Weather Change

Saturday was 40F and over 1' of rain fell.  Everything was saturated.

By Sunday morning, everything was frozen.  It was 11F and the wind was howling.  I had planned to do some shooting this weekend but that didn't work out.

 One of my Christmas presents (thanks Aunt Karen).  I put it out in the dark.

After the freeze, the feeders were pretty popular.

Red bellied woodpecker, cardinals, junkos, sparrows.

Even before the freeze, there were a few takers.

 When I walked into the barn one afternoon, a small hawk took off up into the rafters.  These are the remnants of some bird he was feasting on.  Maybe he was shopping at the feeder?  I hope the hawk got out before I closed up.  Small like kestrel size.

 I did go to the driveway stand on Saturday.

You can't tell from the photos how hard it was raining.  I was hoping that the weather change would have them on their feet.

 Nothing moved at all.

I picked up my 2017 buck from the taxidermist.  Decisions, decisions - where to hang him.

No room here and he would look too small.

So I found him a spot in the elk room.  If you're interested, here's a video tour of the mounts in the elk room.  Taxidermy Tour

If you are thinking about a trip to South Africa to hunt, you ought to get in touch with the Professional Hunter that I hunted with - Arnold Claassen.  Here's his Facebook page. Arnold Claassen Facebook  I think that he's on Instagram too. Good guy - wouldn't steer you wrong.

 Setting up and trying out another Christmas present (thanks Eric).

And another one - my new Yeti.

Poop of the week.

So who do you think is digging these holes in my clover fields?  Moles?  With all the coyotes, foxes, bobcats, owls, hawks, cats, dogs, etc, I'm surprised that there's any rodents left. But the mice sure find their way into the cabin (yes, we caught more).

Before the freeze.

 After the freeze - all twigs ice covered.

Ice formed on the pond overnight.

The heavy snow went north of us.  Only an inch or two here.  More like four in Mason.

It sure improves visibility in the woods.

 Clover still edible and peaking thru the snow.

 December photo of Junior that was still on one of my cameras for some reason.

One-sided big buck versus small spike.  Wonder who won.

 Seems like most haven't dropped yet.

 Nice late season visitor.

Squirrel with an attitude.

 Kisses.

The herd.

Coyotes.

I've been thinking about trapping for them.

Fox

 Gray fox (or grey fox).

Red Fox.  They have black legs and a white tail tip.

Dog #1

 Dog #2 & #3

 Dog #4

Dog #5

How could you trap for coyotes with all these dogs around?