Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: JW_Halverson on January 19, 2018, 09:48:57 pm
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Winter blahs have set in and the only thing keeping me from climbing under the bed with a pillow and wool blankets until spring comes is the thought of spring turkey camp.
This spring will see a nice new addition to camp furniture, a camp sink/table/cupboards combo unit from Cabelas. It was on a stupid clearance price and I could not let it escape! This pretty much finishes up the kitchen in camp.
Of course, I am planning on making carnitas for dinner one night, complete with fresh made guacamole. But this year, I am hooking one or two campers into helping out and we'll have fresh home made tortillas, too! As ever, we shall eat like kings! Gotta be strong if you wanna wrassle these big, loud western Merriams gobblers!
Time for you to start thinking if you can make it or not.
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Nice to think forward like that, JW. Definitely want to take you up on a hunt up there someday. Our spring break is in Boston again this year.
What dates do you do it up out there?
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Looks like the season dates are Apr 14 through May 20, right? Hmmm...lemme think about that one.
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I would go just for the food the heck with the turkeys,lol.
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I would go just for the food the heck with the turkeys,lol.
Jeb that's exactly what I was thinking. I would love to make it sometime JW but I'm afraid I just have to enjoy your color commentary. Have fun guys I'll be watching. (-P
Bjrogg
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Might make it there for the camping, the OS fees make for real expensive meat! Haven't seen too much of that area at al.
Hawkdancer
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I know you don't want to hear this, but someday I'd love to make it out there for a hang out/hunt. Someday J-dub, someday.
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If I can make it, it will have to be no earlier than May 10 (9th would probably have to be a travel day) - do you know which part of the season you are shooting for? Are there any turkeys left by then???
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I always shoot for the last week of season for camp. This year that means May 16-20. The reasons are twofold, firstly to try catching the best weather possible, secondly the hens are off setting eggs pretty early in the mornings meaning the toms are left alone to their devices and are looking for love any way they can get it. Late season calling can be some of the most productive of the year.
There had been a rumor that tags were taking a 25% jump in price this year, but apparently that is not the case. It's $25 for residents and $100 for nonresidents, no additional licensing or tags necessary. Since turkey is considered a big game license, the state throws in coyote/fox/etc. Iowabow had a coyote come in on him last time but was unable to move to take a shot. Or so he says, I was 15 ft away and didn't see a thing. (There was crazy talk that I was taking a long hard look at the insides of my eyelids at the time, which I categorically deny)
I ground up 20 lbs of venison, pork, wild turkey breast, and some pheasant breasts for salami this morning. I got the casings stuffed and will be smoking them tomorrow. Pending taste testing, there will be lunchmeat available for snacking.
And Pearlie, I am about sick and tired of your flirty teasing. Stop with these empty promises and make the trip out here.
I would go just for the food the heck with the turkeys,lol.
I am pretty darn sure that has been everyone's attitude all along. None of the people invited have taken a turkey yet. Not soy, not tattoo dave, not Kyle, Mikey, Julup, Primitive Tim (heck - he even got SHOT when he came out here), Iowabow (but at least he has taken shots!), or any of the rest! And it is not for opportunities. We've never had a year where folks weren't working birds morning or night. Last time we even called a rogue batch of hens right up to the campsite! Which, by the way, we will be using the Elk Rocks site again.
It got that name when I camped there the first time. In the rain in the middle of the night I had elk bugling within a few hundred yards of me. We had cow elk tracks on the edge of camp two years ago, too. I am finagling a deal with a local landowner for access to a couple roosts on his place, he wants these birds thinned out since they are all over his haystacks. We will see what becomes of them come spring, though.
At this time, there are only two RSVP's, mine and Kyle's. It's not an invitational thing, if you are interested in coming post a reply or send me a message. There is NO CHARGE for camp because that means I would have to bet a guide license and insurance. I provide the food, cook from scratch, and all you gotta do is pitch in your share of the groceries and propane. Most years it is between $30-35. No, seriously. I watch the sales all spring and stock up when it is cheap, so this all works out well. Carry your share of the water in camp and pitch in on what few chores there are. No politics. Practice, but don't flaunt your religion. Take lots of pictures.
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OK, soooo Iowabow is the only one who has taken any shots, and Primitive Tim got shot...hmmm.
