Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

	All I have heard about this years Quabbin hunt is that you can
get applications from the F&G department in Westboro and the MDC station
at the Quabbin itself. This year you will be able to hunt the penisula,
the hunts are only 2 days this year instead of 3. You can tag 2 deer in
one day. You can sign up as partners this year. When signing up as
partners you give both names and only one license number. If the last
number of the license you chose is one of the chosen numbers then both
people get to hunt. Anyways just contact the F&G headquarters in Westboro.
I don't know the number or address, but its in this conference somewhere.

/Ron

    More info. Successful hunters from last year who hunted the Quabbin
    automatically get to hunt. A $5.00 fee and they get to hunt the
    peninsula. All others must apply and hope to get drawn. Not fair in my
    mind.
    
                   Barry

    I hunted Quabbin last year and took a buck. Three weeks ago I received
    an automatic invitation back to hunt the Prescott Peninsula. They have
    changed things around this year in that you may hunt with another suc-
    cessful hunter from last year (if you know one). I did and we filled
    out the application together. Haven't heard anything yet as to when
    we go in.
    
    They have also moved up the hunt this year so it coincides with bow 
    season. You get two to days hunt, an automatic doe permit and your allowed
    to shoot two deer in one day.
    
    As I said, I participated in last years hunt and I take my hat off to 
    the MDC. It was an excellent hunt and a good bunch of guys. My only
    problem was after hunting Maine for 8 years these deer looked like
    dwarfs. It took some adjusting. According to the biologist it was due
    to poor feed and interbreeding. I did however see some excellent racks.
    
    The reasons behind taking successful hunters from last year are 1.)
    They do not have to go through the training course again (save $$$).
    2.) These hunters proved themselves by taking deer out 3.) Prescott
    Peninsula is where the eagles nest so I think they don't want to chance
    new people within that range (my opinion)
    
    I can have the address for you tomorrow and from what I understand it
    must be submitted by the 29th of this month
    
    Good Luck
    Bob �

    
    re.2
    
            I have to agree with you on the allowance of previous hunters
    to come back. The is and should be a lottery system that should be run
    just like the moose hunts in Maine and N.H. with lucky hunters not
    being able to apply for a period of time. There is some sense to the
    previous mentioned note concerning "Veteran" hunters to the Quabbin
    not having to be trained will save money. But the amount of money ($5)
    per applicant far outways the minimal amount of money saved compared
    to the revenue generated by others applying for a chance. This hunt 
    will only continue until the herd is Managed to the bioligists specs
    so why not give all applicants an equal chance.
    
    
                                                           Guy
     

    From what I remember, the reason that last years successful hunters are 
    given priority over others has to do with the anti-hunters arguments that 
    inexperienced hunters will cause the deer to suffer. It was a political
    compromise the state made when the arguments for opening the Quabin were
    being made. If not for the anti's, Quabin would have been open to all.


    Jim

    
    > If not for the Anti's, Quabbin would have been open to all.
    
    re.5  Jim, I'll have to disagree with that statement. The reason for
    the lottery was to limit and control the amount of people on this land.
    Remember this is Watershed property that normally only MDC employees
    are allowed on for business reasons. If it was open to all there would
    have been more accidental shootings of humans than deer harvested.
    
                                                        Guy
     

    RE:6
      

    I remember when Senator Wetmore took out legislation on it. He asked
    to open it up to the public. I also talked with him at a banquet on it. 
    They  didn't want to have to get involved with running a lottery. It wasn't 
    until the hearings with the anti's trying to stop it all together that 
    different compromises were made. Perhaps he shot for an open hunt knowing 
    he would end up with what we got ?


     Jim

    My understanding is that successful hunters from last year will
    hunt Prescott Peninsula this year, and there is a new lottery
    for the same area hunted last year. 
    
    What gets me is, it's been several months, and I've yet to hear
    any statistics about deer size from last years' Quabbin hunt.
    What were the average weights by age, how do they compare with
    other areas of the state, etc.? 

    Having been successful in Quabbin last year, I received an 
    application from the MDC to reapply for this years hunt with
    the following restriction, I can only apply for the second or
    third segments of any of the Prescott Peninsula hunts but I
    could apply for any of the three segments of the Pelham hunts.
    So the first hunters to hunt the Prescott Peninsula will be the
    new applicants from this year.
    
    As for being fair I know it isn't 100%, but after applying for
    antlerless deer permits for the last ten years and not being
    chosen it sure does put a :-) on my face.
    
    Kevin

    
              Question,
    
                    When you say 2 deer in one day, is that the limit for
    the 2 days ? Its not 2 per day right ?!!

    2 deer limit, yet both can be shot on the same day.

    Question?
    
    	I sent a letter requesting an application for the hunt.  If I get
    chosen in the lotery, will I get a chance to scout the area that I'll
    be hunting?  I don't even know how to get there!!!!!
    
    
    Thanks
    
    Jim
    

    Most of Quabbin is open to the public to walk thru but DON'T have
    on your possession any FIREARMS or ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, is my 
    understanding. The only part of Quabbin the public doesn't have
    access to is where the eagles nest (Prescott Peninsula?).
    When your chosen :-) (not if) you'll have to attend an orientation
    session, at this session you'll be told what area you were chosen
    for, how to access the area and what is required from you.
    The area that was hunted last year (Pelham) is off of Rt. 202,
    this is on the western border of Quabbin and goes north/south.
    You can get to Rt. 202 from Rt. 2 (Athol?) directly or off of the
    Mass Turnpike in a round about way.
    
    The best of luck to you, Kevin.
    
    

    I received my application on saturday and mailed it today.  It
    mentioned the orientation session you wrote about, but didn't give any
    definite dates.  I'm going to Nova Scotia the last week of October. I'm
    going to call the visitor center to see if they have an idea when the 
    orientation will be.  They made it very clear that if you miss the 
    orientation your not going to hunt.  I hope I didn't do this for
    nothing :-( 
    
    Sad at RMS
    
    Jim
    

    .14 I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Last year I couldn't make my
    scheduled class for one reason or another so I called them up and they
    rescheduled me for another class. I believe last year that the classes
    were scheduled over three weeks. I believe it will be the same this
    year ;^)
    
    Bob�

    I called the visitor center and they informed me that as long as I made
    one of the orientation sessions, it would be ok.
    
    Good Luck To All 
    
    Jim
    

    
    OK so I'm jumping the gun a little here but does anyone know where
    the classes usually take place? Any place close to Worcester? Thanks.
    
    Walt

    
    The deadline was today 8/31/92, is that to be received at the visitor
    center or be post marked by? I called F&G and the person said post
    marked, my application has been in for a week but I know a couple of
    guys who mailed today.
    
                                                     Guy
    
    

    .17 last year the classes were held in Waltham and in Belchertown. They
    will tell you which one to attend.
    
    .18 I believe it only has to be postmarked by midnight tonight.
    
    
    Can't wait to hit Prescott Peninsula (I wish I new when�). There are
    some huge racks out there. I have seen the ones that my buddies father
    has picked up while hiking. "HUGE" Too bad the deer are so small
    bodied but that's why they need the hunt
    
    Bob �

    
    Well folks I just called the Quabbin to find out what the results 
    were. I didn't have my license number with me so they couldn't verify
    if I was choosen. If anyone has a license ending in 8,6,5,4, or 7 call
    (413) 323-6921 to see if your a LUCKY winner.
    
