Friday:
The turkey stuffed crew of 10 arrives early to single digit temperatures, both outside and inside the camp. Snow is still present, and provides a workout for the gang as the hunt commences. Polecat and Leaddog assaults Beaver Valley to the Amphitheater, with the gang waiting on the other side for mules to be pushed to them. At the top of the frigid, cold mountain Polecat pushes a moose sized doe out of it’s bed to points unknown. Drivers from all directions converge on the watchers, where they laid in wait for action. The Valley in Piney Knob had the appearance and smells of an Indian encampment; fires burning resulted in smoke hanging in the valley and covering any odors of human occupancy. Mules stayed high, apparently enjoying the heat produced from below.
Saturday:
In an effort to totally confuse the mules, A Sunday hunt was in order. Drivers were driven to the starting point, with part one resulting in the crew mixing it up with the coyotes who now seemed to dominate the happy hunting grounds. Dogs, dogs, and more dogs were about, and actually heard by the gang, with tracks being present everywhere. This possibly may be the result of Toucher’s big mean ‘ol bear forming an alliance with said dogs, but we will never know. Mules are about, but are on high alert due to the presence of the coyotes. Toucher spanks a coyote hard, one less to chase the mules.
On yet another note:
Of great interest and amusement was what Polecat found, in the swale in the back of the mountain where no-one should have been, except for F-troop. A small tent was present with a backpacking woodstove pipe sticking out of it, with smoke! A call to the occupant by the Polecat resulted in a response from the occupant, who declared “what are you doing here?”…Polecat of course asked the same.
Mr. Occupier replies that he’s “deep in the Adirondack wilds, where no one should be” Polecat replies that there’s 13 guys around him and are hunting, and you’re only a mile from the road.
Obviously, Mr. Occupier has a different opinion and view of what is defined as the “backcountry”.
It must be told that the prior night was below zero, and the “Occupier” declared he had a difficult night sleeping all alone the “wilds” of the Great Northwoods due to the cold. Better yet, was that this individual was not hunting – but had a bow – in the north – during the big game season. He also had no clue about bears, coyotes, and of course F-troop, which he was quickly educated about.
He declared he was packing up and leaving the woods – good idea. Adios, mu-chachos!
Back on the hills, part two had mules flying about, once again playing pinball with the watchers. Three does sneak right up to Leaddog, as seen by Digger from another watch not too far away. The does bounce off him, to Steven, then they display themselves to Jake (F-trooper in training)- who had a great time seeing does all by himself on watch.
Sunday
Two main troopers, Toucher and Digger leaves camp to perform “other duties” not related to mule hunting. An assault was performed on Marsh, with just three watchers in place. Leaddog on his ridge watch, Chip on Spike’s improved watch, and the Pie Whore down low guarding both the mountain – and the remaining pies at camp.
Junior (F-trooper in training) tries to confuse the mules by leaving his shootin’ iron in the woods as he stops and then moves on. After 100yds it was apparent something was a-muck, the walk is much easier without all that weight. His rifle was found as it was, and where it was left.
Finally!
The drive apparently worked! A lone mule walks slowly from the drive, under Leaddog’s watch, and at 40 yards away from him headgear was observed! Concealed by recent upgrades done last week by Lindy and Leaddog to the watch, the shot was set up and delivered after several attempts to do so. Shot one hits the beast square in the heart, with the remaining four shots fired for effect. No Jammer from the Jammington 7400 occurred this time! The beast fell 20 yards from Leaddog, a nice seven pointer, almost eight – 14 inch spread- weighing in at 134 lbs is down!
Next week – Bears!
Digger will post pictures!
Looks like all that time spent polishing yer chamber paid off! The Jammington 7400 didn’t let ya down. Congrats Leaddog!
Digger now has the picture of the dirty job of butchering someones else’s mule. Can you imagine that the shooter put his mother in laws christmas lights over butchering his own deer. The look of fear had to be there when I got the call he was’nt going to help butcher. Also he did’nt have to get his mamby pamby hands dirty gutting it or dragging it. Chip did the honors.
The boys in the picture all agreed that a 12 PACK OF BUD LIGHT will heal the wounds a little.
Den MaMa
In defense of myself I must add:
The last I heard, it was “Ftroops deer”!
Chip volunteered to gut it, to learn how.
How can one keep up with that dragging crew?
I’ll buy Gin instead of beer!
(You mamby-pamby So-Co sluts better learn how to enjoy a Martini!)
Leaddog 😉
Very good Leaddog Congrats! Marsh Mt. has always been good to F-Troop!
12 Pack? I always thought the cost was a 1/2 keg?
The last week end is now here. The boys who were butchering last night sez we’re going to Raven Ridge and Twin Lakes Mtn. for the last big hunt. Then regroup at the Meadows for some pictures and blitz the side of Camp Knob back to Billy’s watch.
There will be a lead dog who will earn this handle as he will never sit again. He can count on carrying a lighter pack from now on.
We may be butchering again next week
Den MaMa
Hey Trailhugger
Did you notice the lone mug in the camp photos. Poor mug
I think Lamont should be using it as Stosh took over your bunk. Fear not for your bunk though as he sez he wont use it anymore. You should have seen him crawling on all fours to get to it. The whole camp woke up just to see this spectacle. Him and Spike are now couch mates down stairs. Last week end to get up to camp.
Den MaMa
I guess I should have volunteered the guys to put up lights for the in-laws. Then I could have joined the SIX plus guys hacking that mule up then! 😮
Trailhugger wrote – from deep within the duck blind:
“12 Pack? I always thought the cost was a 1/2 keg?”
That was when beer was cheap, and you hunted deer!
A bottle of gin does’nt cut it. Its your turn on the gin anyway.
Robba said while butchering, his hands all bloody, stooped over your deer–I think he should at least buy us a beer for not showing up. His words,, and by unanimous vote, every bloody one of us agreed.
Den MaMa
I had a fucking obligation, period. I’m just one man, and they’re 85 years old and can’t do it themselves anymore. This was not by my choice, give me a break.
If a meezly twelve pack of beer will make everyone happy…no problem! Jeez!
Really–A 1/2 keg would be better. A 12 pack should make 6 butchers happy though.
Polecat
Got a 18 pack on ice.
And Gin…. 😉
Good luck you guys…I have once again shamed my standing as an F-Trooper by not being able to participate in the festivities for the entire season. Will you guys forgive me for a 1/2 keg and a bottle of Bombay?