FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

This is not the usual way I did the yearly review in the past but this year is just plain different.  As we spend more and more time in Colorado in anticipation of the permanent move at the end of the years the face of the blog and our life is changing.  So here is just a little of the last year.

This says it all about our year when we closed on our dream house at 8,500 feet in the Rockies.

There is a whole world of public land out there for all to use.

We never get tired of the views.

Snow comes with the territory.

While I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time the Boss came when she could and we spent every minute in the woods hiking and chasing animals.

Sheep

My favorite shot of the year.  They are so majestic.

And just how did you get there.

Love it when they are standing on the top of a ridge.

Fall, when everything with hooves is in the rut. 

These guys thought they were tough guys when they slammed heads, I was close enough to hear it.  Looks like the guy in the front won.

The Fishing

It is great to have the Rio Grande right down the street, and it is full of brown trout.

One colored up rainbow.

But if you want some stockers for the pan just head to one of the several local lakes close to the house

Of course, I put in my bass time and managed some nice ones.

While I did not fish the salt as much this year it always produced.

I could not be any prouder of these little guys from really small mountain streams on a flyrod.  A fun addition to my fishing habit.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

We sure have some big mule deer bucks in Colorado.

They look so cool in velvet.

These 2 are an example of the day 9 this size came through the back yard together.  It was nothing short of amazing.

We saw plenty on our mountain drives.  Always worth getting up for.

Big bucks rub big trees.  The rut was in full swing all fall.

This guy was a stud.

Our resident Boss.  Fun to watch his rutting antics, no question who ran the show during the rut.

But the mule dear did get a little revenge.  We were on our way to Yellowstone before daylight when 5 miles out of town we hit a big buck at 65mph.  Tough way to get a new truck.

The Rest

I love this picture.  Kind of the blind hog finding the acorn.

Suffice to say we are overrun with turkeys.

Plenty of cow elk but did not see a big one this fall.

And I was surprised to find antelope near the house but east of here there are tons.

I love these guys

This little guy was close to the road.  1 of several we saw this year.

Would not want to hit one of these with the truck!

Monte Vista is known for the annual migration of Sandhill Cranes festival.  There are thousands of them.

This guy was about 15 feet behind the house.  He has been by a couple of times and we see quite a few on our drives.

And last is the best picture we could get of a big bear.  It was on the run, but the Boss got a shot when it was way up the mountain.  The happenings we live for.

Hope you liked a little of the last year.  From building a garage, totaling the truck, making lots of new friends in Colorado along with plenty of time on the road it has been a different year.  I usually make some plans or goals for the year as far as fishing goes, this year I do not have a clue what is to come.  The Chandeliers Islands is the big trip in May, and I plan on fishing the salt more as that will be coming to a close when we move.  But as you know I will have a rod in my hand somewhere.

The blog is now on approaching 14 years and this is the 1,491st post.  I hope to keep up and I can never thank all of you who have stuck with me.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The weather has been pretty nice the last 2 weeks.  We have had a slight dusting or two after the big one, and from the forecast it looks like we are in for a white Christmas.  They are talking everywhere from 15 – 20″ of new snow this weekend.  It will be so welcome here as the skiers and snowmobilers are starting to show up, add a foot or two and winter sports will be in full swing in South Fork.  For me, the Alpine club just groomed the road to Big Meadow Reservoir and if we get the snow promised I will be taking a snowshoe hike on Christmas Day.  Nothing like dead silent,

Sheep Madness

After putting the garage project to bed, at least until I get back, it was time to go check on the sheep and see if there were any elk down in the area they wintered last year.  While no elk were out I got some great Bighorn shots.  They are such a majestic animal and no better time to see them than now.

A nice mature ram.

The fence is no big deal.

I like this shot.  They were doing a little pushing.  The rut is over for the ewes but the rams are still strutting their stuff.

While no big guy this is one cool looking ram.

What?  A 2 headed Bighorn?  No but is sure looks like it.

Scratching out supper.

Wish I could have gotten this from the side, but you just cannot make them do what and where you want.

This is 2 small rams that were fighting, just doing what the big boys do.   They were close enough I could hear them clash heads.  If you look closely the guy in back got literally stood up and lost that confrontation.  But while they were sparring whenever a big boy came around it was another story.  It is nice when they are where I can stop the truck and just watch, the pictures are just a bonus.

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My Favorite Friend on My Walks.

 A really nice buck.

I see this guy along with a couple of others regularly on my walks.  Though I cannot find an older shot than this he had his full rack early, but a little sparing broke a section of his main beam.  He is always curious when I stop and take his picture but with the long lens I am no big threat.  Hope he would be kind enough to shed in the back yard.  Great rack.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

And speaking of wading for trout this is your chance.  There were tons of chatter when TWPD went back to the previous speckled trout rules and they heard you and are now taking public comment on a new proposal.  To reduce the limit to 3 fish, reducing the length to 15-20″ with one over 25″.  As I am a short timer it is up to you to make your voice heard.  There are multiple times and ways to get it done so speak now or don’t bitch.  I personally like it but after catching tons of fish over the last 60 years I am happy with quality over quantity.

News Release: Dec. 15, 2023: TPWD Seeks Input on Proposed Changes to Spotted Seatrout Bag, Size Limits – TPWD (texas.gov)

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Big Ass Rattlesnake

The Boss sent me this from a friend of hers.

