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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: longbow fanatic 1 on January 26, 2016, 10:50:00 AM

Title: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on January 26, 2016, 10:50:00 AM
As I finished my workout at the gym today and was preparing to head to the indoor archery range to shoot, I wondered how fellow TG'ers get through the winter months. Of course many of us have jobs, busy family lives, etcetera, but what I'm really asking is what do you like to do, when time allows, to pass the winter months? Do you shoot blank bale in your garage/basement to keep your muscles in tune? Maybe you build bows,arrows, strings, back quivers  or other leather archery gear or maybe you spend time fine tuning and bare shafting your hunting bow...

As for me, I have an archery club with both an indoor and outdoor range. Once you pay your yearly renewal, you can come and go as you please. I love going there and have tried to hit the indoor range daily this winter, even if just for an hour. This winter, I'm just working mostly on form. I'm shooting some blank bale, then indoor spots to try to really hone my form. In doing so, I've learned how far I have yet to go to truly improve. It's humbling!     :thumbsup:
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: jonsimoneau on January 26, 2016, 10:57:00 AM
I scout and begin hanging stands for next season if I can. Most of my shooting now is close up form work in my basement.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on January 26, 2016, 11:03:00 AM
Build a lot of bows.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: MnFn on January 26, 2016, 11:32:00 AM
Great topic

1. Scheme about how I will pay for my next year's hunting trip.
2. Shoot my bows in the lower level/garage.
3. Mentally review the past year's hunts, thinking how I might have hunted better.
4. Go to as many of my grandkid's sports events as I can.
5. Build up credits with my better half by painting interior rooms, tiling backsplashes, new counter tops etc.
6. Every few years  head to someplace closer to the equator for a week or so.

7. Try to remember to daily thank God for the immense blessings He has literally heaped on me, and wonder why me?
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Pryor on January 26, 2016, 11:48:00 AM
Ice fishing !!!!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: JMR on January 26, 2016, 11:55:00 AM
I'm with Pryor. Ice fishing, its almost as addictive as tradbows!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Pat B on January 26, 2016, 11:55:00 AM
Building bows and walks in the woods.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: ron w on January 26, 2016, 11:57:00 AM
Small projects, shooting when it's not like Siberia. Snowshoeing if there is snow, stumping if there isn't. A few weeks in Florida for Bike week and then there's the classifieds.......way to much time spent there........   :biglaugh:   I also go to the gym every day to keep tuned up and I'm also still rehabbing from a knee replacement. I can't wait to move to Georgia to be by my Daughter and her growing family. Then winter will not be an issue.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Lordswarrior on January 26, 2016, 11:58:00 AM
scouting, making new arrows to replace all the ones i lost last year, reading trad related books/ mags,
and right now in jersey still trying to move 3 feet of snow so i can find my grill!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: NY Yankee on January 26, 2016, 12:00:00 PM
Build a dozen arrows or more if someone asks me to. Then I search the house and gather up all my hunting gear and get it re-organized and into its pack where it belongs, sharpen some broad heads and hunt some small game. Maybe fish a little if the weather is nice. Shoot some skeet. Like that.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: mlsthmpsn on January 26, 2016, 12:02:00 PM
Shed hunting with the dog and scouting for good spots and terrain, trying to keep track of herd movements, etc. I haven't found any sheds this year yet (I know they have been falling off pretty fast based on the herd at work)...but last weekend she found a nice folding deer cart that had spent some time lost underneath a small spruce way back on some State land.

Went out with a buddy late last night, in the falling  snow, just to walk around in the woods and enjoy the peacefulness of a fresh 5" blanket of snow. We listened to 5-6 owls talking back and forth for about 20 minutes and ran into some turkeys trying their best to roost low and out of the snow.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: M60gunner on January 26, 2016, 12:03:00 PM
I am the reverse here in Az. Seems our "winter" is over for awhile. It is summer here that drives you inside. Being retired can be as busy as I want. I make arrows, do wood working projects, make bamboo fly rods.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Orion on January 26, 2016, 12:43:00 PM
I shoot in my basement year around.  Try to find an outdoor 3-D shoot a week to attend.  Do a little cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  Buy and trade a few bows and other equipment.  Make some wood at my cabin. Some ice fishing, but not as much as I used to. Hunt bunnies a little bit, and sometimes squirrels.

