So how do you occupy your off season?
Contributors to this thread:Wisconsin
From: Pete-pec
03-Dec-21
Just wondering what people do after the season is over? If you're still out hunting? Great, but what are some other hobbies you have? Personally, I have an independent wife, adult kids, and a crazy good schedule, where I still fulfill my duties, and have scads of free time. I don't ice fish like I used to, so I'm currently looking for perhaps something new to occupy my free time. Please share pictures of your other hobbies. It most certainly doesn't need to be outdoor stuff. I sure dig heading down in the basement shop, playing classic rock on my ear buds, and messing with taxidermy. Going to attempt my first shoulder mount eventually. What say you?
From: MjF
03-Dec-21
From: retro
03-Dec-21
Grandkids.... They keep us busy... On slow days I study mental illness on BOWSITE...:>).
From: Pete-pec
03-Dec-21
Lol, MjF. I concur. I would agree with the processing part. I'm really into the sausage making and smoking. Of course there are beers involved, but if you've killed your self prescribed limit, then what? Even Rambo made knives in his spare time lol.
From: Wink501
03-Dec-21
Muzzleloader, late season bow, ice fishing, early season fly fishing for trout, then regular trout season…then prep for bow season, bow hunting, deer gun season…it’s called the “circle of life”
From: Knifeman
03-Dec-21
Make these...
From: Pete-pec
03-Dec-21
Retro, hilarious!
Wink, that circle is probably a given amongst most of us. I told my buddy the other day: You know what I'm looking forward to? Bow season. That means there's a shit ton of other stuff that I love between now and then, gardening being high on that list, but there's nothing like chasing whitetails with a bow!
Beautiful knife there sir! I must admit, forged in fire is one of my favorite shows. Damascus blades are beautiful. Do you forge your own metal?
From: MirageTC
03-Dec-21
Spending all my allowance on 3D archery season.
From: retro
03-Dec-21
Knifeman... Nice work!
From: Pete-pec
03-Dec-21
Mirage, I should spend more time shooting in the off season. I'm horrible. I'll literally leave my bow alone from November until July. I would thoroughly enjoy taking up traditional archery. That might get me motivated enough to make some of those trad shoots, and meet some of those people who are the foundation of what it's turned into today. Shot leagues several years, but never 3D. Good on you!
From: Knifeman
03-Dec-21
Pete, they are stock removal knives, made from bar stock by hand.
From: Pete-pec
03-Dec-21
Love those folds Bud! Real nice stuff!
From: RD in WI
03-Dec-21
We garden
From: RD in WI
03-Dec-21
And pond
From: RD in WI
03-Dec-21
And work on an international relations theory and predictive tool to forecast international events and trends.
From: Pete-pec
03-Dec-21
Richard, do you think anyone who doesn't garden comprehends what gardening does for the soul? Like when you sit in your garden, and think about what a tiny seed can turn into, and what the circle of life in the form of organic compost, microbes, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pollinators, photosynthesis etc., do to plant life, and think.......damn, this is really the eden I've been looking for! It's pretty awesome!
As far as predicting international relations? Well obviously that "single god" thing is the root of most of the international shitstorms we get ourselves into. Need I say more? Anyways, I'd love a garden tour, and I'd love to show you mine. I'm a pepper fanatic, (well nightshades in general), and grew the current hottest pepper this last year from seed, just because, but when I say hot, I cannot even explain how unreal capsaicin can alter the taste buds. Like out of body hot! Of course you cannot eat it, but you certainly can spice things up.......with the tiniest pinch lol.
From: SHEDHUNTER
03-Dec-21
Got into rod building last couple years. About as addicting as anything. Ice rods are particularly fun as you can build them quick.
From: Pete-pec
03-Dec-21
Don, now those are also beautiful pieces of work. Looks like those balanced rods are super sensitive. Nothing like feeling the bite from the jig, through the line, the rod, and the handle. I'm a guy, who almost exclusively fishes for bluegills, and I must say those are right up my alley!
From: RD in WI
03-Dec-21
Pete - I second your feelings regarding the garden; it is a truly fine moment to see the garden flourishing and watch how it attracts and nourishes other wildlife. We put in the pond when one of our pets died and it has attracted all manner of creatures - crows fishing for tadpoles, fox and deer drinking, toads and frogs procreating. My wife bought a trail camera to capture what goes on at the pond (she calls it a camera trap) - it has been hilarious to see before and after pictures of thrashers bathing in the pond - didn't think a bird could look that disheveled. Great thread and a fine way to see what Wisconsin Bowsiters may have in common.
From: FredBear76
03-Dec-21
Bourbon.
From: RD in WI
03-Dec-21
FredBear76 - drinking or distilling bourbon? My wife's (Cortney) bourbon of choice is Evan Williams Single barrel. She also makes wine - rhubarb, serviceberry, concord grape, blackberry, and a raisin sherry - so far. Our first tasting (rhubarb) will be this Christmas. The raisin sherry is a three-year project.
From: Pete-pec
03-Dec-21
Bourbon? So you're saying you self medicate through seasonal depression? LOL!
From: FredBear76
03-Dec-21
Yes, exactly! I have a new found appreciation for bourbon. Hunting for the "good stuff" fills my free time. Plus, it goes great with some backstraps!
From: vilascounty
03-Dec-21
I can't stay away from the deer. Hunt hard starting openeing day all the way thru rifle season. This year I will be doing some extended archery season in counties where it's allowed. That picture of the 14 year old kid with the bluffs at the background got me really excited. Not the buck, but the landscape was awesome! I I'll be heading out that way for extending archery this year. I have never set foot in that part of the state.
When that ends, it's ice fishing season. Love tip-up fishing the local lakes and ice fishing the great lakes when you can. After ice season is salmon trolling season.... both on lake superior and lake michigan. I catch a ton of cohos and the occasional king.. Getting a king on the downrigger is so much fun. The fish on lake MI run really dang big but I prefer the solitude of Superior. I am also tapping anywhere from 20-50 trees during the spring and getting that sweet syrup, although I might give the trees a rest this year.
