Long Island Sound fishing trip -- September 2005
On a ledge in Essex County
On a back packing trip into Pepper Hollow with cousin Mike Cerone Jr.
"An Adirondack Black Bear Nest"
Branches from this mature Beech Tree form a "nest" that a Black Bear has broken and stacked in the crotch of this tree. Bear love to eat the "Beech Nuts" that haven't yet dropped to the ground. Beech trees mature after approximately 26 years and eventually the tree will die after being "heavily pruned" year after year by bears. The nest was approximately 50 feet from the ground and about 6 feet across. Pepper Hollow, Essex County, NY.
"A very determined tree -- the power of nature"
This tree (perhaps a hemlock) started growing out of an old burned tree stump and is thriving as it grows along a stream in Pepper Hollow, Essex County, NY. Each time that I've passed this interesting looking tree it reminds me of a weary hiker or hunter who has stopped to take a rest on an old stump.
"Early Fall on the Stewart Buffer Lands"
Aka the Stewart State Forest in Orange County New York. The area shown is
under threat of development by NYS politicos and O.C. "snake-oil salesmen
"
who have been pushing for a major interchange on Interstate Route # 84 in the
Town of Newburgh. The lands have been put on the auction block two different
times, by Gov. Pataki & Co., with no bidders responding.
"Wild Roses on the Stewart Buffer"
The Buffer is very rich in flora and fauna -- it is also a photographer's
paradise.
Many pictures such as these can be taken without even stepping off of the
original
roads and trails that intersperse the 7,000 acres. Enjoy!
New York State Adirondack Mountains --
Eastern High Peaks Region
Mid October 2004
On a pre-season muzzleloader hunt in Essex County. The early muzzle-loader season start one week before the regular firearm season. The mountain in the background is McComb at 4600 feet with an early snow at the higher elevation. Also South Dix and Wyman. This picture was taken from Bear mountain.
On a Ledge in Pepper Hollow
With my Thompson/Center ThunderHawk, backpack and possibles
bag.
My ThunderHawk is an older .50 cal.in-line w/21 inch sst barrel and black
plastic stock topped w/ a 2X7 Redfield Tracker scope.
Using 2 Triple Seven 50/50 pellets and a Cabela's Dead Center (Tm) sabot in .40
cal. w/ ballistic tipped swagged boat-tailed bullet.
During the Catskill firearm season I took a nice 8 point whitetail with the
ThunderHawk. The picture of that 8 point will be posted later.
A Dropped Antler found in October 2004 but probably dropped in late 2003 or early 2004
I found this drop on a sandbar while crossing a stream.
Pictured with the antler is the .50 cal. Cabela's Dead Center Sabot in .40 cal
and 220 grain.
Even though we didn't tag any deer or bear on this four day trip -- I consider
it a success. We ate good, slept good and got some nice pictures along with
mementos like this antler that was the left half of an 8 pointer.
Frank's Memorial Kiosk
Yours truly built the kiosk on the left for my fish and game club here in Orange
County NY.
We then dedicated it (in 2004) to our good friend and fellow outdoorsman Frank Reggero Jr. who passed in 2000.
The following picture shows the plaque that we had made in Frank's memory.
The kiosk is located at the entrance to our shooting facility that includes rifle, pistol, trap and archery ranges.
Frank Reggero Jr.
Frank Reggero's Memorial Plaque
The words on the plaque are few but they represent the numerous hours of working for the rights of all outdoor folks along with a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
The quote on the bottom of the plaque has special meaning to me. Since these
were some of the last words Frank spoke to me before he died. Orange County
sportsmen and women were planning to march on our county seat (Goshen) against
the actions of specific Orange County Legislators who were planning to outlaw
rifle hunting in our entire county. They called off their plans when more than
120 outdoor folks marched into the legislative chambers. And for those who are
reading this and assume they were of the "D" party they would be wrong. They
each had a big "R" after their name and title.
Orange County (New York) Black Bears
While I was working on the kiosk project these guys were hanging around the work site. They did cause a little stir one day when one of our club members went to the rifle range to sight-in his rifles. While he was alone down-range three bears decided to rummage around under the roof over the shooting benches. They also dumped two garbage cans and bit a couple of holes in his gun case. A little comical unless it happened to you.
2004 Catskill Firearm Season Muzzleloader Buck
This buck was taken on the 2nd day of the regular firearm season.
The buck was aged at 2.5 years and weighed in at 146 lbs. whistle clean and ready for
hanging in the shed.