Those dates might just work for me, and $100 for non-residents is quite reasonable. I will get working on permission...
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I’ll vouch for Jdub on this one. He might be a smoothtalking, rogue looking weasel, but he’s a Cracker Jack cook and stand up guy. I’d camp with him again in a minute! Have fun guys!
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Well John, I'd love to say I could make it this year, but I can't really plan much of anything at this point in time. It may be a last minute trip. I'll send you a PM explaining.
Pearly, the drive is well worth the experience for sure!! I drove half way on day one, and camped in Minnesota for one night, and drove the second have the next day. 16 hour drive for me, but did some fishing in Minnesota, it was a good trip.
JW, those damn jakes had our number. Snuck up behind us, likely excuse right. Where exactly is Elk rocks camp? Is that where we camped when I was there? We did see some elk while out.
Iowabow, We need another crack at that big tom that refused to move. He deserves an arrow in his vitals!!
Tattoo Dave
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Indeed, Dave. Same place.
OK, soooo Iowabow is the only one who has taken any shots, and Primitive Tim got shot...hmmm.
I kept telling him we were after TOM Turkey, but he is kinda old and hard of hearing. I will understand if he says he is coming again this year and you have to cancel. Safety first.
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Was going through a shoebox of handwritten recipes looking to switch things up in camp and came across one that caught my eye. It was copied out of a private message from PatB, his red beans and rice recipe. Oh, I think we ought to have some of that!
Anyone got any recommendations on what you might wanna see on the table if you were there? You don't have to be coming to share your opinion.
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Well, a couple of Dutch ovens with venison chili, or Shepherds Pie, or Stroganoff, would hit the spot!
With a home brew to top it off, oh, and sourdough biscuits! Nothing wrong with grilled steaks or a slow cooked roast, baked spuds, and assorted vegetables, either. A huge hunters scramble of eggs, meats, spades and lots of coffee for breakfast! Especially after the home brew the night before -C- (=) >:D!!
Hawkdancer
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One of my favorite camp foods for a late breakfast, after chasing the morning birds is chorizo and eggs on a warm corn tortilla, and little hot sauce of course. It's really easy to make, and there's never left overs.
Tattoo Dave
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Merriam turkey is on my list. one of the most beautiful birds other than bald eagles in my opinion.
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Merriam turkey is on my list. one of the most beautiful birds other than bald eagles in my opinion.
We have both here. You interested in coming out?
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Thinking a big fish fry one night. Grilled trout and deep fried bluegill?
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My tags came in the mail the other day. I am suffering from desire to get out and hunt, but the opening day is long off and camp dates are even further off! I got out my box(es) of calls and started going through and organizing. The great call from BuffaloGobbler (thanks again, Kevin) will be coming to camp, no matter what. It is officially the call that belongs to the camp and not me. Everyone gets to use it!
I have been experimenting with making home made pastrami. Last nite I think I finally got the spice rub ratios down pat, but oversmoked the meat. Will dial back the amount of wood chips, lower the temp, and see how the next batch turns out. If I cannot turn out a decent pastrami, at least I know I can make great corned beef. So at the least we will have a corned beef dinner in camp one night.
I ran off a big batch of pork sausage recently, too. I am reserving some of that for breakfasts, biscuits and gravy, sausage-eggs-n-taters, stuff like that.
Anyone else cranking around anxious about turkey-bird season?
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I am really getting ready for Turkey season. Keller and I both got drawn for the second MN season. There should be some good hunting for us. I can't wait. It is still 7 weeks away.
Mike
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We are going to get over the counter torn tags for spring, likely hunt shotgun! Would like to get one anyway possible, got to catch up with my hunter Ed students!! I am a definite maybe, should have the hickory bow done and broken in by then. If ain't , either "Transdex" or "old Glassy" will step up, if I got spending money to spare! Otherwise, you just may have to listen to some old guys telling about "Been there, done that"! And sipping some suds, of course! Remember, a mountain man or ranger don't never lie, 'cepting maybe >:D (=)!!
Hawkdancer
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I'm desperate for turkey season. I had a crappy deer season last year, barely made it out but 4 or 5 times, and had to hunt mostly public land last year. The one time I did make it out to some private farm land to hunt the corm was down already. Nothing like hunting over an empty dirt field. Really looking forward to getting in the woods, but gotta wait until May.
