The countdown begins!

[Greg Nolan]

By now each of us are hunting, packing for hunting or counting the minutes untill hunting. Of course we might be heading north for Salmon and steelhead.
The questions are :
1. When is the big day?
2. Who are you sharing the hunt with? First time, some time, life time or last time. (We all know about "last time" hunting buddies). At least people in my age range do. Beyond the drawing statistics and game to be hunted is the "real hunt". Family, friends and of course those darned first time hunters that blunder into and shoot the trophy of a lifetime the first time out. :roll:

 

[DrMike]

It started on August 15, and after two quick trips for moose, I've only been out twice for elk. It is been unseasonably warm and the bulls have lock-jaw. However, it is suppose to cool off this weekend, so I'm focused on a Sunday evening trip to the country.

I've managed to take my dentist and an RCMP sergeant hunting for moose, and a farming friend on an elk hunt. The other trips have been with my trusty native guide. I reckon I'll make quite a few trips with him yet this fall.

 

[257 Ackley]

Heading for northern Minnesota this weekend to spend the next two weeks bow hunting for whitetail deer and some grouse hunting. Will get in some fall walleye and rainbow trout fishing as well. This is done with a brother and friend that have been hunting together for over 30 years.

Flying out to Montana on the 22nd of October to start a week long elk hunt in the Dillon area!!! I love seeing new country and will be hunting with a friend from the corporation that I just retired from. First time to hunt with him, but think that it will be a great time sharing a tent and campfire with him.

Minnesota rifle season opens the 7th of November, so it is back to the home town in west central Minnesota to hunt with 5 brothers, 3 nephews and my son that I haven't hunted with for five years. He is finally done with school and having every fall taken up with running for the university cross-country team. :grin: This is the greatest hunting of the year for me, since it is a social event and the memories and stories that are told mean more than any shots that I take. It is all about the next generation now and creating memories that they can pass on.

I wish everyone safe and memorable trips, and look forward to reading stories and seeing pictures.

 

[corbin9191]

The Big day is going to be October 25 2009. I will be taking my brother and a good friend out. Deer and elk this time.

 

[1Shot]

I will be heading east to upper east NC, Halifax Co. Oct. 15. Deer season opens Oct 17. This will be year 18 that I have been hunting with my buddy that lives over there. I have hunted in this area for 25 years. I will hunt Oct 17 - 23 come home then go back Nov 5 - 20. I have all my rifles zeroed in and ammo loaded and the camper is about 3/4 ready to roll. I am chomping at the bit.

 

[Richracer1]

Fortunately/unfortunately, my coutdown is for something else. My big countdown is for my starting terminal leave from the Air Force around 22 Jan with a retirement date of 1 May. This big step in my life prevents me from heading to Idaho next month for my yearly elk hunt. As of today, I have 116 days left till terminal leave starts and I can move back to Idaho permanently. My retirement order says I'll have served 20 years, 1 month, and 22 days - doesn't seem like it has been that long.

 

[DrMike]

Congratulations. Is it too early to say, "Well done," and "Thank you"?

 

[Richracer1]

Congratulations. Is it too early to say, "Well done," and "Thank you"?

It's never to early or late. And thank you for your support to all of us in the military.

 

[Greg Nolan]

Rich
It's been a pleasure that I'm sure won't end with your move. I thank you for your service to our country and contribution to the hunting and shooting sports. Time does fly when you're having fun.
Let us know where you are and I will surely stop by to visit on our way to Idaho hunt when you're settled.
I salute you!
Greg

 

[YoteSmoker]

I heard those Air Force guys really know how to shoot! :grin:

 

[DrMike]

I heard those Air Force guys really know how to shoot!

Do they issue rifles in the Air Force?