Sometimes mill out some wood, make seats and thwarts for wood and canvas canoes that I build or restore.  Garage is too cold to work on boats in the winter though.

For me, winter isn't something to endure, but to be enjoyed.  As busy then as any other time of the year.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: VA Elite on January 26, 2016, 12:59:00 PM
kids basketball games, shoot some, and prepare first bass tournaments starting in March. I will bass fish in Feb if the water temps are in mid 40's and it usually is, so I go and get the boat run it a bit and fish for a few hours every saturday.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Soilarch on January 26, 2016, 01:34:00 PM
What I use to do before life got "fast" on me.
Firearms (I know it's trad archery site, but I lie if I leave out reloading, pouring over ballistic charts, bullet constructions, wildcat cartridges, etc)
Play with my setup, (strings, arrows, different fletchings, cresting....basically just pittlin'.) I generally do not do any form of scouting until it warms up a bit, and I don't care for tree hunting so there are no stands for me to "maintain".

I'd really like to get a few good books this winter, but my reading list grows by the day.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Bowwild on January 26, 2016, 01:40:00 PM
I also have a basement range where I shoot on many days.

I also plan for out-of-state hunts (this year turkey in NE and antelope in WY).

I have a new passion that occupies my time a bit, it isn't archery. PCP air rifles. Basement range as well.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: bowhunter97 on January 26, 2016, 01:46:00 PM
I like to get out and scout for next year and kill a lot of stumps.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: tarponnut on January 26, 2016, 02:06:00 PM
I fish, go to the beach, hunt pigs, work out, hunt pigs. Sorry, I couldn't resist.
(I could never again live in a state where you can't hunt pigs year round)
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Archie on January 26, 2016, 02:20:00 PM
Hi, Dennis!

Let's see here... this winter I've been working, both at home, in the office, and in our church ministry.  That alone keeps me pretty busy.  

But when I'm not working, I spend a lot of time at the piano, or with a guitar or mandolin in my hands!  I'm hoping to get into some coyote calling within a few weeks, but I do that with a long, black, scoped thing.  Have been doing a bit of pistol shooting this season as well.  

But for archery... while I haven't shot much, I pull my 68# bow as part of my workout routine.  3 sets of 10, pulling and holding each time, both arms.  That, along with pushups, curls, triceps extensions, and 30 minutes on the exercise bike, gives me a good workout.  I like using the bow as a workout tool because of the obvious archery benefits, but also because it is a great workout for the biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back.

I do spend a fair bit of time piddling around with my archery stuff, making arrows, watching bowhunting DVDs and YouTube vids, reading bow & hunting literature, etc.  But I like to take a bit of time off of archery during the deep winter, and the absence makes my heart grow fonder!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: highlow on January 26, 2016, 02:29:00 PM
Haven't had to think about it yet as I have until Sunday night to fill my winter bow tag. Have a hog hunt scheduled for late March and then turkey season. In the interim I have some bathroom rehab to finish. And start getting in shape for a fall moose hunt in Newfoundland. With chuck hunting in the summer. I know the thread is about subduing the winter doldrums but as far as I'm concerned, once we get to Feb. winter is on its way out.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Izzy on January 26, 2016, 03:10:00 PM
Work, gym and hogs.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: reddogge on January 26, 2016, 03:34:00 PM
This winter has been so mild up until Friday night I could ramble around outside as pleased. Our deer hunting season is still open for a few days but the snow is too deep to go out there.