Summertime is my relaxing and catch-up-on-life time. I make a few extended trips to Milwuakee or even Chicago to visit friends and to get away from the mosquitos. I do some super lazy fishing down south... use those deer livers to get some catfish. I am also apparently the only person in the world who thoroughly enjoys and seeks out carp fishing. Throw some corn out, let your line sit, crack open a few beers and before you know it your line is screaming and you're fighting a sizeable fish. An awesome way to spend a summer day fishing when you're too lazy to deal with crowded boat launches.
And in the blink of an eye... it's late August once again and the bow comes out and we do it all over again. The off season is really just passing the time between deer seasons!!
From: dupontcheesepy12
03-Dec-21
Duck/quail season gets great here till 1/31. Hike the canyon, take the toys out for fun rides,the Astin is a 205mph rocketing, way too much fun. 2 week cruise to Italy, Greece, turkey. get in shape for a for sure mulie backpack hunt(12,000 feet), and having max points for 37 years, draw a sheep tag, also 12,000 feet. Food plots in may, prune apple trees, work on too many treestands. Continue our NP tour, 32 to go, then 8/1, archery opens in the west.
From: dupontcheesepy12
03-Dec-21
From: dupontcheesepy12
03-Dec-21
From: dupontcheesepy12
03-Dec-21
3d season starts till 4/15 also.
From: Drop Tine
03-Dec-21
I’ll be harassing the coyotes until spring. Deciding on going to MO. Between Christmas and new years for their muzzleloader season. Then the walleye run, and then onto summer stuff. Going to the Black hills UTVing and Plan on a few 3D shoots this year.
From: Guy123
04-Dec-21
About the 4th fish my wife has ever pulled through the ice. 5.23lb largemouth.
About the 4th fish my wife has ever pulled through the ice. 5.23lb largemouth.
During the winter mainly tip up ice fishing. The wife and I love exploring new lakes and ponds that we can walk in on and hope for some action.
From: Casekiska
04-Dec-21
So what do I do besides bow hunt? Almost too many hobbies, activities, interests, bits of volunteer work, goings-on, things to do to mention! Oh, and don't let me forget the "honey-do" list! I'm retired now and with all the stuff I'm into I have wondered many times how in my previous life I found time to work! Seriously though, there's an awful lot out there if a guy is interested and makes an effort to get involved. The opportunities are endless. Probably two of the areas I have gotten into in the last few years that have offered personal satisfaction are volunteering my time to the WI Bowhunters Assoc. and in doing some writing for bowhunting related state and national periodicals. As a sideline to the writing gig I have gotten involved with original historical research regarding archery and bowhunting history and the who, what, when, where and why of our past? That's been fascinating beyond description! In doing that one of my goals was to discover and preserve a bit of our history before it passes (along with the folks involved) and is lost to the years. (.....for example, let me throw this out...in two days,...there is a major bowhunting anniversary coming up. Do you know what it is? I'll post a thread on it then and some guys might find it interesting, we'll see. Hope so.)
From: Hoot
04-Dec-21
I'm gearing up to head north for some trapping. I have a fisher tag and I know there are a ton of coyotes up there so really looking forward to getting some iron in the northwoods.
From: Alwaysright
04-Dec-21
Woodworking, it’s challenges your patience and skill level.
From: MjF
04-Dec-21
Speaking of Fishers..... I have extra seat cushions for my tree stands, thought someone was screwing with me and taking them, come to find out after our last snow of a few inches the mystery was finally solved.... damn fisher was climbing my stands and stealing the cushions.
From: Naturelives
04-Dec-21
I'll be out bow hunting late season. I have a lot of friends who turkey hunt so I'm usually out 3-4 days a week either hunting or calling for someone. I do some fishing but other than hunting my big passion is working out. The last couple years I've got really into running. Goal this summer is to run a sub 3 hour marathon and qualify for the Boston marathon.
From: smokey
04-Dec-21
I do a lot of outdoor photography, sell at art shows and on my website. I measure animals for B&C, P&Y and WBBC. Oh, and too many Doctor visits.
From: xtroutx
04-Dec-21
I usually do a piece of furniture every winter. Ice fishing, scouting, casino with wife, walking at the rec center, garden. Honey do list gets pretty extensive during the winter here. Finishing new flooring in living room today, then new tile in bath. then new carpet in bedrooms, then a big porch roof (maybe a 3 season room) over a 10 x 14 stoop in the front of the house this spring/summer.
From: xtroutx
04-Dec-21
I don't know how to rotate finished picture, sorry
From: bobbinhood
04-Dec-21
Load shotguns shell's all winter so I can shoot trap all summer! Along with ice fishing and what ever trad. shoot should pop up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Knifeman
04-Dec-21
From: xtroutx
04-Dec-21
Thank you, and BTW I forgot to mention those are some beautiful knives.
From: Trickle rut
04-Dec-21
Some very be talented folks on here. All of you. Very nice! Gardening which I adore is my main off season hobby. Well done gentlemen very very impressive
From: Alwaysright
04-Dec-21
From: Hwytohell
04-Dec-21
Gorgeous work AR.
How long does it take to complete one, and how much do you sell them for ?
From: RUGER1022
04-Dec-21
Coyote hunting , Bowhunting , Squirrel hunting , ice fishing , scouting for next year , about 4 gunshows, 1 knife show , bought 8 firearms that need work ( sitting in a basement for 70 years .
1 of my gunshow partners died of Covid in October, helping the family ( huge gun & knife inventory ) .
Dec 26th is 2 years that I lost Renee . I signed up on a Dating website last month. Getting lonely at times . I'm getting 10 hits a day . Ages 18 to 93 , all colors & all sexes. 5 different countries. Fun to read but I have not replied to any . Unreal .
From: RD in WI
04-Dec-21
Wow, Always Right - that is impressive work.