                                                            Good Luck,
    
                                                              Guy

    I just called.......
    
    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    They said I was on the first session, whatever that means. They said
    I would get a card with all the info in a week or so.
    
    Thanks for all your help (I started this note)
    
    Jim
    

    looks like i'll have to be popping off a big one closer to home...
    
    no luck...  Fra

    
    I called yesterday and found out that I was picked for the 12th session
    and that we (my dad and I) will be hunting in Pelham. I guess it's the
    last 2 days of regular shotgun season, so I still can hunt all of
    archery and some shotgun. I can't wait. Anyone have any info on Pelham?
    I barely know where it is. I plan on taking a ride out there but will
    the F&G folks supply us with maps or anything?
    
   Walt

    I just called again (I think they're sick of me ), the new number is 
    413-323-7221.  The other number must have been flooded with calls :^)
    
    I was picked for the first Pelham session, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. I told 
    my friend, we applied on the same form, and he was very happy.
    
    Let's see,,,,,a deer each in Nova Scotia, a deer each at Quabin.
    I'm going to have to buy a freezer!!!!
    

Walt,

Not to bust your balloon totally but....I know of a couple
of guys who hunted the last 3 day session of last year's
Pelham hunt, who had no luck at all. In fact, they didn't
even see a deer in the 3 days! These are guys who I consider
to be decent hunters, I might add.

I'm only relating this too you, because I hate to see you
put all of your eggs in one basket. If you plan to hunt
elsewhere in mass., prior to hunting the quabbin, I'd
seriously consider filling at least one tag, prior to
the last 2 days you are allotted for quabbin.

It would be a shame to pass up an opportunity, counting
on having easy pickings in the quabbin hunt. If your
hunt were to be in the first couple of days, I'd be more 
optimistic.

It also seems that the odds were better for their success
last year, than yours might be this year(3days vs.2, 
Higher # of deer last year being that it had never 
been hunted before.)

Good luck.....I hope I'm all wet on this....but I thought
you might like to know!

Barry

    BARRY,
    
    	The Pelham part of the Quabbin hunt this year has only 3 or 4
    sessions.  The majority of hunters will be going to the Prescot
    peninsula area.  Thats where most of the hunting pressure will be this
    year, I think there are 9 sessions there.
    
    	I can't recall where I heard this but FWIW 800 deer were taken by
    900 hunters last year at Pelham.  This sounds kind of unrealistic.
    Does anyone have an accurate count on last years hunt?
    
    Jim
    
    p.s. It looks like its only Walt and myself ( I got picked for
    Nov.30,Dec.1 Pelham session ) that are going this year. 
    GOOD LUCK 
    

    I think the correct number is 576 deer taken last year. Of course, 
    some people got two deer, some got none. There's no guarantee.

    
    Barry,
      thanks for the input, and you're right. I am not putting all my eggs
    in one basket. I still plan on hunting archery and shotgun season and
    there aint no way I'm passing on a deer cause I'm going to the Quabbin.
    Like -1 said there are no guarentees when it comes to hunting, so I'll
    take one when I can get one. 
    
    
    Walt

    
    Can anyone give me general directions as to where in Pelham the hunt
    is going to take place? I told the wife I'd take her and the baby
    for a ride out that way this weekend. Figured it would be good to
    know the way there before hunting season and take in some scenery
    at the same time. Also is there anything worth seeing while we're out
    that way? ya know, sights to see and stuff like that. Thanks.
    
     
    
    Walt

    I'd suggest that you stop over and see Windsor Dam (in Belchertown).
    It's only a few miles (down the road when on Route 202 to Route 9).
    It's about a mile down the road on the left. This will give you a 
    nice view of the Quabbin and there is also a road going up the side
    of a mountain for a real scenic view.
    
    Almost directly across from the Windsor Dam entrance is the Belchertown
    fish hatchery. There is usually a pool in front of the building with
    some real good size trout. Indoors there is an exhibit explaining how
    they are reproduced. Out in the back they have the beds of fish which 
    you can buy feed (either a nickel or a dime) and whatch them feed like
    crazy.
    
    If you Flyfish and tie your own flies you might want to stop by
    Al' Grizzly Farm. Although I've never been there I've been told
    that he has some real good quality hackle.
    
    		Address: Albert J.Brighenti
    			 73 Old Enfield Road
    			 Belchertown,Mass. 01007
    				(413)323-7748
    
    Sorry, I can't help with where the hunt is taking place.
    
    Have a nice trip!
    George
     

    
    George,
    
       Thanks for the info. As long as the weather holds up we should have
    a nice time.  
    
    
    Walt

    Pelham is north of Belchertown on rte. 202. There's a scenic area
    just north of the town, but you'll get much better views at the
    park off rte. 9. The tower has views all the way to Mt. Monadnock
    in New Hampshire on a clear day. Just down the road from the rotary,
    is another great scenic area called the Enfield Lookout. There are
    hiking trails in the park area, or you might want to walk a ways
    in on one of the gate roads off rte. 202. Gate 10, a mile or so south
    of Pelham, is pretty easy walking. I used to see lots of deer in
    there, but haven't been since last years' hunt. I imagine there are
    still quite a few...

    
    I confirmed yesterday that my younger brother was picked for the "B"
    segment of the hunt between 11/9 - 11/14.
    
    
                                                         Guy
    

Well I got my permit in the mail yesterday.  I'll be hunting Zone B-1 on
Nov 9 - 10.  If there is anybody out there who also got a permit for these
days and this zone give drop me a line and maybe we can get together.

Bob

    I got my permit in the mail yesterday, I was sweating it out to say the
    least.  My meeting is at the Burlinton campus of Middlesex Community
    College on Oct. 19.  Anyone else got that date?

    
    Close. I got mine at the same place on Oct. 28. My dates for the hunt
    are fri and sat, 10/4-10/5 in P3, where ever that is. Anyone know
    why they want to know if we have a 4wd vehicle we can use? I'm also
    thinking about calling and seeing if they have another place I can
    go for orientation, Burlington is a long ride for me. Didn't someone
    else in here do this last year with no problem?
    
    Walt

    Walt,
    
    I hope you meant 11/4-11/5. My guess about the 4wd question is that
    they might want to have people drive down fire access roads that are
    not maintained very well.
    
    Jim
    

    That's the reason. They want to have people drive in on some of the
    fire roads while some of the other people are taking a bus and some of
    the other people are walking. As far as the roads being maintained.
    They are in excellent shape. They want 4 wheel incase it snows like
    last year. They still had to pull a couple of guys out that pulled too
    far off the roads and got stuck in a ditch.
    
    I have a question�!� Have all of the successful hunters from last year
    received their permits. The reason that I'm asking is because I haven't
    heard a thing yet... I'm starting to get nervous
    
    Bob M�

    
    Jim,
    
    You're almost right. It's actually 12/4-12/5 not 10/4-10/5. That's 
    what I get for writing at 6a.m. I got the last 2 day hunt, better 
    than nothing though. Good luck to you. you going to the Prescott Penn.?
    I'm going to Pelham.
    
