Whodunit?

I have many, many dozens of nest boxes situated around various locations here at the Platz for my cavity-nesting songbirds.

Somebody has been gnawing on the entrance holes.

Anybody have any idea who is responsible?

More Kayaks

I'm telling you there are kayaks everywhere.

Are there this many people kayaking nowadays or are people sporting these on their vehicle as some sort of status symbol?

The Rut is On

Last week the Frau and I spent the better part of a day killing invasive buckthorn.

It was also a good opportunity to do some deer scouting.

Oooh baby. There is sign everywhere.

Well worn trails like the one you see below and rubs everywhere. Why is it always the tamarack and walnut trees that the bucks flail on?

We moved the trail camera to a rub and scrape line to see if we can catch a picture of the perpetrator.

click on images to enlarge

Top Ten War Movies - #1

While not as technically compelling or stark in its portrayal of combat as Saving Private Ryan this was the first movie to portray the invasion of northern Europe from both an Allied and German point of view.

This adapatation of Cornelius Ryan's book The Longest Day featured an all star cast that included familar screen personalities such as: Eddie Albert, Paul Anka, Richard Burton, Red Buttons, Sean Connery, Fabian, Mel Ferrer, Henry Fonda, Peter Lawford, Roddy McDowall, Sal Mineo, Robert Mitchum, George Segal, Rod Steiger, Robert Wagner and John Wayne.

Whew!

There was a host of better-known actors representing France, Britain and Germany too.

Released in 1962 Darryl Zanuck's production took two years to make. Filmed in France in black and white it does a good job of incorporating WWII vintage film footage. The use of sub-titles adds to its authenticity.

My dad took me to see this movie at the Uptown Theater in Milwaukee.

I was impressed.

If you like history be sure to read some of Cornelius Ryan's works.

What is Close to the Ideal Hunting Sport

Got the following email the other day.

I spoke to Randi and he reports that the beans are harvested and the corn combines are going 24-7.

The fields are virtually dry and he predicts that this will be the most accessible season in the last few years.

He has 2 houses for us as we have 14 guys this year.

Some last minute details. Arrive Doland, SD on Thursday. Hunt Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Depart on Monday. Plan on arriving in Doland around 6pm.

It's about a 10 hour trip from Milwaukee so plan on leaving around 7:30am. Randi's Refuge is a farm on the north (right) side of Highway 212 just outside of Doland. If you reach Doland, you went too far.

If you get there before the rest of the gang, just hang out at Randi's. He's got a great set up in the barn. Or you can go into town and hang out one of the 2 bars.

Smile For The Trail Camera

Even more deer. Young bucks that we let walk last year.

All kinds of doe too.

Plenty of deer sign.

The Supper Club

Earlier this month I had business dealings in Rhinelander, WI.

Having not been to Rhinelander in decades my Frau accompanied me.

When you are 'up-nort' you absolutely have to seek-out a supper club in the backwoods.

The Al-Gen is just the ticket.

Constructed of logs during the late 1920s and decorated with mounts of fish and deer and topped-off with cool neon signage.

I suggest the walleye preceded by the hand-dipped onion strings. And maybe an adult beverage on the rocks.

If you go there - tell them Gas sent you.