From a pasture in Victoria Texas.  That is one big diamondback.  

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My computer is malfunctioning so thought I better post this as it will next week before I can deal with it. So have a great holiday no matter what you do. So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

WINTER

The weather seems to have settled into the pattern that makes this area what it is.  Cold at night but often sunny and warm during the day.  Today was a perfect example as it was 16 this morning and as I write this stuff is melting and should hit 40+.  And the results of finally getting good snow on Wolf Creek and in the woods is the arrival of the skiers and snowmobilers.

I never get tired of seeing nice mule deer bucks.  See them everyday on my walk.

While the all-out rut is over, some of the bucks just cannot resist.  They tear through the backyard chasing but it seems the ladies have had enough.  But every day is an adventure and I cannot get enough of all the stuff.

This is the area out my kitchen window where the former owners fed them.  I don’t but there are lots of folks doing it so no shortage of wildlife.

And plenty of small ones working hard for their dinner.

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Death of an Icon

During the blizzard the other night Two Rivers Tavern started on fire right after it closed for the evening.  The second oldest building in South Fork, at one time the post office and then a grocery store it has been around for decades.  The restaurant was doing well and the folks running it were hopeful things were going to keep going.  Then this……….

Thanks to South Fork Fire Rescue for this picture.

Of all things the 3 folks who run it, who I know and like, went right down the street to the Gaslamp Tavern which is the locals Happy Hour Place when the call came in.  It is a real shame for South Fork and them.  One less place to eat and socialize, it has been there forever.  I ate and stayed next door several times and am sad to see it go.  Thankfully no one was hurt and they are able to rescue the dog, all in a blizzard.

On a side note, visitors and those of us who live here are really fortunate to have the high level fire and rescue guys in this small town.  Not only residential, they are extremely proficient in forest fires, local and nationwide, and assorted rescue operations of all shapes and sizes that come with dealing with folks in the high mountains.  Comforting to know they are right down the street.  The Boss and I during our paramedic time always loved the fire guys and really appreciate what they do.  Funny but when we were the “help” often it was the fire guys who were our “help”.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

The other night had a friend from down the street say did you see the bobcat in your backyard?  NO!  He had just left his parents house and saw the cat walking between the houses and he stopped and watched as she eased along the trail right behind the house.  Then her kitten came jumping along behind in the deep snow.  Like I have said in the past every time I get up and move I look out the front and the back.  I keep 2 cameras and binocs ready but dang they slipped by me.  It is great to live in a zoo without fences.

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And speaking of a zoo without fences here is the ultimate zoo without fences.  While not totally to blame for our love of animals in the outdoors I did want to give a shout out to our wildlife guru.  Our 4 day adventure in Yellowstone with her was nothing short of spectacular.

Taylor Rabe in the backcountry of Yellowstone on a month-long wolf study.  What a view.

We met her on our Wolf Tracker trip to Yellowstone where at the time she was a guide.  That trip, even in her world, was labeled a smashing success and we were so lucky with what we got to experience.  She has since moved on and is now one of the leading wolf experts in the country.  This month she spent glassing up to 11 hours a day with a study group in Yellowstone and some of her video of the wolves is stunning.  She is well traveled and her love and dedication to wild animals is infectious, it is my pleasure to have spent time with her in the outdoors.

I wanted to let you know a little bit about her as she will be in Aspen in January giving a speech on the Yellowstone wolves.  As the introduction of wolves in Colorado looms, unless halted with some kind of last-ditch effort to stop it, it is a hot topic in Colorado.  Taylor is engaging and knowledgeable about wolves and it will be an interesting evening.  Unfortunately, I will be in Texas but no matter where you stand on the re-introduction of wolves you should attend.  I promise you will learn a ton, she knows her stuff.

Naturalist Nights in Aspen: Yellowstone Wolves: A Quarter Century of Research and Observations | Facebook

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Iowa Whitetail

A big corn-fed Iowa whitetail.

My buddy Clyde and my brother took their annual trip to Iowa to hunt those corn-fed bucks.  Clyde put this guy on the ground and if you notice he is missing a few tines from fighting during the rut.  And don’t let anyone tell you these bucks are not good to eat.  Nonsense it is some of the best meat on the planet.  They live on the “feedlot” of soybeans and corn that is Iowa.  Congrats on the nice buck.

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Less than 2 weeks before I head to Arkansas and then back to Texas.  It should be a good time in Arkansas as we celebrate my mom’s 90th birthday.  Always good to see some folks you haven’t seen in a while.  Then off to Texas to catch some fish.  Really considering selling the Mako on my next trip home and getting serious about finding a boat for these waters.  Smaller and light for easy towing in both the mountains and the inevitable gravel roads that lead to our local lakes.  Then back here for ice fishing so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Sorry for the dearth of posts but if you know what the Headline means you know where I have spent my week.  My ongoing garage project led to finally getting around to insulating to make it useable in the winter.  First time for me, and probably the last as far as insulating anything goes.

