Coyotes and Groundhogs - Open Season

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Saturday, Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day. There is some interesting history about the day such as the Groundhog Meat Packaging Company which was located in Punxsutawney, PA. For a brief overview of some lesser known facts not made known in thousands of magazine and newspaper articles or movies, Groundhog.

What many people may not know, and not included in the link above, is that in Pennsylvania, there is an open season on groundhogs - basically, see one, go shoot it.

Another creature which has an “open season” placed on it's head, is the coyote. Now certainly, theeastern coyote, which is a different animal than the western coyote, can be troublesome. They are secretive and opportunistic; they can and will attack small farm animals, deer and other wildlife, as well as small household pets.

Last weekend in my neighborhood was a coyote hunt which was sponsored by a local organization. In my neighborhood, the hunt attracted a rather large number of hunters and dogs. They traveled in a 12 pick-up truck caravan up and down the back roads to hunt.

It was a nice, mild day in the woods after a week of bitter cold and blowing snow.

No one (landowners, residents) were informed, or even asked, if the property could be used for the hunt. That January thaw day, I was walking my dog, talking to several loggers when shots rang out and dogs began to howl. A white pick-up truck raced up my driveway as the driver was talking on a walkie-talkie.

The somewhat excited driver stopped, jumped out of the truck and told me and the loggers to “Get out, our dogs are chasing a coyote back in those woods”.

Needless to say, the hunter was asked to leave immediately, which he did after a short discussion about, landowner rights, safety and guns. This event was not government organized, nor a government regulation – it was done by a private group of so called citizen “sportsmen”.

I'm a hunter, I enjoy hunting, I don't post our property. But this coyote hunt made me “coyote mad”. This hunt was totally unsafe, a gross violation of the rights of those who pay taxes on the land, and of questionable value to anyone. Now, I like hunting with a dog for birds or rabbits, but I am uncomfortable with using dogs to hunt dogs – why not just leave the dog home and actually “hunt”?

There is a nice hill back where they were hunting where we often take small children to go sledding. Thankfully, that activity was planned for that day. There is also a popular trail for snow mobiles in the immediate vicinity, thankfully at that moment no one was using it. Over the last several days, I have discovered some neighbors were not impressed with this coyote hunt either largely because of safety issues and an apparent lack of respect for others.

I suspect next year's hunt will be properly conducted for the safety of everyone.

Oh, (on the lighter side of things), did you know it was the coyote who made the stars? It's a fun story.

Hay Shortage

Last year wasn't a good year for growing hay in this region. The weather just did not cooperate. The temperatures soared and the rains never came. Then came the army worms. These small caterpillars are rather uncommon in this region and survived in greater numbers because of last year's mild winter weather.

The shortage has led to some pretty high prices for a round bale of hay. Those bales last year sold for $35 - $45, today those same bales, if they can be found, cost $70 to $100.

While most large farms, such as dairy and/or beef, will be able to skimp through until spring, hobby farmers are beginning to feel the pinch. Many of them buy hay from the larger farms for horses and cows. However, there is no hay available. For additional information, Shortage.

February Garden

Planning during the dead of winter helps for a more successful garden. Like many others, I like to try something new every year. This year it just may be sweet potatoes.

February is also a good month to prune fruit trees and bushes such as blueberries. In the woods, this is a good month to be building brush piles on a mild days. Brush piles give the rabbits and other small animals a place to hide when the unexpected coyote hunter comes blazing away unannounced except for his dog howling. In a few short weeks, the peepers could be singing, last year, the chorus started on March 15.

While it seems like the dead of winter, there are signs of spring approaching besides Groundhog Day. It won't be long before maple syrup buckets are hung to collect the sap and sugar shacks become hubs of activity as smoke billows into a cloudless, sunny sky. Maple syrup season is a fun time of the year with many family opportunities to enjoy.

 

Links

Groundhog

Eastern Coyote

Hay

Maple Syrup

Blueberry

Brush Pile 
 

Good Blogs

Step by Step in the Kitchen - Pear-Cranberry Pie

Go Crawford

The Hidden Kingdom of Subnivia

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It was a nice day for a woods walk Sunday, January 20. There were just patches of snow on the ground and the temperatures were in the upper forties, maybe lower fifties. Subnivia had all but disappeared. 

