Nice buck,I gave it up several years ago so looking forward to my SR trip next week.

Jack, I gave up hunting for 5 years in 2001 for hardcore fishing after my Dad passed away. He was my best hunting ( and fishing partner) . For that while it wasn't the same in the woods without him. Since 2006, my 2 sons have become his footsteps so I enjoy being in the woods with and teaching them. Now it's the grandkids that have started to come. I feel beyond blessed.

As always, we go for the harvest of a quality sized deer for our foods. Antler size don't matter but harvestable does.
I'm not an antler hunter. The great thing we know is that there's quality sized antlers in our territory so I tend to be a little selective.

Good luck on them great lake run fish. I'm sure you'll be the master and I so miss not being a net man.

Rich,I gave up hunting because I lost my taste for the kill,I like being out there and seeing them but just lost that killer motive.Heck, I rarely kill a fish,too much of a hassle to drag them from spot to spot,then clean them.My age is slowing me down and as in hunting,my joy is being out there and not killing.

Jack, I kinda follow what your saying. I've told many people that hunting is fun until you squeeze the trigger. After that. It's all work.
I don't kill animals or fish just for sport, such as many antler hunters. We process the foods we harvest for the table.

Rich,I really like a steak sandwich with tomato sauce,onion,with the hind leg siliced thin.I used to hunt in the Poconos in PA,the drag out of those woods with all the rocks,fallen timber,and swamps.....well I certainly don't miss that.But I just did n't enjoy killing the animal,I got soft as I aged.

Jack I agree. I don't enjoy the thrill of the kill. I overcome that aspect towards a reward once it's on the table. Being the animals we raise, you gotta get past certain things.
I'm sure you can relate to tough times when game was used to support families. I know it has ours.
Certain types nowadays, we pass on and they are for sport instead without a mill.

Good luck and hope your rod is forever bent

Super fun weekend in Boston and Rhode island for Lukas Nelson and promise of the real concerts. We have 2 more shows in Northampton and port Chester.

My days on the SR are at a end unless I can correct my physical problems.I have no endurance left to hike around with the boots,loaded vest,and other misc. gear.My age is catching up to me,Also the cold rain that kept coming did n't help.This trip was a bust,all I caught was one 10" brown,could n't get the Kings to hit.So I'm leaving tomorrow.
Maybe I'LL have better luck in Ohio,if I get there!

Im sorry to hear this Jack. The SR will truly miss a pafisher like yourself. Maybe a driftboat trip might be an option ?
I'm also saddened that in reading I didn't get time on the water with you.
I have a feeling though, you'll have the urge and if we can pull something together, you'll be back. Don't throw in the towel yet while the mind is strong.. Your a great fisherman .

I know it's inappropriate, but may I ask your age?
You need not respond.

Good luck in Ohio and enjoy time with family.
Rich.

I am 81,82 in Feb!I Can't believe it.