    Walt
    

    Walt,
    
    I've got the first Pelham hunt.  I'll be hunting Monday and Tuesday of
    that week.  I'll leave you a nice big 10 pointer to shoot later in the
    week :^)  I'm going to Nova Scotia the first week of November so
    hopefully I'll have bagged a nice one up there.  No need to kill what
    you can't eat.  What do you think about them making us buy doe permits?
    I understand about thinning the herd, but how many people do you think
    will take the first doe they see???  I know I will,,,,,maybe.
    
    Jim
    

    
    Jim,
    
    IMO the doe permits should be included in the $5 application fee. Not
    that another $5 is going to kill me but they're making alot of money 
    doing it this way. As for doe vs buck, it's been let's see..um..well
    never mind how long it's been since I got a deer, so I will take the
    first doe/deer I see as long as it's not a yearling or has spots. In other
    words if it's a full grown deer and I got a good shot it's mine,
    hopefully. Good luck up in NS you can shoot a real big one up there
    just leave the big one in Pelham for me. Also I'lll expect a full
    report from you mid-week. That way you can tell me where they are
    and what they may be doing.
    
    Walt
    

    Walt, 
    
    I have been hunting in MA for about 5 years now, NEVER SEEN A DEER. 
    I've seen tracks, scrapes, rubs, and more droppings than you could 
    toss at your hunting partner :^)  From what I've been hearing, I may
    be speechless from seeing so many deer. If Quabbin is half what NS
    is,  we are in for a great hunt.  Can't remember where I heard this,
    average of 45 deer per square mile?  I can't tell if this is good or
    normal.  I'll definately give a scouting report the day I get back.
    
    Kind of rambled didn't I
    
    Jim
    

    Walt,
    
    Not to take away from the hunt "but" as I said in a previous note these
    deer are stunted due to overpopulation/crossbreeding whatever it may
    be. I had hunted Northeastern Maine the previous week to the Quabbin
    hunt. We had taken a 1.5 year old 4 point buck which dressed out at
    155 lbs. The first 20 minutes in Quabbin two does had crossed within
    15 yrds of where I was standing. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. My
    first thought was that these were two yearlings whose mother had been
    taken in the first three day session. I let them walk by.
    
    Half an hour later, six more does walk by. The same size. I also let
    them walk. After counting about 15 that morning it finally sunk in
    that these deer were just "small". On the other side, someone checked
    in a 14 pointer that rivaled any Maine rack I had ever seen but still
    the deer only dressed out at 140 lbs.
    
    I ended up shooting a spike which was the same age as the one we shot
    in Maine. It dressed out at 75lbs. Half the weight!!!!! 
    
    I think I was just spoiled from hunting Maine. This year I will shoot
    the first deer I see. Doe or Buck. This is one of the most enjoyable
    hunts that I have ever been on. I missed a beautiful 8 pointer at full
    run. The next day I pushed the same deer into a 18 year old boy. Boom,
    he got him. I saw whid turkey, eagles, owls and probably about 40 deer
    in three days. It was awesome!!!!!!
    
    Bob M�

    Bob M. ,
    
    My first deer was a doe that I shot in NS. It dressed out at 115.  The
    guide said it was small!!!!!! After seeing other deer I realized he was 
    right.  I will have to get used to the small body deer at the Quabbin.
    But that's the reason for the hunt, isn't it??  Did you hunt the Pelham
    area last year? 
    
    BTW I think your the only person I've heard from who 'honestly' hunted
    Quabbin last year.  I've only gone by 'friend of a friend' and 'well I
    heard' info. What was it really like?  Get as lengthy as you have time
    for, I love hearing hunting stories.
    
    Jim
    

    
    
    Bob,
    
      Like Jim I'd like to hear more also. So how do the F&G people and 
    anyone else feel about this hunt? Is it a mercy killing? Is it hunting?
    Also is the area in Pelham where the hunt is going to be the area
    between rt202 and the res itself? This is the first time in years that
    my dad and I have hunted together, I hope for a real good time. I put
    his name in with mine without him knowing about it, boy was he
    suprised when I told him we were going. he was with me when I shot my
    first and so far only deer, hopefully we can do it again this year.
    
    
    Walt

    Jim and Walt,
    
    I could babble forever about hunting but I don't want to go overboard!!
    To give you guys a brief synopsis of last years hunt I'll break it down
    for you.
    
    I was chosen for the 2nd segment of the hunt in zone 5BS. What that
    meant was zone 5, being bussed into the southern zone. Thursday morning
    was my first day of the hunt. I don't know if you remember last year
    but that day was bitter cold. I went into gate 8 of the Pelham area at
    5:00 a.m. and spoke to the other hunters. There was more adrenalin
    pumping that first morning than I seen in a long time. It was really a
    great bunch of guys. I didn't run into any yahoo's all three days.
    
    I was the last one off of the bus that morning after listening to the
    driver tell another mdc officer that nobody was going to the end of his
    route! Needless to say, I didn't need anymore convincing ;'). I got off
    of the bus about 6:20 a.m. and took a hike west into the woods.
    Everything was frozen. Every step I took sounded like a troop at full
    march. I knew if I kept this up that I wasn't going to see anything so
    I stopped when I ran into the first good deer run. It only took 20
    minutes as I said in the first note. 
    
    After watching these does go by an internal battle started. Why didn't
    I take that first one? It was only 15 yrds away broadside!!! It was so
    small. It had to be a yearling!!! The next six does same thing!!! Well
    now I was literally frozen. I let eight deer go by and hadn't fired a
    shot. It was time to move and get the circulation going. After about
    45 minutes of walking up and down the cart road I started looking at
    this patch of laurels on the side of a ridge. Something didn't look
    right and to this day I don't know why. I started for the ridge as slow
    and deliberate as possible. Sure enough, as soon as I was in 100 yrds
    of the laurels BOOM. Out flys this buck. What a beauty!!! I never got
    the gun up but I thought I knew where he went. I ran around (the long
    way) via the cart road and finally into the wind. It put me right to
    the other side of the laurel patch.
    
    Now I'm totally out of breath. I just ran up hill with about five
    layers of clothes on and a pair of Lacrosse Icemen boots. First step
    into the laurel patch and all hell breaks loose. Not just one buck but
    every doe that had walked by me that morning are now busting out of
    there
    at full throttle. I pulled out of the laurel and into the hardwoods so
    I could at least watch them run. There had to be about seven of them
    but all I could see were tails. No shots fired.....
    
    Thoroughly disgusted with myself I decide to go back in and see where
    they were bedding. Two steps in and my cigarettes fall out of my pocket
    onto the ice. As I bent over to pick them up I noticed the funniest
    pair of brown legs 10 yrds away from me on the other side of the bush.
    Yup, Mr. Big was standing there looking right at me and I didn't even
    know it. 
    
    Well Mr. Big has two options. Run further into the laurel or head for
    the open hardwood. I figured option one. NATURALLY, he figured option
    two. Full scream into the hardwoods while I was getting ready for a
    shot through the laurels. I swing the shotgun around and let a round
    go. Missed :'(. Doesn't this deer stop and turn to look at me 40 yrds
    away. As if to say who the H*ll are you to be shooting at me. Well, Mr.
    Big's last mistake. The pin is right on his chest. As I slowly pull the
    trigger. Nothing happens!!! Why Me??????? There I am face to face with
    an eight pointer pulling the trigger of an Ithaca deer slayer and
    nothing is happening.
    