Man what an ugly job.  Hell I just might be the guy on TV whining about my mesothelioma after all that. (“You get the book and so much more”.  Like what?  A free car?) But at least I prepared with gloves, mask, suit, anything to keep the fibers off me and that part was basically successful.  With the height of the garage it was a job by myself, and I probably spent entirely to much time standing on the top step, but nothing broke including me, so job well done.  Next up will be covering the whole thing but will let that one slide for a while.  It is just nice to have it off my plate.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

We are getting snow right now and the forecast is for potentially up to 18″.  I have no opinion on that, but the skiers are getting all worked up.  When it snows like this I can always hunker down by the fire with a book then when it is over time for some hikes and snowshoeing.  The snow has been just a little later this year and the local businesses are feeling the pinch.  But this should put plenty of snow on the mountain and things will pick up.

The rut is still on, at least the bucks think so.  While I see them chasing every day the does are just not having it.  And as soon as this snow settles down it will be time for another run to see how many sheep are down, and the elk should come down to the lower valleys to get away from the deep snow.  And with-it time for some more camera work.

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I got the following comment from a reader.

Back in ‘71 ,When I was 18 yrs old I took my first out of state trip to Soap Creek campground north of Blue Mesa. I need to get back there and the Taylor river.
Happy Trails

You are talking about the Gunnison area north of here.  We actually drove that area last year and it was a great drive.  And as far as hiking you could walk the rest of 5 lifetimes and never scratch the trails Colorado has to offer.  And the Taylor River is one of the stunning rivers in a beautiful forest that needs fishing.  There is a big world out there and your comment shows how being outdoors in a beautiful place makes memories that last a lifetime.   So thanks for your comment.  (And I was a senior in high school in 71′ and 18 y/o so looks like we are both doing ok.)

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And this comment made my day.

This blog is a daily reminder to stay positive and keep moving forward.

I admit there are times when I should be more positive, but I try.  As I just said:  Keep movin” keep livin’, quit movin’ start dying.  It does not take a hike at 10,000 feet in a foot of snow, or running a marathon, it is a simple statement with a positive result.  Just do something.  Thanks for you comment.

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TPWD NOTES

TPWD was considering using eminent domain on Fairfield Lake State Park and will let it revert to private ownership.  Now I am not fully informed on all the issues but any loss of land in Texas to private ownership is a big loss.  So please do a little reading and see what you think.  But this comment is interesting.

“TPWD recognizes the importance of conserving our state’s natural resources and providing recreational opportunities for Texans,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. “However, TPWD must also responsibly manage the state’s fiscal resources in order to maximize the benefit of our parks for all Texans. The citizens of Texas have always shown strong support for expanded access to state parks, and I believe there is a promising future for outdoor recreation in our great state.”

Huh?  Not sure what that means.  We love our parks, we need more, but not this time due to money.  Ok, so are they crying poor?  Review the figures below and make your own determination.  But please do your own reading and see what you think about this choice.

Top 10 States for Number of Paid Fishing Licenses Issued

Top 10 States for Number of Paid Hunting Licenses Issued

News Release: Dec. 5, 2023: TPWD Announcement on Fairfield Lake State Park – TPWD (texas.gov)

Thanks to the Realtree Business Blog for the numbers above.  And thanks to SAJOE for the heads up.

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And I try not to flog a dead horse, but TPWD has found a couple of new cases of CWD, in captive deer and one in a wild whitetail.  But hey no worries, I guess.

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It is only a couple of weeks before I head back to Texas.  The reports I am seeing from the salt have me itching for a big trout blowing up on a topwater and maybe a bass or two.  And then when I get back here in February my buddy Joe has the snowmobiles and we will be doing some ice fishing, which brings back memories of growing up in Iowa.  And let me apologies for the disjointed post but will do better in the future.  But no matter what keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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OFF TOPICS

CRIME

As a former defense attorney this nonsense of “restorative justice”, including no bail, early out if given life, and other current proposals in the criminal justice field are a danger to you and your family.  Noone does a carjack because they are hungry, or rips off a shoe store because they needed to feed their children with an Xtra Large Nike jersey, much less the spate of random attacks on folks just walking down the street.  For some reason folks think everyone can be saved, got a clue for you, that is just plain stupid.  Unless you dealt with the folks I did you do not have a clue so good luck with all that.

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KARMA – Look Out What You Wish For

Sometimes things have way of working out.  As Turkey slips farther into radical Islam a minister got up on the floor of their legislature and said the following in reference to Israel: “You will not escape the wrath of Allah.” as he defended Hamas.  At that point Allah assisted him as he fell over from a heart attack and is critical condition.  Guess the wrath of your God had a different plan.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

Sheep Madness

When I say the rut is on I am not kidding.  I watched the Bighorns for over an hour this morning and still get just as excited as the first time I saw some.  It finally made it above freezing today though the wind is blowing over 40mph.  But since they were down the other day it was a sure thing to head up and see them, and they did not disappoint.

This guy spent his time harassing the ewes.

He did not jump the fence to get away from me, he had other things on his mind.  Amazing how high a fence they can jump.

There was a big bunch on the highway licking up whatever they put on the road when I cam around the cornet..  When I slowed down to start taking pictures I saw the real action high up on a bluff.  They were all a little animated as the rut is in full swing.  These were taking as far out as the 600mm will reach.  And as I have done since day 1 starting the blog the only manipulation I ever do is to crop some, but to me they will always be a memory of what I saw and not some work of art that any 10 y/o with an I phone can do.

Meanwhile this guy thought he found a girlfriend.

Not sure she was all that happy with his bedside manner.

This little guy thought he was tough and stuck his nose in it but found out otherwise.

It is so awesome to get this close.

Magnificent creatures.

The only thing that could be better is if they were on public land.  Then I could park the truck, get out the tripod and wait them out but there is just nowhere to do that.  But not complaining, when you have been mesmerized by them like I am since I was little it is still a pleasure and honor just to be lucky enough to spend time watching them.  The pictures are just a bonus.

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Meanwhile the mule deer.

This is my first attempt at downloading video off the good camera.  I still have a lot to learn but will get plenty of practice with the rut being in full swing.  This is going on all day in our yard.  So please excuse the buffering, I will get better at it in the future.  Hint: replay it after the first view.

This guy was peeking in the bedroom window.  That is 2 feet from the house.

This is going on all day in the yard.  I have seen some great confrontations and cool chases.  It has been a morning thing but is now in full swing all day.

Then the Big Boy comes and runs everybody off.

It has become a game looking out either the front or the back windows because you never know.  And when I came home today there was a nice buck and doe in the yard.  It seems right now that the mule deer have split from all does or bucks and seem to be in little bunches some with a buck.  And the poor girls are not getting a moment of rest.

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Snowshoeing by the river.

It warmed up to 30 today, which at this elevation is “warm.”  When it is sunny like this it makes for a nice day.  And this is a really early cold front.  So I took advantage of it and headed to the river for a hike.  Though I wore the snowshoes it is not quit that deep right now. But with the forecast for 10 more in a couple of days that will change.  (None has come since.)

Here is the rule:  Keep movin’, keep livin’, quit moving, start dying.  Just get off the couch and do something.

Hiking along the ridge that parallels the river there were plenty of tracks, tons of mule deer, rabbits, and what might have been coyotes.  There was not quite as much snow there as at the house, but it was a beautiful day and a great hike.

*************The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

***************

My buddy Rusty is putting the hurt on them on Fayette County.  No surprise.

A toad.  That is the kind of solid that Fayette is famous for.

When Rusty speaks you need to listen if you fish Fayette.  Hint: a bunch on swim jig.  If you can’t figure it out from there I got nothing for you.  And there have been some other good reports.  Thanks as usual for your reports.

And speaking of good reports my buddy Aaron is in town and absolutely smashing the redfish.  While a really accomplished fisherman both fresh and salt he has been doing some learning.  He had not fished a corky in the past and I was telling him how Colton instructed me on using braid and a heavy fluro leader.  Aaron has learned his lesson as he had redfish take 3 corkies away in the same day, I told you he was on them.  And nothing like a $40 lesson to get the point across.

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Winter is in full swing and while it has been cold it is beautiful out.  The critters are out and about making wildlife viewing amazing.  And with the cooler weather comes ice on the lake and as soon as I get back here in early February it will be ice fishing with my buddy Joe.  I did a lot of that as a kid and am looking forward to some good trout through the ice.  And next year I hope to make it up to the Gunnison area for some ice fishing on Mesa which has some huge lake trout.

Watching the Texans as I finish this and notice folks without coats. not quite the situation here.  The weather is what you make of it and time to put this to bed and take a walk.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines  

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Santos

Noone can dispute that George Santos is nothing more than a bottom feeding lying scumbag.  I was watching the argument to keep or expel him but had to stop after a completely insane man blathered on.  A representative from Louisiana had the gall to say he should not be expelled because we have always kept these findings by the ethics committee secret and do not release them.  And that we hide them and let folks off the hook who spent campaign money on vacations, cosmetic surgery and every kind of sexual escapade you can think of (His words.) and none of them have been expelled.  There you have it, just what I have been saying, they all protect their own and withhold findings from the American public who pay their salary.  What a self-serving jerk wad.  Nothing but a POS hypocrite.   We are so getting screwed by both sides of the aisle.

OMG

And then the House actually did something that smells of integrity.  Santo was expelled and rightly so.  Just maybe our senior leadership realizes that most folks in this country do not trust them or think they are doing a good job.  Just maybe there might be a small return to leadership and maybe even some ethics.  Now maybe they will quiet the extremes on both parties and get back to what we pay them for, working for us.  Currently they are flat ripping us off but just maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  (No I am not smoking crack!  I just love this country and hope for the best.)

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The mule deer are in full rut and thrashing trees and bushes.

This morning there was a smaller buck chasing a doe in the back yard and three more promptly showed up.  Plenty of posturing and some fighting it was a joy to watch.  One of the smaller ones got run off by a big boy who took over and he promptly went to a small bush and thrashed the stuffing out of it.  Not to frustrated.

Then on the way home today this boy was right on a doe and proceeded to rub the heck out of a big Aspen.  I know with whitetails it is often the size of the tree that gets rubbed, in this case it was a big buck and a big tree.  Sure is a pleasure to watch all this craziness going on right now.  And with the weather about to return more to normal I can get out in the woods and do a little snow shoeing and check tracks.  With the fishing off the plate until the ice is on, the river froze the last couple of days, it will be chasing animals until back in Texas in January.

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Winter Has Finally Arrived!

The weather report on Thanksgiving Day was all over the place.  First it was possibly a foot, then a couple of inches but no matter what we were going to get some snow.  My forecast was spot on using the best indicators.

A good 5″ plus when I took this and it was still coming down.

