Swamp sunset

The sun certainly goes down early nowadays. That makes my quick visits to the swamp/park particularly interesting. The low sun- angle makes for some nice views, with sunbeams on tree trunks and lighting up some leaf colors. Also, the critters are very active as night approaches. The daytime patrons are gone by this time, so my antisocial nature is appeased… I have it to myself.

A drizzly afternoon in the swamp

Old Rocky Raccoon was out scrounging for some lunch. He was probably as glad as I was to see some moisture come in, and an overcast sky kept the light level low. The rain was just a sprinkle, but at least it settled the dust. Squirrels were hopping around beneath the bushes and some wood ducks got up from a swamp pond as I approached. The time change still has me confused; with the overcast, it was nearly dark today, when I got away from work.

Fall colors in the woods

It’s a pretty time in the woods… the leaves are beginning to show a bit of color, critters are busy gathering nuts and nest materials. Every puff of breeze brings another shower of leaves fluttering and spinning to the forest floor. The long dry spell we’ve been having seems to have enhanced to leaf color… seems I recall from my botanical studies, that dry weather can concentrate the colorful Xanthophylls in leaves. If we don’t have a cold, wet, blowing weather system howl through here, there might be a really spectacular show of autumn, come the first frosts.

Autumn leaves

Back to standard time; it’s a shock to my system when dark sneaks up on me during that first week after time- change. There’s a heavy carpet of leaves on the forest floor, the cool of the evening sifts down through the trees as the light dims. The squirrels seem particularly busy; I wonder if they are foretelling an extreme winter this year.

Quick trip to the country

Well, I had to work this weekend, but I managed to get away early enough for a Saturday- afternoon hunt. I shouldn’t waste gas on such short trips; it’s not cost- effective, but I had to monitor my guest situation… had some squirrel hunters and I wanted to participate, but I strung my bow, instead, and went to a far end of the place, an isolated little patch of woods at the northeast corner. There were old tracks in the creek; looked like deer had been feeding on acorns falling there. That’s been a good feed- tree in the past; I missed a doe there one time. She stopped in the creek for a drink and I tried for a neck shot. My arrow hit the water right below her throat… sure upset the old girl. I saw only squirrels and chipmunks on this trip. They were close around me, shaking limbs, scratching leaves, waving tails, and keeping an eye on the invader of their territory. My boy went along for the overnight, and we had a quiet time in the cabin. He’s maturing quite a bit, and is almost human when I get him away from his usual environment. No deer came by me Saturday evening; I sat until full dark. However, as last light was fading, I heard a buck grunt across the creek. He was up on the bluff and gave a series of short grunts like he was chasing a doe. He repeated that twice, but stayed back in the woods. Hiking back to camp, I saw 4 deer in the creek but I couldn’t tell anything about them… just 4 sets of eyes in the beam of my light. Broke camp early on Sunday because I had to get back to town and ready for work. It sure was a pretty weekend, weather was great. It is supposed to get even cooler this week, and I’ll be off for a stretch of days to play some more. The muzzle- loader season is opening next weekend and I had high hopes of bagging an archery deer before that... I'd better hunt hard.

Snake program, LHC

I made it to the monthly Louisiana Hiking Club’s 1st Thursday meeting last night. The wife and kid went with me, even; they, too, were interested in the presentation on identifying local snake species. The speaker was Jeff Boundy, a herpetologist from Wildlife & Fisheries. He brought lots of photo- slides and had an entertaining style of presentation, so his talk was both informative and fun. I also picked up a copy of his “Snakes of Louisiana” publication. To top it off, I won a door prize! It was a lexan spork (a cute little plastic spoon, fork, knife combination). There are plenty of club activities going on; we got reports on several recent trips that sounded marvelous, and coming soon, there are some hikes and trail- maintenance outings that I would really like to participate in.

