FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Inc.

Mule deer are so different from whitetails.  This is a good one.

At some point I will take “the picture” as long as they keep giving me the chance.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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The turkeys in this neighborhood are something.  As daylight breaks, they come pouring out of the forest behind the house.  From that point on they are running around for much of the day.  They have had squabbles with each other and the mule deer.  Not really knowing anything about their interactions one thing that I find interesting is the hens run together and the long beards do the same and there is little interaction between them, at least right now.  If I were guessing, and I am, it looks like there is at least 3 or 4 separate flocks which also seem to hassle some.  Guess after I have lived here long enough some of that will be obvious.  And of course, will be looking at my hunting options behind the house.  . But no matter what can’t wait for gobbling season, it should be amazing.

Your timing has to be perfect.  Coyotes just do not like a stopping vehicle and generally hit the road when you do.  This guy was a long way out there.

Want to take a few pictures of Bighorns?  Try going where there are plenty.

As do elk the sheep come down from the really high country in the dead of winter.  Better food availability along with the salt put on the highway.  So interesting how an animal that is so shy and inaccessible during the year is willing to be close to roads.  For folks like me it is a blessing and just like the mule deer I hope to take “the picture” someday.  I can thank Curt Gowdy and Wild World of Sports back in the old days.  The 2 critters that impressed a young man was marlin and sheep.  They seemed almost like mythical creatures from far aways lands.  Got the marlin taken care of and as long as I am living and breathing out here will never grow tired of watching them.  Today I spent an hour just watching them watching me.  Loved it.

This guy is an old guy, he was resting with about 20 ewes.

Winter gives you the best chance for some close-up pictures of sheep that normally inhabit the really high country.

The elk herd at the base of the mountains in the valleys after coming down for the winter, very few bulls with these 2 bunches.  I am still looking for some to get closer to.  And according to an old hunter I met here, the big bulls do not really come down until their “private parts” are in the snow. 

Can’t wait for a lot more of that.  

Of course the creeks and rivers are basically frozen.  The only real open water in this area is on the shallow riffles where the water is really moving keeping small areas open.  But the great thing about the area is take advantage of all the great things there is to do here in the outdoors year round.

It does not really matter where it goes, just that you are on it.

With the forecast for 49 degrees today and tomorrow I decided to return to Big Meadow Road and just hike it without the snowshoes.  It was going to be interesting to hike 45 minutes up hill, it is high there, which is what I did but did not reach the lake.  On the way up it got hot and I tied my jacket around my waist and when I turned around I did not realize it fell off my waist.  So halfway back down it was oh crap, so I turned around and hiked back up to find it in the middle of the road.  So for an old man that lives at something like 600 feet in Texas it is interesting at 9,000 feet.  Not sure how long it will take to really get aclimated but not much longer at this rate,  At least I did not kick the bucket on the way back up.

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Good to hear from SA Joe.

Well the invite is there if your taking the boat(s) up north and you need one down here to do some fresh water fishing. No salt boat here. Hope you put my number in your phone. I got yours.

Went into Serious Tackle 14065 Delaney Rd. La Marque tx 77568 http://www.serioustackle.com about a month ago. They had a HUGE assortment of knockin tails. And a great selection of other lures and stuff….

Thanks for the offer but the flats boat will stay in Texas until we make the final jump.  I am already looking for a Lund style v hull for the small lakes around here.  And thanks for the heads up on Serious Tackle.  I think they are a long term customer.  I have your number and will keep your kind offer on the books.

And from one of the long time readers.

Still read and appreciate everything you write. Wishing the best of health and happiness to you and theBoss for this new year. Good luck on your Colorado adventures and Lord knows where else you guys end up exploring, fishing and traveling.
Rick

Coming from you it is a real compliment and I appreciate you sticking with me.  And as far as new adventures one of the things that attracted us to this area is we are now and easy day drive from Yellowstone, Estes, the Tetons, and beyond.  The plan is to spend the rest of our lives chasing all things on 2 or 4 legs and enjoying all things the outdoors has to offer.  So while the blog may change, you know me, it will continue as long as these old fingers work.  Thanks.

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Drawing a line in the sand?

A slime bag bowhunting married couple were recently convicted of violating the federal Lacey Act in their hunting business.  When they pled guilty, they admitted they knew they were committing a federal crime.  They were initially accused of multiple game violations, real slimy stuff, related to bowhunting.  They were apparently successful “Influencers” whatever in the hell that is.  Basically, they cannot hunt for 3 years and are ordered, along with their company, to pay over $80k in fines and restitution.  Seems like alot?  Nope.  They got off easy.

The greater issue is they committed those violations intentionally to line their pockets, not just being the typical knucklehead shooting a deer out of season. We have got to start punishing folks who violate our game and fish laws for profit completely different.  My solution, a felony conviction with some jail time.  At least that would render them unable to own or use a firearm.  Then a lifetime ban on hunting and fishing, with the big fine to go along with it.  Maybe some others would stop and think.  But at least they would be out of the woods forever.

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This report is a little disjointed but it is a pleasure to change gears just a little.  Will be heading back near the end of the month for the fishing, then back in March to let the Boss enjoy some of the fruits of her labor and wait for ice out.

Good morning folks.  20 feet out my back door as I finish this up.

So time to figure out the day and go from there.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines