Winter Blahs

Saturday was sunny and I got in a walk and some chores.  Sunday has been wet, dreary and lazy.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with this.

We have had some success over the last couple years with electronic screamer deterrents for the mice.  I don't know if they're worn out or if the mice are used to them, but they're back.  I always see evidence out in the barn like on the top of my birdseed container, but they are not welcome in the cabin.

I got my walk in and kept an eye open for sheds.  Most of the bucks on camera still seem to be wearing their antlers.

While checking one camera, I spied tips behind it.

Sure enough, there was an intact antler under the pine needles and leaves

It was a little green but not at all nibbled by rodents.  I have to assume it is this year's.

Although the tines were short, the base was substantial and it was a pretty long main beam.

I'm still waiting for the first transmission from the Bird Buddy.  I tried reorienting the unit by 90 degrees.  I thought that was less optimal for the solar charging but might be better for the camera.

The live view seems to be working fine.

The signal strength is only 2 bars but it seems to transmit fine.

Lots of bobcat activity this week.

I think that there are at least two different animals (male - female?).

And, of course, the coyotes.

I'm not sure what bird this is.

I think this is a buck that has shed.

Still seeing crowds of does.

And little bucks.

Now is the tough time for deer.  Greenup in a couple months will be welcome.

Set For Africa?

After almost two years of trying to obtain a 375 H&H for a potential Cape Buffalo hunt someday, I finally got my grubby fingers on one this week.

I started out putting a deposit on a Kimber Caprivi.  I waited for more than a year before it became obvious that Kimber had committed to handguns and had basically stopped manufacturing rifles.  With the help of Scott from Country Attic, I switched my deposit over to a Winchester Safari Express with a delivery promise of January 2023. I checked several times and the system didn't show a manufacturing date but the rep was confident it would show.  And it did.

Now I need to work on bases, rings, scope and ammo.  I found a couple boxes of ammo on Midway USA.  I'm thinking Talley QD rings and something like a 1-6x scope - maybe Leupold or Trijicon.  Illuminated reticle seems to be recommended.  Advice welcome from those with experience.

The plan now is to get it built, practice with it to where I'm somewhat proficient, and eventually book the next trip.  Here's one of the links to the last trip.  Eastern Cape Trip 2014

Meanwhile, the guy who was my PH on that one plains game hunt in South Africa is making a U.S. tour.  He has his own outfitting business now.  African Select Safaris  This is a recent promo video. African Select Safaris Video  Anyway, Arnold is coming thru Cincinnati and we may have a meet and greet for a burger and a beer on Feb 7.  If anyone is interested in meeting and chatting with Arnold, let me know.

It's a pretty yucky day at the farm right now.  Freezing rain is falling.  I did get a nice walk in yesterday.

The brassica in the driveway plot looks like it had been bush-hogged.  The deer have mowed it.

I got a Bird Buddy for Christmas,  It's a feeder that's supposed to send me shots of the visitors.  I haven't gotten any yet but I'm set up and waiting.

A few of the usual suspects on camera.

There's a hawk feasting here.

First turkeys that I've seen in ages.

Come hither look?

Changed her mind.

See these guys next year.

Break From Covid Isolation

Joan and I have been isolating since testing positive for Covid over a week ago.  We're both feeling ok.  It was good to get out of the house and out to the farm for the first time since before Christmas.

Daisy and I got in a couple of good walks and I played ball once with Violet.

Daisy found this apparent hawk kill site.

Looks like it was a bluejay.

The deer are hitting the turnips and we saw several out in the fields.

I took a general spin about just to check on things.

I also set up some of my Christmas presents including this birdhouse and a Birdbuddy.  It's a feeder that takes photos, uses AI to identify the bird, and sends a message with photo and ID.

We have been relatively mouse free for a couple seasons since I deployed the electronic noise makers. But this in a kitchen drawer...

...had this.  Shredded paper and pillow stuffing or insulation.  So I set a trap...

...and overnight we got our first customer.

Meanwhile, on the trailcams;

Lots of bobcat activity.

It occurs to me that there was not one turkey on camera in this period.

M/L season hunters.

Creigh.

And Bruce.

Lots of coyotes.

Fox.

The usual coons (and possums, squirrels, rabbits, etc).

An owl.

Young bucks that we hope to see next year.

This one is broken.

The does in the daily struggle.

Looks like we should be taking more of them.

We've been lax in recent years.

Snow on the back.

Already dropped antlers.

And water spots in the ceiling. Always something.