An Old Farts Outdoor Thread

[paulinkansas]

shooting a banded bird is a big deal.

I got a banded mallard and sent the numbers in to USFWS. 2 weeks later I get a certificate in the mail. It was banded 11 years earlier as an adult bird.

There are 3 bands on my lanyard.

[paulinkansas]

Banded geese

Jeff Foiles. That caused quite a ruckus.

[paulinkansas]

Sometimes when I'm duck hunting with someone else and I retrieve their bird, I'll cut off the foot when I pick it up and then give it back to them.

[mtpockets]

To the waterfowl hunter, shooting a banded bird is a big deal. My FIL has shot several banded birds and he even shot one with a transmitter. IIRC, he received a certificate when he called in with the transmitter info (and may have even shipped the thing back to the appropriate authority). But I digress. Whenever I see a group of geese around here near parking lots, parks, etc. (are they still a "flock" even when on the ground), I always try to see if any are banded.

Banded geese are a lot more prevalent than you might think (or perhaps it appears so when the banded ones become resident, city dwellers). I know once I counted a dozen or so banded geese in this one area that were so thick with them that the local government got permission to thin them out in some manner.

I shot a few banded birds, the most unique was a green winged teal that I shot in the Atlantic flyway, this was back in the 70's. I phoned the number in, they called me a few weeks later and ask if I could bring the band in so they could verify it. The bird was banded in the pacific flyway, Washington state to be exact. The little bugger jumped a few flyways to run into my shot on the east coast.


A lot of the banded geese seen in cities are a lot of times banded there or locally. They are easy targets during their molt when they can't fly. I volunteered a few times helping with these bandings during the molt. There is truth to the old adage, birds of a feather flock together.



Great day on the trails....

[steffo99]

Beautiful winter landscape, pockets.

Transferring and processing flower pics again. Thought it would a short thing with just 2 flowers, but failed so much I end up with 4000 50 MB files, and have to move things around on different drives before can clear it up and start to process. Wondering wtf I'm up to at times.

[steffo99]

[Payton1221]

Jeff Foiles. That caused quite a ruckus.

I had to look that up. My FIL used to hunt Western KY on the Mississippi flyway and heard stories of people spotting the banded ones with a scope and then shooting them with a rifle. It's a shame what some people will do to look successful.

There are 3 bands on my lanyard.

Impressive.

Sometimes when I'm duck hunting with someone else and I retrieve their bird, I'll cut off the foot when I pick it up and then give it back to them.

Not sure if serious ;-)

[Mark1T]

MT, Burbot are on my list to catch and eat, as well as all Trout, Northern Pike and Musky. Great snow shots.

steffo, nice close-ups. Very clear.

Might rain tomorrow. I have my traps all set in the culvert in case we get some water flow.

[Mark1T]

Eastern Bluebird



Landscape Shot

[mtpockets]

Great shots Steffo and Mark Keep them coming boys…

[steffo99]

[Mark1T]

steffynious, great pic of the Squirrel. Interesting, the different species of Squirrel in different part of the world.

I am making scratch pizza out in the country. Started yesterday and made the dough, rested and placed in the fridge overnight for a cold-rise dough. Took out of the fridge early, so it had 9 and 3/4 hours to get to room temp and further gain flavor.

This first pic you can see the little bubbles, which means I did it right and that is fermintation happening.



This pic is artichokes and mushrooms and I will have sliced onions to go on it and Mozzarella cheese.



More coming, so stay tuned. The excitement is building!



That's Cassie-Lassie at the Findlandesian Fair in 1993.

And, her little brother, Alberto.

[Mark1T]

[mtpockets]

Steffo great squirrel shot, looks like he got some bed head happening lol

Mark knows his bread stuff, that pizza looks amazing as does all your food entries, I can almost smell it. The Pizza turned out wonderful. Well done.


We are out of town at a small ice fishing derby, I am sitting here in the hotel twiddling my thumbs watching the clock tick by until it's time to hit the ice lol..

Fun so far, will be leaving this afternoon to head home.

Ya'll have an awesome day and keep a grin on those chops

[Mark1T]

MT, I hope you win something cool

Stay safe out there and watch out for Bears

[mtpockets]

MT, I hope you win something cool

Stay safe out there and watch out for Bears

Thanks Mark...




Happy Monday fukkers, I hope that you all had a great weekend and have a great upcoming week.


This thread gets a lot of views from all types of people and some perhaps never heard of an ice fishing derby so I thought i'd explain a bit about how the event went down for those who don’t know what they are all about.




This was a total impromptu trip, on Friday, I learned of a small charity ice fishing derby a few hours north. I called to see if there were any accommodations available and lucked into the last room available. (they just had a cancellation a few minutes before I called) Less than an hour later we were on the road.

Arrived there in time for the meet and greet where they sold booze and food to raise money for their charity. The food was amazing, homemade style burgers and salad was my choice. Most of the participants were from the area and knew each other. After the rules were read I was surprised to hear the organizer announce the names of those of us that came from away and had us stand so others could see us. It was a nice touch and after the formalities almost everyone came up to say hi and welcome us. Great people but that is the norm around these parts.

