Capt Vince Pierleoni

Although the pens have been the savior survival-wise, with increased predation on direct stockers, your point is valid. We aren't sure if its a case of "getting caught up in the school", or just missing the imprinting(with all fish raised in ONE hatchery). This is a constant and ongoing problem. The idea of trying a pen in Wilson was just an answer to the poor deal offered (trade 2 direct stocks for 1 pen held) to an area that does not enjoy any natural reproduction and has seen diminished fall returns already. We do believe that high predation, particularly in the Niagara river and the bar area occurs on the direct stock with all the birds, warm water species, and immense Lake Trout population there in the Spring. The Wilson project is small, but will have great space and manpower available, while at the same time allow the pen fish to be spread out. The hope is besides the improved survival, that should low flows exist that they will just run nearby Niagara river, instead of vaporizing to the Salmon river.

Congrats Rob, well deserved.

I don't know if you are in NY or PA, but it just shows how far both states have come. In the early 80s in either state you would've had a steady stream of visitors to look at such a buck. There were so few like that, especially in relation to the doe numbers, that they always had a ready doe and did not have to cover ground or compete with other bucks. Congrats on a fine buck! Anyone scoring now that will eat the venison is to be proud and is carrying on American heritage. Kudos to all hanging tough at this challenging time of year to see daylight deer.

One of the funniest posts of the year! Good luck, Rob.

Congrats on your first buck!

He should be very proud of his buck and his persistence! Congrats to both of you.

Powerbelts should be outlawed.

Excellent and concise. We the people dodged a bullet that I don't think we would have been able to recover from and still be the country our founders wanted it to be. Some very good people on this LOU forum, even though we are in a state governed by Libs. As for the original post, somewhere along the line I heard that snub nose condition occurs when they are young in the hatchery--literally bumping into the sides of the tank walls.

Dan--very sorry to hear of your loss. Legacy Rob--Congrats to Hunter! I remember several years ago shooting the 3D targets in your backyard and how enthusiastic he was to retrieve arrows. He's a fine young man and you and the wife have done a great job.

Not for us but I have heard some incredible stories from others. If there happens to be an early doe coming in to heat its a "rave' in the woods. Normal stuff, cams on fire on cold nights. Seems a bit ahead just south of lake plains as well. Perfect timing to have that job, the next cold snap is when you want to live in woods. Good luck.

Bugs were brutal AND legendary. Hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, skeeters, and TONS of spiders enjoying the heatwave a lot more than the deer in 9a. Nautitroller--great buck, congrats!

I'm with Woody on Jerrys pic. My first thought was 250lbs dressed.

Congrats Gator! That will put a smile on a bowhunters face!

Ditto. Love and trust Strikers. You get the exit hole.