Scouting Out Hunting Spots

Went to MBtGE's house this weekend. From there we ventured to the hunting grounds, looking at fresh stand ideas. Something with more than one game trail. My usual spot had LOTS of paths next to it, but there are better ones. The tree stand location has much better fields of fire, since a lot of trees around it were taken out by the winter snows, and the farmer that lives there got busy with a wood chipper.


Safety tip: Don't touch burlap that's been outside all summer. I was COVERED in chiggers after doing so. Little bastards. I may have gotten them all, but time will tell.

Deer Stand

Brigid talked about the Zen of the Deer Stand.

The property where we hunt has a deer stand up. But there are problems. So I doubt I can replicate her experience.

For one, the burlap hanging by it is FULL OF CHIGGERS. Sure sure, by hunting season a frost will have ameliorated those.

For another, this metal stand has been out there for years, rusting. It's probably in great shape, but one day it won't be...

The seat is on upside down. And the nylon straps will rot away some day too. So it is wobbly and uncomfortable up there.

It's up high, in the wind, on a cold day. Meh. More comfort issues. This is HUNTING from a stand, TBolt, not napping in a hammock.

But the biggest thing that keeps me out of it? I don't have a sling on my shotgun, nor a place to attach one. I am not climbing the ladder WHILE I am toting a gun in one hand. Sort of a deal breaker right there. If you MADE me hunt in the stand? I'd take the shorter barrel on the Model 11 and the scabbard.

I think I'm gonna die

I look like I have chicken pox.  But it's chiggers from the deer scouting!

Ahh!  Hundred of them!  I think I'm gonna die!  THIS is why I like to wait til the first frost.

Protip:  A hot shower... HOT as you can stand it... is Glory, in this condition.