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It’s tough for wildlife in winter

Area hunters are complaining bitterly about the deer season just past. Even after fresh snow fell in some areas, hunters reported seeing few tracks. The conclusion: the same old one, that there are no deer left anymore. While most of us will spend the next few days surrounded by warmth, food, friends and parties, wildlife is engaged in a hard struggle for survival. The snow and ice storm late this week made life much more difficult for wildlife than for us. The “pretty” deer we admired last summer, that were standing in the middle of a far off field grazing on clover are now holed ...

There are DIY projects in the winter time for anglers

By Walt Young sports@altoonamirror.com With the close of the regular deer season, it often seems like the end of most outdoor activities until the longer, warmer days of springtime. I know, of course, that a fair number of outdoor opportunities exist during the coming weeks. For hunters, the late seasons for small game, ducks and geese are already underway. Varmint hunters can also pursue foxes until February 18, crows until April 9 and coyotes every day year-round. Anglers can look forward to lots of ice-fishing prospects throughout our region once the lakes have frozen to a safe ...

Can’t imagine ever growing tired of the hunting scene

In the past 70 years, since I embarked on my first deer season, a spirit of anticipation grips me in the 36 hours before daylight of the opening morning that I look forward to all year, every year. It’s in my blood folks. I’ve told my friends and family for each of those 65 years that when it is time for me to draw my last breath on earth, I hope I am somewhere in my beloved woods. The visions of big bucks that dance in my head, cooking the vegetable soup, packing all the gear, far more than I will ever use, but will take in case, traveling to deer camp, that drive I so look ...

There’s just something about the attraction of antlers

It’s the middle of the first week of deer season as I begin writing this week’s column, and so far, I’ve yet to fire a shot this season. I’m hoping to remedy that situation by the time these words are printed. I’m hopeful to find a nice buck but would also be willing to fill my doe tag and put some venison in the freezer. Although I’ve bagged my share of bucks during my hunting career, I have never been bitten by the trophy bug and the desire to hold out for a monster-racked deer. That would be little more than a pipe dream because where I usually hunt is not the kind of ...

The most wonderful time of the year

By Shirley Grenoble sports@altoonamirror.com So many things combine to make the day before deer season one of the most exciting times in a hunter’s calendar. Anticipation hones each of our senses sharply. Dreams of nothing less than 8 point bucks will dance through our dreams tonight, if indeed we get any sleep at all. For thousands the thrill is the long awaited trip to camp. Packing up, meeting your buddies, telling and retelling the hunting stories; the smell of Woolrich, gun oil, wood stoves, vegetable soup and boiled coffee. Rigging a meat pole, firing a couple of ...

Keystone State continuing to own world of deer hunting

Pennsylvania Game Commission HARRISBURG — It’s one thing to dream of winning the lottery. It’s another to base your entire financial future on the long odds of it actually happening. The wiser course is to seek out an investment offering reliable, consistent returns. Something ...