Yesterday the couple of times I was out including my walk the deer and turkeys were in full on eating mode.  I easily saw a minimum of 50 deer, and everybody was getting their feed bag on.  So, my guess:  How about the upper end of the forecast and it turned out to be spot on.  The critters don’t lie.

Before heading out to have Thanksgiving dinner with friends I spent the day doing a complete maintenance job on the snow blower.  As it is supposed to keep snowing until after midnight that just might turn out to be a wise decision.  Will find out in the morning.

This is what I woke up too.  I completely cleaned the railing and the truck so looks like a good 8″ last night.

Thank goodness the snow blower is ready to go and as soon as it gets above 20 degrees will get out there and go to work.  But it is 10 degrees as I write this so time to watch a little fishing and keep looking outside as the turkeys are still out and about, it is up to their belly.  Have not seen a deer yet but they will be coming soon.  Plus it is a balmy 12 right now!

But nothing that beast of a snow blower couldn’t handle.  Sure am glad we bought that!

Until last winter I had no experience with a snowblower but the one that came with the house is a self-propelled beast.  It really is a matter of just following it around and it did not take long to do the job.  Then I took a quick trip through town, the road were still slick as was the neighborhood.

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A Chili Kind of Day

It never got above 27 today after our big snowstorm.  A great day for a fire, some football and chili.  This was as good as it looks.

Big Horn chili.  It will cure what ails ya on a winter day!

When all said and done my buddy figured this cost about $100K if he was lucky.  As far as I am concerned it was worth every penny.

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Today, Monday, it was 6 degrees when I got up and when it barely cracked dawn it was -1, which is cold for this time of year in Colorado.  But with that comes the opportunity to see sheep and elk who come down from on high and hit the valleys and field.  So since I was not going to snowshoe today time to head up north of Creede and see what might be out and about.

The roads are basically clear but there are some serious patches of ice here and there as not all of the road gets sun.  Of course, it did not help that it was 14 degrees in Creede at 1:00.  But the sun was out and I was pretty confident that a few sheep would be down and that turned out to be the case.

Just a small part of the sheep that were out.

Sorry they are backlight but that was the only shots I could get on this bunch.  There was no way to get in better position as the road was only plowed to the edge, there was no good place to park and still see them, and no way to get around them.  So basically, stopped on the highway with flashers on, good thing traffic was light.  But it limited how long I could watch.

He chased this poor girl all over the field.

The rams were in rut and the chase was on.

The rams were doing some banging and hassling and it was a little irritating that I could not get in the proper position and wait out the great shot.  If there was a good side at least I ended up just watching their antics.

I am sure she was getting all the attention she wanted!

After a couple of cars came time to head back to town.  Once I got not that far out of South Fork there was a bunch on the road licking up the salt or whatever they use on the ice.

At least the sun was right but the traffic keep running them back off the road.

Nothing massive but some nice young rams.

So the early afternoon drive was a success.  With the weather finally acting like winter, and the hunting season coming to a close, the elk should start showing up at the lower elevations.  There was not quite as mush snow north of here which may slow the migration down some but it will happen.  Haven’t seen a good elk in a while but will keep on looking.

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Hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  I spent the day with friends, though there was 2 places serving free dinner.  Folks have been so nice, it really is a calm small town vibe and not one person got shot or carjacked.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Winter is coming.

The weather has been stunning but that is about to change some.  No more 70’s and it looks like the first snow “down here” (8,500 feet) will be here sometime this weekend but the bulk should be up at Wolf Creek Pass.  And then winter really begins.  I took the one above out the front door yesterday morning.  One thing about being in the mountains the air is clear and the colors are awesome.

A dusting the last few nights, coming to us this weekend.

This morning I took the first ride since being back looking for sheep.  There is a little more snow above Creede, and it was 26 degrees at 8:00, which is a good time as the sun hits the exposed mountains and out come the sheep.  The first bunch I saw did not have a big ram with them, but it was good to see that some are down where I can get some photos and it gave me confidence that I would see more.  Then about 10 miles down the road finally got lucky and found a big one.

A big boy!  My winter search for the sheep is on.

He was with a bunch of ewes and was obviously in full rut.  He was unconcerned about me as he had his hands full herding the girls around.

He was with the girls and randy as all get out.

The first bunch I saw but no big boys with them.

So it begins.  As soon as the snow comes, and it will come, the rest of the folks will come down off the high cliffs.  And since it has not snowed a ton on the mountains the elk have yet to make an appearance down low.  But with the hunters still roaming the woods they will stay up as long as they can.  As an old hunter told me:  The big boys will be down as soon as their “parts” are in the snow.  Can’t wait for all of that.

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The Rut is On!

Yesterday morning I got up to get another cup of coffee, looked out the window and there was a couple of fork horns fighting in the front yard.  I grabbed the camera but before I could get outside they both took off following a doe.  It definitely answered the question concerning mule deer and whether they would respond to rattling.  The answer is yes.

Here he came.  What a stud!  30 feet from our front door.

It only took a minute when this guy showed up.  And then another and before the little guys disappeared 4 bucks showed up looking to see what the commotion was, another was as big as this guy.  I was hoping they would get into it, but they kept their distance from each other.  Cool how they stand absolutely still watching and listening.  Like I have said before it is hard to get anywhere in the house without looking out the windows, it continues to amaze.

