Nice writeup, Monteman. From your pics, I'd say you hunt in places similar to those we hunted for a decade or so. Lost our camp in Tioga SF a couple of years ago, so I haven't been up for a few, but sure had good times, and your pics bring back the memories.
You're spot on; a dead bear...
You've been fortunate, Jason.
I'll qualify my earlier statement and say that when a job is under $5k, I seldom require any down money. Anything over that, and I'm collecting 10% to 15% up front. If someone has to back out for any reason, anything that has not been spent on permits...
I always get money up front, and it has nothing to do with my ability to pay for materials before being paid myself. It IS all about getting a real commitment from the owner. Until he "has some skin in the game", too many things can go wrong, and guess who's left holding the bag?
I might also...
Was wondering about that. When I applied this year, the UT system didn't make me buy a license, since it had been less than a year since I applied. Was going to check back in a week or so (when the old license runs out) to make sure I'm not suddenly DQ'ed.
My kids (Jr high and slightly younger) were looking forward to it. But they thought it sucked before they even got through 'good night'.
I do have to give wardrobe props to the guy in the futuristic electronic shower cap. :rolleyes:
Sheesh, this post made me check my 'join date' and realize just how long I've been lurking around this place. Guess I'm on a blistering pace of 1/2 post per month. :o Sure isn't reflective of the amount of time I've spent reading here, though. ;)
Thanks all, for providing fodder for this...
I use IR cams, but still have the same issues with mature bucks. There are some exceptions, and I usually get several pics of a mature buck when he visits the first time, but after that time, I usually don't get pics of him again at that exact location.
Here in the land of the cottontail subspecies of WT, nice is 100+, big is 120+, and monster is 140+. And a dink here is something I would be embarrassed to admit I measured! While hunting, I'm lucky to see more than 2 bucks all season that meet "nice" or better. And my wife still doesn't...
What a snore! Fortunately, I got to sleep through most of it both ways. Used to be that the only thing that justified going thru Nebraska was a stop at Cabela's. Since we got our own BIG Cabela's here in PA, a visit to the store in Sidney is like trying to enjoy the rides at a fireman's...