Now I shoot indoor every other week, read a lot, work a little part time (very little this time of year), lube fishing reels and go over tackle, fill 7 bird feeders and birdbath daily, stare at the golf clubs in the shed. I go to the gym a couple of times/week and walk in the mall if too cold. In the milder winter I'd get the 4 wheeler out and tool around. Spent a day watching 3 grandsons play basketball. Need to watch the two granddaughters play now.

During the blizzard my wife and I played Scrabble. I watched "Saving Private Ryan" for the umpteenth time and it gave me a lump in my throat as usual.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: CRM_95 on January 26, 2016, 03:49:00 PM
I keep hunting!! Hogs, varmints, squirrels and rabbits. Work keeps me busy too, as well as the kids. This time of year I try to work a few side jobs too to help pay for my hunting addiction. Spend a little more time working out after deer season and the holidays are gone and try to stay in shape.And of course shoot my bows as much as possible. This weekend I'm going on a little trip with the wife since deer season kept me away so much.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: AZ_Longbow on January 26, 2016, 04:24:00 PM
i hunt archery deer, javelina, quail,dove, rabbits starting in December and into the end of January. the weathers in the comfortable 25-50 degrees during the day. winter is the best time here. during the summer i fish and i shoot indoors or early mornings to avoid the 140 degree heat in the sunlight.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: indianalongbowshooter on January 26, 2016, 04:36:00 PM
After hunting season I usually cut firewood the rest of the winter but this year Im having a hard time getting motivated to do that..used to rabbit hunt also but all my beagles have passed from old age so don't do that much anymore..sometimes shoot a traditional dart league..
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on January 26, 2016, 04:59:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by MnFn:
Great topic

1. Scheme about how I will pay for my next year's hunting trip.
2. Shoot my bows in the lower level/garage.
3. Mentally review the past year's hunts, thinking how I might have hunted better.
4. Go to as many of my grandkid's sports events as I can.
5. Build up credits with my better half by painting interior rooms, tiling backsplashes, new counter tops etc.
6. Every few years  head to someplace closer to the equator for a week or so.

7. Try to remember to daily thank God for the immense blessings He has literally heaped on me, and wonder why me?
Great stuff! #5 helps you achieve #1!  I love #7 and feel the same way myself.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on January 26, 2016, 05:02:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Orion:
I shoot in my basement year around.  Try to find an outdoor 3-D shoot a week to attend.  Do a little cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  Buy and trade a few bows and other equipment.  Make some wood at my cabin. Some ice fishing, but not as much as I used to. Hunt bunnies a little bit, and sometimes squirrels.

Sometimes mill out some wood, make seats and thwarts for wood and canvas canoes that I build or restore.  Garage is too cold to work on boats in the winter though.

For me, winter isn't something to endure, but to be enjoyed.  As busy then as any other time of the year.
Well said, Jerry. I need to embrace the season more.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on January 26, 2016, 05:07:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Archie:
Hi, Dennis!

Let's see here... this winter I've been working, both at home, in the office, and in our church ministry.  That alone keeps me pretty busy.  

But when I'm not working, I spend a lot of time at the piano, or with a guitar or mandolin in my hands!  I'm hoping to get into some coyote calling within a few weeks, but I do that with a long, black, scoped thing.  Have been doing a bit of pistol shooting this season as well.  

But for archery... while I haven't shot much, I pull my 68# bow as part of my workout routine.  3 sets of 10, pulling and holding each time, both arms.  That, along with pushups, curls, triceps extensions, and 30 minutes on the exercise bike, gives me a good workout.  I like using the bow as a workout tool because of the obvious archery benefits, but also because it is a great workout for the biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back.

