

Witch Hazel

  I woke up to winds on the first day of squirrel, grouse and even ethe early muzzleloading season for deer. There wasn’t any rain so I decided to head out to the woods and witness some nature.           

Aspen leaf

I carried a Remington.22 rifle sling across my shoulder as I worked through the darkness of the pre-morning. I walked about a quarter of a mile into the woods to set down and listen and watch.

The morning proved to be gloomy as I listened for turkey sounds. the winds would definitely be a deterrent to hearing this day. I watched two gray squirrels as they silhouetted themselves against the gray sky.               

Sassafras leaf

Buck

  I had several primary reasons to be in the woods this day and squirrel hunting was not one of them. First and foremost I hoped to hear turkeys. I was seeking information as to any possible roosting areas. This reason was realized shortly after 7:00 A.M. when I heard a couple of cuts and later soft yelps.

The second reason to be out was, of course, to witness the colors of the woodlands and see how well the trees and grapes produced fruit. This reason was completed all morning long. The leaves are peaked and quite beautiful despite often heavy cloud cover.

The third reason was to try to get some good photos of deer, etc. This reason didn’t do very well for me.

    I walked about all morning and had 10 squirrel sightings. I was not into a hunting mode yet. Eventually, my hunter instinct took over and a bagged one. After the shot i wished I hadn’t done it, but I cleaned it in Cherry Run and look forward to some fried squirrel soon. I missed two earlier while the dismal grays interfered with my visuals. i just don’t see well in gray days…old age!

I did see 4 deer. One was a buck for sure. I managed several photos, but the blowing leaves often interfered with the subject causing blurriness. Later while traveling home I watched a flock of turkeys fly across a hollow. This is always a great site to see.

     I am not sure if I will hunt deer this week or not. If I can get into the hunter mode I may. Monday, I am getting a new fridge for the basement. Ours had blown up last spring. I know I need to get one to hold deer meat while I butcher and process.