One of the upcoming trips is to Kisatchie National Forest. They are planning a short loop- hike out from the Evangeline Camp, with the first night at that campground and one night out. Brought back some fond memories! One of the funniest things that ever happened to me was right there at that campground. I met some friends there to camp one Friday night and hike the Wild Azalea Trail over the weekend. As we sat in the car Friday night, drinking beer and waiting for the other carload of our group to arrive, there were scads of little boys wandering around, back- and- forth. The gang arrived and we set up tents, started a fire, and passed a pleasant evening with few disturbances from the kids around the campground. With morning, we were up… not too early… and gathering our gear for the trail. The kids (they had to be Boy Scouts) were up and making their preparations also. I heard one of them exclaim, “Look, that’s a girl!” They had spotted Sylvia. Their camp suddenly went silent, and then was a constant buzz until we saddled up our packs and hiked out. I giggled the rest of the trip about that and, a quarter of a century later; it still makes me grin… I sure miss Sylvia.

More deer hunting and a bit of fishing

I still haven’t caught up with that big buck I saw a few weeks ago, so I was back there Sunday evening. Sitting on a hill side, waiting for him again, the weather was certainly pleasant: cool, blue skies, a slight breeze. The squirrels were bounding through the treetops and the birds and chipmunks were scratching in the leaf- litter. The deer are becoming harder to find; hunting pressure, ATV riding, and several baited spots in the woods are keeping the deer hidden during daylight hours. That’s something new; in the past, the deer didn’t seem to become nocturnal until gun season started.
Just as last light was fading, two deer crossed to my side of Panther Creek, but at an angle away from my position. One must have seen me raise up and it snorted… end of hunt; I picked up my gear and headed out for supper.

I had to be back in town for my flu shot Monday morning, so I arranged for fishing in the afternoon. I took Buddy who’s been anxious to get outdoors. He has developed COPD and has some difficulty with getting around. He’s huffing and puffing and short of breath. They have started him on oxygen, as needed, and for sleeping. So we packed up the canoe, tackle, and oxygen tank, and went to the Blackwater Conservation Area. There is a nice lake there, that I have talked about in previous posts. We fought the wind for a while and had several strikes from brim, but caught nothing. Near sunset, the wind lay. We saw some fish activity in the shallows and I started casting a bass popper. I caught one small bass, our only fish that afternoon. A pretty, red sun was setting across the lake as we packed up and headed home. Buddy was about played out, but we had a nice outing, and I was glad we could share it.

I liked the BREC planning workshop

I was pleased to participate in BREC’s Capitol Area Pathways Project open house, yesterday. I saw an estimate that about 120 members of the public had attended the meeting. The BREC staff seemed genuinely concerned with my interests and suggestions, but the format of marking up proposed ideas on their giant satellite maps of the parish was a bit intimidating. However, some hands- on help and encouragement got me started; by the time I left, I had pasted yellow label- dots all over the parish.

There was plenty advocacy for trails and greenways, so I stayed with my interest in paddling access to our local rivers; they termed these corridors “blueways”.

I wrote up and submitted some notes of my ideas, including the following excerpts:
When I was younger, I could launch my canoe in the Amite or Comite River near a bridge and take out at the next bridge. I would spend the day fishing, watching wildlife, playing in the water; I even camped on sandbars sometimes. Now, all of the river crossings are posted with "no parking" signs. Access denied! The development of park facilities and parking spots along our local rivers would certainly be in keeping with BREC’s mission, and would provide access to wonderful recreation in those areas. There already exist a number of parks along or near those rivers, but actual access to the rivers is not convenient for launching a canoe or kayak from the ones I have visited. Additionally, there are a number of road- crossing sites where access would be relatively simple and inexpensive to develop.
It was great to get some personal feedback on my ideas, and I learned of some smaller waterways that have potential for development. I even had a chance to ask about the lakes improvements at City Park and LSU. I’ve been dabbling around those lakes for more than a half- century. The improvement plan looks like a long- term project that will be too late for me, but I will still have the lakes to test new fly patterns and show youngsters how to fish. Those lakes have demonstrated their capacity to grow some really big fish, and won’t it be marvelous to eventually develop a beautiful lake system, with a world- class fishery, right here in the heart of Baton Rouge.