I do spend a fair bit of time piddling around with my archery stuff, making arrows, watching bowhunting DVDs and YouTube vids, reading bow & hunting literature, etc.  But I like to take a bit of time off of archery during the deep winter, and the absence makes my heart grow fonder!
Hi Roman,

You're truly a man of many talents and passions. I'm so glad you and your lovely family are doing well!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: finkm1 on January 26, 2016, 05:55:00 PM
I go roving/winter scouting with my buddy Gretchen (Yellow Lab). I shoot in a Traditional Archery League on Monday nights, try to take in a couple traditional rabbit hunts, tie flies for the upcoming season and ice fish. Oh, and I might work my day job if there is time.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Jmatt1957 on January 26, 2016, 06:08:00 PM
dress warm with the coat I hunt in when its cold and go shoot. only time I don't shoot is when its raining
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: on January 26, 2016, 06:31:00 PM
Make arrows, buy stuff, write music, chase the wife around the house until I get tired, work on my concert program.  Sleep till 10 o'clock.  I am not shooting at all for three months this winter.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: highlow on January 26, 2016, 06:45:00 PM
What happens if you catch her pavan?     :laughing:    :laughing:
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Possum Head on January 26, 2016, 06:59:00 PM
Down here we hunt the winter. October 1-February 15. Bushytails til the end of February. Not cold enough here to need to shoot indoors. I get in from work jut in time to do some low light practice. Here, on public land we can only hunt hogs during any open season with weapon and ammo legal for that season so after deer we must wait for the turkey opener to get back after pigs. By then things are starting to resemble spring.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: KyRidgeRunner on January 26, 2016, 09:00:00 PM
Mostly read trad gang and work.  I have a three year old that occupies every free second I have.  So tonight we are on the couch she is watching cartoons and I'm trad ganging it.  When it warms up we will spend all our evenings outside till dark. Good thing is after deer season goes out its only about 12 weeks until turkey season.  These are about the longest 12 weeks of the year.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Snow Crow on January 26, 2016, 09:19:00 PM
I shoot, hunt, rove, bowhike, etc more in winter than I do summer and fall:  no bugs and only slightly more humans.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: screamin on January 26, 2016, 10:44:00 PM
If its 40 outside, no wind and the sun is shining, I'm shooting!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Deno on January 26, 2016, 11:25:00 PM
I try to shoot a dozen arrows outside every day snow or not. Hiking.  Gym workouts. Make arrows, quivers, and read.
Deno
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: on January 26, 2016, 11:41:00 PM
Winter down here is waaaaaaay different than up there where you are. It will be in the 80's in a few days here!

Bisch
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Carcajou on January 27, 2016, 06:16:00 AM
I shoot my bows everyday..(second shift now), Beaver trap, workout, and snowshoe bunny hunt..the winter days go by quickly..dreaming of turkeys and elk in the fall..
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Warden609 on January 27, 2016, 10:03:00 AM
I shoot all I can, but chasing waterfowl and coyotes gets me through to spring. Really looking forward to chasing gobblers with my silvertip. I can't wait!!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: centaur on January 27, 2016, 12:24:00 PM
Since retirement, I go to Arizona for a few months. I can't say I miss below zero temps and ground blizzards. Here, I hike a lot, shoot the bow a lot, wear shorts, and work on my tan. Somebody has to support Arizona's economy, so it might as well be me.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: on January 27, 2016, 02:18:00 PM
Got a new Rhinehart deer target today.  Set it upon the snow between the houses and nope the mail lady don't like it.  She yelped so loud, she scared my dog.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Firstlight on January 27, 2016, 02:40:00 PM
I guess I have it easy.  It only snows a handful of times and doesn't get much below freezing.

I began shooting 3D last year, which has been a lot of fun.

With over 40" of rain, winter just means I get wet, when shooting outdoors.  But there is always a lull in the rain so backyard works fine.

The local club / 3D shoots over winter, I wear gotex and I don't mind shooting in a nice downpour...