    As I look down the barrel I notice that my glove is stuck in the pump
    and the breach is open. Snap. I pull the glove out and there goes the
    buck. Boom!! Missed again :"O. Doesn't he stop again at 100 yrds to
    look at me. Boom!!! No surprise, I missed again.
    
    See Ya Mr. Big
    
    I spent the rest of the day on a ridge watching wild turkey feed. And
    a deer or two all out of range. No rush, I'ld see him again tomorrow.
    
    Wow!!! I guess I can babble. I have to cut this short. If you have any
    specific questions let me know and I'll respond. This hunt is not like
    shooting fish in a barrel but there are a lot of deer and when the deer
    aren't around there's plenty of wild life around to entertain you. My
    only suggestion to you guys is sit still. Let the other guys with ants
    in their pants push them to you and they will........
    
    Bob M�

    Walt,
    
    Hell of a story, you'll have to finish it.  On the 'sit and wait'
    stragedy, my thoughts exactly. Although I never saw a deer while
    hunting in MA, I saw more orange coats roaming around that I lost
    count. They were like raisins in a sugar bowl. I always sit, at least
    until I can't feel my feet anymore, BRRRRRRR!  Hope everyone doesn't
    have the same idea though. Nah, I'll probably be so excited I'll be the
    one pushing the deer.
    
    Great story
    
    Jim
    

    
    Bob great story I can't wait to hear the rest. Any tips on how
    to handle the MDC folks? Are they pretty friendly or do they take
    "Nasty" pills in the morning? 
    
    
    Walt

Hay Walt.

	Bassin Bob here.  My luck must be running good this year!  First winning
the mass state fishoffs, Well I Was picked.  I have day 1/2 on Prescott.

	This area has never been hunted and the dear have never seen hunters!
I can't wait.  I usually go bow hunting those days, but I could spend a week,
and only see a few.  I think I may just take pictures the second day if 
I get lucky the first.

	My meeting is in BelcherTown.  Anyone know where this community center
is?

bob

    
    
    Bassin' Bob
  
      I understand we have a mutual friend. I.E. Sean Scott. I met him thru
    my cousin who used to be really good friends with him. I've hunted
    with him a couple times but havn't seen him in a looooong time....
    
    Prescott is the place to be on opening day, I think there will be some
    large racked bucks taken but like the other Bob said, the deer are
    stunted. Not to say there aint some big ones out there  cause I'm sure
    there are.  I'm just hoping that the guys on PP push the deer off and
    into the pelham side where I'll be the last 2 days.  
    
    
    Walt

    Bassin' Bob,
    
    Since your the first guy to hunt the Quabbin, you'll have to give a
    scouting report to the rest of us who have to wait until Nov..
    
    Good Luck
    
    Jim
    

    The MDC people were, believe it or not, excellent. These guys were
    bending over backwards. There response to me on a few occasions was
    "We are here to do everything to make sure you shoot deer". 
    
    One thing that really impressed me was the flatbed that ran the road
    all day long. The MDC guys driving would point you in the right
    direction. Pick up your deer and deliver it right to your car. You
    couldn't ask for more. I have had run ins with MDC around Wachusett
    Res who for no unknown reason would be totally rude. Not these guys
    They were super.
    
    Now that I'm here I'll give you day two real quick. As I finished the
    other story. I said to sit still and let the guys with ants in their
    pants push them to YOU. The reason for this is because I had red ants
    in my draws on day 2.
    
    Day 2 was a Friday and it was snowing. The Gods had trully blessed me.
    At least that's what I thought. I knew that Mr Big would return to that
    laurel thicket along with his girlfriends. It was snowing very hard at
    first light but the temp. was at least 20 degrees warmer than the
    previous day. I took a stand 30 yrds down wind from the thicket in case
    he was already there. 
    
    45 minutes into the hunt two of the biggest does I had seen there were
    going into the thicket. A nice 45 yrd shot buy I wanted the buck. Well
    a few more does, about 20 wild turkeys and two inches of snow on the
    brim of my hat and no buck. Nuts....he isn't going to show and I need
    to get the blood moving again.
    
    There is now about 4 inches of fresh snow and it feels like walking on
    a cloud. I decide to move in further west and see what I can see. After
    about 15 minutes I find myself in someones backyard. Woops!!! I decide
    to back tack to the thicket and watch it. 100 yrds of back tracking and
    there is this single set of tracks going right through mine. I hadn't
    seen a doe alone in there so right away I knew who it was.
    
    I begin a slow jog to make up time. Well low and behold this buck had
    walked 30 yrds passed where I was standing all morning. By now I am 
    thoroughly irritated. I figure I'll  try the same thing as yesterday.
    I am now so engulfed in laurels that I can't move. About 20 yrds in
    front of me I see this ear pointed right at my face. I thought some
    body had released a white tornado in that thicket. I never heard sticks
    snapping or seen snow flying like that in my life. It was awsome. I was
    having the best hunt of my life. For an animal who had never been
    hunted before he knew every trick in the book.
    
    Here we go. For the next two hours he managed to stay one step ahead.
    Everytime I saw him he saw me first. Now I'm at the top of this ridge
    bent over in half trying to catch my breath and believe it or not he's
    30 yrds away looking at me AGAIN. Off he goes!!! This time he's heading
    straight for the cart road. Oh No.... There are other hunters over
    there. I go to follow him and fall right on my butt. Just in time to 
    see him on hoof for the last time. Two minutes later the shots ring
    out.
    
    Crap :*(      
    
    By the time I made it over there is an 18 year old kid doing cart
    wheels. He had one of the nicest racks I had seen. A perfect 8 pointer
    with these ivory white, 8 to 10 inch tines. This kid was so excited.
    He couldn't believe his skills as a hunter. Unfortunately he was right.
    He was sitting still and I pushed Mr Big right to him.
    
    I climbed back up the ridge and sulked. Didn't see a deer for the rest
    of the day.
    
    That day will probably stick in my head for the rest of my life. It was
    really what a hunt should be. I'm really looking forward to going back.
    