From: CaptMike
04-Dec-21
My fishing/guiding business does not start until early May. Between now and then, I'll attend Dallas and Houston Safari Club shows, the SCI National show in Las Vegas and a really nice show in Salt Lake City. Planning a couple days of bowfishing in FL, a hog/duck hunt in TX and a bunch of game farm pheasants to watch the dog work. Spent the last week loading trap/sporting clays loads, enough for the summer, in between some muzzle loader hunting. I also play around putting some knives together. I do not make the blades but do enjoy creating some pretty unique handles, along with the leather work. Shed hunting, spring turkey and local bow fishing will take me right into my fishing season.
From: Hoot
04-Dec-21
From: Novembermadman
04-Dec-21
Hunting season never ends when there are coyotes around!! Ruger, I feel your pain on the dating sites!! Your odds are better at killing the next world record brown bear with a slingshot then finding a good match on many of those sites!! Some really gifted guys on this post.
From: RUGER1022
04-Dec-21
Nov , 10 % are hookers . 1 honest gal , 41 cute redhead in Germany. She said she needs me for a 2 year relationship to be a US citizen & she would make it well worth my time . Thinking.
From: Hoot
04-Dec-21
November - Nice coyote!
From: Novembermadman
04-Dec-21
Thanks for fixing that Hoot!! If you have a while Roger I can give you a quick lesson on how that works over there in Germany. I'll shorten the learning curve for you, it won't be long and "she" will be asking you to start mailing money to her. I never fell for that BS but I personally know two guys that fell hook, line and sinker for that ploy. Go ahead and play their game but when she asks for you to start paying for this or that I wouldn't walk away, I'd run as fast as I could. A lot of scammers on those dating sites so be careful.
From: xtroutx
04-Dec-21
Have her buy you some hunting acerage before the plane ticket.
From: happygolucky
04-Dec-21
Hard water fishing for me as well as snowmobiling. I love ice fishing at our place in 3Lakes as well as trail riding up there. But, I also love killing, er, catching Whities on the Bay out of deep water. Will be up for XMAS for the my first ice adventure of this winter.
From: Live2Hunt
06-Dec-21
Ice fishing, honey do list's for HER whole family (Grrrr), Taxidermy. Love ice fishing though. can't wait to pull back on a giant bull gill.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
21-Dec-21
Just finished these for a fellow Bowsiter.
From: Trickle rut
21-Dec-21
What off-season? Season is still on. Then coyote hunting. Then shed hunting in spring. Then before green up scouting. So that leaves May thru August. Gardening then. Some fishing.
From: Pete-pec
21-Dec-21
Those are nice Arrow.
From: Casekiska
21-Dec-21
Very nice end tables. Wood species? Do you stain them? Type? Good job, really nice.
From: Mark S
21-Dec-21
Those are - simple and really cool!.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
21-Dec-21
Balsam and pine top. I cut all the wood. These are for Trapper.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
21-Dec-21
Every year I donate several items to veterans, sports clubs etc. This chair i donated to a guy that had a stroke. The rocker made 2200. For the families expenses.
From: Hoot
22-Dec-21
Beautiful chair arrow. Thank you for all the charity donations you done.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
22-Dec-21
Thanks Hoot. The Ed Hall chair was for the guy,,, if some of you remember shot that double headed buck back in the 80's It was featured at the white tail classic in madison By American Archery.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
22-Dec-21
I donate these for paddle raffles. The county laughingly says I'm the only one that has found a use for the dreaded alder brush (:
I donate these for paddle raffles. The county laughingly says I'm the only one that has found a use for the dreaded alder brush (:
From: Hoot
22-Dec-21
MJF - Back from fisher trapping. First time I haven't filled my fisher tag. Had a picture of one the night before I arrived by an old bear bait. Fishers can be brutal on cushions and stand seats for sure.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
22-Dec-21
Hoot I have fisher on my land you can trap here and stay at the house.
From: Hoot
22-Dec-21
Arrow - Thanks for the offer, but I'm probably done for the year. I've got some of my grandson's wrestling matches to attend. He's on a roll 15 & 0 all pins in the heavyweight division.
From: Live2Hunt
27-Dec-21
Hoot, years ago it was nothing to see a few fishers in Sawyer county just being in the woods. They seemed to have disappeared? Not sure if they just dispersed more or what happened.
From: Hoot
27-Dec-21
Live - Fisher are more of an old forest woods critter. I know when they logged heavily around where I use to live they disappeared.
From: Hoot
28-Dec-21
I just received an email from the DNR that they misprinted the closing date for fisher. It's Jan 9th, not Jan. 2nd. Wouldn't you think they would proof read their regs.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
28-Dec-21
Hoot,,,,,,,,,, do you really expect anything different from the WDNR ????
From: Hoot
28-Dec-21
Arrow - Not really!
From: >>>--arrow1-->
29-Dec-21
For those that would like an antler chandelier but don't want to spend the 400.$ plus you can make your own cheap. You can buy these lights at menards for about 50. To 75.00$ and take some of your sheds and lace into the light. You can if you want tie them in with very fine wire.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
29-Dec-21
From: Casekiska
29-Dec-21
Cool stuff Arrow. Nice! Next time I get to Mennards maybe I'll pick-up a new chandelier,...don't think I'll be the only WI Forum member to do so!
From: Hoot
29-Dec-21
Arrow - Very nice, but now I have to find some sheds. lol
From: Live2Hunt
29-Dec-21
Looks good Arrow and great idea. My problem is, my wife always wants me to do something like that with my antler's I've acquired throughout the years that are screwed into the walls of my garage. The problem is, she changes things like that every year. So, if I make one with my antlers it could disappear in a short time. Now, they're just stuck on the wall and occasionally I look at them and remember the hunt.
From: Hoot
29-Dec-21
When I was scouting for fisher trapping two weeks ago I noticed this bone sticking up through old growth brush. I went to get it and it was attached to a boot and the boot was in an old bear trap. I brought it home and cleaned it up as good as possible. The trap is rusted shut. Do you think I should call a warden or whom? LOL
From: CaptMike
29-Dec-21
Nice idea arrow!
From: Pete-pec
29-Dec-21
Jim, call the humane society. Someone was abusing a bear by making him wear boots! That certainly is a talking piece. The trap caught the trapper, and the bear was the only witness. CSI Wisconsin!