Another good reason to bare shaft tune :>)
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Jon Stewart on January 27, 2016, 03:35:00 PM
flint knapping, self bow making, arrow making, shed hunting, a bit of exercise and the most important aspect of being retired, the "honey do" list.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: TooManyHobbies on January 27, 2016, 04:01:00 PM
I switched weapons and try to get a few coyotes off my hunting properties (nothing yet).
Scouting and stand prep.
Been spending time on Elliptical machine to get ready for a bear hunt in Oct.
Plenty of wood to cut and split.
Usually do some trapping, but not into it this year (I also do it for a living, so I like to do stuff I don't always do)
Turkey is only a few months away.
Then I do some metal detecting to kill time until Sept. comes again.
As you can see, I spend a lot of time outdoors.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Kingstaken on January 27, 2016, 04:37:00 PM
Work and Family always keeps me busy but this year I found some time to slip in:

First started by ordering a new Shrew from Ron.
Second was ordering a new set of Autumn Legend arrows from Ron.
Third ordered a new (3) 2 blade holder bow quiver from Ron. Hopefully will be on it's way soon.     :knothead:    I might need the winter season to be exteneded to make a decision.

Try to get to outdoor archery range a couple times a month.
In between I head to weekly Boy Scout meetings and taking son to hitting coach.

Some Honey Do List items.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Sam McMichael on January 27, 2016, 08:36:00 PM
Usually, I shoot a little and be fairly lazy, but this year I am plagued by a bum shoulder that makes shooting difficult. I had a MRI today, and when the results come back, I can plan a rehab routine waiting for spring.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: LKH on January 27, 2016, 10:58:00 PM
Bourbon
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Michael Arnette on January 27, 2016, 11:20:00 PM
I spend a lot of time scouting in the late winter and early spring. I also catch up on stuff I didn't do in November lol
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Jerry Jeffer on January 28, 2016, 12:21:00 AM
Hunt until the end of Jan. Then Stump shoot    :archer2:   , scout, refinish any bow damage from the previous season, make basket quivers if I am moved to do so, take an additional college course or two, to increase knowledge    :confused:   . Oh yeah, and all the stuff my wife reminds me of that I have not done since Sept.   :rolleyes:
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: degabe on January 28, 2016, 08:52:00 PM
Cut wood ,scout sign, cut wood, go fishin, cut wood. Some how I think I'm in a rut but it gets me out of the house and away from honey do's.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Gray Buffalo on January 29, 2016, 01:02:00 AM
I shoot and play with my hunting gear, take a NAP (1 hour or so) and shoot and play some more. So for this year I put together 1 doz. arrows, built a back quiver, made two new strings for my hunting bow and shot them in. Life is great..
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Shadowhnter on January 29, 2016, 07:55:00 AM
Hmmmm. I shoot and work on my form, but Im limited to outside shooting.. There seems to be a fair amount of nice days here to do that though. I do a lot of scouting new areas, picking trees for stands, and building the bulk portion of ground blinds that I'll need. I have been trying to keep supplied with a fair amount of goose and turkey flight feathers to work up into fletching during this time. I also do other things like a fair amount of  fur trapping,making music with my mandolins, and even indulge in nice forums like this one.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Shadowhnter on January 29, 2016, 07:57:00 AM
Idk how i doubled...sorry
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: ronp on January 29, 2016, 08:21:00 AM
A little snow blowing, snowshoeing/scouting and a whole lot of looking at TradGang.  Well worth the $30.00 contribution for all the info and enjoyment!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Vesty on January 29, 2016, 05:12:00 PM
Catch up on indoor projects that I put off in good weather. Winter is my time to get a lot of firewood cut at my cabin. I'm all about cooler temps. and no bugs during the winter months. It's also a great time to start planning tree stand moves to newly found deer runs that look promising.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Sam McMichael on January 29, 2016, 05:40:00 PM
Yep, the MRT came back. Fortunately the rotator cuff is not torn, but there is other damage in my shoulder. Soon I will have surgery and will begin rehab. The bad news is that the doc says I may be shooting low poundage bows from now on. If so, I will have some really nice bows I can't use, but that opens up the need to procure replacements.

