Recent content by Natty Bumppo

Balsam poplar is a true poplar and also goes by the name Balm of Gilead. I don't have a ton of it, but it does occur on my land. I do a lot of poplar regen for grouse and whitetail habitat. It wouldn't bother me to have strong stand of balsam poplar growing as long as I could brush hog it...

That's my experience too. I understand that every parcel of land is different...public vs. private....different pressure...and different cams...scent management while checking cams, etc. I use cheap little Meidase 70 cams and observe absolutely no avoidance or spookiness.

Ah crap...I didn't realize that's what you meant by a "range toy" when you started the thread. 😆 I just thought you meant the next gun we were looking to add to the arsenal. Yeah, the Savage 99 I mentioned doesn't meet that criteria. But since that post....I picked one up in .243. Going...

Why do you care so much about how other people choose to hunt? I think it probably says more about you and your character than those lazy, gutless, ethically bereft, embarrassing, girly boy hunters you are decrying. I didn't realize hunting was about proving manhood either. Is that what it's...

That's a great price. I love my Fanatic gear. You can tell it was designed by hunters FOR hunters.

I've always wanted a Ruger No. 1. Such a gorgeous rifle. Thinking maybe a .22-250 when the time comes. Not sure if they ever made it in that?

Yes, good call on the calibers that are polite in recoil for youngsters. My son has a 20 gauge slug gun and turkey gun...very manageable especially with 2 3/4" loads. He killed his first bird when he was 10 with a .410. Last year I was looking for a Remington 7600 pump in .30-06 for him to...

Ah, I love it. Here in Mass. it was smoothbore 12 gauge Ithaca Feather-lite Deerslayers, as rifles aren't allowed for deer hunting. Can't think of a more off-putting platform for young deer hunters.

I personally don't think deer are bothered by cameras. Sure, it depends on the camera, the deer, maybe even the region of the country and the amount of "camera pressure" etc. But I've never had an issue using them and perceive neither camera-shy nor camera-happy behavior.

Agree with both of you. I really don't like the look of modern optics on older, vintage rifles. Buying vintage on Ebay can be hit or miss. There are a few Ebay sellers who sell some really nice vintage glass and have great reputations. I just checked out that Vintage Gun Scopes company...

Did a quick search. Here are two outfitters offering spring black bear hunts in Maine on Indian reservation lands. Spring Black Bear Hunt in Maine Black Bear Spring Hunt - Maine

Thanks Bill. I'll check them out. There's a gorgeous 1969 Redfield 1x4 Magnum on Ebay I am looking at...but pricey for a 56 year old scope.

Yeah...and with a peep it's the stick-shift of rifles!

That's a great memory!

Ah crap...I thought Maine had a spring season. Just checked it out, and yes....no more spring bear hunts. Had no idea. Sounds like there are some Indian reservations where it is still legal to hunt with an outfitter.