Who's that tearing up my woods?!
- Elleth
- êphal ki-*raznahê
- Posts: 2940
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:26 am
- Location: in the Angle; New England
Who's that tearing up my woods?!
This afternoon, I tried out my getting started kit, heading out again into the woods. Finally the snow is mostly gone, and I can get deep into the woods again!
Working my way down the hill, I was greeted with this but of devastation - a great big clear cut area -
It didn't take long to find the culprit - we have BEAVERS!
I've never actually come across a beaver dam before - it was actually pretty surprising to see in real life. It's one thing to read about them - another entirely to see them in real life. It's not a hodgepodge mess of branches like I'd always pictured - the felled trees making up the dam lay nice and orderly lengthwise against the current. It's hard to believe there's just an animal intelligence behind it. It looks.... made in a fashion I've always associated with the works of men. And yet... beehives and birds-nests, animals build to. Strange to see though.
A bit more of a walk, and I see more sign. Deer, I think, though the pellet shape isn't what I'm accustomed to seeing for deer. Any experts care to take a guess? Area is northern New England.
Also someone's little hidey-hole -
And a little shooting on the previous owner's hunting target before heading home. Don't get impressed - this was at disgustingly close range - maybe 6 or 10 paces. I am SERIOUSLY out of practice. But better to close up that group first, then move out I guess. (And don't worry, the dogs were well behind me while I was shooting)
Practice practice practice....
Working my way down the hill, I was greeted with this but of devastation - a great big clear cut area -
It didn't take long to find the culprit - we have BEAVERS!
I've never actually come across a beaver dam before - it was actually pretty surprising to see in real life. It's one thing to read about them - another entirely to see them in real life. It's not a hodgepodge mess of branches like I'd always pictured - the felled trees making up the dam lay nice and orderly lengthwise against the current. It's hard to believe there's just an animal intelligence behind it. It looks.... made in a fashion I've always associated with the works of men. And yet... beehives and birds-nests, animals build to. Strange to see though.
A bit more of a walk, and I see more sign. Deer, I think, though the pellet shape isn't what I'm accustomed to seeing for deer. Any experts care to take a guess? Area is northern New England.
Also someone's little hidey-hole -
And a little shooting on the previous owner's hunting target before heading home. Don't get impressed - this was at disgustingly close range - maybe 6 or 10 paces. I am SERIOUSLY out of practice. But better to close up that group first, then move out I guess. (And don't worry, the dogs were well behind me while I was shooting)
Practice practice practice....
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.
Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
great pics thanks for sharing
"Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed." Richard, the Seeker (Sword of Truth)"
- robinhoodsghost
- Silent Watcher over the Peaceful Lands
- Posts: 337
- Joined: Sun Jun 03, 2012 2:04 pm
- Location: Kentucky
Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
We have beaver here in Kentucky as well....it is amazing the amount of damage they can do to trees in a short time. they can cause minor flooding as well. Thanks for the pics.
In the darkest part of Sherwoods glade, in the thickest part of the wood, there are those who say, can still be seen, the ghost of Robin Hood.
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- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
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Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
I've seen beaver dams in northern Michigan. You're right, they're surprisingly sophisticated when you see one in person.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
- Greg
- Urush bithî 'nKi ya-nam bawâb
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Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
Lovely day out in the woods, discovering new things. Thanks for sharing!
You seem to have discovered a new mustard-flavored breed of deer, as well. Another one for the record books!
You seem to have discovered a new mustard-flavored breed of deer, as well. Another one for the record books!
Now the sword shall come from under the cloak.
- Elleth
- êphal ki-*raznahê
- Posts: 2940
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:26 am
- Location: in the Angle; New England
Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
Oh, that crumbly ol' gal isn't especially good eating, I'm betting.
This weekend when I get out again I'll scout out the beaver area some more. Hopefully they aren't doing too much more damage. I love having them there, but they've already girdled a really nice maple I'd have liked to see get big in that little culvert. Guess we all have to eat though.
This weekend when I get out again I'll scout out the beaver area some more. Hopefully they aren't doing too much more damage. I love having them there, but they've already girdled a really nice maple I'd have liked to see get big in that little culvert. Guess we all have to eat though.
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.
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- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
Oh, and those oblong turds belong to Smurfs.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
- Elleth
- êphal ki-*raznahê
- Posts: 2940
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:26 am
- Location: in the Angle; New England
Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
smurfing smurfs.
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.
- Addreonynn
- Silent Watcher over the Peaceful Lands
- Posts: 169
- Joined: Wed Jul 17, 2013 1:43 am
- Location: Missouri
Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
Don't get down on yourself for your close range. My dad says, "I you can't get with in 30 foot of the animal your trying to take, you have two options: practice, or be hungry!" I think it applies for ranging too. Without practice, getting out and spend the dirt time required to hone our skills, we wouldn't survive! The peoples that used these skills to survive used them every day from the time they could walk. They had the advantage of not having to work or go to school! lol It'll come with time!
If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword...
To truly survive in the woods, one must be able to thrive in the woods
To truly survive in the woods, one must be able to thrive in the woods
- Rifter
- Amrod Rhandir
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- Location: Alberta Canada: The Northlands
Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
well said
'Just because I don't like to fight...doesn't mean I can't'
- Elleth
- êphal ki-*raznahê
- Posts: 2940
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:26 am
- Location: in the Angle; New England
Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
Made it down to the pond again - this time I saw the beavers! Huge critters - much bigger than I expected. One has got to outweigh my dog!
That *SLAP* is amazing.
That *SLAP* is amazing.
Persona: Aerlinneth, Dúnedain of Amon Lendel c. TA 3010.
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- Silent Watcher over the Peaceful Lands
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Re: Who's that tearing up my woods?!
Wow sounds like you have some work to do! Please update us on whatever you do next! Oh and do you shoot a recurve or longbow?
"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens."
-J.R.R. Tolkien
-J.R.R. Tolkien