I do have a few low intensity projects to do, so the time will not be lost.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: ProAlpine on January 30, 2016, 06:12:00 AM
Ski!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Griff812 on February 16, 2016, 02:56:00 PM
I have started trying to learn how to Flint Knap and have been spending quite a bit of time on that and getting ready for the Kansas Bowhunters Association Convention coming up the last weekend of Feb.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: mark Willoughby on February 16, 2016, 03:08:00 PM
Look at my bow shoot my bow look for new bows to buy try to build bows look at the calendar repeat process lol
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Terry Green on February 16, 2016, 04:57:00 PM
By living in GA and hog hunting year round    :goldtooth:
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on February 16, 2016, 05:03:00 PM
Help everbody else fill there tags that need help, including processing.

 Fur season and waterfowl till spring, lot and lots of coyotes! Love trapping, calling and putting up fur.

Already hitting the river and catching Wipers! Never hurts my shooting I can pick a bow up anytime I want and shoot it but usually wait till them nice spring days just feels good then.

I'm very comfortable with my style of shooting and longbows, wood arrows and there and my performance no reason to go changing anything and screwing it all up.

Tracy
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: stagetek on February 16, 2016, 05:22:00 PM
My job still keeps me busy, but enjoy some fair weather ice fishing (not too fair weather), I'll fix up, or make arrows. I'm now refinishing two Wing Thunderbirds. And...looking forward to turkey hunting in April.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: acolobowhunter on February 16, 2016, 05:29:00 PM
fly tying using the feathers, hides, etc from animals I have taken - waiting for spring fly fising and spring turkey hunting.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Walt Francis on February 17, 2016, 07:02:00 PM
I take my girls Addie:

   (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Addie%20and%20Molly/Addie%20Classic_zpsvzhn5vjr.png) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Addie%20and%20Molly/Addie%20Classic_zpsvzhn5vjr.png.html)


And Molly:

  (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Addie%20and%20Molly/4320_zpsqbv4yoqp.jpeg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Addie%20and%20Molly/4320_zpsqbv4yoqp.jpeg.html)


Out into the mountains and woods and listen to them sing:

  (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Addie%20and%20Molly/Addie%20Howling_zpsrubiszdh.png) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Addie%20and%20Molly/Addie%20Howling_zpsrubiszdh.png.html)


  (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Addie%20and%20Molly/Molly%20howling_zpslx3iiz1e.png) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Addie%20and%20Molly/Molly%20howling_zpslx3iiz1e.png.html)

Sometimes…..they even have something to sing about:

  (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Kitty%20Pictures/mountainLionLenny022_zps4aglopuw.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Kitty%20Pictures/mountainLionLenny022_zps4aglopuw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Walt Francis on February 17, 2016, 07:06:00 PM
Other times I whittle on sticks:


  (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Bows/20151218_141203_zpsfohitfft.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Bows/20151218_141203_zpsfohitfft.jpg.html)


Of course the girls are there to help:

  (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Addie%20and%20Molly/Shop%20Dogs_zpsyjcqycgs.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Addie%20and%20Molly/Shop%20Dogs_zpsyjcqycgs.jpg.html)


Even though Molly sometimes thinks I “Bite off more than I can chew”:

  (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Bows/Molly%20you%20are%20going%20to%20do%20what%20with%20that%20stick_zpsg3pjgqqa.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Bows/Molly%20you%20are%20going%20to%20do%20what%20with%20that%20stick_zpsg3pjgqqa.jpg.html)


Still, other times I go to school to learn from the Masters:

  (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Slivershooter/Barrys%20Boot%20Camp/2013-03-29_09-20-54_34_zps951977d3.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Slivershooter/media/Barrys%20Boot%20Camp/2013-03-29_09-20-54_34_zps951977d3.jpg.html)
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: ron w on February 17, 2016, 07:26:00 PM
Walt......my how the girls have grown. Beautiful looking hounds!!!!!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on February 17, 2016, 07:28:00 PM
Jealous, Terry. Beautiful pics, Walt! Great responses everyone. If I ever get bored, I can find new hobbies and encouragement by all here!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: kat on February 17, 2016, 07:28:00 PM
I shiver alot.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: TruffleShuffle on February 18, 2016, 01:36:00 AM
Chase women, rock out on my guitars, ride motorcycles, pursue more ladies, etc...
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: JamesV on February 18, 2016, 08:49:00 AM
Mostly sit by the fire and stay warm. No heat in my shop, so no bows, but the wife says NO bows until after the garden is in anyway. Run the squirrel dogs a little. Piddle with a few knives for give-aways to friends. Play on the computer some, TV, 2 whiskey drinks in the afternoon. Oh, and I am the cook (wife does the dishes, somewhat) 3 meals a day cuts into my relaxing time. Also the wife has scheduled a 10 day cruise at the start of turkey season and I have to tag along.

James
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: mlsthmpsn on February 18, 2016, 09:12:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by JamesV:
No heat in my shop, so no bows
No heat?....in Mississippi?     :dunno:  

I work in my shop down to about 0°F (granted, not a lot of wood stuff unless it's plywood). I use a little $15 garage sale propane convection heater to take the nip out of the air. Below that and tools get hard to hold on to without gloves and old electric motors don't like to run as well as they need to. My drill press stops turning at altogether -20°F.


My goal for this year is to get my dad's shop cleaned up and organized...1200 sq ft, 75,000 btu natural gas heater, and a big wood stove. Now to find where all my time ran off and hid!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: tracker12 on February 18, 2016, 09:26:00 AM
Head to GA for a hog hunt first off.   Do most of my serious scouting this time of year.  Shoot daily, fish on a nice day (crappie) and get ready for turkey season.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: last arrow on February 18, 2016, 09:47:00 AM
Going in to camp for a night.  Going light weight with just the buddy heater rather than the generator to run the furnace.  No luck calling in   some coyotes.  Unfortunately, couldn't find any snowshoe hare to chase, to many coyotes I think.
 
     (http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc492/Blaine8044/IMG_0008.jpg) (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/Blaine8044/media/IMG_0008.jpg.html)

At camp, just enough snow to not be able to drive in to camp.  Usually there are 2 -3 feet on the ground this time of year.  Love the lake effect snow.

    (http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc492/Blaine8044/IMG_0009.jpg) (http://s1214.photobucket.com/user/Blaine8044/media/IMG_0009.jpg.html)
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Bladepeek on February 18, 2016, 03:36:00 PM
Same way bears do. I sleep a lot more.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Doc Nock on February 18, 2016, 04:55:00 PM
Try knee replacement...sure makes the time fly by while you wile away the winter trying to move!   :eek:    :scared:
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Bowwild on February 18, 2016, 06:13:00 PM
Walt,
That first pic of the Dog is wonderful!  I haven't had a dog around the house since ours died win 2009.  I miss him so much.  I enjoyed watching the Westminster Dog Show...

The impacts on travel; kennel, hotels, airlines, etc. just so much more difficult with em.

Mine thought he was a Grizzly Hound (a.ka. West Highland White Terrier - Casper). I didn't try to convince him otherwise.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on February 18, 2016, 06:36:00 PM
I like to cook and last year when I was house bound due to weather I made projects like haversacks.  This year I squirrel/rabbit hunted/Scouted at least once per weekend.  Soon it will be shed antler hunting/scouting.

Sometimes I go to an indoor 3d. Play with the horses and sometimes shoot in my basement.

