Don Jacobs column

Friday, February 10, 2012

Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and NEPA Garage Sales

Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and NEPA Cars for Sale

Fall hunting seasons are upon us

Sunday September 20, 2009 | 01:00 AM

Don Jacobs

Tuesday is the first day of fall. This means different things too different people. It could mean shorter days and driving home from work in the dark. It could mean that we need furnaces not air conditioners. It could mean it’s time to close up the back yard pools go for fall hikes. I’m sure many of us can smell football in the air while watching the leaves turn color.

For me, I look forward to grabbing my mushroom picking basket and heading to my podpinki picking honey-hole. I enjoy waking up in the morning and finding the grass wet from the morning dew and the birds congregating on the telephone wires. It’s time to prepare for the winter season by canning our fruits and vegetables or cutting up the cabbage for sauerkraut. Sure it saddened me to put away the deck furniture but I smiled as I reached for my bow and arrow and my camouflage clothing.

Along with mushroom picking and Penn State Football, I am prepared and excited for the archery season to begin. The opening day (October 3) is just two weeks away. I have spent a considerable amount of time in the woods and the evidence of deer is everywhere.

The key to a successful archery season is simple. First of all it’s important to know your bow and to practice shooting as much as you can. A well placed arrow from a well maintained bow can help ensure an ethical and humane harvest. The next step to a successful hunt is to know as much about the area and the animals you are hunting. Scouting is important to knowing the habitats and trails of the deer you are after. The best way to do this is to spend time in the woods. Watch for heavily used trails and bedding areas. I have found that archery hunting in the earlier part of the season has more to do with a food and water supply than anything else. Find them and wait for the animals to show up.

Finally, I want to stress safety and in particular, treestand safety. You may remember my accident from two years ago. I fell out of a permanent treestand while hunting with my daughter. I have often looked back on that day and wondered what it would have been like if I practiced just a few more safety steps.

After much research I have found a the following tips that may make your next trip into the trees a bit safer.

1. Always wear a safety harness. The newer products are considered full body harnesses and recommended by the Treestand Manufacturers Association.

2. Be aware of single strap belts and chest harnesses. They are no longer considered safe and can actually result in serious injury or death.

3. Wear your harness while climbing up and down the tree. The majority of accidents happen while ascending and descending.

4. Always read and understand the manufacturer’s WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS before using the treestand each season.

5. Never exceed the weight limit specified by the manufacturer. If you have any questions after reviewing the warnings and instructions, contact the manufacturer.

6. Always hunt with a plan and if possible a buddy. Before you leave home, let others know your exact hunting location, when you plan to return and who is with you.

7. Always carry emergency signal devices such as a cell phone, walkie-talkie or a whistle.

8. Always select the proper tree for use with your treestand. Select a live straight tree that fits within the size limits recommended in your treestand’s instructions. Do not climb or place a treestand on or against a leaning tree. Never leave a treestand installed for more than two weeks since damage could result from changing weather conditions and/or from other factors not obvious with a visual inspection.

9. Always use a haul line to pull up your gear and unloaded firearm or bow to your treestand once you have reached your desired hunting height. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to descending, lower your equipment on the opposite side of the tree.

10. Never hurry!! While climbing with a treestand, make slow, even movements of no more than ten to twelve inches at a time. Make sure you have proper contact with the tree and/or treestand every time you move.

The archery season could be fun, successful and safe if you use common sense and experience to your favor. It is not too late to practice with your bow and arrow. You certainly have enough time to do a little scouting and I highly recommend that you plan to use a few of the safety tips while climbing your tree. I wish you a safe and successful fall now that the hunting seasons are upon us.

Something new for 2009

It’s a first for Pennsylvania. Crossbows may now be used by hunters participating in the archery deer and archery bear seasons. They can also be used during turkey seasons and the two-week firearms deer seasons.Under the new regulations, a crossbow must have a minimum drawn weight of at least 125 pounds, and a bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inches with at least two cutting edges on the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface, and shall not exceed three inches in length. Hunters participating in the October muzzleloader antlerless deer season or late flintlock muzzleloader season are not permitted to use the crossbow in place of their muzzleloader. Hunters participating in the overlapping archery deer seasons may use a crossbow. This is considered a trial change in regulations and will be reconsidered in 2012.

Outdoor Life

Be sure to watch Pennsylvania Outdoor Life tonight at 6:30 on WNEP-TV. We will take a look at the research underway in Susquehanna County on Whitetail Deer. We’ll track down a few of the deer wearing radio collars and ear tags. Have a great day!