Hunting Ain’t What It Used To Be

Above, James scanning the area for a coyote during the
"Great Coyote Hunt" of 2018. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am not a hunter. I do understand the necessity for it, such as thinning out elk and deer herds so they don't overrun their food supply.

The closest thing to hunting was seven years ago when two neighbors and I went out several mornings to shoot a troublesome coyote. Although one neighbor got off a shot, he missed. The coyote took off.

From what I have been reading, the sport of hunting has changed. 

An article in Wyoming's Cowboy State Daily discusses the changes made to hunting and, according to the writer, not for the better.

It begins with:

Hunters of a certain age might wax nostalgic for a simpler time. Back then, hunting tags were readily available at the local store and knocking on a local rancher’s door and politely asking permission to hunt on his land usually worked.

Nowadays, hunters must plow through online page after page of digital regulation books months in advance, just trying to figure out which tags to apply for. And even when they’re successful in drawing their most-desired elk or antelope tags, getting hunting access can be a headache. 

Many private landowners are much more selective about who they allow onto their land, so public land hunting spots get mobbed.

At age 84, Dan Kinneman of Riverton has seen his share of changes on the Wyoming hunting scene.

For years, he was a hunting outfitter in the Dubois area.

He doesn’t like going up that way to hunt anymore. It’s changed too much, and from his perspective, for the worse. 

To read the full article, go here. 

Last Night's Mini-Hunt

Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, I heard what was either a cat fight or an attack on a cat by a coyote. I tend to think the latter as I only heard one cat. It sounded pretty close.

I decided to go out and check. The sound seemed to come from Barking Spider Acre, so I headed there with my Ruger P95 9mm pistol and a flashlight.

I went there but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. It was pitch dark outside with a fine display of stars in the sky. Fortunately, it was about 41° outside, so I didn't get too cold.

The episode reminded me of the "great coyote hunt" of five years ago with my neighbors James and Scott. We went out several times behind my property and set up on the utility road. The only coyote sighting was on the first try and James managed to get off a shot but missed.

It was a fun activity anyway.

 

Above, James and yours truly five years ago during our "great coyote hunt."

First Fire At Home

Above, tonight's fire. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After leaving the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association's state finals rodeo today, I headed into Gallup to pick up a couple of things at the market.

One of which was a box of fire logs for the fire pit that arrived this week.

Since the weather was clear and the temperature was a comfortable 60° outside, I decided to light one to see how well the fire pit works and deals with the winds we get here.

It worked out just fine and it is deep enough so that winds don't cause too much problem. The screen top that came with it also helped with any embers.

I sat out by the fire for about three hours (that's how long the logs last). While outside, I heard coyote howls in the distance. So did the neighbor's dogs. The coyote howls got them going.

It looks like we may have to get the gang out for some coyote hunting. It would be a good opportunity to try out the Winchester Model 94. 

For Your Cat's Health and Yours, Keep It Indoors

Above, Sierra is perfectly content and safer indoors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This really should be a no-brainer.

Keeping your cat indoors will keep it healthier and keep it from harm caused by dogs, coyotes, cars and other hazards.

A study has found that cats kept indoors are much healthier as they are kept away from diseases.

According to Yahoo News:

Paris (AFP) - At least one running argument among cat lovers is now over: Whiskers, Lucy and Tigger are definitely better off staying indoors, scientists reported Wednesday. 

Pet cats allowed outdoors, in fact, are nearly three times as likely to become infected with pathogens or parasites than those confined to quarters, they reported in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters. 

Two-legged house-mates should also take note because cats -- a.k.a. Felis catus -- can transmit some of those diseases to humans, the authors said. 

Intriguingly, the farther domesticated felines are from the equator, the more likely they are to be afflicted by some kind of bug or virus, if they spend time outdoors.

As much as I would like to bring P.K. (the stray cat I feed) indoors, I don't want to risk the health of Sierra for the reasons stated in the article.

To read more, go here.

Today's Saturday Walk

Above, the back of the garage and access gate from the road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not since we had our little coyote hunt, I haven't really been in back of the property on the utility access road. So, I decided to take my exercise walk there today.

Enough snow melted away to make it accessible, but there was some mud to try to avoid.

It was nice and peaceful, except for the barking of the neighbor's dogs (probably thought I was a coyote).

Of course, I took some pictures:

Above, the gully area and a neighbor's junk storage area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and next two photos below, the gully area. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the utility access road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Made It To The Flying J (And Back)

Above, the view down the hill a little while ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The snow of New Year's Eve didn't dissuade any of us from heading down to the Flying J for our usual morning coffee and/or breakfast in Denny's.