From: >>>--arrow1-->
29-Dec-21
Live2hunt ,,,, You realize they will make you a new wife every day LOL (: Nice HOOT
From: Two Feathers
29-Dec-21
This off season will be different for me. I retire in two days so 2022 will be a new ball game. No workey, no money. Time will tell.
From: Casekiska
29-Dec-21
Two Feathers - Congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy. Enjoy. Hope you have a ball and stay active in archery and bowhunting. Hope you have the same luck in retirement I did,...sometimes I'm so busy doing stuff I want to do I wonder how the heck I ever had time to work! Good luck.
From: RUGER1022
29-Dec-21
Congrats Two on your retirement. You'll love it but there is an adjustment period. The wife's 1st comment?
" Great now I'm stuck with you all day every day ."
I walked out to the driveway, the dog walks up & gives me the " What the heck are you doing here ? " .Look .
Enjoy
From: groundhunter50
29-Dec-21
Tom you will not regret it. I retired very early, and yes I did some work after, from April to August for a few years, but never in the fall or winter..... I could not even list the stuff I do, or are interested in. I guess to sum it up, I play alot.
In the winter, after hunting, I like to small game on whats left, some trapping, and just jag around in the woods. I am lucky that at both my homes, I can just walk out the door, shoot a gun, throw an arrow, etc............. My advice to young guys is never live where you can not take a wizz, wherever you want,,,,,,,,,,,,
Good luck Tom, see you at some trad shoots,,,, how is that long bow shooting, I sold you?
From: Novembermadman
29-Dec-21
#18 for the year!
#18 for the year!
You guys talking about retirement are making me envious! I need to retire now so I can do more of this. #18 for the year (good sized male).
From: Hoot
30-Dec-21
November - Congrats, now add another 50+ to that.
From: Novembermadman
30-Dec-21
Even another 50 wouldn't be enough Hoot! I hit two others but didn't bother looking for them. They aren't worth the effort! The eagles can find them and enjoy a meal.....
From: Missouribreaks
31-Dec-21
Searching for property opportunities.
From: Missouribreaks
31-Dec-21
Property buying that is.
From: smokey
31-Dec-21
smokey's Link
This is a video of what I do in off season. Actually, All Seasons. Watch it in full screen.
From: Knifeman
31-Dec-21
Beautiful production, that was a well spent 5 minutes. Awesome.
From: Hoot
31-Dec-21
Smokey - Speechless after viewing your photos. Is that the Namekagon river in the first set of winter pictures.
From: smokey
31-Dec-21
Hoot, no, I didn't include any of the Namekagon. The two anglers were on the shore of Lake Superior, Stoney Point at sunrise, other scenes were at Brunsweillor and McDermott Brook.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
31-Dec-21
Smokey,, This is simply Wonderful,,,, You wasting your talent on Bowsite.
From: Pete-pec
31-Dec-21
Great captures Paul. I like your eye for simple beauty, and making it the point of my eye's interest.
From: MjF
31-Dec-21
Yup, simply Awesome Paul
From: CaptMike
31-Dec-21
Nice afternoon catching bluegill, a few crappies a bass. Almost 3” of ice on lake Keesus in Waukesha county. Kept 12 good ones for dinner tomorrow.
From: retro
31-Dec-21
Smokey, You take some amazing photos!
From: grape
01-Jan-22
Thanks Smokey, great way to start the first day of 2022! Happy New Year!
From: raspyoldhen
01-Jan-22
Outstanding work young man.
From: blackwolf
01-Jan-22
smokey Breathtaking photos!!! Thanks for sharing!
From: ScrubBuck
01-Jan-22
Very nice !
From: Trapper
04-Jan-22
Nice looking tables Arrow1. LOL
From: Trapper
04-Jan-22
New Sugar shack.
New Sugar shack.
Good Girl Skyy!!!
Good Girl Skyy!!!
Prepping for and making Maple syrup is about a 2 month commitment.
From: Boomer1
04-Jan-22
Don't think the case of beer will last a weekend, let alone a 2 month commitment. Better review your supplies.
From: xtroutx
04-Jan-22
That's some nice clear looking syrup you do there Trapper, and a nice sugar shack to boot.
From: Trapper
04-Jan-22
Boomer, I trade a quart for an 18 pack. Someone apparently just dropped 1 off.
From: Trapper
04-Jan-22
xtroutx
From: CaptMike
04-Jan-22
A couple pics my daughter took from a Utah lion hunt in February of '21.
From: xtroutx
05-Jan-22
Trapper, I just do a few gallons a year over a woodstove outside. I strive to get clear syrup. I appreciate the looks of your syrup.
Capt, very cool pics.
From: Trapper
05-Jan-22
This is the way I did it for 15 years when I was doing 5-10 gallons. A lot of wasted firewood compared to how I do it now. I bet I use less wood now for 60 gallons than what I used for 10. haha
From: Trapper
05-Jan-22
Love your daughters pictures Mike.
From: happygolucky
05-Jan-22
Very cool pics Trapper and Mike.
From: smokey
10-Jan-22
Chequamegon but not from today.
From: Cheesehead Mike
10-Jan-22
87 GMC with rusted rocker panel, cab corner, floor and braces removed.
87 GMC with rusted rocker panel, cab corner, floor and braces removed.
New floor with braces, inner and outer rocker panel and cab corner installed.
New floor with braces, inner and outer rocker panel and cab corner installed.
Great work guys and breathtaking photos Smokey!
I'm pretty much a gearhead once winter hits. I have several years worth of projects to work on that I was waiting for retirement to focus on them. I have a collection of 4 Chevelles (66 SS 396, 69 SS 396, 69 Malibu, 70 SS 454) that I have restored or that I'm restoring. I also have 4 old pickups. I'm currently working on an '87 GMC short box 4x4 fixing rusted out panels, restoring the interior, etc. I do everything myself; body work, paint, build engines, rebuild transmissions, interiors, etc.
I haven't ice fished for a couple years but I'm planning to get out some this winter. I tie flys during the winter in preparation for spring fly fishing. I also have a small plane that I fly around and do some sightseeing, scouting, etc.
