Nov 26, 2016 5 min read

This is embarrassing but why keep it a secret. I missed! Yes, after shooting groundhogs at 300-plus yards and even making an omelet out of an egg at 100 yards with the old reliable .270, I missed a bear at 50 yards.

On the other hand, it was the only legal bear I have ever seen during the bear hunting season. After the miss, Bob Ament, who lives in the area we were hunting and is a leader of the group, came up to me grabbed me in a bear hug and said he did his part and chased one to me but you didn’t do my part! Of course he had a big smile on his face and I must admit it was the truth.

Incidentally, the bear was downed by another hunter in the group who was posted about 100 yards from me. Dan Hunter of Stahlstown shot it, and I was happy for him and said at least I gave him a warning that it was coming his way.

Despite my failure, it was a fun hunt. Roads traveled were all narrow and muddy. If you went off the tracks, it was a long way down. Once our single truck lane was blocked by a huge uprooted hemlock.

No problem. Mike Weber got out the chainsaw and in 45 minutes we were back to hunting. Apparently, being prepared also means carrying a chain saw.

I don’t know about the rest of the state but the number of bears taken in in seemed to be off in may area. Perhaps it was the weather or the fact that there was a great mast crop, which scatters the animals. Still, our camp did take four bear.

Obviously, I am no expert but the normal number of bears brought in was 114 but this year only 64 had been brought in to the check station when we arrived. In past years, all I was doing in bear season was taking my rifle for a walk. This year at least, I not only spotted one but got a shot. Maybe next year I’ll get one if the good lord is willing.

• This is a big day for hunters as tomorrow is the opening of the statewide season for deer.

Many of us don’t call it deer season instead we refer to it as buck season and deer seem to be plentiful in the southwest part of the state. Up North where I was, the deer were scarce. In three days of hunting and posting on drives I saw but three deer, one of which was a small buck.

Around here in Washington and Greene counties, such a number is impossible. As far as archery season goes, I have seen and heard about a few bucks being taken but I am sure there are plenty to go around.

As far as large antlered bucks go I personally know of five that are large enough to be proud of. One of these five is potentially Boone & Crockett sized.

That raises a common problem with me. I have only spotted him once so that makes me suspect he wasn’t in his home range but was roaming because of the rut. All too often posted land here at home is a problem for the serious hunter.

One thing I do know is the hunter who bags a truly large antlered buck is either lucky or has the patience to stay out when things look gloomy. Deer are not shot in the living room and a hunter who stays out, regardless of weather conditions, has a better chance to succeed.

If it is cold, wear heavy clothes. If it rains, and rain offers a special problem, be prepared. Have lens caps on the scope. Cover the muzzle to prevent snow or rain from entering the barrel.

Tape over the muzzle works as does a piece of plastic wrap kept in place with a gumband. Both will blow off the barrel before the bullet touches them. Always carry a spare protector in a pocket in case you shoot and miss for they only work once.

A hat with a bill helps keep rain out of the hunters’ eyes and today’s clothing is much better at rain proofing than what was available years ago. However, there is one exception and that is wool. Wool sheds water and insulates even when it is wet. Few other materials will do that.

These are but a few things that keep the person in good shape for the hunt. But the most important of all is the confidence that a buck will pass your way if you are out long enough.

I always ask myself not if but when and where I will see a buck? If there is a secret to deer hunting success that is it. When will he come my way and where?