Hey all,

Been a long time. I haven't been hunting or fishing much this fall due to butchering the Chickens, pig, and many other farm chores. Jocelyn is also due in two weeks, so hunting time is suddenly going to be limited. Been out Bowhunting a lot. Shot a big doe opening day (115lbs gutted) about 50 yards from my foodplot. I have passed up 5 different bucks. My trailcam has pictures of 8 different bucks taken in the last week. I also had 45 pictures of does. One is a nice 8pt (100"). I would gladely take him with my bow. Last Saturday I went duck hunting with Andy, his dad, friend, and Bakes. We lit them up (see pictures). I think we finished with 21 ducks in three hours. I shot 32 times. My shoulder was crazy sore. That evening I sat in my Oak stand and passed up a 3 yard shot at a 7 pt and a 5 yard shot at an 8pt (both yearlings). Just nice to see bucks. I think this is the weekend for my buck. Good luck all and shoot straight!!!

Hey all...been awhile...sorry! Recent fishing pics. Trout from Oatka. Limited out (20-30 a day)many days in a row. Caught them all on waxworms or small pieces of worm. Pike from Silver Lake on a rubber worm fishing for bass (35 inches). Bass from Silver Lake. We've been catching a ton. Larry and I caught over 50 combined yesterday. Larry's biggest was 20 inches! Crappie from Oatka. We caught 140 fish in three days. Great fishing! Hope you are all doing as well.

Joe

Hey all, it is Shaun and I am recovering from surgery I had last week (Gall Bladder/Lipoma removal) I know TMI. Anyways I am extremely stir crazy after close to two weeks of TV watching, not working and being afraid to bend or twist etc. I really, really, really would rather be ice fishing. I did alot of fishing the weekend prior to my surgery in a two day contest. I won 100$ with third place perch! Saturday I set up on a good spot I found with alot of strructure in the channel. I got eight flags and one jig pole hit. Catching Three walleyes and two perch and missing several other fish. I moved Sunday morning to fish with some friends of mine but the fishing was quite slow in that spot. We had 30 tipups in the water all day (pretty much) and got only two fish, both of which were pickeral one was 27 inches!. The spot we were in is usually an old faithful, good for Pike and Walleye. If I feel up to it, I may tag along with some friends this weekend if I can get them to cut my holes for me. If anyone is in the area in March and wants to go ice fishing please count me in and give me a call. I really like the late March northern lakes for Salmon and Laketrout. Many times you will need your sunscreen and regret not bringing the lounge chair to lay out in the sun!!

Regards Shaun

Hey guys...Went rabbit hunting with Dad and Matt last week. I shot one and missed one other. We just hunted for 30 minutes around the house. Tons of rabbits around though. I've also been hearing coyotes everynight out back. I've seen two in the last week within 300yards of the house. I have to start carrying my rifle with me when I go out. One I saw would be pushing 60 pounds I bet. I've seen many deer much smaller that him (like Larry's 30# fawn shot this season!) I hit Coneseus lake (a fibger lake) ice fishing last Saturday and brought home 50 bluegills for meat. That's a good take. I hope to get down again this weekend to catch some more meat fish. I've attached a couple of pictures from bear camp this year. We had a ton of fun. If you go back into the archives you can see pictures Shawn posted from the trail cam showing me and a black bear in the same spot withing 12 hours of each other. Pretty cool! It seems there may actually be bears in the Adirondacks. I also posted a picture of the racoons I found in my barn this summer and a nice Salmon I took out on lake Ontario in the fall. Take care! Oh yeah, deer are absolutely killing my food plot (Brassicas) right now. Like 15-20 deer a night. We have also been seeing 13-20 turkeys hitting the food plot twice daily for the last two weeks. Guess I'm sold on this food plot thing.

Joe

My Big buck pictures wouldn't download in the last post, so here they are. He was a BRUTE! see also opening day pic!