The ice wasn’t too bad but lots of slush. The Derby only had 2 categories Splake and Lake Trout and was only a 1.5 day event starting at 8 Saturday morning and ending at 1 pm on Sunday. Not complaining though we were lucky to still be fishing given the lame ass winter we had lol



I wasn’t familiar with the Lake so I opted to fish for Splake and picked up a few fish in the morning but nothing of any size or worth registering. Around 2:30 I picked one up that went 2.92 lbs, a pretty decent fish and held the lead at the end of Saturday.

A bunch of the locals were getting together to watch the UFC event on Saturday night and invited us along. More food and laughs, a great time.

There was a high front moving in and the Barometer was rising. With that in mind, I decided to forgo the Splake fishing on Sunday thinking that the fishing would be slow for both species and that my splake catch from the first day would hold or at least let me place 2nd or 3rd. I headed out for lakers and that was a complete bust, as predicted the fishing was slow for everyone.I quit fishing after an hour or so, the windchill was making it uncomfortable and nothing was being marked on the fishfinder so it was time to call it and head out for a wonderful brunch buffet and wait for the derby results to be announced.


There wasn’t any Splake worth mentioning caught on Sunday either and my Splake from Saturday held its position in 1st place.

My prizes ended up being some camping gear which included some outdoor cookware, compact ultralight full size tripod, a cash prize that I donated back to the charity, some other odds and ends and most importantly an Extra Large Big Agnes ultralight chair. I haven’t used it yet but I did set it up and try it and let me tell you, that is one fine piece of gear. I can see myself spending many hours in that baby during the coming years. Don’t ask to borrow it, don’t ask to try it, in fact, don’t even look at it. ha ha











All in all it was a short but fantastic trip, the food was awesome and the people were fantastic which gives credence to the old adage “there are no strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet. This is a definite do over and we will head back that way next winter and leave earlier or stay later to fish some other lakes in the area. A Great Weekend.



A couple of shots from behind my place taken last Friday morning.

.









A Fun Busy week ahead in our neck of the woods and now it’s time to get this day started and make some tracks.

I hope that you all have an amazing day/week and get a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Keep smilin peeps.

I’ll holler at ya’s when I am older

[Mark1T]

MT, that is awesome. Nice to hear you got and nice of you to give the cash to charity. I was surprised that there was enough ice to ice fish. People must come out from all over to be there. Good to know there are good people who always support each other and have a good time doing it.

Last night there was a 100% chance of rain for this morning. It went around me mostly. All I got was some sprinkles I have my traps all set for the water to rise in the culvert, so I have to wait.

[paulinkansas]

This thread gets a lot of views from all types of people and some perhaps never heard of an ice fishing derby so

There was a very major bass fishing tournament about an hour away from where I live last weekend. Bill Dance, Johnny Morris, Roland Martin and a few other celebrities were there. Buck McNeely was not.

[OldFartTom]

Congratulations on the win MT

[Mark1T]

I'm seriously considering buying a Rucksack and adding rucking to my weekly workouts.

Anyone here into rucking? I have seen a few online, but I am looking for one I can put rocks in for weight. I have plenty of granite around here. Granite is dense and heavy. I think 40 to 50lbs should do it.

Suggestions ad discussions welcome.

_____________

Paul, you know Bill Dance only catches 10lb+ Bass

[paulinkansas]

Anyone here into rucking?

No rucking way.

Yesterday I saw a Central American guy skin and process a deer in about 15 minutes. He used to work in a meat packing plant. He pulled out 2 knives from his pocket and went to work. They carried about 75 pounds of meat off. 4 quarters, 2 rib slabs, the backstraps and organ meat. The only thing left behind was the head, skin, tail, intestinal system and penis.

[Mark1T]

No rucking way.

Yesterday I saw a Central American guy skin and process a deer in about 15 minutes. He used to work in a meat packing plant. He pulled out 2 knives from his pocket and went to work. They carried about 75 pounds of meat off. 4 quarters, 2 rib slabs, the backstraps and organ meat. The only thing left behind was the head, skin, tail, intestinal system and penis.

Paulito, I was figuring you to be the leader rucksacker here. I am 100% that the Mountain Man will tell us stories of the many Moose-rucksacks excursions he has been on over the years. Dat what he do. Rucksack is just another name for I-do-this-every-day for MT.

So, I'm probably not going to go big $ on a rucksack, I might spend up to $80. Rucksacks I have seen go $400++. I just need a good bag to load up 50lbs of granite to slog down on. There must be a rucksack community. I would bet money there are no transgenders there.

[paulinkansas]

Paulito, I was figuring you to be the leader rucksacker here.

Many decades ago I would carry 36 duck decoys in a sack on my back while wearing waders and carrying a shotgun and shells while walking through muddy ground. Those days are over. Now I use a boat or my Shappell Jet Sled.

[mtpockets]

I'm seriously considering buying a Rucksack and adding rucking to my weekly workouts.