    Bob M � 

I wasn't going to enter this but since I've gone into
RUT I've got a one track mind - VENISON.
Last year - same as the last ten years I applied for
an anterless deer permit (Mass) and also for the
Quabbin hunt. Never having been picked for the anterless
permit and still waiting for my first deer, September
started out just like the previous ten Septembers, waiting
for the numbers to be picked. This season turned out
different - they picked my number, not just for an anterless
deer permit but also QUABBIN, I guess lady luck had me in
her sights. As it turned out my time is Quabbin (Pelham)
was the third segment, the last three days of the shotgun
season, so I had six days I could hunt my familiar stomping
grounds. Now all I had to do was hurry up and wait.
A week before the start of the season my wife parks our
only car into a stone wall, I tell you I wasn't thrilled,
in the shop it goes. First day of the season I'm in a rental
off to my stand, 11:30 rolls around and nothing seen so I
decided to head back to the car to get a bite to eat. As I
start enjoying my lunch I can see three pickups full of
orange coats park at the bottom of the cart road leading to
my stand, they get out and start a drive. Within a matter of
minutes I hear three shots, Time for me to go take a looksee.
At the base of my stand there they are gutting an eight pointer.
I head off shaking my head, I didn't see anything the rest of
the afternoon. I wasn't able to hunt again until the sixth day,
and that was only going to be a half day, I had to pick up my
car from the shop. Two hours go by, nature starts calling, so
there I am taking a squat when three does walk by, I reach for
my gun and end up snapping a branch getting it, The deer hear
it and by the time I had the gun shouldered they're on their
way to Canada. Where's lady luck now I'm wondering, the rest
of the morning nothing - time to go get my car.
Monday arrives I'm on the Mass Pike heading to Quabbin, just
as I'm being let in the gate my car decides it was time to 
overheat. I park it next to the check station and pop the hood,
to dark to see, and their getting ready to tow me out. Since
I wasn't leaking antifreeze, only steaming, I talked them into
letting me leave it parked were it was and hunting until noon.
In the woods I go to a place I saw an eight pointer three weeks
before. 10:30 I hear shots going off to my immediate left, looking
over I see a herd of about twenty deer moving from my left to
right about 300 yards in front of me, just as they get in front
of me I see an orange coat off on my right, but in farther than I
was start shooting. The herd stops and starts moving diagonally
between the three of us, a little more than 100 yards away from me.
The person on my left I could see started tracking them, so I got up
and moved that 100 yards to my left and deeper into the woods.
Just as I got comfortable again I could see three deer heading
straight at me about 150 yards in front. As I was waiting for them
to get within range I lost sight of them. I looked at my watch
and it was 11:30, to say the least I was a little anxious. Keeping
my attention in front of me I didn't pick up on the brown spot
heading diagonally at me, the same trail the first herd took. It
was at about 75 yards off heading at me with it's head down. It
was small and I actually thought it was a yot, At 35 yards it picked
it's head up still heading at me. All this time I had my gun in
position expecting the deer I saw in front of me to come into range.
A small sweep of the barrel and now this small deer that's 35 yards
away is at the business end of my Remington 870 still heading at me.
At 20 yards and 11:45 on the watch my first deer was taken. By 12:15
I was dragging my prize to the check station. Pop the hood on my car,
fill the radiator with water, I'm out of there. I didn't see any
antlers on my next two days and the car was fine after that first
morning.

I received an invitation to this years hunt because of last years
success. Having not heard back from the MDC I gave them a call
(413-323-7221) yesterday asking what was going on. They told me
the packets were being mailed out today to those that were successful
last year. My second question was answered I got picked for the
second segment on Prescott Pen. (Nov. 4 + 5).

Kevin

    Hold on a minute,
    
    A HERD OF AROUND 20!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    The last time I saw 20 deer at once was at the taxidermist(sp).  Nice
    going on the kill, sit still and let the orange army push 'em to ya.
    Seems like there is an awfully big bunch of hunters comming out the 
    woodwork that are Quabbin bound this year. It's going to be a great
    hunt!!!!
    
    
    20 deer,,,,WOW
    
    
    Jim
    

    Thanks for the number Kevin. I just called. They have scheduled me for
    the second segment of C section. Which is the Northwest corner. My
    dates are the 18th and 19th.
    
    That's the week I come back from hunting the pucker brush of Northeast
    Maine. Oh Oh. That means that they are going to look like dwarfs again.
    Nothing compares to a Northern Maine deer.
    
    This is starting to look a lot like last year.......
    
    I'm sure not complaining
    
    Bob M �

    I've never hunted anyplace but Mass before and only once have I
    ever seen more than three deer together until last year that's
    why I called it a herd, the one negative point was I couldn't
    see any racks in the group. Total deer count on my first day in
    Quabbin was at least 24 and that was within a 6 hour span. Also
    I had the LAST segment (3 days) of the Quabbin hunt. That first
    day must have been Heaven.
    
    All we have to do now is hurry up and wait, best of luck to all
    
    Kevin

    Well here's another tale;
    
    My hunting friend ( I only see him during hunting season ) saw a
    friend of ours yesterday.  Seems this guy hunted Quabbin last year.
    Shot an 8 and a 10-pointer, 165lbs and 180lbs respectively.  He saw
    35 deer the last day of his hunt.  Actually had 7 does bed down 
    20yds from his stand.
    
    I think I'm going to bring my camera!!!!
    
    Jim
    

    Wow!!!!!!! I must have been in the welter weight section. The 8 pointer
    that I pushed to the 18 year old kid only dressed out at 135 lbs.????
    Which section was this guy hunting in with 165 lb and 180 lb deer. I
    was in section 5 southern.
    
    I did see a doe that was estimated to be over 10 years old that one guy
    in my section shot. It didn't have any teeth left. Just worn down nubs.
    I think that deer was good for one thing. Stew Meat....... YUK
    
    Bob M �

    The area was around gate 12, whatever that means.  He's going to take
    me and my friend scouting in a few weeks.  This guy loves to shoot 
    BIG deer.  He was with us on my first trip to Nova Scotia, and didn't
    fire a shot!!!! "their were no trophys" was his answer.  He did see a
    lot of deer, I was with him after I tagged mine.  That evening we saw 
    4 does, all around 110lbs.  Hey, to each his own.
    
    Jim
    

Hay Walt Saun and I go back a long way.  He is my Mass Bass Federation
tournament partner!.  We do all kinds of hunting together.

I have my meeting tonight in belchertown.

bob

    re -.1
    
    bob,
    
    You'll have to give a report on how the meeting goes tonight.
    I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't (who am I kidding, WON'T)
    sleep until about a week after I hunt Quabbin.
    
    Jim
    

    
    Bob,
    
    where they sending you for the class?  Like Jim said let us know what
    happens, I'm sure we all would like to hear the do's and dont's of
    hunting the Quab. And Jim, relax, take a pill, it's still a ways off and
    you're gonna need your rest in order to drag the deer out. 8')
    Now I need to tell myself that! HA!
    
    Walt

Well Step one apply,
          two get picked
	  Three go to this long meeting.

	Well my meeting was last night at the Community School in Belchertown.
Got there about 6:30.  Long line about 100 people infront of me.

	Once inside they check you permit against a computer list a 
State Police Officer (an old MDC guy still wears mdc uniforms)	checks your
Photo Id and Hunitng License.  They give you maps and all kinds of info.

	You tha get a talk from the Water Shed Guy about way the hunt is taking 
place.  Status of court case against hunt. and a few slides.  A NRO 
Natural Resource Officer (game warden for you slow people) Talks about
hunting saftey.  The MDC Cop talks about Hunting Rules.  Questions.

	The Hunt procedures and what to do if lost, meet protesters, find
a dead dear and so on.  

	I will list a few notes I took for you boys.  Call me if you want more 
details.


1)  The reason for the hunt is to save the Quabin Watershed NOT TO HELP THE 
STARTVING Deer.  The deer are eating all the underbrush and tree seedlings. 
Iteresting slides and such.

2) Two new laws have been passed in Mass.  A Specil SHOTGU N Season for Prescott
during the normal Bow season.  And you can take Both of your two deer the 
same day on prescott if you chech you first one in.