He and a couple more came following the same doe.  Getting a little crowded around here.

Then as I got ready to hit the road this morning a doe looked in the window and here came several bucks.  It really has been surprising that they all seem to be fairly civil other than the fork horns who duked it out in the yard.

He stuck his head in this bush and went to town.

This guy was all worked up and proceeded to tear that bush up.  And I wondered if they rubbed trees and then this morning I noticed an Aspen in the front yard somebody worked over.  And during my walks in the evening there are bucks everywhere.  Of all shapes and sizes, it is such an honor and pleasure to get to observe them so close.

Can’t a guy just hang out in peace?

They are such majestic animals.

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Steller’s Jay.

As we slowly transition to Colorado obviously the blog will take on a new character.  Of course there will be fishing, but things will change.  But there is so many things here and around every corner a new adventure, a cooler animal, a view to die for.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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I just hardly know what to say.  The dude in California that was attacked by a couple of gang bangers as he arrived home to his house where his wife and baby were has had his concealed carry license revoked after he defended his home and family.  Both of the criminals had guns and when he returned fire they took off.  Afterwards he criticized law enforcement for a shitty investigation, as in 3 days before they really showed up.  The responding officers did not even bother to pick up shell casings (Fingerprints, they are probably felons with DNA on file.)  much less do a real investigation.

Next thing the local sheriff calls him and tells him his concealed carry is revoked.  Apparently, no particular offense other than the cops were butt hurt from his complaints.  Instead of giving him a commendation for protecting his wife and child they retaliated because they did not like his very legitimate complaints about the investigation.  How has the country got to the point it is 3 days before a real investigation into a home invasion and shooting takes place?  And that law enforcement can retaliate like a 2 y/o because their little feelings were hurt?  So the man who did nothing wrong on his own property legally protecting his family is retaliated by the police who it seems did nothing.  Meanwhile the POS who did this are out there to prey on other folks.  And law enforcement wonders why the public is losing faith.  Protect yourself and your family, no one else will.

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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Snowing on the mountain and 60 degrees at the lake.  Sure was tough to find a parking place. 

The new has clearly not worn off on the Colorado house.  Coming over the first pass and into the valley still excites me.  From that point on it is back to the mountains and the animals and the fishing does not disappoint.  And I must admit the house still feels like a vacation rental, other than paying the bills.

Love Mule Deer

Plenty of little guys around right now.

I take a daily walk either on the treadmill or just around the neighborhood but with the amount of wildlife around you never know what you will see on the walk.  The deer of course are skittish but as long as you are calm and have a long lens they will cooperate.  It is by far does but there are a few bucks around though the real monsters are still not all here.  Except for the giant on the neighbor’s porch, I think it is the same big buck who was there last year.

And there are a few a little bigger.

This was a big boy, and he was on a mission.  He had some cool stickers and notice the Roman nose of an older buck.

I was working in the garage today when I looked out and saw horns.  Got the camera and stood on the patio and watched him, he was hot on a doe.  What made it really interesting is I have seen her with twins daily.  Got to watch both of them as they eased down the ridge doing their deer dance and then here came the twins.  They clearly did not have a clue what was going on or why they were booted out.  But time for them to grow up.  Winter is coming.

He was not all concerned I was there; he had loving on the mind.  A big body and one swelled neck!

Then this morning there were deer everywhere including this guy who is a real hoss.  The young bucks kept out of his way and it is clear who the man is.

A great set of heavy horns.

And I waited for him to turn.  Gives you a great view of his antlers, plus look at the spread compared to his body.  That is a big boy.

Goes to what I wrote below, hard not to just keep staring out the window, you never know.

And it is hard to count all the turkeys and it is so interesting that for months there were none around but not now.  The weather is really nice here, no snow but some is expected this weekend.  As soon as it arrives everybody will be here and it makes it hard to not stare out the window constantly.  You never know what you will see.  And again a thanks to my buddy Ro for recommending the camera, it gets the job done without having to carry multiple lens.

Turkeys, turkeys, and more turkeys.  These were on their way back up the mountain.

*************yThe Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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Fancy Fishing

One of the things that attracted me here was the fishing, and there is plenty close.  The river is a nationally known fly-fishing stream full of browns.  A 2 fish limit it is fly and lure only and I never keep them there.  All the barbs are pinched down for easy release and it simply fun fishing.  My fly-fishing skills have a ways to go but plenty of time for that..

Love catching them on hand tied jigs.

I try not to handle them and net them with a quick pic and back in they go.  As the weather cools ice is coming to the edge of the river and the fishing will be over there soon.

This one had some shoulders.

As a side note it is so nice to just jump in the truck and catch a few in one of the most beautiful places I know.  But there are times when a fish fry is on the menu and off to one of the lakes I go.

Fishing for Supper.

The wind was blowing pretty good today but it was time for a fry so I headed to a lake called Big Meadow which is close to the house.  Being above 9,000 there was a little ice on the road leading in but none on the lake yet and you could see just a light sprinkling of snow way up.  The only problem the wind was pounding on my good spot but no worries, I headed to Beaver which is only a couple of miles from the house and it was game on.

A nice colorful rainbow.  I released several like this, fat and sassy.

The good thing about the lakes is they stock them heavily and catching a limit is not exactly hard.  I usually start with salmon eggs until I have my 4 and then switch to lures.