From: CaptMike
10-Jan-22
Thanks guys, that is not a talent she got from me! I spent the last 5 days visiting the Dallas Safari club show and doing a little Texas duck and pig hunting.
From: vilascounty
11-Jan-22
Trapper, that looks just like my current setup.... except my dog is yellow! I am just doing about 5 gallons a year.
From: Novembermadman
11-Jan-22
Nice work CHMike..... when you were down in AZ last fall elk hunting did you happen to look on Craigslist for old vehicles? I'm telling you, if you are looking for a rust free older vehicle this is the place to look!
From: DozRdeer2
11-Jan-22
I'll be working on the railroad (HO that is).
From: Bill J.
11-Jan-22
66 International Scout (sorry for the crappy pic)
66 International Scout (sorry for the crappy pic)
Nice work Mike! I pulled this out of a junkyard a looong time ago and have been tinkering with it since. I'm doing everything myself, including the bodywork. It definitely won't be show quality, but I don't want it to be. I want this to be a hunting/trout fishing rig, a weekend cruiser. Never got into cars when I was younger, so it's a learning experience. Looking for an old IH pickup for the next 20 :)
From: Bill J.
11-Jan-22
60's Pearl Stencil MIJ
60's Pearl Stencil MIJ
Also enjoy restoring old drum sets
From: xtroutx
11-Jan-22
Bill j. I had a 66 scout back in the 80's. Had a 4 cylinder motor in it. You almost had to try to get stuck in that thing. It went through anything. You wouldn't believe the 4 wheelers I pulled out of the mud when I ownwd it. Full size broncos, blazers and trucks no problem. I bought it for 800 dollars, drove the hell out of it for 4 yrs and sold it for 1500. I wish I still had it.
From: Bill J.
11-Jan-22
Trout, yes sir!! I have the 4 cylinder 152 in it. Thing purrs like a kitten. Also have the truck top with the bulkhead so it can be converted into a small pickup, or it can go topless. Love this thing...
From: Cheesehead Mike
11-Jan-22
Thanks guys! Cool Scout Bill. Randy, I thought about looking for old cars and parts in Arizona but I'm afraid it would have been too much of a distraction for me. If I'm going to do that I'll have to take a separate trip and bring my car trailer.
From: Cheesehead Mike
11-Jan-22
Just finished reupholstering the seat for the 87 GMC I'm working on. I was going to restore this truck 20 years ago and I've had the upholstery folded up in a box since then. Hopefully the creases from being folded will come out.
From: Trapper
12-Jan-22
I hope to give firewood cutting and splitting lessons this weekend, Anyone interested.????
From: CaptMike
12-Jan-22
Darn, Trapper. If I weren’t already signed up for ice fishing lessons I may have been interested!
From: Live2Hunt
12-Jan-22
Trapper, I would love lessons in firewood cutting but I have a thing this weekend.
From: xtroutx
12-Jan-22
Trapper, you are more than welcome to have your lessons at my place. Bring lots of students. Free hot lunch.
From: YZF-88
21-Jan-22
I picked up three hobbies so far to "make off season great again". Rekindled one from the past and added skiing and will try welding as soon as I get power out to the garage.
Took 16 years off the bike. Teaching my son to ride now and trying to unlearn bad habits myself. Will be riding motocross as soon as the local track thaws. Squeezed in one ride before the snow hit and just starting putting time on turn tracks in the desert.
Also. Took up skiing for the first time in my life. Man that's fun and much more challenging than I thought it would be. As a novice, it's incredible to see other folks exceling at their passions.
Pretty awesome to ski on a Friday...then load up the bikes and drive south to ride on Saturday....then hit the indoor archery range on Sunday. I like winter again.
From: RUGER1022
21-Jan-22
Bill J , when I got out of the service in 69 I had a pile of money ( Couldn't spend it where I was ) I bought an International Scout with the big motor & Low gears. I was the only guy with an SUV .
Just 1 issue . I got 8 mpg in the city , 8 on the Hwy , 8 in the summer, 8 in the winter . Traded it off for a Chev station wagon .
You could put 4 Deer on the roof .
From: xtroutx
21-Jan-22
I will be adding a great room to the house this spring and summer. I will start as soon as the ground thaws enough to dig the basement. Been wanting to do it for a few years now and at 63 its getting to be now or never. Just a heads ups if you doing any projects this summer, buy your material NOW. Lumber has went up over 15% in the past 10 days. All building material is expected to keep rising into spring and though out the summer. I have a 26' x 44' heated garage/ pole building so I dumped my life savings:) on lumber yesterday and storing it until spring. Hopefully I will have everything here by the end of Feb. It will be good to put the nail bags back on.
From: xtroutx
21-Jan-22
Double post
From: WI Shedhead
22-Jan-22
Just had my shoulder done for my off season project. 16 weeks away from work- perfect!!!! Heading to Florida to watch my daughter play college softball for a few weeks. Habitat work and planting trees the end of April. And of course wearing my boots out in four states looking for horns!!!
Mike trucks lookin good!!!!!
From: rallison
23-Jan-22
coaching high school hockey, working on my bagpiping, building arrows, hating winter, keeping busy til warm weather and green grass returns.
From: RUGER1022
23-Jan-22
One of my off season projects . I collect piles of old sewing boxes & small carrying cases .I pad them & I put handguns in them with ammo , oil , & cleaning kits . I label the box , SEWING KIT . I get an extra 125 bucks . Sell about 5 per show .
And a gun lock & manual .
From: dupontcheesepy12
23-Jan-22
Valley quail, chukar and 7 days of duck season left year. Lierally 100,000 ducks in 1 county stacked up. Hammer time.
From: dupontcheesepy12
23-Jan-22
Cans and valley quail
Cans and valley quail
Mo pics
From: dupontcheesepy12
23-Jan-22
Cans and valley quail
Cans and valley quail
Mo pics
From: dupontcheesepy12
23-Jan-22
Valley quail, sorry for the double posts.