HELLO EVERYBODY!!! Well I know it has been a LONG while, but I am back. Deer season and the new cow were REALLY taking up all my time since the season began in October, so I will give you the highlights. Bow season seemed to have a great start, because I shot a nice 8pt the second morning of the season. Unfortunetly I hit him in the shoulder (I thought...I'll talk more about this later) and we lost the blood trail after about 1/4 of a mile and jumping him once. After that I saw a ton of deer on my property for a week (like 5 or 6 deer a sit / I passed up a ton of yearlings)...Then nothing for the rest of the season. I ended up shooting a small doe with my bow and that was it. I missed several others and am going the use new broadheads next year, and practice shooting a LOT more. Gun season started with a Bang (haha), when Matt shot his first deer. It was a five point and I was psyched for him. It's always awsome to be with someone when they shoot their first deer. He was so excited he couldn't even find the deer when he got out of the stand, even though it died instantly when he hit it. I ended up shooting 4 deer with a shootgun including a HUGE 6 point at 15 yards during the third week of the season. In muzzleloading season (10 days after shotgun season ends) I had an unbelievable time hunting the river bottom/gorge area in Letchworth State Park with Larry and his brother Adam. We shot 8 deer in three days hunting down there. I saw over 25 deer a day. The last day of the season I shot two deer within 5 minutes of each other (a HUGE doe and a six point). Overall a great season with lots of deer killed. My Freezer is full!!! I will be posting more regularly now as soon as we thaw out after the 30" of snow we have gotten in the last two days. I can't wait to get out rabbit hunting, ice fishing and tributary fishing for huge browns and steelheads. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Years! Enjoy the pictures of the last two months!!!

A couple of notes on the pictures:

*The nice 8pt you see me with is the one I shot on the second day of bow season and my buddy shot the last week of shotgun season 50 yards from where we lost the blood trail. 6" of my arrow and my broadhead were still in the deer. The deer was perfectly healthy. My arrow was a little bit high and missed all vital organs and hit the opposite shoulder.

*One of the does I shot in the picture on the river bottom was piebald. You can see the white on her belly and legs.

A couple of pictures of this years escapades in the woods. The picture quality suffered a little as my digital camera crapped the bed! It was quite a year! I got a nice eleven pointer (almost 13)and we got several other deer like the dual four pointers above...is that an eight point or two four pointers. For about a five minute period of time there was a buck being shot every two and a half minutes within a mile of the camp in Speculator. Also saw a pine marten while hunting up there. Joe you haven't posted in quite awhile as you are busy milking that cow and making cheese apparently. When it starts cutting into your hunting time it will be time to get some steaks and hamburger made up. Hope everyone is happy and healthy, Merry Christmas and Happy New year!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Incredible Start to the 2008 Black Powder Season in Central Virginia



Hi, I'm Steve Montgomery, son of Jeannie Montgomery and older brother to Shaun Montgomery (Also have a twin brother Scott and sister Sally). I'm also cousin to Joe Rebisz Jr.(?), I know his dad was named Joe too because he was my Uncle Joe so I'm guessing Jody (as we always knew him when we were kids) is a Jr. I grew up in Broadalbin, NY and hunted and fished all my life growing up. I then went into the Army and took a break from that type of thing but have been back into hunting and fishing quite a lot for the past 20 years or so. I was talking to Shaun about my incredible start to the hunting season here and he suggested I try to post about it on your blog (Hooked Up). I'm not sure how this works but I'm going to give it a shot. I've lived in Central Virginia (Chesterfield County/Chester - between Richmond and Petersburg) for almost exactly 30 years now. We hunt about an hour southwest of here in two towns; Blackstone and Dundas.The hunting season has started off pretty much unbelievably for me. Kind of like a dream or something. I hunted Saturday and Monday and got three bucks and a doe and could have easily shot more. I got a six, nine and eight pointer along with the doe. I'm going to try to attach a few pictures. I'm getting the 8 pointer mounted at Gary's Taxidermy, he's less than a mile down the road from me. I took it in there yesterday, shot it Monday afternoon. It's a perfect 8, very symmetrical and fairly heavy horns. The inside spread is 17-1/4" so I've certainly seen bigger ones but they've been deer that others have killed. It's worth it to me to have this one mounted - I just don't get them like that very often.I saw an incredible amount of deer on my four still hunting periods in two days. I saw 4, 3, 8, and 1 deer respectively. The 1 was the eight pointer and it was at 5:15 Monday afternoon. After I shot the 9 pointer Monday morning I watched a 6 pointer in my scope in the light line I was on for close to 30 minutes. I could have easily shot that deer too but didn't want to be ridiculous or greedy. I felt a little bad anyway because my good friend Mike hunted Saturday morning and only saw one doe and then brought his son (Pearson) down Monday morning where he got a shot at a doe but hit it in the front leg and they trailed it for some time but never could find it. Then he took Pearson home and came back to hunt the afternoon and sat where I had seen 8 deer that morning and didn't see anything and I end up getting that nice 8 pointer. Frustrating for him so that puts a little bit of a damper on things but still it has been an incredible start to the season.They say they've been spotting a cougar in Blackstone very near where we hunt. None of us have seen it as of yet but it's still early in the year. I'm thinking my luck is bound to get worse because I don't see how it could get any better.Now to see if I can figure out how to post pictures and maybe (just maybe) get this post onto the Hooked Up blog.
Steve M

