Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny: December 2008

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

TWO MORE DAYS ON THE HIGH PLATEAU

TALLY HO!!

GREETINGS TO ALL,

Victor Taylor (R), newest member of The Big Woods Hare Hunters of The Allegheny receives his Official Cap and Official Insignia from CEO and High Hare Man of The High Plateau after a day in The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) searching for The Omnipotent Snowshoe Hare.

Yesterday, Tuesday December 30, 2008 was spent searching for the elusive and omnipotent Snowshoe Hare on the High Plateau of The Allegheny. Veteran Hare Hunter Jim Taylor and son Vic joined the High Hare Man of the High Plateau for a day in the Big Woods.

In the Southern Big Woods the snow had all but vanished which was to our disadvantage. We may have had two hare up with one being a site chase straight to a hole under a brush pile. The omnipotent hare seem not to want to run when there is no snow on the ground. We spent several hours searching and finding sign but no Hare.

Today, Wednesday December 31, Old Jim Hanson and I, with fresh snow on the ground and high winds blowing did not have so much as a yip. We spent three hours at a location known for holding Hare. The winds were blowing through the Big Woods making the sound of a freight train. We soon decided enough was enough.

Tomorrow, January 1, 2009 will be the last day of the Pennsylvania Varying Hare season. Do not despair, the Extreme season will be starting on January 2, 2009. There is much scouting and chasing to do and I have three young hounds and pup which needs a lot of work.

Whenever your interested in going afield for a day please let me know.

Fraternally In Beagling and Hare Hunting,
Hooked on Hare,

Joe Ewing, Sr.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

PENNSYLVANIA HARE SEASON 2008 and BOARD MEETING

TALLY HO!! 2008 Pennsylvania Hare Season Opener

Veteran Big Woods Hare Hunters Joe Ewing, Jr. (L) and Ray Wolford on opening day of the 2008 Pennsylvania Varying Hare Season on the High Plateau of The Allegheny.

The Pennsylvania Hare Season for 2008 opened with no success on the opening day for us. We did have some "cold trailing" from the hounds but no runs. I did get reports from other Big Woods Hare Hunters of success. "Kaz" Kazmareck reported harvesting two hare and four cottontail on opening day.

The Board Meeting and Board Dinner went off with flying success. At the oval table besides myself were Veteran Hare Hunters Ray Wolford, Bill Moreland and Joe Ewing, Jr.. We enjoyed a very good meal placed on the table by Brenda Ewing.

The second day of the hare season turned out to be better than the opening day depending on your out look. We ventured into the high plateau hemlock and spruce swamps. The weather was unique to say the least. Warm air mixed with the cold temperatures made for some thick fog in the woods.

We did manage to get a chase which lasted for a little less than two hours. The hare was sighted by all and circled at least five times.

There were other beaglers in the woods but we heard no tongueing or shooting.

The unfortunate thing was when Speckles turned up missing at the end of the day. We (Joe, Jr.) and I eventually found her with pin-point accuracy using the Tracker tracking system about a mile from where we lost her. I believe she must have gotton lost in the swamp and ventured into unknown territory.

Today, Monday December 29, Old Jim and I ventured onto the high plateau. We enjoyed success almost immediately off the tailgate with a chase that lasted almost an hour but with no sightings. This was at the same location which Ray, Bill, Joe and I tried on the first day. We are getting to know this area better and may be able to hunt it better someday.

Tomorrow I will be back on the High Plateau hunting with Jim and Vic Taylor.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

TO: ALL BIG WOODS HARE HUNTERS OF THE ALLEGHENY
GREETINGS and Merry Christmas,
After several days of scouting for the Omnipotent Snowshoe Hare we finally spotted a track yesterday. It was late in the afternoon so we (Old Jim Hanson and the High Hare Man) did not put the dogs on the track. Besides, we had missed lunch and Jim was having an attack of hunger pangs.
During several days of pre-season scouting we may have had a short run or two but no sightings. We did have a coyote chase from the two moose hounds. I managed to break them off with the electronics. We have spotted numerous dog, coyote or one in the same tracks this scouting season.
None the less, Friday, December 26 will be THE test for both men and hounds.
Friday's hunters will be: Veteran Hare Hunters, Joe Ewing, Jr., Ray Wolford, Bill Moreland, Jim Hanson and myself. We hope all are ready, the hounds are.
Next Tuesday the 30th of December, I will be hunting with my mentor and Veteran Hare Hunter Jim Taylor, his son Vic and a friend of theirs and hopefully, Andy Hoover.
There remains several day of hunting open if anyone is interested and has the time. All you have to do is give me a call. I will be going everyday. I will be trying for a perfect attendance certificate.
The official rules of the Big Woods Hare Hunters will be followed at all costs. The "one hour rule", the one miss rule and the two hour time limit will be followed. Also, we will not be hunting for and/or shooting any other game, fur bearer or varmint. There are reasons for these rules which need not be spelled out here.
The Board of Directors will be voting on Friday night as to whether to allow a taking of a trophy hare for the 2008-2009 season. Jim Taylor would like to have his son Victor take a trophy hare and have it mounted. This will be considered by the Board at their dinner meeting.
All for now. Have a Merry and Happy Christmas.
Fraternally In Beagling and Hare Hunting,
Hooked on Hare,
Joe Ewing