Stockers are the guests of honor at the next couple of fish fries.

As the water cools trout get feisty and these were no exception.  Most jumped and I stood in one spot and caught maybe a couple dozen.  It was fun to throw this lure then that and see what they really liked.  Today it was a spoon called a Super Duper.  But several each fell to a Rapala, my hand tied jigs, a Little Cleo and I can’t remember what else.

And a random brook trout.  Cool  fish.

Once I find them with the eggs and catch super it helps locate them.  From that point on it is a matter of counting the bait down to whatever depth they seem to be and working it through them.  And just like the river using lures with pinched barbs and trying to release them with as little stress as possible.  Trout are not redfish tough by any means but today, not another fishermen in sight while watching the snow fall on the high mountains, it does not get any better than that.

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Looks like my buddy Rusty and his friend are up to their old tricks.  Once fall is in full swing Rusty can catch them fresh or salt.

He reports the creek is on fire, and here are a few of the good ones to prove it.  I was hoping to get in on a little more of that, but duty called in Colorado so maybe next year before the final move.  So congrats, that is some good eating and the catching sure looks like a good time!  Thanks for the report.

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It has been a good week with great weather but there is a possibility of a little snow this weekend.  Today a ride with a hike is in order.  Maybe early afternoon with a ride to the sheep area to see what is out and about.  And last Happy Birthday to my daughter Carrie.  Can’t wait to see you guys at Grannie’s 90th New Years Eve,

Love you guys!

Can’t wait to see what next week holds so keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

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The Bite

67 years ago on the bank of the Vermillion River under a mulberry tree in Pontiac Illinois I caught the disease.  My dad took me to the river and there we joined a large black lady fishing her cane pole under that tree.  I remember putting on worms and from that point on catching what I thought was hundreds of bluegills and sunfish.  She meanwhile was catching nice carp on the mulberries that were falling in the river.  The anticipation of the bite was mesmerizing and watching her catch those giant carp had me, from that point on I was a fisherman.

When I got this from my buddy Michael it reminded me of a comment I made in the past about the Livescope.  After 67 years of fishing from the Great Barrier Reef to the creek on my grandparents farm, I have been chasing the bite.  The anticipation of what might happen on every single cast enthralled me no matter where was.  Hoping one is there, then out of nowhere the bite.  The bite is the moment when fishing comes full circle.  It is what we get up early for, spend way to much money on, and bore people when we talk about it.

Now we have Livescope.  It seems to me that Livescope takes the anticipation and wonder of fishing that attracted us in the very beginning out of the equation.  We spend enough time staring at screens and this seems to reduce fishing to an industrial level.  Like a fishing game at a casino.  As one pro said on a TV tournament, he was going to have a sore neck from staring at it for days.  That is not fishing as far as I am concerned, it is a video game.  I understand why the pro’s use it, and I am sure the application for crappie guiding is tremendous.   But in my case I am not the least ambivalent about Livescope, I do not like the whole idea.  The cartoon above is spot on.

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Colorado

As  I got closer to South Fork yesterday started seeing more deer, Sandhills, a coyote, the things that we love about the house.  When I drove up there was 4 deer in the yard, and would be a good dozen as the evening went on and of course dozens of turkey.  Then last night something triggered the motion lights in front of the garage and as it was garbage day probably the local bear cruising for cans.  Then this morning the neighborhood was covered up with the works.  In fact makes it hard to not spend time just staring out of the window waiting to see what is next.

Though it is not cold, in fact the weather is stunning, but I had to crank up the stove and enjoy the warm heat it gives off, my favorite feature of the house.

Love the fireplace.

Though we are basically a year away from the full time move nothing says the final decision more than this.

Done it now!

The slow steady moves continues.  And as soon as I finish this it will be off to the river to see what that holds.  But it was clear driving in the water is down.  But with the temp reaching the high 50’s low 60’s should be plenty of fishing until I head to Arkansas.  The forecast looks like snow this weekend and winter will start.  Boy we love it here.

*************y The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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I headed to the river to see what was up and shallow is what was up.  It is going to make for some interesting fly fishing this week.  Of course stopped at my favorite hole and tossed a couple of jigs and like that place does the fish were there.  It is nice to catch them on hand tied stuff and they really like the olive color.

Talk about well fed this guy was a fattie.

Even though I waited until it warmed to head to the river there was still a fine layer of ice on the shallow side.  My good spot has a deep-water pool with a protected shallow side so it tends to have ice earlier than the swifter places.  So this will definitely be a learning curve with the river so low.  And I will be heading to a couple of close lakes before they start to freeze and the snow comes.

The other nice one of the 4 I caught.

I stopped at another place and  a guy was just starting so I watched him a while.  He was fishing a 2 handed cast.  Other than that I just cruised the various accesses and saw a couple of places that look promising.  And with the weather looking good it should put a few on the end of the line this week.

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Rusty our Fayette guru with a good one.

Rusty says the fishing on Fayette is finally improving some after a tough fall and the subsequent turnover.  He reports they were scattered but seeing a few of his other pictures the last day or so it is about to be on.  Fayette the last few years is like the little girl, when she is good she is very good, when she is bad she is very bad.  So nice job and will be watching from afar.  And for the rest of you Rusty is an accomplished fly tier and fisherman and knows his way around a trout stream.