Anyone here into rucking? I have seen a few online, but I am looking for one I can put rocks in for weight. I have plenty of granite around here. Granite is dense and heavy. I think 40 to 50lbs should do it.

Suggestions ad discussions welcome.

Mark I think you would enjoy Rucking.. I have been a longtime Rucking fan, I carry a pack a lot mostly on my daily adventures. A few years ago I tried a weighted vest and if I am just going for exercise and not carrying gear except for a water bottle or fanny pack I will grab that weighted vest every time.

I like that you can add or remove weight depending on the terrain and also I find that it fits the torso better than a pack and more comfortable for me. It's also very versatile and great for body weight exercises such as pullups, pushups, squats etc...

A lot of the time if I am doing a hike that I am returning the same way and only need to take a snack and water or fanny pack. I will start out with a heavy weighted vest and drop some of the weights in the bush along the way after a few miles, proceed lighter picking them up on the way back and finishing heavy for the last few miles. I have done the same with Rucksacks as well. The vest is just more comfortable and easier to control the weight.

I have a sh!tload of packs, everything from 5 litres to 85 litres and many in between, they are an obsession for me just like Tilley hats lol.

You will find the right pack for you, if you have an opportunity to visit a store and try them out I would suggest that. Packs are a very personal preference and what fits one person may not be the best for another.

I am pretty sure that Grouchy is into Rucking as well and can most likely provide some sound advice.

[Mark1T]

Many decades ago I would carry 36 duck decoys in a sack on my back while wearing waders and carrying a shotgun and shells while walking through muddy ground. Those days are over. Now I use a boat or my Shappell Jet Sled.

That is an awesome solution. I bet it works great. Very smart.

Mark I think you would enjoy Rucking.. I have been a longtime Rucking fan, I carry a pack a lot mostly on my daily adventures. A few years ago I tried a weighted vest and if I am just going for exercise and not carrying gear except for a water bottle or fanny pack I will grab that weighted vest every time.

I like that you can add or remove weight depending on the terrain and also I find that it fits the torso better than a pack and more comfortable for me. It's also very versatile and great for body weight exercises such as pullups, pushups, squats etc...

A lot of the time if I am doing a hike that I am returning the same way and only need to take a snack and water or fanny pack. I will start out with a heavy weighted vest and drop some of the weights in the bush along the way after a few miles, proceed lighter picking them up on the way back and finishing heavy for the last few miles. I have done the same with Rucksacks as well. The vest is just more comfortable and easier to control the weight.

I have a sh!tload of packs, everything from 5 litres to 85 litres and many in between, they are an obsession for me just like Tilley hats lol.

You will find the right pack for you, if you have an opportunity to visit a store and try them out I would suggest that. Packs are a very personal preference and what fits one person may not be the best for another.

I am pretty sure that Grouchy is into Rucking as well and can most likely provide some sound advice.

I knew you would have a say. Thanks for the pointers. Makes sense to try them to see what fits me best. Great tip. I do pullups 3X per week and yeah, a ruck is a great way to add weight easily. Placing weights along your journey is a clever way to do it and challenging.

I will keep you posted.

[mtpockets]

[paulinkansas]

Kinda puts "cougar" into a different perspective.

[Mark1T]

MastaT, I saw that. Horrific.

.

Here's a story I saw on X.

In the early 20th century, a Bengal tiger known as the 'Champawat Man-Eater' began preying on humans.

This tiger turned its attention toward the residents of the Champawat area in India, a community primarily composed of poor villagers living in isolated areas.

Lacking means of self-defense, these villagers were easy prey. It's estimated that this tiger was responsible for the deaths of approximately 436 individuals, ranking it among the deadliest man-eaters on record.

The British colonial government, overseeing India at the time, was compelled to intervene due to the high death toll.

They dispatched Jim Corbett, a renowned hunter and naturalist, to eliminate the threat. Corbett managed to kill the tiger on April 29, 1907, with a .450 caliber rifle.

The remains of the tiger, specifically its skin and skull, were preserved and are currently exhibited at the Corbett Museum in India.

[steffo99]

Liking that palm house, I often visit Kew Gardens (although the round trip takes me some time) haven't been there yet this year, must go!

Here it came up on a music channel today that I sub to.

[paulinkansas]

A group of Louisiana people rented a place from me during rifle deer season last year. Someone stole their ATV. The police recovered it over the weekend. The guy that referred those people to me needed help loading up the ATV from the police impound yard. It's behind the blacked out fence. There was a Brinks armored truck in there.

So we back up the ATV he's never driven on to my trailer. He backs up his truck to my trailer and I lower the trailer gate on to the truck gate. He drives in to the bed of his truck and breaks the rear window with the front of the ATV. The ATV had no brakes. He started swearing at those Louisiana guys that owned the ATV that he was picking up for them. The guys wife was there too. So I told them this joke:

A dad and his young sone were at a park. They saw 2 dogs humping. The son asks what those 2 dogs are doing. The dad says one dog has a sore paw and the other dog is helping it home. The son says "that's the way things are, you try to help someone out and they fulk you up the ass."