Think I missed out on antler sheds, hiked anyways

T

TheZenful1

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I've been sure to get out a few times the last 2 weeks, even if just for 2 hours. Come up empty handed each time, I think I missed the chance to harvest some antler sheds.

But, I did have some fun walking around & paying attention to what was around. The weather has been getting nicer & nicer, ohhhh beautiful out.

I went out by the hut LMT66 & I built. It's now uncovered, but stood up to our weather, including the blizzard we had.
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I took out my JK Phoenix this first hike. Gratuitous knife pron.
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At the edge of the lake for the second shot found some raccoon tracks... at least that's what they look like to me.
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The trip I took today was fun, it was a short one, maybe 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Still no sheds, I really think I missed it, bummer... guess there's always next year.

Heard & seen some crane like birds, things were weird sounding. I can't say I ever recall seeing or hearing these things before. I would've taken pics but they were pretty high up. They sounded like the big goofy bird off of one of those Pixar movie shorts.

I took out a ESEE 6 that has recently came to me (TYVM sir).
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Looks like someone was out starting a small stick fire down by the little creek.
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Looks like what would be a rub area... I'm not sure though.
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I know the deer are around & plentiful. Found plenty of droppings & tracks.
I also came across these, and they don't belong to deer.
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I came across some bones too. Looks like leg bones, ESEE 6 next to them for size comparison.
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While ducking through some of the thicker underbrush I saw this guy. From the color, I'd guess maybe hawk or owl.
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Last pics of a lil guy I actually stepped on by accident. Don't worry, he wasn't harmed, after I was done making sure he was alright he took off under the leaves.
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Cool trip out! Good to see the snakes emerging.
 
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the tracks are not raccoon. I can't say for sure exactly what they are, because I can't tell the size. They could be skunk or squirrel, possibly skink, mink, possum, or otter even. I don't know where you are either. Also, the pattern would be nice to know. The scat was bear for sure. All in all, nice hike man. You have some really nice woods there. Good pics too, btw. Nicely detailed. Too bad you missed out on the shed. I probably missed out on it too.
 
CM_Rick said:
the tracks are not raccoon. I can't say for sure exactly what they are, because I can't tell the size. They could be skunk or squirrel, possibly skink, mink, possum, or otter even. I don't know where you are either. Also, the pattern would be nice to know. The scat was bear for sure. All in all, nice hike man. You have some really nice woods there. Good pics too, btw. Nicely detailed. Too bad you missed out on the shed. I probably missed out on it too.
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Hmmm, yeah, sorry, I didn't think at the time to put something next to it for size comparison. It did have 5 toes, looks like it had nails at the end of the toes.

I don't know if I believe the scat is from bear... if it is, I think we're in trouble out here. Looked close to medium dog size, maybe coyote?
 
T/Z, I remember following your thread last year when you were building the hut, seems like it made it through the winter months pretty well. Weather here is finally starting to stay above 35*, saw my first snake Wednesday when my son & I were trailering our bass boat by the dock. Sure sign spring is on the way . . . . finally . :)
Good shots, glad you could get outside to enjoy it . . .
Be safe.
 
Just1, that hut stood strong. I know I couldn't believe that it held up to our hellacious blizzard we had, built strong and/or protected well in the area it was in, I'd go for built strong. I stand about 6'1" & weigh around 260-ish and I can hang on the top of that thing without it bowing down.

Bass boat eh? Catch any fish?
Thank you. I'm glad I could too, it actually turned a lil colder today. Can't wait for that constant warmer air. TYVM. You stay safe also.
 
TheZenful1 said:
I don't know if I believe the scat is from bear... if it is, I think we're in trouble out here. Looked close to medium dog size, maybe coyote?
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I saw some tracks just like those (the smaller ones with five toes and claw marks) yesterday while taking the scouts out for our March pack hike. They are skunk. Found the tracks, a bunch of dig holes, and a small pile of scat. Raccoon tracks (front paws) actually look like a (human) baby's hand print. I showed a set to my son and asked him what he thought they were. He thought it was a baby, lol. As for that other scat you had there, it looked bigger in the photo, and it has that dark color. Two things that made me think it was bear. I know some dogs poop like horses though, too. I didn't know where you were, but given that I'd say you're right. Probably dog, but some bears wondering into the area is not impossible. Ask your local authorities if they have ever dealt with black bear sightings. You may be surprised.

Oh, and (I forgot earlier) nice frame work on that blind. Looks like it will last a lot longer too.
 
Hi TheZenful1 -

Great pictures - glad to see your hut is still standing, but it was built very well so not surprised that is withstood the winter.

Thanks for posting your pics and story.

best regards -

mqqn
 
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