Joe, I put this post on your blog. Can you give My brother Steve rights to post on you blog? His blogspot account is "Steve M's Story" . Thanks Shaun

Now here is an excellent resource for all whitetail hunters.
Deer Search
If you lose a wounded deer- give these guys (and gals!- I love that) a call. They have located like 2000 deer or something like that. And they use these cute little doggies. Check out the photos Let me tell you, the guys who shot some of those deer are really happy to get to tag em and take em home. What a great organization. It's nice to see how these volunteers are so dedicated to finding other people's deer. It goes along with what my grampa always used to say- "waste not want not" and they are making sure no deer are getting wasted. (Never give beer to deer). What?
Well, that's all for now.
XOXO
Joce

Some folks seem to be under the impression that guns are not an issue in this election. That is a dangerous assumption. The NRA sheds a bit of light on that misunderstanding below:

*~*~*Barack Obama's Ten Point Plan to "Change" the Second Amendment*~*~*
1. Ban use of firearms for home defense.
2. Pass Federal laws eliminating you Right-to-Carry.
3. Ban the manufacture, sale, and possesion of handguns.
4. Close down 90% of the gun shops in America.
5. Ban rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sport shooting.
6. Increase federal taxes on guns and ammunition by 500 percent.
7. Restore voting rights for five million criminals including those who have been convicted of using a gun to commit a violent crime.
8. Expand the Clinton semi-auto ban to include millions more firearms.
9. Mandate a government issued license to purchase a firearm.
10. Appoint judges to the U.S. Supreme Court and Federal judiciary who share his views on the Second Amendment.

Well, there you have it- the rest of the story. Please keep in mind the history of gun control worldwide. (Actually written by Paul Harvey)

CONSIDER THIS...
In 1929 the Soviet Union established gun control.
- From 1929 to 1953, approximately 20 million
dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded
up and exterminated.

In 1911, Turkey established gun control.
- From 1915-1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to
defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Germany established gun control in 1938.
- From 1939 to 1945, 13 million Jews, gypsies,
homosexuals, the mentally ill, and others, who were
unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

China established gun control in 1935.
- From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents,
unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

Guatemala established gun control in 1964.
- From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to
defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Uganda established gun control in 1970.
- From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to
defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Cambodia established gun control in 1956.
- From 1975 to 1977, one million "educated" people,
unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
exterminated.

That places total victims who lost their lives because
of gun control at approximately 56 million in the last
century.

Since we should learn from the mistakes of history,
the next time someone talks in favor of gun control,
find out which group of citizens they wish to have
exterminated.

It has now been 12 months since gun owners in
Australia were forced to surrender 640,381 personal
firearms to be destroyed, a program costing the
government more than $500 million dollars.
- The results Australia-wide; Homicides are up 3.2%,
Assaults are up 8 %, and Armed robberies are up 44%.
In that country's state of Victoria, homicides with
firearms are up 300%.

Over the previous 25 years, figures show a steady
decrease in armed robberies and Australian politicians
are on the spot and at a loss to explain how no
improvement in "safety" has been observed after such
monumental effort and expense was successfully
expended in "ridding society of guns."

It's time to state it plainly; Guns in the hands of
honest citizens save lives and property and, yes,
gun-control laws only affect the law-abiding citizens.
Take action before it's too late, write or call your
delegation.

Paul Harvey

So, make sure you get out there and vote this election, and make sure your choice will protect your right bear arms.

XOXO
Joce
"I'm a member of the NRA and I vote."

Whereas, to preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them. ---Richard Henry Lee, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.

Here is the bear taunting Joseph and Joey approximately 300 yards from the camp! All while they were tromping around the woods up on the hill. Joey was in the right place at the wrong time as you can see from the trail cam pictures here. We all had a good time but the weather was way too hot. More like trout fishing weather than deer hunting weather. It was cool to see the bear on the trial cam. Maybe next time we can get a crack at him.

Regards Shaun and Tom

The Bear Hunt - 2008 (Dad's report)

I almost saw a deer in the 3 days we were at bear camp.

I almost saw a bear in the 3 days we were at bear camp.

We ate a lot, and then more. One meal consisted of venison chili, tossed salad, grilled moose steak, wood duck La'Orange, grilled grouse, grilled pheasant, brook trout, and real rye bread.

About a half hour later we were snacking on organic pretzels, venison summer sausage, and 6 year old cheese.

Assorted beverages were also served.

Another great bear hunt.