3) 7000 people applied 1600 picked 500 returns for 2100 hunters

4) Prescott has not been hunted for 1/2 century

5) Next year they don't think the successful hunters will get invited back.
Too many people complained.  They think it will all be lotory next year.

6) 575 deer taken last year.

7) they think there is 50/sq mile.  10 to 12 is normal

8) Shotgun rules applie for hunter orange.  NO BUCKSHOOT  there is no under brush
out there so the will not allow buckshot. Ammo will be checked.
No riffled barrels, no side arms allowed.

9) in the late 40's the foresters all ready start to complain about the deer
problem.

10) 150 feet off pave road before hunting.  Prescott has no paved roads.
You can shot from road, down road and across road.  PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE 
A CLEAR SHOT AND BACKSTOP BEFORE SHOOTING NEAR A ROAD.

11) Tree stands are allowed, but no screw pegs or nails only strap steps
The area is so clean of underbrush, you don't need a stand.

12) No gutting within 100 feet of a brook. No washing hands in brooks, 
gloves and hand cleaning stuff will be issued when checking in.  Water quality 
will be monitor all day every day during the hunt.  This is one reason the
hunt can be stoped if the water is getting contaminated.

13) You have to check in and out.  If you fail to check out and they look foir
you you will loose your permit for the next day or not allowed back.

14) Hunter orange,  Tehy will give you a card with two color oranges.  You must
be in between these colors on you head back and chest.

15) Two way radios are OK  Scopes are ok but no Videao Camara only stills a
allowed.

16) You are given a doe permit.  If you shoot a doe your second must be a Buck. 
They encourge you to take a Doe.

Now for all you poeple who read all this.  Don't leave early.  Some people
did.  They will put a red stamp on your permit.  If you do not
have the permit stamped you will not be allowed in the woods.

Well thats enough for now.

Good luck boys

Bassin BOb

    500 successful hunters last year! I was wondering what the numbers
    were. That means roughly a 55.5% success rate. No guarantees!!!! What
    that also means is that only 76 people bagged two deer if I'm doing
    this right.
    
    900 permit holders last year
    500 invited back
    576 deer bagged
    
    I find it real hard to believe that over 40% of the hunters didn't get
    anything.  
    
    Nothing is a given when it comes to hunting these critters......
    
    Hunt Hard
    
    Bob M �

    
    I read in yesterdays paper that the anti's are trying to stop the
    hunt on the Prescott penn. They're supposed to go to court today
    but the judge may not be in due to an injury. They are using some
    kind of legal hoodoo that is associated with an endangered animal.
    I guess it says that if they can prove that the Eagles *may* be in
    any danger due to the hunt then the hunt must be stopped. The F&G
    folks want the hunt to go on and say the eagles are not in any danger
    but if the hunt is stopped they will notify the applicants.
    
    Walt

    I sure hope some yahoo doesn't shoot anything he's not supposed to.
    That will surely be the end of the Quabbin hunt.
    
    I've got my meeting tonight in Burlington.
    
    Jim
    
    

    It's not so much that the anti's arguement is that someone is going to
    shoot the eagles. Their arguement is that the eagles may ingest a lead
    slug from an unretrieved deer. Thus causing lead poisoning.
    
    I must admit they have a good chance at closing this hunt due to
    regulations surrounding the endangered specieces act. I'm not sure
    if I read it right but anything with a one in a million chance of 
    causing death to an endangered species is federally outlawed.
    
    We could be in trouble on this one. The judge is supposed to rule this
    week if her ankle is better. 
    
    Keep your fingers crossed.
    
    Bob M �
    

    re.67 This is the reason for 'slugs only' - it would take one 
    goshawful dam' *dumb* eagle to ingest a 72 caliber slug! 
    
    Just remember, they're not so much concerned with the health 
    and safety of the eagles as they are with *stopping the hunt.*
    Their real position isn't so much pro-animal as it is anti-HUMAN.

    Great news,
    
    The battle went to court yesterday,,,,,,,,,and we won!!!!!!!!!
    The judge ruled that the hunt was safe in every aspect, including the 
    risk towards the eagles.  I learned this in my meeting last night, and
    the news was followed by a round of applause. 
    
    The only backlash of this is that it might make the antis a little mad.
    If your going to be hunting Prescott, look out for protesters. I don't 
    think those of us hunting Pelham will be bothered much, the hunt will
    be three weeks old by then.
    
    re .68
    From what I gathered, this was the main reason the antis wanted the
    hunt stopped.  If a wounded deer was not recovered, and later died, an
    eagle would eat the remains and ingest the slug.  Of 576 deer shot last
    year, only 7 were found dead of gunshot wounds after the hunt. Let me
    try that again. Of 576 deer tagged during the hunt, only 7 were found
    after the hunt was over. This was a major factor in winning the court 
    battle
    

    re.69 Yep, saw the article this AM when I got home (I work 3rd 
    shift.) The antis are (naturally) proclaiming a partial victory
    because the judge accepted part of their argument (I'm fuzzy
    on legalese, something about risk to endangered species.)
    
    Bottom line is, an appeal, if any, won't be heard until mid-1993!
    Go get 'em, folks.
    
    dana
    

    Question,
    	Has anyone done any scouting in the Pelham area yet? I think I'm
    going to go on Sunday. I'll have to take the NRA sticker and gun racks
    off the truck though,,,,,ANTI-BASTARDS.
    
    Jim
    

    
    Jim,
    
    I'm planning on going next thursday, the day after my orientation.
    That way I'd have maps and know where I was going to hunt.
    Good point about the stickers etc. I read in yesterdays paper that
    the anti's were planning to protest this year, were they there last
    year? The paper also said the anti's were mad because the judge ruled
    that the anti's hadn't shown a signifigant risk was present for the
    eagles. and the judge didn't say what a signifgant risk was. They
    plan on basing their appeal on that.
    
    Walt 

    Walt,
    
    The anti's were there last year. The MDC set aside gate 11 for
    protesters and thats where they were.  They did take all the signs
    directing hunters along route 202 to each entrance and also padlocked
    some of the gates.  Everything was taken care of by the officers and
    all the hunters were in the woods by legal shooting time. I learned
    this during my orientation on Monday.  I'm hunting Pelham, I think you
    are too, which won't start until 3 weeks after Prescott.  Thats
    probably when most of the protesting will occur. I don't think we
    will run into any anti's.  I'm sure they'll tell you this at your
    orientation, but if your daydreaming about herds of deer and miss it,
    Don't make yourself look like a hunter when you go scouting!!!
    Last year some vehicles had all of their tires slashed while parked on
    route 202.  You would think they might open the gates and allow the
    people who won to scout thier area, must be understaffed like us :^)
    They said do your scouting early, not the Sat or Sun before it opens,
    this is when they expect the anti's to be out.
    
    Jim
    

    
    I guess I'lll have to take off my bumper sticker that says,
    "Bambi is yummy and so is his mommy" 8')
    
    It's too bad there are jerks in the world who would willfully destroy 
    someone elses property because they don't agree with them. I support
    their right to protest but I do not support destruction of property
    or harrassment. I wonder if the new hunter harrassment law can be used
    against them in any way? 
    
