DaveS

Fort Campbell doea not have QBM areas. I think most places try to achieve a 3 to 1 buck to doe ratio. The ratio for this part of Tennessee is I believe 8 to 1. Proper buck to doe ratio can only be achieved by harvesting multiple does, and scrub bucks that will never amount to anything. I believe (someone tell me if I'm wrong) that deer reach maturaty at about 3 years of age. When they hit maturity, and the buck can/will only produce a "basket rack" for example, He most likely will be putting "bad genes" in the gene pool. That "minimum number of points" is now all over the country side, because he could not be legally harvested. Not really what I want on my land. As example, I shot a spike buck two years ago that had a 3 inch spike on one side and a 5 inch spike on the other. The deer was 41/2 years old according to the biologist running the check station. Again, not what I want in my herd.

As an X military game warden and a hunter of modern times, I can tell that chump $^&^$ basket rack 6 or 8 pointers do not contirube a whole lot to the gene pool. Thus point being, 6 point "minimum' means nothing to the gene pool if that 6 pointer aint no bigger that a collie dog. On the other hand I've seen more spike bucks or 4 pointers in the 150lb class..... shoot them! Let the others grow!

It's been proven time and time again, that this system does not work. I know for a fact that "minimum" antler length is a much better deal! Dave

Cottonmouths have been seen in the Dover/LBL area of middle Tennessee. I don't wear snake boots while out and about. Just don't feel the need for the expense. I have seen plenty of snakes, but no issues with them. Dave

I really enjoy it. Let alone being a challenge, it's fun! Dave

Are there any other folks out there that hunt Squirrels and/or deer with a flintlock rifle? I custom built two flintlock rifles for hunting. One a .50 cal for deer and a .36cal for squirrel. Just want to hear from other folks on the subject. Dave (WD-40)

One of the nicest looking 10 point bucks I've ever seen was albino and lived in a patch of woods near the welcome center at LBL. He was absolutely beautiful to look at. He was protected, but several years ago he fell to a poachers gun. I can only imagine he was protected for his beauty. Not sure though.

I will assume you are reffering to a deer. And since this appears to be your first mount, I'll start with a couple simple rules (if you will). This should be useful to other folks as well. First is placement. This starts at the Taxidermy shop. Think about which wall your trophy will be placed on. You want your deer "looking at you" when you enter the room. You do not want to be looking at the side or back of his (or her) head. There are three "no-no's" from the start. Do not hang your deer where it will recieve direct hot sunlight through a window. Do not hang it in a high temperature area, for example, a garage. Do not hang it above a fireplace, (bash away fellows). When I was running my shop, I could not tell you how many deer I cleaned/repaired due to smoke and heat damage from being hung above a fireplace or woodstove. If the fireplace is unused, then it is OK. Cleaning: About once a month (or as needed) take your deer off the wall and give it a good looking over. Look for cracks around the eyes, nose and lips. If you find any, contact your Taxidermist for repair. Give the deer head a dose of "Armor-All foaming tire cleaner". It is available anywhere where car care products are sold. Spray it on and after a few seconds, wipe it off with a soft clean rag. Wipe in the direction of the hair only. Wipe the antlers with a soft cloth using furniture polish or "Armor-All Protectant". Armor-All replaces the natural sheens back in the hair and antlers. Clean the eyes with a soft cloth and window cleaner. Hang the deer back on the wall and gently brush it with a fine hair brush, then "sleek" him down with your hands (similiar to petting a dog), just don't let your spouse ketch'ya petting your deer boys! Well, I hope everyone at least found a little useful information that will help you enjoy you mounts for years to come. Dave (WD-40)

I think that will work. I want to post info on caring for your mounts (cleaning, ect), and field care BEFORE it gets to your Taxidermist. I'll put the info where ever you would like. Dave

Hello guys and gals...hope everyone is doing well, and had a safe 4th. Last year I wrote an article on "Tanning deer hides", and with hunting season just around the corner, I am getting the itch to write some more. Without tooting my horn, I've been involved in taxidermy and tanning for about 25 years, and have a ton of info to pass along. I have a couple of ideas, but if anyone is in need of any taxidermy related info, just let me know! Dave (wd-40)

Likewise, it was nice meeting you and DWARREN. Good to put a face with a name. Our daughters I think are plotting on a youth hunt together. Something about a girl thing! Can't wait till next time guys! Dave (WD)

I'll be there by 1:00. I don't have a TGO hat, but will be wearing a Fire dept T-shirt. Hope to see ya'll there! Dave (WD)

I don't know of any place with ranges that great. Out west maybe. 400 yards is the best we can do here.

WOW...

I will be there on Sunday, unless the North Koreans/Kid Junk Ill bombs us first...

Most WMA's are open year round! Most WMA's offer year round hunting...just read your regs....oh yeah....LEAVE YOUR ATV's at home so the rest of us can enjoy some peace and quite....it's the law also! WD

Sunday at 1 works

I'm good for either day. I did promise whiskey a shoot though. The range opens at 1:00 pm on Sunday.

Yes, it is located in Southside. You can find info on TWRA's website or the range's website. www.shoottn.org Hope this helps!

WHAT THE....... WD

Would anyone be interested in going to the Shooting complex?

Sounds like a groundhog or maybe a baby sasqatchie!

Dear mods and powers to be: We have several catagories here on the forums and also a "sticky" on "pay it forward", but here's my question, and maybe this has been asked before, but could we add a page (or whatever it's called, catagory...who knows) just for trading free items...it's kinda hard to follow in it's present format in the gear/ pay it forward and the ton of other headings there. I'm computer dumb, so I need all the help I can get! WD

The phone call I gave them prior to a recent camping trip ended in the word NO. However, I did not give them a reason to search my gear while there either!

Thank you sir... Dave