From: dupontcheesepy12
24-Jan-22
Merced Co. Is #2 to stugart, ark. For duck harvest. Leaving in 12 hours, maybe 100,000 ducks stacked in. Public refuge like Theresa. Duck club membership next charge a 50k entrance fee . Or you can hunt firehunt in Arkansas for $800/day, no Carrie reacharound. Ha.
From: Pete-pec
25-Jan-22
I'll stick with the theme Dupont. Something I do in the off season, and I do love hunting cans. Who doesn't love big cans? lol.
From: CaptMike
25-Jan-22
Dupont, looks like some great duck hunting. Nice way to occupy your off season.
From: retro
25-Jan-22
Pete, Nice job!
From: Pete-pec
25-Jan-22
Thanks retro. I need to get back on the bandwagon. Got a neat one coming up soon. I just haven't been very motivated.
From: retro
25-Jan-22
Pete, Winter does that to a guy. Add in watching the news and it puts a guy in a mental funk quite easily. I'm spending winter dreaming turkeys....
From: HunterR
25-Jan-22
Beautiful work Pete.
From: xtroutx
25-Jan-22
Great looking display of birds Pete.
From: Casekiska
25-Jan-22
Pete, your taxi work is amazing! Very creative presentation and impressive execution of the idea. Well done sir, well done.
From: Pete-pec
25-Jan-22
Well thanks for the kind words fellas. Appreciate the positive feedback.
From: Ridge Runner
25-Jan-22
Very cool Pete That would be a nice addition to any trophy room / man cave
From: Nocturnal II
25-Jan-22
Pete, you did a great job with those birds! Very nice
From: Hoot
26-Jan-22
Pete - Your work on your birds is pure perfection.
From: Live2Hunt
26-Jan-22
Great work on the mounts Pete. I can't start anything on my mounts because my order is out 1-2 weeks or more according to the supplier. That sucks, I generally want them done by April.
From: Pete-pec
26-Jan-22
Once again, thanks for the kind words everyone. The birds really do most of the work though. I'm essentially just posing their skins on a manikin and necking.
L2H, the supply chain has affected everyone, and that includes taxidermists for sure. There are a few things in high demand, one being 2 part polyurethane resin to make foam manikins. Earliner glue, and hide paste. Apparently adhesives are tough to get. I'm hearing it from all my friends who do mammals as well as birds I don't live far from McKenzie or TASCO, so I can normally place my order and pick it up the next day. I also have my buck from this year to mount, and have yet to order supplies, but I'll be splitting ears, lips and eyes, fleshing, then tanning it within a couple weeks. I suppose I'll learn for myself how long things are going to wait. I'd like to be done by March on that deer, especially with so much to learn. I'll post it up here, and let you critique it. Not expecting miracles for sure, but I'll accept O. K. Lol. I'll admit, I'm very much out of my element on a shoulder mount.
From: Live2Hunt
26-Jan-22
Pete, with the detail you put in your ducks, you will not let yourself do a bad job on the shoulder mount.
From: Pete-pec
26-Jan-22
Well I certainly appreciate the positive attitude on your part. I sure hope I can pull something off. I have really been collecting screenshots of ears, eyes, tear ducts, noses, and lips on live photographs on a reference page I'm a member of. There's a lot to it (as you well know) well beyond those antlers on their heads. That's where I want to place my focus. I look at the nose for example. I have some ideas on recreating those nodules and that wet look, that I'm not sure are within the known guidelines of most mammal taxidermists, but I'm pretty sure it will work? This whole thing will be a working experiment on many levels lol.
From: Ridge Runner
26-Jan-22
My off season consists of Starting High School and College track meets , trying to stay in shape and the best job playing with the grandkids
From: Ridge Runner
26-Jan-22
From: Ridge Runner
26-Jan-22
From: Pete-pec
26-Jan-22
Ridge Runner, I can absolutely see that you live the good life. Much positivity in your outlook on life. Family first my brother!
From: dupontcheesepy12
26-Jan-22
Pretty mount Pete. Birds have piled in to ca. Easy limits of pins, cans, widgeon, teal. Had literally hundreds of pintail landing in the spread today, cans also. Flooded ag. Sheetwater.
From: dupontcheesepy12
26-Jan-22
Sweetwater. Water layout boat hunting for divers has been amazing. Scaup, goldeneye. Bufflehead.
From: Pete-pec
27-Jan-22
Thanks dupont. Any cinnamon teal? I see that spoony. Fully plumed, they're a very pretty bird.
From: dupontcheesepy12
27-Jan-22
Very few cinnamon here. But green and bluewing by the thousands. Pins, cans, and spoonies(Hollywood mallards) are thick also.
From: dupontcheesepy12
30-Jan-22
Last day of duck season. Pins, cans, gadwall, widgeon. My buddy had 2 scotch doubles today, 1 hour apart, flying cinnamon teal. On to turkey and pigs.
From: dupontcheesepy12
30-Jan-22
Scotch doubles on cinnamon. Beautiful bird.Glad I witnessed it. I had 1 scotch double and 2 natural doubles this week.
From: Pete-pec
30-Jan-22
Very nice Dupont! They are one of my favorites.
From: CaptMike
30-Jan-22
Dupont, a great way to occupy your "off" season!
From: Pete-pec
31-Jan-22
Dupont, I mounted up a Pacific flyway (7 duck) Cinnamon mount a few years back. They had terrible damage, and I didn't want to waste them, so I did a big dead mount. It is one of my favorite dabbling ducks. I might put the black duck in front of it, but those colors are surely attractive.
From: Boomer1
31-Jan-22
Envious of the duck hunting and stuff. Right now, wrestling....... Two boys with a lot of practice and meets.
From: dupontcheesepy12
31-Jan-22
Dam Pete, that's artwork! Afraid to ask what you charge for that mount? Guessing 2k?
From: dupontcheesepy12
31-Jan-22
Pete. How manny hours to do that mount?
From: Reggiezpop
31-Jan-22
With typically a stocked freezer, I experiment with new recipes. Tonight I have 10 jars in the new pressure cooker. Giving canned venison a shot.