I join a bowling league in the winters also to help break up the week and work on mental focus.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Friend on February 20, 2016, 06:13:00 AM
1. Primary scouting for later season patterns

2. Establishing set-ups and plans for future set-ups

3. Refining ground game

4. Daily shooting

5. Strategizing, planning for farm game enhancements

6. Over-seeding

7. Foodplot feathering

8. Hog hunting

9. Indoor practice

10. 3D events

11. Turkey hunt preparations

12. Completing home projects in order to be free during hunt time

13. Dreaming

14. Volunteer projects

15. Additional support to family and others

16. Active on Trad Gang

17. Working with and introducing others to the traditional way

18. Conversing with others on hunt topics

19. Endeavoring to continuously improve as an individual

20. Mentoring      


Research, read and don’t watch TV... The list goes on and on….never a dull moment…imagination creates boundless opportunities…anticipation fills any void
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Danny Rowan on February 20, 2016, 03:45:00 PM
Don't know have not had to deal with winter since 1989.   :banghead:    :banghead:
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Sirius Black on February 20, 2016, 05:08:00 PM
I still shoot outside in winter, right in the snow.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: lablover on March 02, 2016, 05:28:00 PM
Get all the work done my wife piles up during hunting season so I can go next season.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: DXH on March 03, 2016, 02:38:00 AM
This year is going to be a big change for me..as I have a lot more time with the new job

Clean and store all major hunting gear..oil changes, get rid of the mud , lube everything

1) Dogs transition from duck hunting to training for the hunt test and field trial games
2) Duck decoys get carved
3) All my hunting attention goes to coyotes
3) starting 3-D archery shoots
4) Purple Martin gourds get hung
5) Calves get counted every day
6) start looking at the calendar for next year's hunts
7) Fishing for Crappie
8) Start disking my garden spot
9) start a crap ton of threads on here trying to figure what gear I need vs what I have (check the pow-wow forum)

Also about to finish remodeling my house and last but not least..
Sitting by the fire in my flannel pants listening to the sound of the popping fire and nothing else while chowing down on a bowl of venison chilli .. Getting ready to fall asleep without having to set my alarm clock
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Babbling Bob on March 03, 2016, 08:15:00 PM
Set up a great place to shoot at any distance in front of a 35 year old 8 foot tall pile of sand at the corner of our old property in Lake Worth, FL. Sold the acreage to my Daughter a few years ago and only pines, cabbage palms and underbrush behind the house.

Fletched some axis trads, tuned up several of my old Bears, and picked the most comfortable shooting bow for some winter 3-D's. Unfortunately, had to miss one three weeks ago and may miss one this weekend. Minor health issues affecting my calendar, which just happens.

Ordered new shooting supplies the last few weeks and my arrows are flying real fine, my bow rocks  gently after my shots, and I can kill those paper plates pretty good. See ya'all 'round some of the shoots.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on March 03, 2016, 08:18:00 PM
Good stuff here, everyone!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Jake Scott on March 03, 2016, 08:33:00 PM
Improve.

That seems like a smart mouth answer.  But it is simple.  I
Obsess over improving and being prepared for the next moment of truth.

Jake
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Sockrsblur on March 04, 2016, 03:35:00 PM
I still like getting outside this time of year. Scouting and looking around for shed antlers. sooner or later I will wonder into a wet area and start looking around for some of that lovely red brush...

 (http://i.imgur.com/iXSaV9I.jpg)

 (http://i.imgur.com/S1VZcYu.jpg)

 (http://i.imgur.com/Yn1luuZ.jpg)

Red Osier Dogwood. I Try to cut some shoots for arrows each year so they can dry a least a year two is better. Its been a fun learning process.

  (http://i.imgur.com/hl1qwIB.jpg)

 (http://i.imgur.com/ddrrMiO.jpg)

 (http://i.imgur.com/lHZMFpH.jpg)
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: 3arrows on March 05, 2016, 11:16:00 PM
Not cutting grass.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Stump73 on March 05, 2016, 11:26:00 PM
Scouting, taking down stands, clearing trails, shooting, 3d, getting gear ready for Turkey season, go on a hog hunt.
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: Stump73 on March 05, 2016, 11:27:00 PM
And get on Tradgang!
Title: Re: How does everyone get through the winter?
Post by: DXH on March 06, 2016, 12:42:00 AM
signing on for quebec hunting trips for caribou  :)