    Walt

I will let all you folks know what happens on the first day!  I will be hunitng
Prescott on the first 2 days!  Our cars will be parked 8-15 miles down the 
fire roads for zone A.  So I am not too worried about them the day of the hunt.

Though it would suck since I just spent $400.00 yesterday for new tires on the 
truck!

But I am sure there will be a few hard cores that hick into the woods to be a
pain on the A**

Bassin Bob

re 86.  The reason for now bucks shot is because of the Eagles.

Nope it is because there is no under brush out there, and 8 32cal balls will
go quite a way before stopping, They don't want a hunter shot.  as soon as one 
is there will be no more hunting!

So Think before you opull the trigger!

bb

    re .74 It's too bad the anti's won't value our differences. 
    							Bret

    It figures, I got a doe permit for the first time in 5 yrs.
    They won't let me use it because I have one for Quabbin.
    
    I bought $10 worth of scratch tickets last night, I guess my luck
    only applies to hunting permits :^(
    
    Jim
    

    
    Jim I got one too! Did you call and ask anybody if it could be stamped
    and used? I thought *maybe* they would issue one for the regular
    season and if was filled the one for the Quab would be invalid. I
    really doubt that it would work that way tho.
    
    
    Walt

    
    	I saw a presentation the other night by Bill Byrne, professional
    photographer, for the Mass. F&W.  It was called "Eagles and Coyotes"
    pertaining to the restoration project for eagles, especially in the 
    Quabbin area.  The question came up about the effects of lead and if
    it gets ingested by eagles.  He said it was a concern for the F&W if
    the eagles eat it.  But he pointed out that eagles will scavange on
    deer if they are typically in an open area.  They generally do not land
    in deep woods or underbrush because of predators.  The major concern is
    when a wounded deer dies on the banks or on the ice of the Quabbin. 
    
    	The bottom line is that they are worried but because of the low
    probablilty of any ice on the lake or a deer dropping on the banks they
    a willing to take the chance on the hunt.
    
    	I won't be hunting the Quabbin this year but I wish the ones who
    got a permit lots of luck.  Save a few for some of us who may hunt
    there next year. 
    
    Ken
    

When I went tothe orientation meeting they spent a long time on this doe permit 
stuff.  If you have a permit for anouther zone.  You can use it.  

1) if you fill a permit for outside of quabin.  You must turn in both permits
and your quabin dear must be a buck.

2) If you fill your doe permit at quab, you must turn in both permits and your
second deer weather at Quabin or some place else must be a buck.

3) If you only shoot a buck at quabin, you can still use your other permit.

Bob

This is a special season for shotgun on prescott, and you can take 2 deer
in the same day on prescott.  But other than that all other mass laws apply.
You can not take two deer the same day at pelam.  And only 2 deer
maybe taken by one hunter.

    A friend of mine drove down rt 202 monday afternoon. He saw the biggest
    flock of wild turkeys, lost count around 24.
    
    This is going to be great!!!!!!!
    
    Jim-who-still-can't-sleep
    

    How about some scouting reports from you lucky early birds when you get
    back. I don't go in until the 18th so I would appreciate any feedback.
    
    As for wild turkey.........I counted about 50 or more when I was in
    there. They would gobble everymorining until the shots started ringing.
    
    Heaven revisted 
    Bob �
    

    
    Geesh, I went to zone 5 with my dad yesterday and didn't see a damn
    thing. BTW zone 5 is split down the middle by the gate 8 road. 5 north
    is to the left of the road and 5 south to the right. There will be 71
    hunters assigned to each side of zone 5 which equals 30 acres per
    hunter. Also if you go scouting early be prepared for a long walk in,
    all the gates are closed. We walked quite a ways down the road before
    cutting into the woods and found some sign but didn't see any deer. I
    found a real nice spot to sit and let everbody push deer to me 8')
    My only concern is that since we are going the 3rd and last day, the
    deer are going to be spooked and not following their normal everday
    habits.  So we just looked for areas where we thought the deer might
    hold up or head to when the pressure got too heavy. The orientation
    the other night went well, we were there 2 hours. it should be a good
    time whether we score or not.
    
    Walt

    I'll let you in on a little-known fact. Motor vehicles are verboten
    on Quabbin property, but bicycles are ok. (And please don't tell
    the maniacs in the mountain-biking conference, ok? ;-) )

    
    re. -1
    
    Are you sure? I could have sworn the sign said bicycles were
    also prohibited. I remember saying to my dad that it was kind 
    of silly not allowing bikes, afterall what harm could they cause.
    
    Walt

    Well, I've seen bikes numerous times on the various gate roads, and
    the sign did say no 'motor' vehicles, so...

    re. -1 or it could be just for the fishing areas.

    Quick update from today's Worcester Telegram.
    
    118 out of 125 hunters showed up.
    98 deer taken.
    3 protestors. Over 80 from Boston expected on Saturday (eeeck!!!!)
    
    With today's weather I wouldn't expect the same results
    
    Bob M �

Well if you plan on hunting zone A call me if you want some info.!! 
I feel bad for the people who get zone A .  They will never know how good
this was.

I am also glad that it was slug only.  I never herd so mush shooting before.
I also noted that when they  (deer) ran on monday, they
 did not even flag you!  they
did not know what the H%ll was going on.  Tuesday was a different story.

Well I harvested a 100lbs 4 year old Doe.  The spot I was in had at least
10 6 point or better bucks come out.  The first day a 182lbs 9 point buck was the
big deer.  It was shoot about 100 yards form me.  

I must have seen 30 does before I shot the one that was going run me down :^).

Second day I missed grandpa Buck, but I killed the crabapple tree that was in 
the way.

All in all it was a great experience.  I saw turkeys hawks, a beaver, owls
think I herd a bobcat (something that sounded like a cat).  A red fox, and
a few animals I could not id the sounds.

Little hint.  The check in process was very slow.  Get there early
and get in line if you want to get in the woods before sun up.  As for
the protesters.  3 girls first day. They stay for 15 mintues had there
picture taken then went to work.  No one showed up in the rain.

They do plan on a big turnout saturday!

Good luck

Bob

    
    
>They do plan on a big turnout saturday!
    
    
    	Notice how all the protesters are coming from Boston? Makes you
    wonder if they've ever been off the concrete before....
    
    

    
    I heard that 5 protesters were arrested yesterday for tresspassing.
    Apparently they chained themselves to something in the MDC headquarters
    or something along that line anyway. The radio DJ said there would be
    more protesters there saturday and that the protesters vowed not to
    give up.
    
    Walt

Well the 3 that where there on Monday stayed for 15 minutes according
to the State Police Officer I talk to on the way out. They had thier
picture taken and left before the sun came up.

Bob

They told the officers they had to go to work!

    second segment - zone A results:
    first day brought a 91 lb. doe home
    second day a 146 lb./9 points (1st buck)
    
    I'll have to put in the details later ;-)
    
    Best of luck to all, Kevin

    All Right!!!!!!!
    
    You did awesome to snag that 9 pointer on the 4th day in that zone!!!!!!
    That body weight is more like what I saw last year. How was the rack???
    Where was he hanging out??? Did you sit still or did you go to him????
    