Special thanks to Shaun Montgomery and Don Crandell who hosted the event.

Only 364 more days or so until the next trip.

Dad Rebisz

One last picture of Salmon fishing!

My last post got cut off so I thought I would continue here. I fished three Saturdays in a row with my friend Scott (and his wife)on Lake Ontario. They were the first three Saturdays of September. We were downrigging Salmon. Anyway, the first weekend we were stumped, the second weekend we caught one nice salmon, and the third weekend we killed them. On the third weekend we caught six salmon and a brown in three hours. The salmon were very large (average 29 pounds). The brown was only about 5 pounds. Overall a great start to the tributary season. Can't wait to hunt with a bow, but we are heading to the Adirondacks to hunt for deer for a few days first coming next weekend. I'll let you know how we do. Keep in touch!
Joe

Hey Guys,
It's been way to long, but now it begins. Hunting Season!!! Well I guess I will catch you up with the end of summer fishing trips. Dad, Matt, Stryker and I floated the Genesee River in late August from Mt. Morris to Geneseo.

We did fairly well. Matt was the highlight of the trip with his 5 pound catfish and two dead birds with a BB gun. I caught a monster catfish that we had to net in a bucket because the net was in the canoe with Dad and Matt. Dad and Stryker both caught a few also. Overall a great day. Stryker got stuck on a submerged log at one point and went in after it. See the picture of when he hit the deep spot. Matt also achieved the amazing feat of losing a fishing rod and reel. No idea how it happened, but we know it was not a fish. We're floating down the river and Matt says, "Hey anybody seen my pole." and that was that. We searched the water for about 30 minutes to no avail, so we gave it up for lost. We also had the opportunity to see three bald eagles. Pretty amazing!

Hey all I am in Alaska right now and we got a moose. My friend Dave has the internet so here is a post for you. We went into the bush for about nine days and shot a pretty good bull (see pictures). Some camping nieghbors were gracious enough to pull it out of the swamp with thier Argo eight wheeler.I also shot at and missed two different black bears up on the mountain, I saw a bear every time I walked up there. One of them was the biggest one I have ever seen. Anyways I missed at approximately 200 to 300 yard ranges. We also shot quite a few Ptarmigan and Rabbits. We four wheelered in about 18 miles from the truck on a very muddy and difficult trail. Like driving a four wheeler through Prokop's swamp for twenty miles! Daves wife Kim had a little trouble and rolled it into a mud puddle (the picture of her was right after we made sure she did not break her leg or neck). Dave and Kim were charged by a less than legal bull (see blurred picture of moose standing). I will be home next week to start thinking about deer season. We had very good accomodations in Dave's wall tent with a small wood stove. I walked up into the mountains along a river and saw some Dall Sheep. One of which looked like it had a full curl. The season for sheep was open, only on problem though I did not have a tag!! I would have been off and running after him if I did have a tag. All in all it is awesome up here truly hunter's paradise.

God Bless

Shaun

Hey guys,
It's been way too long. I have been really busy putting in my first ever food plot. After killing the weeds, plowing, disking, raking, fertilizing, and planting, it turns out to be a ton of work. Hopefully it will all pay off in the fall. I planted about 1/2 an acre of Brassicas. They are starting to come up (about 2" high). Sadly there is some grass with them, but I think they will outgrow the grass and shade it to death in the summer (hopefully). My apples trees look great after all the pruning my dad and I did this winter. They are already loaded with apples. Jocelyn and I found a Turkey Nest and a newborn fawn (with neighbor Chris L's help). Check out the cool pictures. Both pictures are from mid April. Kind of early for both turkey eggs and a fawn if you ask me. Anyway, fishing has been ok. I had a couple of decent days for bass on Silver, but nothing amazing. The annual Memorial Day camping trip was at Keuka this year. It was fun, but there weren't many fish biting. Nate caught one 30" pike, but that was all worth mentioning. So Jocelyn and I decided to make it the annual Memorial Day Finger Lake Wine tour and fishing camping trip. Hit a couple great wineries and have a case of wine to show for it. Overall a great weekend. Summer is coming!!! Can't wait to hit the Silver Lake Bass and catch some summer Salmon with Scott. Catch you all soon.
Joe

Adam shot a nice turkey opening day (May 1). He called in a few birds early, but no shots. 9:30 heard a bird gobbling in a field and made a move on it. 10 minutes later shot the bird in the field at 30 yards. 9.5 inch beard and had 1 1/4 inch spurs and weighed 23 pounds. Great opening day. Only one I know so far to get a turkey. Great job Adam! Also see a jake Adam shot last spring.