 

[JDMAG]

Good luck with retirement Rich, Hopefully I'll see you on a future hunt in Idaho some year. And thank you for your service to our country. and for the help with my sons turkey hunt this past year.
I plan on being the one who blunders into the Elk and or Mule deer that Greg was talking about in the beginning. even though it wont be my first hunt, it will be my first hunt in Idaho.
Archery season starts here in TN tomorrow, My lease is still being logged, so me and Tater don't even have a stand up yet. we may need to go look at that tomorrow. I'll also be packing this week and getting every thing ready to leave on or about the 9'th for Idaho. May have to stop in Cheyenne to see Pop! :grin:

 

[baltz526]

Oregon deer starts next saturday the 3rd. The samurai is on the trailer, tent poles and wood stove is loaded. Water jugs and propane tanks are set out. S/E oregons whitehorse unit, A desert muledeer hunt is where i'm headed. The breaks of the owyhee is my destination, south of Rome. A solo trip with 15 days set aside to get it done. I should qualify Solo to include Tanner the chukar dog/Camp mooch is joining me. His food, dog box, dishes and dog bones are the first thing loaded. Tag is valid 12 days, my plan is to hunt hard for a mature buck and mark any youngsters i find for last couple days meat harvest. Elevation is 5500/6200 on top, high desert sage country in between canyons. Bighorn sheep and antelope are the largest populations in the area. A few cougars also and i have my 2nd tag in my pocket for them. Cougar makes great Tacos

 

[Richracer1]

I heard those Air Force guys really know how to shoot!

Do they issue rifles in the Air Force?

No, unless your in Special Ops, Combat Controller, or something like these specialties. I've shot an M-16 twice in my career, in basic training (1990) to qualify and then to qualify again in 2002 for security reasons for a TDY.

 

[DrMike]

I'm just yanking your chain. It makes no difference which branch of the military you served in, you have provided a great service for the country, it is vital. And that service is greatly appreciated. Even those who are unappreciative benefit, though they may be too dense to realise what a valuable service is provided by the men and women who wear the uniforms of our nation. Again, thank you; and I do hope you have many years of productive hunting. You earned it.

 

[Richracer1]

I'm just yanking your chain. It makes no difference which branch of the military you served in, you have provided a great service for the country, it is vital. And that service is greatly appreciated. Even those who are unappreciative benefit, though they may be too dense to realise what a valuable service is provided by the men and women who wear the uniforms of our nation. Again, thank you; and I do hope you have many years of productive hunting. You earned it.

No offense taken, although I take it as a straight forward question.
Just an FYI, I have been in the missile maintenance my whole time. Spent 9 years in Grand Forks AFB, ND working on the Minuteman III ICBMs that use to be on alert there.

 

[baltz526]

Count down is over! i'll be setting up the wall tent tomorrow. finished the last predeparture chore at 5:00pm

 

[SJB358]

I'm just yanking your chain. It makes no difference which branch of the military you served in, you have provided a great service for the country, it is vital. And that service is greatly appreciated. Even those who are unappreciative benefit, though they may be too dense to realise what a valuable service is provided by the men and women who wear the uniforms of our nation. Again, thank you; and I do hope you have many years of productive hunting. You earned it.

No offense taken, although I take it as a straight forward question.
Just an FYI, I have been in the missile maintenance my whole time. Spent 9 years in Grand Forks AFB, ND working on the Minuteman III ICBMs that use to be on alert there.

Rich, good luck with terminal, I am sure it is a big wait. I still have about 6 years left to even think about retiring, but man, the time sure does go by fast though huh? Congratulations on your career and glad you still have all of your digits. Scotty

 

[Richracer1]

I'm just yanking your chain. It makes no difference which branch of the military you served in, you have provided a great service for the country, it is vital. And that service is greatly appreciated. Even those who are unappreciative benefit, though they may be too dense to realise what a valuable service is provided by the men and women who wear the uniforms of our nation. Again, thank you; and I do hope you have many years of productive hunting. You earned it.

No offense taken, although I take it as a straight forward question.
Just an FYI, I have been in the missile maintenance my whole time. Spent 9 years in Grand Forks AFB, ND working on the Minuteman III ICBMs that use to be on alert there.

Rich, good luck with terminal, I am sure it is a big wait. I still have about 6 years left to even think about retiring, but man, the time sure does go by fast though huh? Congratulations on your career and glad you still have all of your digits. Scotty

Not quite all of them..........