    Thanks for giving me the inspiration for C2
    
    Bob M � Who by the way leaves for Lincoln, Maine after work today in
    search of Old Mossy Horns. 9 days and 9 night of pure pleasure

    I didn't think you could bow hunt the Quabbin.

    Considering that you never aim a weapon until you have identified
    your target, and the fact that bow hunters have a shooting range
    that is far less than a shotgun/rifle, I find it amazing that
    someone could actually do this. People like that should not
    be allowed in the woods, ther'e darn right dangerous.
    
    But then again I/we don't know the whole story. He could have been
    shooting at an identified deer, overshot and hit someone else in the
    area that was unknown to him.
    
    My .2 cents worth.
    
    Red

    
    Bowhunting on the Quab reservation is not allowed. For the permitted
    hunts it is shotgun with slugs only. There is a WMA right across the
    street from the Quab, maybe that's where it happened. Either that or
    they were illegally hunting part of the reservation.
    
    Walt

    
    
    {cringe}

    
      OK... who deleted the note that the last few replies are based on??
    From the replies, I assume someone was shot with an arrow, and from
    the last few replies, was hit in a very.... um... er... tender place.
    I didn't get to see the note... why was it deleted??
    
    -Ron-

    
    
    re -1
    
    	I don't know why the notes were deleted, but here's the story I
    got...
    
    	A hunter was skewered by an arrow that went through his stomach and
    out his butt cheek (he removed it himself). He was then brought to the
    hospital by the hunter who shot him (thoughtful) and the hunter that
    got shot did not press charges....
    
    	This is second hand info, so take if for what it's worth....
    
    
    				jim s.

Jim,

I heard that the guy you were talking about was shot in Littleton, not in 
the quabbin...

FWIW, Fra

Well, I had a very successful day at Quabbin on Monday the 9th.  I was lucky
enough to score on an 8pt. 175 lbs. buck.  It is the biggest I ever shot. BTW
I will be leaving DEC after 28 nyrs. this Friday, so goodbye and good luck to
all of you.

Bob Carroll

	Congratulations Bob! Nice buck! Sorry to hear you are leaving
	us, I hope it is your own decision to do so. Best of luck in your
	new life! Keep up the hunting.

								-Mike

    re .106   what an exit note!  Nice buck.  congrats on that.  Best
    wishes to you on life outside DEC.  merry christmas.
    
    bob
    

    
    
    RE: 1180.106 
    
    	Thanks for the clarification Fra....like I said, info was second
    hand...
    
    		jim s.

    Scouted zone 5 on Sunday.  I wasn't too impressed.  For 35-40 deer per
    square mile, they sure do walk lightly.  Saw an average amount of sign.
    There were some very nice runs.  The tracks were probably harder to see 
    due to the falling leaves, but the runs, although void of sign, showed
    a good size heard. Walked up on 5 tom turkeys, boy can those things
    run.  Other than the turkeys, some parts of those woods are like the
    dead zone, very very quiet.  Hope the number of hunters in the woods
    ups all our odds of scoring.
    
    Jim-who-can-sleep-now
    

    	I want to thank everyone for their info and advice, I shot my first
    MA deer on Monday in the Quabbin.  105lb doe that was 7 yrs old. I
    couldn't believe she was that old. Details later.
    
    Jim
    

    
    Jim congrats. How were the deer? Did they seem spooked really bad?
    Did you see alot of them? can you tell I'm ready to go this fri/sat?
    
    
    Walt

    
    I talked to my cousin last night, he was in the Quabin Monday and
    Tuesday, Pelham area (?). He had all kinds of high hopes of getting
    a deer or two.
    
    Well, he was disapointed, with 32 guys in there for 2 days, only 
    10 deer were taken, 5 bucks and 5 does. He talked with the officer
    at the area and he said that everyone except the Prescott Pen. was 
    having the same type of luck. THe good side is that the deer that
    are being taken are alot bigger than last year.  The MDC guy seems to
    think that last years hunt clobbered them more than originally thought
    and that there were not as many deer as they thought.  
    
    Personally I find it hard to believe that they reduced the problem 
    that much in one year or that the estimates of the heard size were
    that far off. I think the deer simply have smartened up and are also
    moving out of the quabin. It will be interesting to see if the areas
    around the quabin are more productive than normal. I would imagine
    that before last year, deer would head for the quabin areas once the
    shooting starts, now they can't, plus the ones in the quabin may be
    moving out.
    
    --Bob
    

    Here's my 2 cents;
    
    After hunting the Quabbin, zone 5, on Monday and Tuesday here's what I
    found.  There are not the numbers of deer this year as there where last
    year in Pelham. On the first day of hunting last year 105 deer were
    harvested, this year the total for Mon and Tues was 60. These are from
    the game officers that checked my deer in, and are for zone 5,gate 8,
    only. There were about 70 hunters on the first day, I don't think that
    many came back for day two.  I saw some nice bucks, well nice racks
    anyway, being checked in. One particular was a 7pt that was a whopping
    120lbs, but had close to a 20 inch spread.  The biggest deer was a
    167lb 10pt.
    
    As far as the hunting went the mornings were good and the afternoons
    were so-so. I like to stay in the woods till dark, and the 4:00pm check
    out wasn't even close. I have never heard so much shooting in my life,
    this is including duck and bird ( Bolton Flats ). It seemed that you
    didn't have to go far from the roads, thats where I heard most of the
    shots. But there could have been more hunters there also, I haven't
    figured that one out yet.  We tried hunting where we didn't here so
    many shots on the second day and didn't see anything. No hunters to
    push the deer around, or no deer, who knows. More later.
    
    Jim
    

    
    Well my dad and I went friday and left at noon, did'nt bother to
    go back saturday. I didn't hear a sinle shot until 7:30 the next at
    8 and nothing more till almost 9. The  guy at the check in station
    said it was a very slow day and he was suprised that it was. IMO
    the place was overhunted, true some deer are still there hiding till
    it's over but they took alot of deer out of there last year and this. 
    Oh well.
    
    Walt
    

    re.116
    
    Walt,
    
    	Did you see any tracks in the snow?
    
    jim
    

    
    Jim,
    
    There wasn't any snow on the ground friday. We ended up leaving at 12
    because my dad's back was bothering him after we climbed a rather large
    hill. We decided to go where I shot the spike on opening day and forget
    about the Qaub saturday morning. When we got up it was snowing and
    dad's back was still sore so we stayed home. I already had one deer
    and was wanting to help himget one and told him we'd do whatever he
    wanted. Well he wanted to stay home and play with is grandson rather
    than go back out so that's what we did. 
    
    I was real disappointed in the Quab, maybe I expected a deer behind
    every tree or maybe I just wasn't accustomed to hunting in open forest
    like that. I mean the deer could see you coming a long way off, they
    were pretty scared by the time we got in there, and let's face it ALOT
    of deer had been taken between last years hunt and this years. We did
    find an area that had alot of deer droppings and 5 scrapes, but the
    droppings were not fresh and with the amount of people that had been
    in there he was either dead or long gone. If there is another hunt
    there next year I most likely will not apply unless it's in another
    part of the Quab and then only if I can get in on one of the first
    hunts. Going in last really stunk.
    
    Walt