Christmas Ferns (pictured above) were about the only green in the woods, except for some moss growing on old tree stumps. The Christmas Ferns, however, are hardy, carefree and native plants which have a lot of possibilities for homeowners who have shady and wet spots in the yard - Christmas Fern.

On the mid-January walk, we discovered the newest woodpecker tree. It appears the holes were all freshly made, particularly the bottom hole.

The following day, 1.21.13, there was about six inches of snow and it was coming down hard – Subnivia was thriving once again.

The forecast are predicting upwards of two feet of snow within the next 48 hours. More pictures of the woodpecker tree after the storm passes; currently on 1.22 it is a mere 2 degrees, there is about two feet of snow here and another foot expected tonight and tomorrow.

Dead trees are an important resource and provide both food and shelter for many insects and small animals. Some birds, such as blue birds, will use the cavities pounded out by the woodpeckers for nesting. Squirrels will also use the holes to store food. A dead tree in a woods is actually a hub of activity and can improve the quality of life in the hidden world of Subnivia

Nearby, we are building another and the newest brush pile. A brush pile provides even more protection, shelter and serves as a food source for many small animals, insects and birds particularly in the winter months. The plan is to finish the pile before spring weather arrives and then to plant wild grape vines along the edges and maybe some other flowering vines that can take some shade.

The brush is from a tree that blew over last summer and was cut for firewood. The ashes are then used in the vegetable garden and around a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials. Wood ashes are a valuable resource.

Brush piles also enhance the “under-the-snow” existence of the inhabitants of a hidden world, called “Subnivia”. This hidden and somewhat temperate kingdom exists underneath the snow and the dead brush, fallen branches and trees, as well as old stumps and rocks help to form an under-the-snow passage system for many small animals such as shrews, moles, mice, and a wide variety of insects. Learn some more about Subnivia.

 

Full Wolf Moon

The first Full Moon of 2013, called the Full Wolf Moon, will be on the evening of January 26. Six days later, the groundhog in Punxsutawney, PA ((Phil) will make his official forecast about the end of winter. Perhaps, wolves will eat woodchucks when they venture out of their holes, but so did people. Learn more about a groundhog meat company and that famous groundhog, Phil.

If your searching for some good winter reading, go to http://www.samhosslerwriter.com/authors-page.html

Sam's books are enjoyable and while fiction, are based in historical facts in northwestern PA. Special note of thanks to Sam for the permission to use his wolf picture which is actually the book cover for a three part series the Silversmith Chronicles. The series is about werewolves – naturally.

Good Blogs to Read

Corning New York Step by Step

GoCrawford

Uncle Sam's History

Links

Brush Pile

Christmas Fern 
Groundhog Day

Subnivia

Wood Ashes

The Wolf Opens 2013

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The first Full Moon of 2013 is traditionally called the Wolf Moon. The Wolf Moon will dominated the night sky on January 26. 

The name likely derives from the experiences  of the early pioneers and the First Peoples; January, at least in the north is the coldest month and food is scarce in the woods. The hungry wolves would then approach villages, settlements and pioneer trapper camps in search of food.

But wolves share some human traits; the wolf is a family oriented animal much like humans. The pack would work together to make sure everyone was safe and well fed. It was a matter of survival. For many of the First Peoples, the wolf was a sacred animal ; some believed the wolf taught humans how to hunt and forage for food, for others, the wolf was a spiritual guide with supernatural powers.

Over time, and conflicts with sheep and cattle and ranchers,  the wolf became the “bad guy”. The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood, along with other more recent literary works and movies, helped to re-enforce the bad-wolf stereotype.

 For those in northwestern Pennsylvania, there will be a Full Wolf Moon Walk the night of January 26 at Pymatuning State Park, for more information, Wolf Walk.

Now wolves haven't been seen or heard lately at the State Park, but a very unusual bird for this region was observed recently during the Christmas Bird Count. Learn more about the bird, here.

Special Note: The picture above was sent by author Sam Hossler. The wolf picture is the cover for a three book series, the Silversmith Chronicles. It is a fictional account about two people and werewolves. 

Sam is an established author and has published numerous other historical novels, many based on historical incidents in the pioneer days of northwestern Pennsylvania. For some additional information on Sam and his books, here or here.