Finally cooling off in the swamp

My boy had an appointment nearby, so we made a quick visit yesterday to the Bluebonnet Swamp before I had to get to work. The cool weather was very pleasant, and a welcome change from the sweltering summer afternoons. We saw a cottonmouth beside the trail; looked like he was trying in vain to find some sunshine. Poor snake seemed sluggish; just lay there.

The weather made me bug- out

Rains are on the way, so I left the woods. I've seen lots of critters, but no deer. I suspect there has been too much activity in the woods, making the deer skittish. Also, the heavily baited stand areas nearby are allowing deer to feed heavily at night and then not need to forage around during the daylight hours.

A gaggle of ibis?

I saw a flock/ herd/uhh… group of white ibis juveniles on yesterday’s swamp- walk. The light was low and they were very busy… thus, the poor picture. I was wishing for a “real camera”. I posted an ibis’ picture back in the early spring; I wonder if that was their Momma? Lots of other critters were about, too. Wood ducks were whistling, kingfishers were twittering, and squirrels were scratching in the leaves. I saw a huge green caterpillar and supposed it to be a Luna moth larva. The mosquitofish were busily working the water surface. They must have been happy to get some rain.

Well, they fooled me this time

I went back Sunday evening, for another try at that big bruiser. This time, I set up nearer to Panther Creek. Maybe I could see him against the lighter background of that sandy creekbed. I hunkered down near a big tree and immediately wished I had brought my tree- seat. Oh well, I guess ya gotta suffer to see deer. I spotted another knoll with a good 360- degree view, but resisted the urge to go check it out… didn’t want to be spreading around my noise, movement, and scent… put that on my list for another day. I watched and waited, and the squirrels, birds, and butterflies were very entertaining. About fifteen minutes after sunset, the light was fading. A deer snorted and I saw two white flags bounding through the brush. The air currents had changed direction and given me away. This time the deer had skirted through the thicket on the far side of Panther Creek. They snorted and stamped the ground for a while, but didn’t come back out. Darkness fell and I eased out of there, disappointed that I had let them detect my presence.

Whoo-ee, there goes my blood pressure

I had to work on Saturday, but I got away early enough for an evening hunt. I didn’t take care of chores, nor business, nor nothing’; I changed into hunting clothes, grabbed my gear, and headed to the woods. I went to a knoll a short walk from camp. Surrounded on three sides by a bend of Panther Creek, there are sharp slopes down to the creek- bed and several game trails cut through the area. There are usually plenty of browse plants in the understory there, and that big white oak should soon be dropping its huge acorns. About sunset, a small doe crossed Panther Creek and I got a good broadside view of her as she angled up the creek bank. I raised up for a look, and she vanished behind a group of small trees. Just disappeared! I guess she bedded down; maybe she saw my movement. I hope I didn’t strain the lenses of my glasses, trying to look for her. Daylight was flickering and the squirrels were bounding through the trees, on their way home for the evening. A huge owl stopped in a nearby tree, looking around for a supper opportunity, but he was too late; the squirrels had already passed by. As light faded, a big- bodied deer with a dark coat stepped out into the creek and turned upstream. He was cautious, pausing for a long look, taking a few steps, taking a drink, pausing, walking, pausing. To my right, another deer was breaking through the brush and coming toward the creek. This one was obviously a big doe; I got a better look as she followed the first one upstream. I heard the first deer climb the creek bank and start toward me. The doe followed up the bank and she was coming my way, too. They crossed the creek bottom toward me, but the light was gone. It was past legal shooting time, and I could barely see their movement. I sat quiet and still to avoid spooking them… maybe tomorrow I’ll get another chance. The big deer was crunching through the leaf litter, headed up my knoll, probably 20 yards away. As he passed, I could see the dim glow of his antlers. I couldn’t make out points or shape, just a glow floating through the woods above the sound of footfalls, but it was obviously a large, heavy rack. The big doe followed up the same trail and in the dim light, I could see the vague form of her lighter color. After those two had passed, I heard the small doe come through, also. Wow! I’d certainly like a daylight glimpse of that buck. I know he’s a big’un.

