Connecticut Grouse Population on the Rise?

I’ve heard more ruffled grouse in the woods this spring than any year in the recent past. This is hardly a scientific study, but I’ve spent a lot of time in the Connecticut woods, so this anecdote has some validity. I heard several wings thumping while turkey hunting this past week. Last fall, I saw a hunter harvest a ruffled grouse. I hope these signs mean the ruffled grouse population in Connecticut is on the rise.  In previous posts I have written about the lack of ruffled grouse in Connecticut when compared to the woods of New Hampshire.


I hope to find some population data from the DEP to confirm my observations.

Leave a post if you have had similar or conflicting observations.

Turkey Hunting Tip #5: Emergency Decoy

When I first started turkey hunting, I started out with foam decoys. They were light, easy to carry, and most importantly – they were cheap. They did the job fine, but eventually wore out. Since they were only foam, tears developed, and I eventually had to scrap them. I upgraded to a nicer plastic set. They are still foldable, so easy to stuff into a vest, but they look better and are sturdier than the cheaper foam decoys. I usually use two decoys. I set up one hen and one jake. I believe this is a good all-around decoy set up. Having the hen attracts gobblers, but the jake also gets them fired up. Also, the jake is less threatening to other hens. I’ve used this two-decoy set up to bring in several birds.


However, there is still some use for the foam decoys. Consider keeping a foam hen decoy as an “emergency decoy”. Although my normal set up consists of two birds, I like to keep a third foam hen decoy rolled up in the bottom of my vest. Usually, it will not be used. Since it is foam, it is light and does not take up much space. The purpose of this emergency decoy is for the times when you can’t approach your standard set up for fear of being seen. Consider this situation: You have your standard decoys set up in an open field. You see a bird, but he’s down field and not moving towards your decoys. You want to set up closer to this bird, but you fear you will be seen if you try to retrieve your decoys. This is the circumstance in which you would use your emergency decoy. Leave the two decoys you already have set up where they are, move to a down field position, and use your emergency decoy.

As stated earlier, most of the time this third decoy will just remain rolled up on the bottom of your vest. However, there are circumstances where you might want to consider carrying this emergency decoy.

Turkey Hunting Tip #4: Binoculars

Generally, less is more when it comes to hunting gear.  Each piece of equipment is another thing to lug through the woods.  Retailers market binoculars as an essential piece of hunting equipment.  In the New England deer woods binoculars are often dead weight, with the forest too thick for them to be of much use.  However, binoculars may be a piece of equipment to consider for turkey hunting in Connecticut.

Since much of turkey hunting is done in open fields, binoculars can be useful.  They are useful to be able to identify if a turkey a long distance away is a hen, jake, or that gobbler you're after.  Sometimes they are even useful to tell if that lump in the field is a rock or a turkey.  On public land, binoculars are useful to determine whether that turkey you see in the field is a decoy from another hunter, or a real bird.  I've wasted time creeping up on turkey set ups, only to get a little closer and realize they are decoys from another hunter.  In addition to a time waster, this is also a safety issue, as you don't want to be getting to close to another hunter.

You can get away without them, but if you have some extra room in your vest, binoculars can be a useful turkey hunting tool.

Start of the Connecticut 2010 Spring Turkey Season Shows A Display of New England Extremes

Spring Turkey season opened this Wednesday in Connecticut.  In just these first four days of the season, hunters have seen all the weather variation New England has to offer.

On opening day (Wednesday) it was bitter cold for late April.  Snow fell as I drove into the turkey woods.  The wind blew strong and steady.  I did not hear a single gobble, nor see a bird under these tough conditions.

Thursday was just a bit warmer.  The morning was calmer.  One bird was heard and spotted, but by mid-morning the wind was blowing so hard that it was nearly impossible to hunt.

By Friday, conditions had improved considerably.  The birds were moving, but still not gobbling a lot.  However, I was able to see several birds.

Saturday featured nearly mid-summer heat with highs in the mid to upper 80s F.

So, conditions went from snow on Wednesday to near record heat on Saturday.  This is the nature of hunting in New England, and it presents unique challenges in the woods.  Turkey hunter needs to prepare themselves for the different conditions and adapt their tactics accordingly.

My recommendation is to always dress in layers while turkey hunting.  It's better to be too warm because one can always remove a layer.  This is even more easier with turkey hunting than other forms of hunting because unwanted clothing can easily be stored in your turkey vest.

I have no scientific data, but it's been my experience that turkeys tend to stay more in the woods during cold and windy conditions.  As temperatures warm and wind dies down, you will see them move in to fields more easily during the day.  Windy and rainy conditions are the most difficult in which to hunt because your calls, as well as the response calls of the gobblers, can not easily be heard.  The heat is OK for turkey hunting, but presents difficulty for the hunter with just plain hotness and the bugs.  The heat brings the bugs out.  A small bottle of bug spray is a good item to keep in a turkey vest.  Remember, turkey do not use their sense of smell, so feel free to cover yourself with the spray.  It's also a good idea to use the spray to keep ticks away as the season wears on.

Future columns this month will continue with turkey hunting tips, as well as a recap of some recent hunts.

Turkey Hunting Tip #1: Dress in layers.  Remove unwanted layers and store them in your turkey vest as the temperature rises.

Turkey Hunting Tip #2: If you only have one day to hunt, and you have a choice, consider wind and rain conditions first.  Turkey hunting is difficult in windy and wet conditions.

Turkey Hunting Tip #3: Carry a small bottle of bug repellent in your turkey vest.