Boneset and the Flu

 

By all accounts, the flu is widespread nearly everywhere. There are a lot of sick people; vaccines and medicine are running low in some areas. It does help, according to health authorities, to eat well, get plenty of rest, wash hands frequently and, according to many, get a flu shot.

I stumbled across an alternative flu treatment one day when I met a logger (he never met or heard a wolf in the woods). He pointed out a white flowering plant and said it was the native herb,boneset pictured above. It can be brewed into a tea and it will help alleviate flu symptoms. It is an herb that the early settlers and First people's knew well for it's curative actions (long before aspirin, flu medicines and flu shots).

The next day, according to the logger's directions, I harvested some of the plants and dried them. Weeks later, feeling somewhat “yuk”, I brewed some of the tea. It has a very bitter taste, so I added honey and some black tea bags. The brew worked, or something did, and I felt better the following day. I have tried the brew twice since then and was “cured” of whatever bug decided to give me a hard time.

As always, consult with a medical professional before using any home remedy and/or at least search it out on the internet. More information, Boneset.
 

Maple Syrup and Jack Wax

The 97 Pennsylvania State Farm Show was held earlier this month from January 5 – 17. One of the notable winners among local Crawford residents was Janet Woods from Hurry Hill Maple Farm and Museum in Edinboro. A member of the northwestern PA Maple Association, Woods won three of five possible blue ribbons for her maple syrup. More information on her showing and other winners here next week.

The maple association. will have their annual Taste and Tour Open House weekend March 16 and 17. The same weekend will be the annual Edinboro Maple Festival at the Edinboro Fire Department. Pictured above is the annual pancake and maple syrup breakfast held during the Edinboro Maple Festival each day. Special thanks to Allan Montgomery of the Edinboro Historical Society for his photo above. More information will be posted here in the upcoming weeks or visit their Web site Northwestern Pennsylvania Maple Association.

Make plans to attend and visit your local sugar shack and enjoy the Festival. Chances are you'll be able to enjoy some Jack Wax.

Here is a good opportunity for anyone in the region who wants to learn how to make their own maple syrup. The event will be held at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center; it is free and open to the public.

• “Backyard Maple Sugaring,” Tuesday, January 29, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Join Laura Dengler, Crawford Conservation District, and Mark Lewis, DCNR Bureau of Forestry, to learn all the basics of making pure maple syrup in your backyard! Dress for the weather, some activities will be outdoors. Enjoy special treats after the program!
For more information, Conservation District


Good Blogs to Read

Corning New York Step by Step

Uncle Sam's History

Crawford County

September, an Tragic Anniversary and a Struggling Horse

Tuesday is the anniversary of the 2001 terrorists attacks on America. It should be a day to pause and reflect and remember those who were lost, their loved ones, families and friends. Many of the first responders even today are suffering from serious health conditions as a result of their heroic rescue efforts.

And America is still suffering from the atrocity. It seems ever since, we have been roiled in domestic, political brinkmanship between Democrats and Republicans/Tea Party. It has created a divided nation which was unable to respond to our current economic doldrums based somewhat significantly on two very costly wars.

Over those years, we have lost our dreams of an America with open arms welcoming others. Today we find ourselves embroiled in nasty immigration debates and disrespect for non-Christian religious beliefs.

Tuesday is a day to pause and reflect, to honor and respect our fellow Americans who were snuffed that day and those who still suffer.

Northstar – A Tragic and a Horrible Act of Sheer Stupidity

Northstar is a six year old horse owned by a Bloomfield Township family, the Woodworth's. The unfortunate horse is struggling following the rather bizarre and ignorant actions of someone or several people who poured a flammable liquid on the gentle horse and set it on fire. The Pennsylvania State Police are currently investigating. Anyone with information regarding this totally inhumane action is asked to report it by calling the police at 814-663-2943 or contact your local authorities. Those responsible are dumb enough to start bragging and boasting.

Northstar is currently receiving treatment at Ohio State University. The medical bills will likely be very high and come close to $100,000. You can donate at any PNC bank or at www.helpnorthstar.com or on Face Book at Justice for Northstar.. Both sites also have frequent updates on Northstar's progress.

More information can be found, Erie Times News, here and here.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

September and October are great months to get outdoors and enjoy what is happening (even before the leaves grab the autumn show). The Mountain Ash trees are loaded with colorful red berries, the golden rods, or Sun Medicine plants are in full bloom, as is the native herb Boneset and Joe Pye Weed.

