Bears Still On The Move

 

Trail Cameras have really slowed down ! Now that swamp vegetation has passed  mammals move on to other food sources. The bear above will surely be looking for a den soon. I did check several root balls that would make excellent den sites, but no takers.

This mornings hike was very quiet. seeing only one loon and a red squirrel.

Maybe a more productive day tomorrow

Jim

Nice Way To Wind Down Year

 

I missed an opportunity a few weeks ago of getting a picture of a sow and three cubs crossing this dam. There was a camera trap set on the dam for six months capturing a small yearling a number of times, so the camera was moved.. After getting pictures of a bear family in the area a few weeks ago , I put up a new set with hopes of getting another chance for a picture before bears den.

The picture of the moose above crossing the dam is a first for me. I've had moose all around a dam but never used it as a bridge.

 I noticed hiking this morning that the abundance of acorns a month ago are now scarce at best. Small mammals, deer, turkey's and bears have had a field day. Lets hope this doesn't mean a bad winter.

Jim

Peak Whitetail Rut

 

Did you ever wonder while hiking how many animals may pass behind you ? 

That's what this buck attempted to do this morning. I got to a spot on the cart road that offered a lane with some distance to it. I usually stop at spots like this and look back ,  with the majority of time seeing nothing. This buck gave me a few seconds to snap his picture awhile he was figuring out which way the doe went the he was following.

The weather the last week was unseasonably warm. My camera trap check yesterday and today showed little activity.

I started to pull in most of my cameras . Hunting season runs the first two weeks of December. I need to be mindful where I hike.

Jim

What A Difference A Week Makes !

 

Its mid-afternoon Friday November 6th and its seventy degrees, Weather is predicted to stay this mild for the next seven days. I'll take it ! This mornings hike was very comfortable with light cloths. It didn't take long before I had to stop and put my light vest in the pack. 

Leaves are pretty much all off the trees and you can see for long distances. The whitetail rut is in full swing. This time of year presents the best opportunity to see a big big.  Last Sunday I saw a very respectable buck but unfortunately he saw me first. One of my trail cameras captured the picture ( video grab) above. Several of my trail cameras have seen this guy in early summer while his rack was still developing and in velvet.

Only downfall to bushwhacking this time of year is TICKS. Be mindful if you're in the woods. 

Jim

Bears Still Active

 

This family of bears challenged me all summer trying to get a family portrait. It wont be long before they  consider denning for the winter. The woods still have an abundance of food for the bears to forage, but cold temps may start the den search.

We had 4/5 inches of snow today in north-central Massachusetts. Weather forecast is very cold for a few days then temps getting back into the 50's.

My hike to retrieve SD cards started in the dark this morning. I wanted to get in and back before there was enough snow to leave my foot prints. I'm always concerned that someone might follow them and find my trail cameras.

With this much snow I may just go looking for tracks tomorrow.

Jim

Nice Day Hiking

 

What a nice time of year to hike!

This morning I set off in the dark needing a flashlight. It wasn’t long before I heard a barred owl. “Who Cooks For You “It was somewhat of a dismal day weather wise, with periods of light drizzle. A goal of eight plus miles was on the agenda for the day. Stopping mid-morning at the reservoir was a treat. The water was like glass, light fog and a loon calling out. There wasn’t a mechanical to be heard. The 2020 fishing season ended last Saturday. No boats buzzing along and the misty morning made for a solitude hike.

Jim

Bears On The Move!

 

Bears are still on the move fattening up for winter. I haven't seen this family of four ( sow and 3 cubs) since late spring. Nice to see that there still around.

While passing through this area they took the opportunity to trash one of my trail camera's.                           

I new it would only be a matter of time ! This is an older trail camera that I don't have a security for. When purchasing new TC's a metal security box is a must.

My TC's are starting to catch a few bobcats. Its been a slow summer catching any bobcats on camera.

I've started to bring in some of my TC's. The fall attracts more folks to the woods. I'll set hem back out early winter.

Jim