From: Pete-pec
31-Jan-22
Well DC, I am purely a hobbyist, so I have never mounted a bird for anyone else. I just filled my basement with a pretty neat collection. Today, that mount from a quality taxidermist would cost around 350 to 400 a bird. Don't get me wrong, there's guys doing it cheaper, but the materials are not only getting tougher to get, but they have increased in pricing terribly since Covid. I wrapped those manikins in excelsior and string, because they are dead mounts, so at the time, it would have around 100 dollars in materials including artificial heads and eyes. I think if a guy could make $2000 on that mount, he should be happy. It took me 2 days. 4 birds one day, three the next. Of course I'm not counting the skinning, fleshing and washing part, which was another day. Total hours? Probably 24 to 28 I'd imagine? I won't lie, dead mounts are much easier to do, than a flying or standing mount which require far more grooming. Glad you like it. It is one of my favorite pieces, especially considering the condition of the birds, and the delicate skin you're dealing with. Teal are fragile, thin-skinned little buggers.
From: Pete-pec
31-Jan-22
Reggie, you'll love the canned venison. I know guys who once they try it, never eat it any other way. I love canned meat!
From: dupontcheesepy12
31-Jan-22
BTW duckhunters, 6 shot, 12., 20.,28.guauge is the key. Double the shot, 1 bb drops the duck. We shoot .20, 3 inch, teal steel.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
01-Feb-22
Just finished this etching. Couple more windows to go.
From: Hoot
01-Feb-22
Great etchings arrow.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
01-Feb-22
Thanx Hoot,,,, I do a few every year,,,, Depends how far I have to travel. I prefer to do windows and door in my home but that doesn't always work out. Guys like their Camp names on their Camp door windows.
From: Pete-pec
01-Feb-22
Arrow, my wife etches as well. Those look nice.
From: CaptMike
03-Feb-22
Worked on a few more knives I brought to Dallas Safari club.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
04-Feb-22
Capt,,, Very Nice,,,,,,,,,,,, What is the Handle made From ?????
From: retro
04-Feb-22
Nice looking knife!
From: CaptMike
04-Feb-22
Thanks guys. That handle is a pine cone set in epoxy.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
04-Feb-22
Really,,,,,,, That is REALLY NICE !!!! As if I don't have enough to do I'll have to learn to do that. Would look really neat in my log table tops.
From: CaptMike
04-Feb-22
Yes it would!
From: >>>--arrow1-->
04-Feb-22
Finished this Headboard this morning. Seems like I get one job done and 2 more show up. Capt. I may see you in Utah. I'll let know by phone.
From: groundhunter50
04-Feb-22
You guys sure have alot of talent, that I wish I had,,,,,,, I can easily train a dog though, and sort out issues,,,,, but I am the worst builder,,,,,,,,,In my next life I would love to be a master wood worker
From: >>>--arrow1-->
04-Feb-22
GH50,, People choose what they want to be talented at. Experience at what they choose makes them talented. Wood worker makes a mistake he gets a new piece of wood and learns. Glass etching is a talent except if I make a mistake on a 3000.00 patio door Then I hope my talent can cover it up or I'm up the creek without a paddle (: Training a dog to me is a talent and patience That I couldn't do. Took me years to train my wife, LOL or did she train me ? Maybe she is the talented one LOL.. Guess that's what make the world go round (:
From: RUGER1022
04-Feb-22
Lots of talent on this site . Restored this stock , finished with 6 coats of Tongue oil & then I lower the shine by hand rubbing with angel hair steel wool to give it a satin finish.
It takes me a long time, If I did it for a living I would starve to death .
From: dupontcheesepy12
04-Feb-22
Google Utah hunt expo. Amazing deals in person. Great tags, draw or bucks up.
From: Cheesehead Mike
04-Feb-22
My old square body is coming along nicely
From: Hoot
05-Feb-22
Looking good Mike.
From: dupontcheesepy12
05-Feb-22
Always amazes me how many truly talented hobbyist are in wi.
From: WyoBadger
06-Feb-22
Pete can I claim a small piece of credit for that awesome duck mount you did. It's a little iron-ic I think....
From: Pete-pec
06-Feb-22
Yes Kurt. It has some blacksmithing done by my cuzzo Kurt! Good eye mate!
From: Hoot
06-Feb-22
Boomer - I to been hitting the wrestling meets as of lately. My grandson just won the big 8 conference meet at heavyweight.
From: Pete-pec
06-Feb-22
Hell yeah Jim. Those were great matches that I saw.
From: Casekiska
06-Feb-22
Hoot - congrats to the proud g-pa! Must be one young tough sob, probably takes after his dad's father!
From: Live2Hunt
07-Feb-22
Great talent here for sure looking at all the things we work on during off season. Mike, 3 on the tree!!! Haven't drove one of those in awhile. Congrats Hoot!!! Had both my grandsons this weekend, fun, but as they say grandkids are nice because they go back home!!!! This shipping thing sucks, I've been waiting a couple weeks now for my taxidermy forms to get going on mounts. I did skin a perch and carved the form for that, but the deer are getting me worried. I generally like to have them up and drying by March.
From: xtroutx
07-Feb-22
Congrats to you and your grandson Hoot. great accomplishment!
From: Boomer1
07-Feb-22
Hoot, we didn't wrestle Verona this year. My son wrestles heavyweight also. Sophomore, only 210 but solid muscle. He's into body building so he'll probably we over 225 next year. We had a couple at 220 and he felt comfortable bumping up.
From: Pasquinell
07-Feb-22
Worrying about Roger's and his next decision
From: Pops
09-Feb-22
I fish. Been going after giant backwater catfish lately.
I fish. Been going after giant backwater catfish lately.
From: xtroutx
09-Feb-22
Went out on the bay today. We got our limit of 10 to 13 inch perch. Nice and fat though the belly. Lots of fun.
From: dupontcheesepy12
11-Feb-22
off to Vegas in my new rebel deisal to see king George tonite, Luke Bryan saturday nite.