It's also a good time to gather a couple acorns and start your own Oak Tree, the national tree of the USA ( a good September 11 family activity).

The native Sunchokes are also blooming and ready for harvest. They are healthy and delicious.

The bees, both native and the honeybees are happy and working hard, getting ready for old man winter.

Pennsylvania Voting

Like many states, Pennsylvania has changed some of the voting regulations. For more information on the changes call 866-Our-Vote or type the number in the search box at the top.Visit Koyote Greg for some political discussions, information.
 

Good Blogs to Read

Corning, New York

Uncle Sam's History

Crawford County News

Labor Day and American Workers Open September

 

 

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend and be safe. The weather looks like it will be near perfect. It looks like the rain might be here on Tuesday.

Labor Day is a holiday set aside for the American worker. Honor and support our working citizens, they made this country one of the best in world history. Buy local American made products, even locally grown foods from our local farmers. Often, the prices are lower and the quality fresher, healthier and better.

This is a good link for the history of Labor Day, Workers.

Political Discussion

Join in at KoyoteGreg and join the discussion about some of the political issues. Thanks.

On the Wild Side

In late August and throughout September, the native American Mountain Ash trees are covered with brilliant red berries. The berries are an important food source for birds and many small animals. These native trees are a good addition to a wildlife food plot, chemical-free area in the backyard.

In the pioneers days, the berries were used to make a jelly and even wine. The early Native Americans also used the berries for medicinal purposes. Today, the trees are used mostly for landscaping purposes. The Mountain Ash only grows to about 30 feet tall and is winter hardy even in the coldest regions of the USA. Learn more about these trees at, Mountain Ash.

The Oak Trees, are also an important tree for wildlife and cooling shade. This year, at least in this neck of the woods, there is an abundance of acorns.

The Oak Tree has been designated as the National Tree and a symbol of the power and might of the USA. It's easy to start your own oak tree by planting the acorn where you want it to grow or in a pot for later spring planting. For more fun facts and folklore about the oak tree, Acorn.

The native goldenrod is also blooming, along with native boneset, and Joe Pye Weed in many of the fields and along the edges of woods. They are important plants for many insects including native bees and the honeybees. September is a great time just to take a walk on the wild side and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds.
Although I have been looking, I haven't spotted any buck rubs. Others though have seen them in other woods. There seems to be plenty of deer around - I see them almost every day. For hunters, the buck rub has a lot to tell. Maybe next week, I will see some rubs.

Home Vegetable Garden

Just because it's September doesn't necessarily mean the veggie season is over. Some crops can still be planted such as peas, lettuce, radishes, turnips red beets and kale for a late season harvest. September is also the time to start the garden clean-up and plan for next year. Home grown vegetables save a lot of money and provide more nutritious and healthier food for the kitchen.

Anytime next month is the best time to plant garlic. So now is a good time to purchase some bulbs. Fall planted garlic enjoys the winter and will begin to sprout as soon as the days and nights warm in late winter.

 

Other Interesting Blogs

Corning NY Step by Step

Uncle Sam's History

Crawford County, PA

The August Trickster

The summer was great, hot and really very busy, with little time to write. To tell the truth, it was also a good time to re-group, re-energize and reflect. Koyote Hill will be back on a weekly basis once again and there will be another blog resurrected KoyoteGreg, which will be more independent political thinking. See below for more information.

Why Koyote?

Coyotes were important animals in Native American folklore: “In Native American folklore, the coyote is a "trickster" character who participated in the creation of the world and gave names to many of the other creatures and things of the earth. Sometimes the Coyote character was so mischievous and involved in his own trickery that he would trick himself. According to Trickster myths, this is why there are so many mistakes in the way things are in the world (Sams 89). In the Native way of thinking, Coyote medicine is in the world to teach us to laugh at ourselves and not take things too seriously. There are thousands of stories about Coyote, the Trickster.

