2016 Hunting season

It’s come and gone again. Another hunting season is behind us now. So here is a quick recap.

I killed 3 this year. I wanted to tag out, but the weather and time did not allow for that. I am satisfied with the season though.

Weather was weird this winter. Last year we had a record sitting blizzard, and this year it was in the 60’s most of the time – then a cold spell – then near 70… We had very little snow and rain.

William got one small spike. Eric got a 10 point on a trip to a high fence farm. I got a doe, and a decent 9 point. There are some bigger bucks out there, and we have a nice young herd that should produce some decent shooters in the years to come.

Since moving the camp closer to the utility power and well, things have been pretty nice there. We still have the generator for back up power, but did not need it. We can come in to camp, warm up by the wood stove we built, watch a little tv and cook. No more sleeping on the ground. I am sure by next season, we will surely have one of the nicest camps sporting a tent. The Taj-mahl….or however you spell that.

I tried my hand at the European mount style this year. For my first time, I like the results. Jace even let me hang it in the bedroom near my desk. It was not much work at all. Took we a couple days to complete, including the little frame I built to mount it on. While I was doing this, I was also processing the meat into bologna, summer sausage, jerky, and all. I wore a lot of hats those few days, and enjoyed every minute of it, except the fact that I wanted to stay at camp a few more days. The coolers and meat sitting in ice would not allow it though. Trying to build a cold storage down there, and maybe one on a barn here at the house. (yeah, really need to build a barn this year).

So, now starts the season of reloading, gathering D.O.P.E for the rifles, and stretching them out again. We did some 1000 yard shots, but we are going to get a little better at that and reach for a 1 mile shot this year. Just because. I will probably do a paint job on my rifle, and change a few things on it – there will be a few posts on this I am sure. If nothing else, but to help me remember the steps I took.

The family is doing great. We had a great Christmas and new year. We continue to be blessed. Now- enjoy a few pics.