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.

Spring Fishing!!

Spring fishing has been pretty good this year so far. The water temp three weeks ago was 48 degrees. We had a strong warming spell for two weeks and since then the temp has held around 55. We need 58-62 for largemouth to spawn, but the 55 degree water gets some of them a little spunky in the shallower water. Ive been out three times so far for pike/bass all saturdays. The first week we were searching for crappie and pike, I accidentally caught the biggest largemouth I've every landed - 21 1/2 inches! It could have been 22" - my tape only went up to 20" Either way im guessing it was around 7 pounds - not bad for 6 pound test mono and a 1/32 ounce black crappie jig. Props to adam for netting it quick!

The next week are the pictures you see below. The water had risen from 48 to 55 and, though there was no sign of shallow water bass yet, there was a jetty that had a 16 foot drop off in a wind break that was causing bass to school. We ended up pulling 10 or so out from there all over 2 pounds, most closer to 3lbs, and the one I caught first on a crankbait over 4lbs. The pike were much more active that weekend as well.

Yes - nathan actually jumped off the boat onto the jetty at one point and dropped a jig head and finess worm into the "hole" and caught a nice bass. Yes, he is a clown too.


This past Saturday I went out again for bass/pike. Same story - water was 56 degrees and little had changed from fish positioning. One new factor was first day of pike and walleye was in. Fortunately, the weather was poor enough that it kept alot of people away (except us of course).

After 5 casts or so, i caught a 21+" smallmouth that probably went 6-7lbs. The biggest smallmouth ive ever caught or seen for that matter. Ive have tons of pictures that Craig will be sending shortly and ill post again when they arrive.

Good luck - more pictures quite soon. Im thinking the full spawn ought to take place around memorial day this year!

Hey Guys,
Well it was a beautiful Spring break last week. I did a ton of yard work (and caught a ton of poisen Ivy Everywhere!), but I did get out fishing a couple of times. I think I missed the main run for crappie and perch, but I did get out with my dad once, Larry once, and Adam and Nate once to catch a few crappies. The picture is of a few crappies dad and I caught in a couple of hours one morning fishing in the Oatka creek. Fish were all caught on 1/32 ounce jig heads with a purple tail. Overall the crappies were more than willing to bite, but their size was smaller than desired. Made a few good packages of meat anyway (about 5 lbs). I also hit Sandy creek with Scott Last weekend and we caught 9 browns between the two of us in two hours. Fishing is coming on strong and Turkey season is right around the corner. Good Luck Boys!

Hey joe its been a while, sorry I was MIA for most of the season. Between hunting and going to see the baby in the hospital I was pretty buissy. But anyway, Colt is home and doing good, and I had my best season ever I shot that 8 on opening day of bow, and the next day I shot another nice 8 a couple miles away. I then shot 2 10 pointers one in wisconsen with my dad, that was a fun trip. ill post some pics soon. Well I hope your family is well (your kids are sure getting big) tell joce we said HI.

Scott

Hey All,

Finally got out fishing. The weather is turning nice and I am ready. Went to Sandy with Scott. We fished for about 2 hours and caught 11 browns and steelhead between the two of us.

Good day of fishing. My biggest brown was about 10 pounds. I lost one that may have pushed 15 (would have been my biggest ever for sure). Check out the three minnows (about 4-5 inches long) that were in the mouth of one of the browns I caught. Three minnows in his mouth and he was still trying to get my spinner in there, now that's amazing. Anyway, the creek blew out the day after Scott and I fished (Sunday) so now we need to wait for it to come back down. I'll keep you posted. Heard my first turkey gobble out back tonight at dark. Boy am I ready for turkey season, walleye season, pike season, pre-season bass, crappie...It's a great time of the year to fish (The best in my opinion!)

Joe

Hey all,

Still not much going on. I'd love to hear from you guys though. I shot a skunk the other day with my 270 (boom!!!) It was about 200 yards behind my house eating my deer remains from last year. Figure that will keep him out of my barn and away from any chicken/turkey eggs. I also missed a fox that day. Prunned most of my apple trees on President's Day with my dad. Just a little work left for the chainsaw. Can't wait until the ground thaws and I can start work on my food plots. Keep in touch.

Joe

Hey guys,

I'm not gonna lie. Nothing much going on here. Just hanging around and waiting for the weather to crack. I started tapping our sugar maple trees last week. 10 gallons of sap boiled off so far and we have about a quart of maple syrup. It's really great!!! Also hatching a few chicken eggs from our chickens (18 eggs). That is kinda fun. Anyway, can't wait for a little bit warmer weather so I can prune my apple trees and grape vines and start plowing my food plots for this year. Picture is of my bow buck from last year (2006). Catch you later.

Joe

http://geocities.com/mensprayerbreakfast/

GENESEE AREA MEN'SPRAYER BREAKFAST

2008 ANNUAL BREAKFAST-Saturday, March 22nd 2008

This year's keynote address will be given by Charles Asheimer. Charles is an award winning outdoor writer, nature photgrapher, and whitetail consultant. He is the northern field editor for Deer & Deer Hunting magazine and host of the national television show, Deer & Deer Hunting TV. His photography has won him numerous state and national contests and his articles and photos have appeared in nearly every major outdoor publication including Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, and Sports Afield. In addition, he has written six popular books on the whitetail and co-authored a seventh.Alsheimer lives with his wife on their farm in rural upstate New York. Additional information can be found on his website- http://www.charlesalsheimer.com/
The breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 22th with seating by 7:55 am in the Oakfield-Alabama High School Gymnasium. The cost of each ticket again this year will be $12. Included in this price are a full breakfast, a challenging presentation by Charles Alsheimer, and special music.
For tickets send $12 per ticket to : The Genesee Area Mens Prayer Breakfast43 Drake StreetOakfield, NY 14125make checks payable to : The Genesee Area Mens Prayer BreakfastPlease send a self addressed, stamped envelope for your return tickets or email: mensprayerbreakfast@yahoo.com for a printable ticket request form
Map to the Breakfast
Listen to Christian Radio online

Oh, and Joe and Adam went fox and coyote hunting- Joe shot a cute little fox. It looked like a little doggy. Anyway, I am sure there is a whole big story to go along with it, but I thought I would share the picture since I took it. XOXOXOX

~Joce

Hey Boys,

Finally got a fox! Took me five misses (or more likely, weak hits) with a shotgun (#2 shot)before I switched to a rifle. Needless to say the first time I hit one with the rifle it didn't go anywhere. The electric call is great. It was my second time taking it out. First time I had a fox come in and couldn't get a shot. This time I went out with Adam. Turned on the call and the fox was sticking his face into the call (literally) within 45 seconds. Really awesome hunt. I didn't see the fox until he was about 15 yards away. I pulled up the shotgun and shot at him as he ran away after he had smelled the call. About 25 yards. He was gutted on the spot. I guess a 270 might be a little big for foxes, but it is all I have. Anyway, I think I am going to bleach his skull to add to my deer collection in my hunting room. Can't wait to go out again. Still looking for my first coyote.

Hi this is my buck I shot in Bergen in 2006!