I'll take a full order of B&G with a side of corn beef hash! :OK
Tattoo Dave
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I'm desperate for turkey season. I had a crappy deer season last year, barely made it out but 4 or 5 times, and had to hunt mostly public land last year. The one time I did make it out to some private farm land to hunt the corm was down already. Nothing like hunting over an empty dirt field. Really looking forward to getting in the woods, but gotta wait until May.
I'll take a full order of B&G with a side of corn beef hash! :OK
Tattoo Dave
If I remember right, you can put a dent in the groceries pretty good in camp! It is sure a pleasure to cook for someone with such a good appetite. Gotta say it was mighty romantic sitting in the woods listening to you call. Why I got to wishing I had a tail fulla feathers just so I could fan out! ;)
Mike, I sure wish you and Keller could come out!
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JW, You almost had me all choked up there and blushing.. until you called me fat. :laugh: :laugh: I can't deny it, me and food are close friends!
Tattoo Dave
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I never called you fat, but I would like to point out you never sat more than arm's length from the table.... >:D
My experiments with pastrami are still disappointing. Commercial corned beef just went on sale at the grocery, so I might just load up on a few of those and smoke 'em.
Last night at Pint Nite with the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers I made contact with some really fired up outdoorswomen that are just as wound up for turkey season as I am. Our chapter president's wife and I are now talking about a 2019 BHA Women's Turkey Camp in the Black Hills! Frankly, I am pretty excited about this if only because camp is likely to smell a while lot better with them!!!
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That would be awesome, the corn beef and BHA at turkey camp!
Tattoo Dave
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A real co-Ed turkey camp!!?? Hell's bells, one of them will probably score the first bird! (SH) :G >:D!
Sounds like it would be fun! Little Fiddle Woman would probably wake me up zero dark 30 to get to the blind in time!! Assuming I can get her to come up!
Hawkdancer
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Btw, the tin tipi is 28'. Will make a muffler box for the generator, and can get it a ways out from camp if need be(if I bring it!)
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It's still early, but can I get folks to check in if they are working on plans to come to camp? And for that matter, if you are interested in coming out but haven't gotten a personalized hand engraved embossed wax seal with coat of arms imprint invitation but are still interested, send me a P.M.
Shinin' times are less than two months away!
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Got to fooling around on Google Maps and located the rockpile where camp is located again this year.
43.852141
-103.700430
Maybe some of the folks coming like using GPS and wanna get a jump on scoping the place out. Hoping we get some better weather soon so I can get out and scout the area again.
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What map sheet is that on? May have to order a 1:24000 map from USGS, and get my compass out! Of course, some ground directions would help. The Turkey Hunt brew is bubbling, the little yeasties are working hard. It will go to the secondary fermenter Thursday or Friday, then bottle in 2 more weeks.
Hawkdancer
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USGS map? I dunno, our only source for paper maps doesn't have it. And now that they are no longer printing maps, I am trying to work my way over to GPS. Lemme do a little checking around.
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May have to try Huntdata.com. They use USGS data and BLM data to print hunt area maps. Guess we are going get dragged into the 21st century, kicking and screaming, or revert to the 18/19th centuries and use dead reckoning! Oh well, we're hunting with weapons from that era, anyway!
Hawkdancer
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If it's Google earth reset your settings to Lat's and long's minutes and seconds or UTM meters is simple and more accurate
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38 days and counting down. Several folks planning on coming have had to drop out, so there are a few open spots. Getting close to the wire, but at least the tags will be available for anyone that can get a kitchen pass. This is not limited to just close friends of mine, or even people with X number of posts. Newbies and lurkers welcome.
For those that would have to fly in, I have an extra cot and sleeping bag/wool blankets. All you really need to bring is clothes and your turkey slaying tool of choice (Well, it has to be stuff they will let you check as baggage, no RPGs.) This is also not strictly limited to primitive archery equipment, or for archery either. I would rather the birds be taken cleanly and ethically than wounded and lost, if it comes to that.