Days are getting shorter in the swamp

This pretty little cardinal flower was growing in one of the gravel footpaths and attending to its reproductive responsibilities before the frosts arrive. The swamp animals were preparing for fall, too. The sun has been setting earlier, so wildlife was more active prior to the park’s 5 pm closing time. Squirrels were scratching in the leaves and rabbits were grazing around. A big owl was looking at me from his perch in a pine tree; and maybe he was also watching for a squirrel- supper. The snakes haven’t been out sunning, lately, but turtles were lined up on logs.

Well, that was a pleasant trip to the woods

The stars were out this morning, but all my clothes and gear were still wet. I put on my driest dirty shirt and pants, and found a pair of fresh, dry socks. My boots were still soaked, so dry socks were only a temporary luxury. Nephew was supposed to come, but didn’t show. After I gave up on him, I made a quick walk to the woods and found more hog- rooting. There was no sign of the pigs or where they might go during the day. I loaded up and headed back to town with a lot of wet gear that needed care. I managed to hunt a little, got some chores done, went to the old family church, and visited some kinfolks. The weather was a bit warm for hiking and hunting, but I had lots of critter- encounters and hardly noticed the heat. I did, however, notice the no- see- ‘ems that were chewing on my bare hands…those little gnats don’t make a welt, but leave an itching and burning sensation that vexes me for a long time afterward. I had to dab on the bug dope. I couldn’t find what the deer were feeding on, but I suppose they are browsing the greenery. A few acorns were being shaken loose by breezes, but there was no evidence of specific feed trees. They didn’t seem to be nipping the French mulberry yet; it’s often an early- season browse in that area.

I got soaked!

I got “conscripted” for church Sunday morning, as the preacher was away and much of the congregation had to work for the Prison Rodeo. Sparse attendance was expected; maybe they needed me to make a quorum, or something. They included an interesting speaker in the service… someone from the Gideons, the hotel- bible folks. In additions to hotels, they distribute bibles to prisons and colleges, and have issued them to military personnel since World War I. When I was very young, my Dad gave me his, issued when He joined the Navy and carried through the World War II. That hit home, so they won a contribution from me, too. Anyway, I didn’t hunt Sunday morning, and that allowed me to finish the tombstone transcriptions I’ve been working on for the family cemetery.
After lunch and a quick siesta, I sauntered off for an afternoon hunt. There were some gusty breezes that should cover my movements. A few slight sprinkles should moisten the leaf litter enough to lessen the sounds of my walking. The sky was overcast, but bright, as it had been all day. I tipped along and stopped in several likely places, but nothing was moving. I reached Beech Hollow, my old campsite where the great beech tree stood, and I knelt in a hidden spot to watch the creek, the hollow, and the hillsides. Suddenly, it started raining… no warning, it just rained. I was somewhat sheltered by the trees, so I waited for the shower to end. It just got harder. Well, I got soaked! So I headed back to the cabin to dry out. It rained hard, but for about 20 minutes, only. The creek was muddy when I crossed and water was pouring off the hillsides and down the gullies. It was only a short rain, so the creek will probably be down and passable by morning.