More to come later.

Good luck.  

2010 CT Turkey Season Opens April 28

The state of Connecticut has changed the regulations for turkey tags for 2010. Previously, a hunter was only allowed to get tags for either state land or private land. Now, both are available. A hunter can get 2 bearded birds on state land, and up to 3 bearded birds on private land. The season opens April 28th and ends May 29th.


I just bought my tags today. I waited because if I bought my license and all tags all at once I would be in the poor house. Now I buy the tags as I need them using the new online system. I paid $19 per tag for a total of $38 for the state and private land tags.

The new online system is convenient. It is better than having to rely on mail, or to drive to the DEP office in Hartford to buy tags. However, I don’t like the new prices. I was one of the unfortunate ones to buy my hunting/fishing license early in the year, so I paid the full price, and will not get any refund now that the state lowered the price. It does not look like the prices of tags are going to go down, so it’s probably safe to buy now. Tags are available on the CT DEP website.

2-Piece Self Climbing Tree Stand for Sale

I'm selling my old tree stand.  I used it last year for hunting, but I don't really need it any more since the spot I hunt has permanent stands.

If you're interested, the link is below.  I'll give you a good deal.  Name your price and come pick it up.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tree-Stand-2-piece-self-climbing_W0QQitemZ190387616194QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c53fc79c2

A Visit to Wolf’s Indoor Range and Shooting Center – Bristol, CT USA

Where: 597 Middle Street (Route 229), Bristol, CT 06010

Website: www.wolfsrange.com
Phone: 860-585-0447
Hours: Monday 2 PM – 9 PM, Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 9 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Cost: It cost me $19 and change for ½ hour and 5 targets
Details: 15 bays, 50+ feet indoor facility. Small shop.

I’ve never visited a shooting range before, so I was not totally sure what to expect when I visited Wolf’s Indoor Range and Shooting Center in Bristol, CT. The experience was stress free. The staff at Wolf’s was no-nonsense, but still friendly. They explained all the range etiquette and rules, and most importantly, welcomed any questions.
Wolf’s has 15 bays available. The range goes beyond 50 feet, which is plenty far for handgun shooting. They have a small store that sells targets, ammo, and various accessories.

If you are visiting a range for the first time, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you have them, bring ear and eye protection. If not, Wolf’s has some available to borrow.
• DO NOT “expose” your firearm in the office. It needs to be kept in a case until you get out to the range.
• If you don’t have targets, you can buy them at the range. The targets I purchased were $.30 each.

 I will definitely visit Wolf’s again.

 

Equipment Review: Gunvault Minivault Standard Gun Safe

The Gunvault minivault gun safe is a small size safe intended to hold one or two handguns. The safe is small enough to fit under a bed or in a drawer. It is made of heavy gage steel, and lined with foam. The foam protects the internal contents of the safe. The safe features a spring assisted latch door. When the safe is opened, the door springs open unassisted. The safe features two unlocking methods. One is a standard key entry, and the other is a keypad made to mimic the position of fingers. The keypad runs on AA batteries, which are installed inside the safe. The safe has a low battery indicator light. The safe also includes mounting hardware and a template to allow the user to secure the safe to a floor or other solid surface.

The safe has an optional security cable available. It does not come standard with the safe. It must be purchased separately.
The deluxe version of the safe includes an internal light, an audible warning signal, and an AC connection for power. There is also a more advanced version that includes a biometric (fingerprint) reader to open the safe. This version is significantly more expensive than the standard and deluxe version.
The safe is large enough to fit 2 small guns. I was able to fit one revolver, plus two boxes of ammo in the safe.

I purchased the standard version. The safe appears to be a good option for firearm security in the home. The keypad is quick and easy to use, yet provides strong security. There is a key entry to back up the keypad, so even if batteries run out, the safe can be entered using the key. Additionally, the battery indicator light should remind the user to change the batteries. The spring-loaded door allows for only 1-step opening. As soon as the key is turned or the code is entered, the door springs open. No latches or hinges to operate.

I bought the Gunvault safe at Cabela’s for about $100. I am happy with the purchase.

Gun Show Disappoints

I made my way to the gun show at the Easter States Exposition in Springfield, MA this past weekend. It was not what I was looking for as a new gun shopper. I was expecting several booths where one could view and hold different guns. I was expecting salesmen trying to sell potential buyers on the virtues of their firearms. While there were some booths selling new guns, the majority of tables were devoted to antique items. All but one of the tables selling new guns had them behind glass. The one booth that had the guns available to handle was the most crowded booth at the show. One would thing the other sellers would catch on.


Perhaps my expectations were too high, but the show was closer to a flea market than a convention.

If you are in the market for a new gun, in my opinion the show is not the way to go. The selection at a store like Cabela's is likely better than the show. Additionally, there is no entry fee for Cabela's, and all the accessories you need are available in one place.

For the new firearm buyer, go to your local store. For antique items, check out the show.

West Springfield Gun Show

I've never been to a gun show before, but I plan on attending one this weekend.
This weekend there is an NRA sponsered gun show at the Easter States Exposition (Big E fairgrounds) in West Springfield, MA. 

The link for the show poster is below:

http://users.erols.com/fasttrack/loc/w-spr/SPRINGFIELD-FLYER-MARCH-10.pdf

There is also a coupon online for $1 off admission.  You can print that coupon here:

http://users.erols.com/fasttrack/loc/w-spr/w-spr-coupon.gif

Perhaps I'll see you there.