nomolites

That looks like a puffball. Mike

This is another one of those you get what you pay for items. The good news is these days glass is way better on the economical end than ever, but the really good stuff still costs $$$. Vortex makes decent optics, for what we do in Missouri those are likely quite capable. I would ask the store to let you take them outside and compare at various ranges and lighting gradients. I have a pair of 10x Vipers I bought when I took my son elk hunting a few years back, and while they are certainly good, I still prefer my old Leupold Golden Rings( but they are definitely heavier due to the optics). Mike

No bead, either on or just under the surface. Mike

I always catch more stripping that fly, no contest. Mike

That’s a good deal on the sticks, you could make enough money to cover the ammo and still have a few left. Mike

Had one processed many years ago-never, ever, again. Make all my own sausage too, mainly necessity as I am allergic to pork so use beef fat/trimmings in all grind and sausage. Just picked up the first installment from my butcher, who saves for me off of the better beef cuts at a reasonable price. Hopefully will add another to the freezer this weekend and then start focusing on a mature buck. I love this three week period!!! Mike

I have been hunting from hang-on stands so long I am very comfortable; always harnessed, and for me it is all about the seating…I carry in a memory foam seat I have sewn a shoulder strap onto which attaches to my stands with velcro and I can sit all day on that thing, and sometimes do. To each there own…I enjoy my birds eye view of sunrises and sunsets, and the critters never know I’m there. Good like all…it is time…I plan to get serious(when not traveling) between now and the 10th. Mike

Tree. 20’. Hang on. I’m primarily a bow hunter; better visibility and better chance of a clean path to the vitals. Where I hunt it is too thick(bush honeysuckle) to hunt from the ground effectively with a bow(or a rifle for that matter). I did invest in some tethers this year as I’m getting older and don’t heal quickly. If I was going to hunt from the ground I’d be toting a rifle pushing a heavy, blunt, projectile that would be less sensitive to bush honeysuckle like a 45/70. That hurts just thinking about it. Mike

Awesome flick! Mike

They will also hit you for a two or three night minimum in many college towns on a football weekend. I try to avoid those intersections if at all possible, but that doesn’t always work. At least my employer is the one taking the hit. Mike

Agree, that area in the fall is awesome…but, lots of folks think so. Amazing the traffic on little country two lanes so plan on it. Mike

I got drawn for a managed hunt so I had to take a doe up front Sunday morning, and yes, took her down and into the freezer quickly. I did skin her and let her hang in the cool garage with a box fan on her long enough for her to set up a bit so the meat was cool to the touch but I MUCH prefer to hang them a minimum of overnight before butchering. First time I have taken a deer this early in many years. Mike

Ouch. Aluminum wheels are pricy. Mike

I wear taller ones that fold down over the laces and clip on them to hold in place. They work well. My shoes are high top Soft Science canvas wading shoes and I love them….too bad COVID bankrupted them. Mike

Multiple remote operated units these days, take your pick. All sizes and brands. Mike

Sorry for your loss. Brings to mind a couple of my best friends…rest easy Max. Mike

I love flying fish eggs as well, they “pop” when you bite down on them. Gotta have those on my rolls. Mike

I believe they hit an Academy and maybe one other the same night. Found a stolen car ditched behind my house in the bushes the morning of the 11th….we got thugs a plenty up in here. Mike

Bone cracker always helps me when that happens. Mike

Downloaded my copy as well. Awexsome! Mike

I use 10# and bass tackle for all my striper fishing(spoons, topwater, swim baits, etc.)….and have never had a break off(yet). I have had them take me deep into the spool on that first run, but they had to work hard to do it, and once they are turned it’s just a matter of time. 99% of the time I am in deep open water and there not much for them to wrap me around though- don’t imagine it would work as well in CQB. Mike

Looks like A Reef Runner 600 knockoff…I have a box full of 600s and while they are temperamental and require tuning, they flat catch fish. Mike

Looks like a slot fish. Mike

I can relate to the witching hour fishing for temperates this time of year, I’m just usually not in that skinny water. I’ve been out of town and thought about coming down this weekend but it’s that one weekend when every wing nut on the lake is a race boat driver and I decided to wait. Thanks for letting me know what I am missing! Mike

That’s awesome! Looks like it is going to be beautiful. Mike