More critter encounters

Nephew came Saturday, for a morning hunt. I headed out early for a spot where a game- trail crosses Panther Creek. I set up my tree stand, the one I can strap to the tree and my feet still reach the ground. I’m too old for any more of those crash- landings. At first light, a coyote howled across Panther Creek. He was atop that big hill. Squirrel season opened that morning, but there was no shooting nearby. I heard a few shots in the distance, though… probably on the Wildlife management Area. About 9 am, a doe came tipping through the woods and stopped behind some brush. I couldn’t find a clear lane to shoot through, and she was small anyway. Eventually, she spotted me and hopped off through the bushes. She stood off and snorted, and snorted, and snorted. After about 5 minutes of that, I figured the hunt was over, and hiked back to camp for another cup of coffee. I watched the squirrels and birds play that afternoon, but saw no deer. After dark, I was washing the supper dishes when some critter growled outside my cabin door It was just one snarl; sounded like a cat or a ‘coon. I grabbed my light and my revolver to investigate, but I saw nothing outside. I guess some critter passed by and was startled when he saw me through the screen. He just snarled and ran.

Lots of critters

I found a likely- looking stand area where some game- trails crossed and hunkered down to wait and watch as the afternoon waned. Birds fluttered around the trees and squirrels bounced from limb to limb. After sunset those ground- birds started scratching around and turning leaves to search out some supper. Those guys keep me upset, mostly thrashers and towhees. Their sounds of rustling leaves keep me distracted from watching for deer- shapes to materialize among the shadows. At dusk, just as dark was creeping in through the woods, I watched the squirrels cross overhead, bound for their den- tree. The wind lay for the evening and an owl hooted in the distance. A cool air current sifted down from Hickory Ridge; it felt good after a hot afternoon. Through the thicket on my left, a deer snorted and dashed off to his 100- yard flight distance. He stood off there and snorted repeatedly, punctuating the end of that day’s hunt. That enjoyable breath of air had carried my scent to the hidden deer. I crossed to the creek for an easier hike back to camp. Walking the open creek bed, daylight lingered on the white sand. I could see without a light, I was away from the tangled brush and vines, away from the snakes and ticks. But, as I approached a small bunch of driftwood, a cottonmouth slithered out of it and off toward the water. He wasn’t as large as those I saw in the spring, but certainly made me attentive to where I was stepping. Sometime after midnight, I heard a “dogfight”. It was not far away, west of my cabin. Wrong direction for dogs, so I figured it must have been coyotes. The next morning, I found fresh rooting along the creek bank… those were wild hogs involved in some late- night disagreement. If they do their foraging in the middle of the night, it’s no wonder I can’t find them in the daytime.

Archery Opener

Well I didn’t “live” in the woods and hunt the whole time as I had wished, but I did walk around Monday morning and Monday afternoon carrying my bow and arrows. October 1st is opening day for Louisiana’s archery deer season. I was scouting, more than hunting, and had a great time. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells were all there to appease me. A few squirrels and chipmunks were shaking branches and scratching in the leaf litter. Breezes shook loose a few leaves to flutter down. Here and there, acorns were dropping with a “plop” on the forest floor. I’m home again! I wait all year, anticipating this. I had a good trip, despite a few distractions. I’m still doing some work at the family cemetery, there is always some maintenance needed around the place, and boundary markers needed refurbishing. Monday night, there were lots of stars, and several screech owls were nearby to sing me to sleep. Tuesday morning, I had time for only a short hunt, so I couldn’t venture very far. It was foggy and had cooled considerably overnight. In fact, it was damp and chilly enough that I wished for my insulated vest; I usually keep one in my daypack… I’ll have it next time. Although I didn’t manage to get close to any deer on this trip, but I did see a young doe and I jumped another deer, unseen, as I walked near a thicket; brought that adrenaline rush back again.

Wascally Wabbit

This guy was feeding in a small clearing yesterday. He spotted me when I rounded a tree, and he struck this pose to watch. He held like that for a long time, and let me take several pictures before he hopped off. I was surprised he could balance on two legs for so long. It was steamy in the swamp; I guess hurricane Humberto is pushing that Gulf moisture in here. My busted hip is still notifying me when these tropical systems approach, but it doesn’t interfere with my playtime.