Four of us actually got down to Denny's. It was snowing most of the time while we were inside. We had a good view of Interstate 40 from our table and marveled at how people were speeding as if there were no snow and ice on the road. They must be crazy, we all thought.

According to the National Weather Service:



From the above map, Gallup may be getting 8" of snow from this storm. We may get a little more since we are at a slightly higher elevation.

Above, The Beast and part of the front yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Scott, one of my neighbors, posted on the community Facebook page that critters are coming into the community:

Also neighbors, we had 2 coyotes about 11 o'clock yesterday come right up to the west fence of our yard, and you guys know just how fast I move. Well, the tracks went around the west side of your west fence, Armand, going north. Then about 8 PM last nite our neighbor to the south called saying that a bobcat was spotted just south of them. So looking like we might have to get ready to stand guard again!

We discussed this at breakfast and all agreed that this isn't exactly the kind of weather for sitting outside with guns waiting for predators to show up. Maybe we can scare them off by making snowmen holding rifles?

This isn't exactly the kind of weather to be going out to celebrate New Year's either. Most, if not all, will be home in bed when the clock strikes midnight.

Cats!

Above, the two gray cats having dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past several months, I've been feeding some stray cats. It began with a gray cat with a shredded left ear.

Then came a Siamese cat. Then it and the first cat disappeared. I suspect coyotes got them.

For the past several weeks, I've been feeding a gray cat with yellow eyes. Or so I thought.

It turns out that I've been feeding two gray cats who are exact lookalikes. I discovered this a few days ago. I suspect they may be siblings.

I hope that we don't get a batch of kittens this coming spring.

They're Baaack!

Above, the coyote hunting grounds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It had been about a week or so since I last heard any howls of coyotes. But at 4:23 this morning, I heard several of them and they sounded pretty close. There must have been a pack of them.

Since Scott lives on property behind James next door, I am sure that both gentlemen heard them also.

It looks like we'll have to go back on the hunt.

A Little Stroll

With thunder booming in the clouds around Jamestown, I took a stroll and snapped some pictures of the GOCO Beast Barn, the second acre and around. The walk was a good opportunity to stretch my legs. My cardiologist recommended more exercise. I found that I dropped another two pounds of weight. Now I am down to 208.

The next round of coyote hunting is tentatively set for Saturday morning.

Above, it's raining over the three mesas and Iyanbito. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the house and GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a little wider view of the house and the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn and the acre. I guess I can still put up an
apartment complex. That would thrill the neighbors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn sits with storm clouds gathering. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Trying Again

Above, this morning's weather. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like Saturday morning, we went out this morning for some coyote hunting. And, like Saturday morning, no coyotes were seen or heard. We took a break yesterday.

Anyway, a nice way to start off for Labor Day.

Above, James on the lookout. Who the hell says you can't hunt wiht an "assault" rifle? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We had some rain last night after it got dark. It seemed to have rained in the area off and on all night. James and Scott said they heard coyotes at around 6:30. I didn't. At least last night's rains didn't turn the area into a muddy mess. The ground tends to suck up any water.

Above, Scott at the ready. Photo by Aramnd Vaquer.

Today's hunt was the longest so far. We started at 8:00 and wrapped up at 10:00. Usually, we'd be out for an hour and a half. We're going to try again tonight and tomorrow morning.

Above, yours truly all nicely jacketed.

But, it still was relaxing out as we sat and waited in the clean air. At least we had some good conversation.

God's Country

Above, cloud cover over the three mesas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow's Labor Day. I am used to hot weather on Labor Day, but this has got to be the mildest summer I've ever been in. But this is New Mexico, not California and I am up 7,000 feet above sea level.

It was around 70° today with a nice breeze. I did manage to do some yard work, but that ended when clouds moved in an I heard thunder. More rain clouds are expected tonight.

I spent the evening watching The Undefeated (1969) with John Wayne and Rock Hudson. Good movie! It has been ages since I last saw the entire movie in one sitting (probably not since it was first released).

Afterwards, I went outside with a cup of coffee and sat for a while watching more clouds come in. Then I decided to take some pictures.

Here's some of what I took:

Above, the great mesa wall across the valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the second acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, looking west in the direction of Gallup, 18 miles away. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, looking south towards Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the deck and front of the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Sierra up to mischief. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After posting this, I got word that the coyote hunt will resume tomorrow morning. Hopefully, our "sniper's nest" isn't a mudhole tomorrow morning.

Back At It Again

Above, yours truly with James in the background this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After an all-night thunderstorm, we were back at it again with out little coyote hunt.

It was pretty wet out when we headed to our "sniper's nest" behind my property. Our chairs were a bit damp (mine wasn't too bad as I had it in its bag). But we settled in with plenty of coffee to sustain us.