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Football News

Well A&M is about to pay big time for one of the dumbest choices in the history of college football, giving Jimbo a guaranteed contract worth a stupid amount of money.  It looks like it will cost them 10’s of millions to get rid of him.  And the funny thing they fired Kevin S. over his record when Jimbo could not even do that, the writing was on the wall.  The grass is always greener on the other side, but money appears to be no object to A&M so good luck with the search.  If college football does not learn from this the big payouts will continue.  And I was a little surprised that they did not elevate Petrino, so he should be looking at other options as nothing says “it is not you” like being passed over.

And only 2 words to say about my Razorbacks:  They suck, end of story.  The last game was the worst they have played in my memory, it was ugly.

Speaking of paying college coaches to much money Penn State comes to mind.  The call near the end of the game was stupid, and I mean flat dumb.  Down by 15 they scored and instead of taking the extra point to be down by 8 they went for 2 and did not make it with 4 minutes left.  Think about just how stupid that was from someone who makes millions.  If you kick the extra point you are down by 8, or one score, and if you get the ball back you have an outside chance to score and go for 2 and tie the game.  But once you do not make the 2 point try you are down by 9, or 2 scores, with no chance to win.  Just how dumb is that?

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Not sure what exactly is next but it will be outside.  And can’t wait for the snow that will come and put the sheep in good photo distance.  The elk will follow at the same time and the wildlife viewing will only get better.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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FISH CATCHING TRAVEL

Knockin Tail Lures by My Coast Outdoors

I have declared war on critters.

One of the reasons I ended up not fishing as much as I would have liked was the truck.  (And a bout of the flu.)  There was no way I was heading back to Colorado without a real grille guard, and not just some yuppie looking bull bar but a bonafide deer killer and the ARB fit the bill.  Due to several unforeseen things it ended up taking almost a week so I was without the truck until yesterday but it was well worth the wait.  And it was a big job to get it perfect, which they did.

The ARB Summit bumper is made for animal strikes, and after hitting a big mule deer at 65mph and totaling the truck I wanted something solid, and this fits the bill.  It requires a custom mounting and it is not flimsy by any stretch of the imagination.  This thing is a beast but mounts flush enough to the truck that it does not significantly extend out from the truck and looks great.  Since it allows for mounting of a winch I went ahead and added a 10,000lb Warn winch while I was at it.  Spend enough time in the mountains it will come in to play at some point.  And with the slight wrap around fit it protects the headlights in case of a glancing blow.  All I have to say is if this collapses nothing will save you.  A big thanks to Outlaw Offroad 0f Victoria.  Click on the link below and take a look.

Custom Off-road Builds, Rims and Tires | Victoria, TX | Outlaw Offroad of Texas

Right before we smacked the deer I had just put a new set of shocks that lifted the old 4Runner just a few inches, which I loved for 4 wheeling in the mountains.  Outlaw Offroad did the shocks and I was really pleased with their work, so I decided to have them do this job, just like last time they did a bang-up job.  To offset the increased weight, they added bigger front shocks to handle it and while at it added some cool running boards with steps.  The kept me informed throughout the whole process and when small hitch in the git along happened, they got me right in and fixed it on the spot.  So if you want to upgrade your ride I could not recommend them any more highly.  (And as you might remember when I used another service here in Victoria they could not even get seat covers on properly.)

So all is right in the 4Runner world, they have been our go to for almost 35 years and have never let us down.  Next up is back to Colorado and getting my Colorado plates.  The move is a slow and steady process and licensing it in Colorado is part of the process that will go on over the next year as we finally hit the road.

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The Wade Right Fishing Belt and the new Madre Sling.

For all your wading needs.

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No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Being a nice guy and not wanting to cancel a meeting I had set today I did not cancel yesterday in spite of wanting to be on the lake at daylight.  It looked perfect this morning so I wrote the above post and then of all things he got sick and called off about 10:00.  I ran out and hooked up the boat and headed to the lake.  Fished 2 places missed one big one and lost 2 smalls then here it came.  It flat dumped on me.  So back to the ramp and home after missing what was probably the best 4 hours of the day.  Should have cancelled yesterday.  Oh well.

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I am really excited to be heading back to the mountains, the weather has been great and there is still water to fish.  While unfortunately the fishing did not work out here as well as planned I will be back in January after heading to Arkansas for my mother’s 90th birthday.  How she made it this long after her and dad struggled to raise 5 kids during the 60’s is testament to her strength.  The next time you hear from me I will be riverside on the San Juan catching brown trout and chasing sheep.  So keep stopping in and thanks for reading my stuff.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

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Habba Boob a Do

It is malpractice to take on a case you have no business taking, and Miss Habba Boob a Do the parking lot attorney is way out of her league in the New York financial trial.  And when she whined like a little baby that the judge yelled at her and was mean to her you get a picture of how unqualified she is.  No one, and I mean no one that is a “real” trial attorney has not been “yelled at” and got into a hassle with a judge.  You do your part and move on, it comes with the territory.  She should spend more time working on legal issues instead of complaining.

It reminded me of the murder case we tried that was very contentious and every little thing was hassled over.  But after the trial the judge actually told the jury that they were fortunate to see real professional lawyering by both sides.  Act like a pro and you will be treated like one.  Raising your voice and stomping your feet is not that.

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