A pic that scared me and made me think...............

I took this pic back on Labor Day without thinking about it. After I uploaded it and was looking at it, I got a bit scared. Looking at the pic you'll notice a deer stand. That's when I realized I was birding in a popular area for deer hunters, not wearing any bright colored clothes, etc. I started thinking about the "what ifs". Thankfully deer season isn't in yet so I was ok. Please whatever you do, pay attention to your surroundings, know the hunting seasons if you take to the woods and just be careful! :)

Jay

Good point! Thanks Jay!

Good reminder!
I always wear blaze orange hat and coat in the fall. Not only do you need to be mindful of the rifle seasons you also need to remember the bow seasons.

Ummm, I ain't goin' into the woods for birding anytime soon. Thanks for the helpful reminders!

I just don't go out during any of the times hunting is allowed. One park that I go to shuts down completely on deer season weekends, so I couldn't waltz around there if I wanted too.

Excellent point....Within the community I live there is no hunting allowed. BUT....we are surrounded by privately owned properties with lots of deer and it is legal to hunt on your own land here. They are closer then some people realize. I worry about traveling ammo. The sound of gunfire on opening weekend makes me nervous as heck... it is so close!!

We have gun, bow and muzzle seasons here.

yah, here too. I just hide in my house. lol.

I would always dread the start of hunting season when I rented a house on a large farm. (30 years ago) When the shots started, I would bang pots and pans on my front porch to make all the game scatter to another (safer) property.

Well, guys I'm an avid hunter and I always identify my target before I shoot.

I just wish everyone did.

Hack

Hunting and shooting are safe sports and have the stats to back it up. You're more likely to be struck by lightning than accidentally shot by a deer hunter. BTW, My house was struck by lightning a few days ago and I'm still dealing with getting repairs done, or I'd be on the road somewhere.

People need to be aware of their surroundings and personal safety no matter where they are or what they are doing. Most of us are exposed to a lot more idiot drivers than irresponsible hunters.

Sorry Red, but I'm still not going in the field bird watching while it's hunting season. That would just be irresponsible birding, in my opinion.

Well, I could use some advice on building a bird blind. I picked up some cammy cloth, and hope to get some birding done this fall. here on the farm.
Being raised around guns, it just makes sense, none the less a timely warning to all. Be safe on hunting lands.
Hack, so sorry to hear about your electrical problems, I'm sure you've gotten a real charge from it. Charged from the damage, charged for the repairs. I can smell the plastic scorching from here.
(trying to be funny, and failing)
Seriously, I do hope that you don't have any more troubles and can be on the road again soon. Safe journeys, Hack!
WIB!
SW

I'll be watching for any advice you might get SW because I want to build a blind as well. :)

I was considering making my own also and I read it's important that the birds cannot see your shadow inside moving about when the sun shines on your blind. I thought I might make it out of 2 layers of different material the inside one being of some sort of black material while the outside could be camouflage.

I'd be very interested in your design, the materials you use, how you do it, etc Pelle. Also set up, ease to carry and anything else you can think of. :)

maybe be easier to just buy one of those camoflage(sp) suits the hunters wear?? that way you're wearing your blind!!

You[ll have to wait for me to get home from vacation at the beach before I will have time to try mine out. If I can finger it out, I'll share photos.
WIB,
SW

Sorry, we cross posted threegardeners. Have you tried the cammie suit? I never thought of a cammie suit. I could steal my kids I guess, but a ghilly suit would be better, and hotter. Hmm. It's a thought.
WIB,
SW

That's a great idea threegardeners! The only down side is I can't sit still for very long before I either get cramps or just get antsy. Every bird within ten miles would see my "blind" move. LOL


Vacation at the beach? I liked the way you rubbed that in SW! ;) I hope you have a great time! :)

I've sat in a cammy suit and birds have no idea I was there. The beauty of it, 24-5 is that you don't have to move it, it goes with you if you need to stretch your legs! and since it's cammy, they don't notice it moving. Some are really good...moss and oak leaves, grass...blend right in.

Like a ghilly suit, threegardeners. Some of the bow hunters I know add stuff to theirs to make it more realistic. Yes, Indian men sew.
24, I'll send you photos from the beach just so you don't miss me. LOL!
Wasn't trying to rub in it, it's our respite before the storm. We don't take hardly any time off from Oct. 10, thru Dec. 24th.
Taking laptop with just to "bug you"!
Hoping to get some photos of brown pelicans while down there this time.
WIB,
SW

I had to look up ghilly suit...yup...that would do it! Might be too hot though...no?
I use the lighter version...
http://store.colemans.com/cart/suit-2-piece-charcoal-lined-camouflage-chemical-protective-p-1872.html?currency=USD

Here you go:

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=150

The easiest blind solution is to just buy a pop-up hunters blind. All of the sporting goods stores and most farm stores sell them for less than $100. They are light, easy to set up and take down and roomy enough for a lawn chair and whatever it takes to keep you comfortable. Some are large enough for two.

I should have asked an OK'man in the first place. : - )
I'll have to see if what I have works or go on-line. They don't have farm stores around here any more. They have a lot of empty houses though. DH has to go to the next county or up to Bakersfield to get tractor parts.
Sigh!
Thanks reddirtretiree!
WIB!
SW

Dicks has a decent selection of blinds that I think I'd use? I like the kind pictured here......

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2292683

Yah, i think that's a standard type. they have those at this place above I posted.

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/home.php?cat=62

I kinda like the idea of this one thoug. I like that it's a netting But the outhouse and doghouse blinds are cool too. They are backed in the black fabric.

I like it as well, but knowing my luck I'd fart and then suffocate before I could get out of it. LOL

LOL with my hand covering mouth. Nice blind. I think my Gpa used stealth, skill and patience to sneak up on his prey, of course he was hunting to feed the family. Now, my Dad (when not hunting with guns), used his electronics skill to get some great nature photos. I think I'll finger it out and end up some place in between the two.
Thanks for those links Mrs._Ed, and 24. Absolutely amazing the hunting gear they have these day. I like the biodegradeable fold up toilet. Yup, a winner in any woman's eyes. ; - )
WIB,
SW