Above, this morning's view. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, we didn't hear any coyote howls and we didn't see any either. We had an electronic pretator call gizmo, but it didn't attract any coyotes. I did spot some movement about 250 yards away, but it turned out to be a large rabbit.

After about an hour and a half we gave up and packed everything away. We might try again tonight, weather permitting. We are expected to have a rainy monsoon weekend so it is doubtful we will be out tonight.

Even though we haven't been successful, it is still fun to be outdoors and getting to know one's neighbors. I know more of my neighbors here than I did in Tarzana. While on the lookout, I am learning more about the area and its past history.

No Critters Tonight

Above, the utility access road and the ravine/gully beyond. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, tonight was unproductive as my neighbors Scott, James and I didn't see any coyotes. We heard them the first few minutes, but silence for the rest of the time.

Two teen girls were out walking their dog near the hill across from the gully/ravine. They may have spooked the coyotes.

Above, storm clouds beginning to move into our area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monsoon storms were beginning to come in, so we had a good light show from our "sniper's perch" behind my property. And, we had beer.

Better luck tomorrow morning, maybe.

The "Great" Coyote Hunt

Above, James and Scott. Scott's residence is in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was "Elmer Fudd Day" in Jamestown. Only we weren't after "wabbits".

This morning, I joined two neighbors, Scott and James, behind my property on a coyote hunt.

Recently, a coyote has been brazen and approached near the deck of Scott's property. He has dogs at his residence, including a chihuahua, and he fears that the fencing around his yard is not sufficient to keep out the coyotes. I saw one behind my property a couple of morning ago.

Above, the gully and hill across it. Later, a coyote appeared at the treeline on he hill at center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So, we set up directly behind my property. It overlooks a gully and a hill across from it. The hill is about 200 yards from where we were positioned.

We started around 8:00 and sat and waited for a coyote to make its appearance. We did see a large jackrabbit on the hill. At around 8:55, we spotted a coyote at the tree line on top of the hill.

James aimed his rife and tried the trigger, but he had the safety on and nothing happened. At the same time, I had the coyote in my sights and pulled the trigger and nothing happened. I forgot to cock the rifle. Then the coyote came down a little from the tree line and it appeared to be looking in our direction. Scott had his electronic predator caller and that may have attracted the coyote's attention.

Above, James after taking his shot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, James turned off the safety and managed to fire off a shot. As he did so, the coyote turned and ran, so James's shot missed.

We waited another half hour to see if the coyote will reappear. He didn't. So we decided to end our little hunt but also agreed to meet there tonight at 7:00 to try again. We may be joined by more neighbors tonight.

Although unsuccessful, it was still a fun time.

Coyote

This little item showed up in my mailbox today:

This made up story is funny but apropos to all unnecessary, wasteful, and politically correct government bureaucracy, wherever it exists.

Coyote

California :

The Governor of California is jogging with his dog along a nature trail.

A coyote jumps out and attacks the Governor's dog, then bites the Governor.

1. The Governor starts to intervene, but then realizes he should stop because he is unsure whether the coyote is on the California state protected species list.

2. He calls animal control. Animal Control captures the coyote and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases and $500 for relocating it.

3. He calls a veterinarian. The vet collects the dead dog and bills the State $200 testing it for diseases.

4. The Governor goes to hospital and spends $3,500 getting checked for diseases from the coyote and on getting his bite wound bandaged.

5. The running trail is shut down for 6 months while Fish & Game conducts a $100,000 survey to make sure the area is now free of dangerous animals.

6. The State Natural Resources Board spends $75,000 to conduct an environmental impact study to determine whether human presence is disturbing the wildlife and vegetation around the nature trail.

7. The State Parks and Recreation Department spends $50,000 in state funds implementing a "coyote awareness program" for residents of the area.

8. The California Legislature spends $2 million to study how to better prevent rabies and how to permanently eradicate the disease throughout the world.

9. The California Department of Justice spends $50,000 to hire a wildlife consultant firm to plan a specialized curriculum and provide the Governor's security detail with additional special training, re: avoiding violent confrontations with wild animals.

10. PETA protests the coyote's relocation and files a $5 million suit against the State for inhumane treatment to animals. Many key state legislators support PETA, so the state settles out of court for $1 million.

Montana :

The Governor of Montana is jogging with his dog along a nature trail. A Coyote jumps out and attacks his dog.

1. The Governor shoots the coyote with his State-issued pistol and keeps jogging. The Governor has spent $0.90 on a .45 ACP hollow point cartridge.

2. The Buzzards eat the dead coyote.

And that, my friends, is why California is broke and Montana is not.