“Coyote is playful and fun loving and is usually found to the South on the Medicine Wheel. A Navajo friend says he watched a Coyote suddenly jump up in the air for no apparent purpose except for the fun of it and then continue on the previous path across the desert. Coyote reminds us to bring the happy childlike quality into our adult lives.” from:http://www.sedonaexperiences.com/AnimalSymbolism.htm

About seven years, I got a dog, the best I have ever owned and called him “Yahataw” - it is the Lakota Sioux word for Coyote. Yaw, for short, brings “happy childlike quality into our adult lives” and teaches us “to laugh at ourselves and not take things to seriously”.

It has been a fun summer and catching frogs is always a fun pass time and listening to the local coyotes yelp. Sometimes it is really important to be a child again, enjoy our world and laugh at yourself. Thanks, koyote.

The First Aspirin

The Native Herb Boneset is now blooming in many fields and meadows. It was widely used by Native Americans, the early settlers and many rural farm families, much like aspirin is used today. I have always seen it blooming but was never sure what it was until recently.

When I discovered the plant I was amazed and it got me thinking. One hundred or so years ago, there were no aspirins in medicine cabinet or any of our other “modern drugs”. Those folks back then seemed to get along just fine using native plants.

Boneset was widely used for many ailments particularly the flu, colds, and fevers. Before using, since we have a little more medical knowledge today, research and if need be check with a medical professional before using.

For more information, click, BONESET.

The Sun Medicine Plant

One knows schools will re-open soon when the goldenrods begin to turn the fields a golden yellow. There are numerous species of goldenrod plants in North America but all are fascinating. The plants attract a wide range of insects such as the praying mantis, the Gall Fly and the amazing Goldenrod spider.

Goldenrods also provide a last meal for our native bees and the the all important honeybees. What is generally considered a weed by many, is actually a fascinating plant which does have medicinal properties as well. Learn more, click, GOLDENROD.

Canadohta Lake

There will be a giant book sale held at Hawthorne Park on Saturday, September 1 from 11 a.m. to dusk. The sale sponsored by the Canadohta Art Society will help to fund a new Book Swap Program next year. There are over 1,500 titles for people of all ages groups to enjoy. Some are technical, other history, romance, cookbooks and children's books. Hardcover books cost a whooping $.25 and paperbacks are only a dime. For more information, click, BOOK SALE.

If you want to catch-up on some more southeastern Erie-Crawford County, news here it is, click GOCrawford.

KoyoteGreg – a political discussion

This resurrected blog is for independent thinkers, not just Democrats or Tea Party Republicans. The discussions should be mature, adult and intelligent. Naturally, this is not a “chat” room, but comments will be posted for additional discussion.

America is facing an important national election, Pennsylvanias have a lot on the local level. I think it is important to discuss the issues wisely and vote accordingly. We all have inights to share, many of which are very important.

Everyone is welcome to join in the discussions as long as the viewpoints remain adult, mature and no name calling. The KoyoteGreg Political Bog is at http://koyotegreg.wordpress.com

Welcome and Thanks.

A Season Comes Alive

 There was a surprise snowfall April 11 after a mild and somewhat balmy March. Snows in April are fairly common but this has been a rather unusual winter with very little snow during the traditional harshest months.

Last week of the first of the dandelions emerged. They are amazing spring wildflowers; they are nutitious to eat, make a great wine and provide early spring nourishment for the pollinators especially the honeybees. The mild winter created some headaches for the beekeepers of northwestern Pennsylvania, for more information, Honeybees.

Dandelions are also a traditional sign that the time is ripe to begin planting potatoes in the garden, according to some country legends. However, here, the ground is entirely too wet and soggy; it needs to dry some. The ground is perhaps too wet for other early spring crops such as peas and will likely remain somewhat soggy for another week or so. While the weather will warm considerably, there is a chance of rain nearly every day.

The Mayapples (pictured) have emerged in the woodland areas, as have the trillium. It won't be long before they begin to bloom.

As mentioned in the last post, the wild leeks were up and ready to dig in mid-March. They are larger and more flavorful a month later. They will be around for the next several weeks and are plentiful.

For the Heck of It....

If your reading this today, Happy Friday the 13 ! There are only three such days of “fear and terror” for some in 2012; the first was back on January 13 and the next will be on July 13, 2012. It is a mysterious superstition of unknown origin but plenty of people refuse to fly, travel, etc on any Friday the 13.

Most sources ten to agree it started back in ancient times, maybe with the Vikings, Romans or any number of ancient civilizations.

Really, I'm not planting potatoes today because the ground is too soggy...