November Trapping, Hunting, Lettuce and Garlic

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It has been a long time since anyone has trapped these woods, maybe even ten years or so. Raccoons have been a problem for the last five or so; you just can't leave any food item whatsoever outside without a mess the next morning.
Several years ago, a raccoon tested positive for rabies taken from the farm property next to me and the State dropped pellets to immunize the over-populated animals from the deadly disease. Then last summer, a raccoon killed one of my favorite Koi.
I got to know my neighbor, Kyle over the summer and he enjoys and is just starting out in the trapping profession. We agreed to trap in this neighborhood and , well, since October 27, it's been a learning experience, a lot of miles walked in all sorts of weather, and a lot of good conversations. One conversation, for example was about the number of furs taken ever since the early days of settlement in North America and shipped throughout the world. That is just amazing when one stops to think about it.
What I found amazing also was the number of animal trails which could be seen particularly in the golden rod fields. The trails appeared to be well used by a variety of animals.
This is the biggest raccoon we trapped (pictured above); 37 inches and about 24 pounds. We've also got an array of rabbits, possums, and a fox squirrel, but no wolverines, just yet!
We pulled all the coon traps within the last several days. Mink and muskrat season opened yesterday on November 23 but the weather has been snowy, windy and very cold. In a few days, the weather will get better and we will be able to get out again.

Rifle Deer Season Opens December 2 in Pennsylvania

This year seems to be poised for good harvest for rifle deer season. Many archers were able to harvest some nice deer. And there are plenty more out there. There re plenty of nice buck rubs. The rut seems a tad late coming at the end of the archery season which is now closed.
A large snow storm could make the opening day on the second, well, interesting. A coastal storm is expected to bring up to a foot of snow to the local region beginning on Tuesday evening, November 26 and continue through the 27.

The Garden

Garlic should be in the ground for next year's harvest. Garlic enjoys the snow and the bitter cold and does just fine. November is also a good month to dig, divide and re-plant horseradish roots; it seems to do better after a few visits from Jack Frost; the same is true for sunchokes.
Planted some romaine lettuce plants about two weeks ago given to me by a neighbor. The plants will continue to grow and produce lettuce throughout the winter he told me. as long as they are protected from the heavy snow. Trying old window frames and see if that works. It's a little difficult to make out the dozen or so plants in the picture.

On the Wild Side

A few all  black wooly bear caterpillars have been seen all  November along with the wooolies with more common ones with the reddish tan stripes. According to folklore, the stripes on the caterpillar foretell the upcoming winter's mildness or severity. In the spring, the caterpillar wakes up hibernation, eats for a few weeks, spins a cocoon, eventually to break free as an Isabella Moth.

The woolies were more evident on the warmer days in November when even a few dandelions bloomed. Somewhat strange to see the common dandelion blooming a week or so before Thanksgiving.
A small creek we discovered one day trapping, just November Nice.

To everyone, have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!







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