Doing some last minute tweaks to the week's menu, too. The National Forest Service, EPA, and several other agencies have asked we drop the Friday Night Chili Feed. I think I may have found an end run around them and will, instead, be offering PatB's recipe for Red Beans and Rice! Expect the weather on Saturday to be windy. -C-
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According to LouAnn at GFW, my tags are in the mail! Plan on bringing bows, ml 12ga, and maybe my Fox Model B 12 ga modern gun. I don't think I have enough practice to get one with the atlatl and dart (AT)! Be darn lucky to get one, period! I can come up early to help set up, thought about that any way to get familiar with the area and a couple more days hunting. You did order good camping weather, right? >:D (S)! Looks like it will be shorter for me to come through Lusk, WY. Now to find the maps!
Hawkdancer
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I can only say that the weather will be interesting.
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Just noticed the calendar for May shows New Moon starting the same day as the camp. It's gonna be darker than the inside of a black cat out there. Bring a lantern! And bring a flashlight or headlight with red or green lenses so that you can stalk in the dark without spooking the turkeys!
36 days and counting down.
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Our spring season just closed yesterday. Full days hunting Saturday and Sunday, had a gobbler call but no luck!
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Got my tag yesterday! Getting anxious! Starting to plan the load list and my early menu(eat at nearest cafe!). I think I can get there on Sunday to help camp set up and get my lodge set up, and scout/hunt some. Keep us posted on fire bans, etc. I can bring Weber kettle grills, large and small, and a "fake" fire. Will also bring camp stove and small propane grill.
Hawkdancer
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If you can shut off the fire with a switch, you can have it. They used to turn a blind eye to my woodburner in the tent because it had a spark arresting system and I only used it in the winter/snow. But we have had several winter fires now and all burning is pretty well banned.
I have a huge three burner gas stove/grill system with flat tops. Plus I will have another smaller coleman gas burner on the side for keeping hot water for washing up. More than anything, consider bringing several larger containers of water. No matter how much we bring, I always end up running into town some day at noon to refill containers.
I drove into the camp site last Sunday to scout and do a little work on cleaning up deadfalls/etc. There was a lot of snow, and it was slathered up and down with turkey tracks and turkey crap! We may have to limit the use of turkey calls around camp or it could become a bad scene from Deliverence with scads of hillbilly turkeys taking a liking to our purty mouths!
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I will count my water cans, I think I can bring 35-40 gallons! Have to recheck the cutoffs for the tent stove and the "fake" fire and make sure there is one for each! At least we can sit around and pretend! Not being able to have a real campfire is the pits, can't smoke your self in sage!
We are in a red flag warning tomorrow and maybe again Thursday, May get rain and/or snow Friday!
Hawkdancer
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Got the map, need some land marks! What's the best way in off off 18/85. Coming north from Custer? I plan on coming up on the 13th.
Hawkdancer
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Ok then, less than three weeks to camp and I have finalized the menu, folks:
Tues evening: buffalo burgers, barbecue beans, coleslaw (easy peasy)
Wednesday:
a.m. Sausage, eggs, home fries
p.m. Venison stew, cornbread
Thursday:
a.m. Biscuits and gravy, eggs
p.m. Corned beef and all the fixings
Friday:
a.m. Pancakes, bacon and eggs
p.m. T-bone steak and baked potatoes, salad
Saturday:
a.m. Spicy chorizo and egg breakfast tacos
p.m. Carnitas, refried beans, Mexican rice, and fresh made guacamole
Sunday:
a.m. Antacids for the day before, Scotch eggs
There will also be a pot of soup hanging around most of the time. I will make up scratch chicken and noodle, split pea, and something else to be determined. As usual, there will be a fresh fruit supply of bananas, apples, grapes, etc. I recommend a banana a day for the potassium to ward off leg cramps. There will also be a supply of carrot sticks, celery, cheeses, and crackers so that you can load your pockets before rushing off into the woods in the morning or evening. Rumour has it there will be a large jar of pickled eggs, too. (Just in case anyone gets tired of all the fresh air, ya know)
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Whooie!, Saturday sounds wicked! I can probably flip a tortilla, or a flapjack! Got some unspicey chorizo? Eggs over easy! Will try to get a couple loaves of sourdough bread baked to bring along. Looking forward to the event! :G (SH) -C- (=). Will bring the fake fire, too.
Hawkdancer
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Sure wish I could make it again. That menu sounds fantastic JW! Have fun all, and share some pics with us.
Tattoo Dave
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Sure wish I could make it again. That menu sounds fantastic JW! Have fun all, and share some pics with us.
Tattoo Dave
Wish you could be here. You are always welcome back, you know!
