PLOSKI: See Any Deer?

A group of local hunters met after their day in the woods.

This week in Outdoor Adventures, I am going to talk about the two week deer season ending.

During the past two weeks I have been out hunting several times. However, although I spent a lot of time in the woods, I have had minimal deer sightings. I did see one small half rack and 6 does while hunting, so I can’t say I didn’t see anything… but I must admit, I was disappointed with the turnout of deer for this season.

I have been taking my son for the mentored youth program without much success. Throughout the season, I have spoken with several hunters, all of which seem to agree on the same sad fact…Deer population is down. Most hunters are not having any luck with bagging a buck or a doe.

I know one group that drove all day Saturday with 11 guys and only shot one doe. Another group with 15 hunters drove a long way and shot 4 does with no bucks seen.

One tip is to hunt the thickest cover you can find. Deer seem to stay in the cover when pressured.

If you have a story or picture, email it to me at bploski@kittanningpaper.com

PLOSKI: Bear Season Recap

Pennsylvania Bear Season was Monday through Wednesday of this week. I have been hunted bear in Pennsylvania for twenty years and never saw a bear in season. I know several people that shot one and told me they hunted many years without much success. A lot of hunters travel to the mountains to get away and hunt.  I have been traveling to the Ridgeway area. I enjoy going up to camp and hanging out with my uncle and friends. To me, bear hunting is about having a good time with friends and family and getting a bear is a bonus.

One thing to look for while scouting is a food source and very thick cover. Acorns are excellent source of food and finding a corn field that has been recently harvested would be a good area to hunt.

Armstrong County has an abundance of bear living right here. My friend was spotting last night and saw a sow with 2 cubs in a corn field. Most hunters drive bear by lining up in a row and walking towards people who are sitting on stand waiting for a bear to run past them. I like to sit or still hunt sneaking around the mtn. laurel or heavy brush.

If you have a story or picture, email it to me at  bploski@kittanningpaper.com