Since the weather is holding up were gonna go out this weekend in the sierras and try a sounding op out so if there is anyone whos up for it from northern Cali let me know, I know its short notice but it will be fun thats for sure.

well the weather didnt hold out and it was cold wet and miserable and it also started to snow and we got nada, zip, doughnut. I think that these creatures probably get out of the bad weather unlike Tom and I, we had a good outing but no response to the calls we blasted and on a side note Kathy you were right the ambient noise behind the calls makes them sound like crap, I need to see if I can get a copy of your calls except your tahoe scream because I really like doing the sounding stuff, maybe a trade Ill let you guys use the RV for a copy of the calls a couple of times let me know if thats cool. Sean

that sounds cool, and i'm not far from you, but i dont know if i'm brave enough...


yet


gael

Gael you dont have to be brave if you go out on an op with us you have people there who know what were doing and who will watch your back until you get up to speed and know what your doing as well.

you know, when you put it that way, i guess you have a point. and thank you.

i'm unsure about the 'hiking in' part as i am still recovering from a ruptured achilles tendon. i did it in aug 2002 and was completely immobile (and off work) for 10 months. i've only been back to work full-time since june and i'm terribly out of shape. the slightest exertion winds me, brings on asthma, and i have a bad limp still. (of course i take the required prescription drugs to ease the pain)

but if you're talking about kicking around someplace where i'm not walking much, count me in and lemme know when you go again. otherwise i'll wait a year till i'm completely healed.

i have weekends off....

gael

Sean, sorry to hear that the trip was so crappy. Hopefully you will have better luck the next time you go out.



-Sean V.

I feel that the main point is to be consistent and even if its cold and raining or snowing for that matter you should still attempt to make it out and it just stands to reason the more your out the better your chances are of seeing one. so I am going to continue to go out in the field over the winter and see what happens.

Yes, this was a WET, COLD night (and we were only at 3,500' elevation), but those Sierras can KICK YOUR BUTT!! We were very well prepared and had a luxurious camper (Mobile Command Post 1) to keep out the cold and the rain.

Sean's right. It's good to get out there at least once a month and have a look around. Maybe the weather will cooperate next time! (The forecast was for rain to blow through and then clearing and then another "small" front, but it rained ALL night and ALL day Saturday!)

And, Gael, yes, we can do some field work where we drive right up, do some minimal scouting around for sign and then, try some things to see if we can draw one to us. I have gotten used to being out in the forest in the middle of the night, because someone else is there. Gotta have a partner in this - at least I do! and Sean, Derek and RB are fine field partners! Not to mention the group we had in early Oct., too! So, anyone interested in spending a night in your car up Hwys. 108, 4, 88 or thereabouts, respond to me or contact Sean!
It's the only way to go - OUT! Camcorder and flashlight in hand!
-- Tom