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15 days and counting! Starting to get excited over here.
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I'm looking forward to pictures and stories of the proceedings.
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I just got word that a contract is up for bids with the Game and Fish and I have until Friday to piece together a proposal, work up cost estimates, and get in a bid. Usually, something like this would take six weeks and I only have a couple days! Good thing I have most everything prepped for camp already.
Can't tell you how much getting this contract means to me, new vehicle, a few bucks back into savings, and renewed faith in myself (that's been lagging a lot lately). I heard rumor that my nemesis WEST, Inc, is bidding, too. I have undercut them on a number of bids in the past, but they always get the contracts because they are a juggernaut in the field.
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Damn! Nothing like a bit of pressure bidding a government contract! Good luck!
Hawkdancer
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Good luck JW, got my fingers crossed, hoping you get that contract.
Kevin
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Got the proposal for contract on it's way! It will be in before deadline and every T is dotted and every I crossed. Now I just gotta wait a few weeks to hear back.
That's the good news.
Bad news? Well, Blue Dog, the ever faithful Jeep Cherokee just took a dump. It was overheating on the hiway when I was "pushing" it Friday and my mechanic says the radiator needs replacement. Got that ordered and it arrives Thursday. Now it overheats just driving across town and lifters can clatter a bit, and it stalls at every light like it is not getting gas. Pump the heck out of the pedal and I can get it started and run until the next light.
Gonna have to call around to see if I can borrow a ride until this gets fixed. I guess I will find out later this week what all is on the list for repairs (if it can). Sigh....I need a week in the woods for Turkey Camp.
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Getting closer! 7 and a wake-up! Hope the damage to the checkbook isn't too stiff! Getting the tin tipi ready this week, and mounted some broad heads, need to sharpen them after test firing, hopefully tomorrow. Still have to weigh some charges for the flintlock! Got the stare warming up to make some bread. I plan on getting there Sunday afternoon depending on departure time from here.
Hawkdancer
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I have a loaner Suburban that is as big as a bus for now. Here's hoping the Jeep can be surgically resurrected.
I did a mess of food prep today, so that much of it can be whipped together in camp. Waiting until the last minute to do the final grocery push so that stuff is fresher.
And I have not received a call that my bid proposal with the Game and Fish has been rejected, so I am holding out a glimmer of hope!
Been hearing sporadic news of bird activity. They have been very reticent to gobble this spring, what with the extended cold of a late winter. I hear they are becoming much more active on the roost right away in the morning, and even a little in the afternoons! Pray for warm weather and sunshine to keep them fired up!
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Down to a wake-up! Just have to get the camper off the jacks, load the generator, felt can, food, duffel bag, pillows, stow the electric hookup, eat bareakfast, drink coffee, hookup camper, and roll out! Hope to be on the road by 9:00 am mdt!
No pics, it didn't happen, BUT I went to the range test test my broad heads, shot about 2 dozen times at milk bottles , hit about 12-15 times including nicks at 10 yards. It seemed like more of the hits were my red osier shoot arrows! May get to practice in camps with an el cheapo decoy before I sharpen the points for hunting(125 gr. Zwickys). Look out, turkeys! (SH) :G >:D
Hawkdancer
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Hawkdancer has landed! We got his camper parked and.leveled. Now into town for a quick dinner.
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Good luck hunting guys. I hope you all find a real dumb turkey.
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Good luck hunting guys. I hope you all find a real dumb turkey.
I am afraid I have been a party to killing off all the dumb ones. Those surviving have become quite crafty. However, we did see hens last nite close to camp, so we know there ARE birds out there!
Next year, you and Killer Keller need to make it out!!!
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Good luck!
I'm hoping you all have a great time and maybe kill a turkey or two.
Kevin
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Good luck fellas.Hope you get a good shot at one.It would be a feather in anyones' hat.
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Good luck!
I'm hoping you all have a great time and maybe kill a turkey or two.
Kevin
We.limbered up your box call tonite, but heard nothing. No.turkey turds or.scratching on the Northeast roost.
Back to camp for venison stew and corn cakes hot off the.griddle.
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Nice :G
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come camp at my house JW - had four toms go off at once in the same 20 square feet!
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Improvised hail helmet from a stainless steel mixing bowl. We are having fun now, kiddies!!!