From: grape
12-Feb-22
Getting a new knee…..suggestions welcome
From: Casekiska
12-Feb-22
My wife has had both her knees replaced. Each time I insisted and oversaw her doing the pre-op exercises as prescribed,...and then some. Her efforts paid off. Each time she had minimal pain and difficulties afterwards, and she was able to return home very quickly. My suggestion is that you religiously perform the pre-op exercises as suggested and then, of course, do all the post-op exercises they recommend. Good luck. The experience will be a challenge but in the long run it can be well worth it.
From: xtroutx
12-Feb-22
Greg, Best wishes on a full and speedy recovery.
From: grape
12-Feb-22
Thanks Case and Rick. I’ve worked like crazy on the presurgery exercises. Hope it pays dividends. Manitoba and Saskatchewan await in the spring.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
13-Feb-22
Just finished another headboard.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
13-Feb-22
From: CaptMike
13-Feb-22
Nice looking Steve. Did you make it to SLC?
From: >>>--arrow1-->
13-Feb-22
No Flight was to costly,,,, Booking to late. For sure next year.
From: CaptMike
13-Feb-22
Yeah, the winter sports sure push the cost of travel out here .
From: Screwball
13-Feb-22
Grape, had both mine replaced eight months apart. Do as instructed not more not less. Best thing I have done. The pain I dealt with was constant but I just got used to it. Won't lie some a very small percentage, do not go well for some people always a risk. But I do not regret mine at all.
From: Cheesehead Mike
14-Feb-22
Tied up some bass poppers last night.
From: Live2Hunt
14-Feb-22
Great looking poppers Mike!!! Since I don't have any deer parts to finnish deer/bear mounts I did get my kids perch put up to dry? Been 3 weeks now for deer parts, getting concerned for finishing by April.
From: groundhunter50
14-Feb-22
Nice Mike, wont be long,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
From: Arcus Venator
14-Feb-22
From: dupontcheesepy12
14-Feb-22
6 buddies went to the Utah hunt expo. They all struck out on sheep tags, will find out on the raffle Friday. The on line auction was insane. Sheep tag? 400k, mulie tags from 66k to 210k. Stupid $$$. Build western pts. Or put in for ID. And nm.
From: CaptMike
14-Feb-22
I know two guys from N Dakota that both drew sheep tags! What luck, two friends sitting at the same table.
From: smokey
15-Feb-22
Sneaking around in MJFs stomping grounds.
From: smokey
15-Feb-22
Geez, Bowsite sure knows how to ruin a photograph. Much better photo in print.
From: Nocturnal II
15-Feb-22
Your photos are great. Even with bowsites upload
From: MjF
15-Feb-22
Beautiful Smokey
From: RUGER1022
17-Feb-22
I have about 35 posters under the bed. On the advice of a poster collector I started framing them.
From: MjF
17-Feb-22
One of my favorites back in the day
From: Live2Hunt
17-Feb-22
Cool poster, hated disco. If you have some of the rock band posters from back in the day from the Whiskey, bet they would be worth something.
From: RUGER1022
17-Feb-22
Mike , a casino owner that I knew took it to a concert in San Francisco & she signed it . I had the hots for Debbie for a long time . I have her music & movies .
Live , I have a collection of Star Wars posters that are worth stupid money . A 70 year old lady offered me 250 for this autographed Tom Selleck 1984 Olympic poster . I said no .
From: Hoot
17-Feb-22
From: Hoot
17-Feb-22
From: Knifeman
21-Feb-22
Latest time killer
From: CaptMike
21-Feb-22
Very nice looking knife!
From: dupontcheesepy12
22-Feb-22
My son and his gf climb walls in Yosemite. Yesterday, 1,000 foot play climb. Batshit crazy imo.
From: vilascounty
23-Feb-22
Does anyone here plant apple trees for human consumption? I've always wanted to, but my very small property is dominated by 70+ foot maples and there's really nowhere that gets real good sun. I had a tree take some bad damage in that December storm and am having it taken down as it's way too close to the house for my tree felling abilities and I hear some awful stories on how hard it is to get any work done these days if something were to happen.
While they're out here with their equiptment later in the summer I was considering having them clear some more maples and a basswood to make room for a mini orchard. Part of me can't fathom cutting down such awesome trees - I think they brainwashed me with the Lorax Dr Suess book when I was in grade school.
Anyone have success planting dwarf or semi-dwarf apple trees in a small clearing in a mature forest? I'll need to wait until summer to check, but I think I could probably get about 6 hours of daylight (late morning into the late afternoon) in a 20'x40' clearing. My understanding is that is the absolulte minimum sun needed and certainly not ideal. Note that this is north of my wide driveway, so it's not exactly just a 20'x40' clearing smack dab surrounded by trees, although there are trees directly to the north and west of the would-be clearing.
I have concerns being in Northern WI. Probably unfounded as I know they do apples in the UP. I also see there is an orchard in Antigo. I have concerns with late frosts, but I'm guessing those are unfounded. I would be pretty bummed if I cut down a handful of easy access, good sap producing sugar maples to plant a couple dwarf trees that end up bearing a few puny apples each year. I read online 1-4 bushells from a dwarf tree, but I just can't imagine that happening.
Probably should of asked the arborist this when he was here.......
From: sagittarius
23-Feb-22
Your bigger problem might be bears. You can spend several years training/pruning trees for growth ... only to have a bear climb into a small apple tree and do the kind of damage you can't prune your way out of in 10 years.
From: >>>--arrow1-->
16-Mar-22
For anyone that enjoys big walleye you should make a trip to Lake Erie. Limiting out every day up to 31 inch 13 lbs. Average is 27.
From: CaptMike
16-Mar-22
I leave on Saturday for a week of fishing.
From: xtroutx
16-Mar-22
Some nice ones in the Bay of lake Michigan also. Lots of fun on light tackle and river current. 30-1/2" on this one.
From: Live2Hunt
16-Mar-22
Nice fish xtrout, did the bay open up?
From: xtroutx
16-Mar-22
Not yet. That fish was from 2 years ago. I heard they are moving up the fox right now. I fish the peshtigo and 28 inchers are not uncommon. A couple weeks yet for me where I fish.
