I love spring hunting.

[Mike Leonard]

I don't know about the rest of you lion hunter out there but I do I love spring lion hunting. It just brings everything to life it seems. As the snow and ice disappears and the slight hint of new green grass start to show a little on the south facing slopes even the critters are happy. The deer that have been sluggish and yarded up start work up those slopes in the sunlight and getting their first spring green. The birds seem to sing louder and it is a great time to be out with the hounds. The ground after being frozen and cold seems to puff up or open up and the sub surface moisture beneath the dry top makes for the best bare ground lion trailing. I enjoy fall hunting as well but too much activity going on it seems. Deer hunters, elk hunters, firewood cutters and you name it. But in the spring when you trot out from the trailer and the dogs all have their tails up and feeling good it is a special time. Too bad so many lion seasons close so early in the spring that many hunters never really get a chance to enjoy this hunting time. In the deep southern portions of the southwest states such as New Mexico and Arizona the period between Dec. thru April are your best months before it gets terribly hot. In regions a bit further north much productive lion hunting can be done right up and at times thru June. We use to have spring bear hunting in New Mexico and it was a super good time and you were about as likely to get on a bare ground lion track as you were a bear track when you headed off into a canyon. I would gladly give up December, Jamuary and February lion hunting to be able to be able to hunt April, May and June again. Another thing I am just not that crazy about being cold anymore. LOL!

[chilcotin hillbilly]

I know what you mean Mike. Up here my season ends April 30 so I never get much real spring lion hunting unless the dogs trash on a lion in May or June. Have a good time following your hounds this spring.

[M Evertsen]

I was just thinking of this the other day while turkey hunting. I was out in the middle of nowhere, had no cell phone service, and was just enjoying the scenery, the dogs bathing in the sun, and watching the mountain bluebirds sing and dance in the juniper trees. It sure was a pretty relaxing time to be in the woods.

The spring also has a different meaning for me as April 1st marks one more year since my kidney transplant. My friend that gave my kidney is coming over today with his wife and kids to enjoy some of that spring turkey!

Now I just have to dedicate myself to getting out and hunting the dogs as much as possible with the nice weather to come, since we have a year round season here for lions. Yet as I say this, there is a couple inches of more snow on the ground and I have to work in a few hours

Later,

Marcial

[Mike Leonard]

Thanks you do the same.

Marcial, now that's a real friend. I am so glad you are doing well and enjoying life.

As five year old child I was diagnosed with a kidney malady known as nephrosis. That was back in the days before transplants were common at all . The prognosis from Mayo was most grim I was told later. They had informed my Mother that she needed to prepare herself because I wasn't going to be around much longer. Well a praying Mother and friends just don't give up that easy and with the support of a bright young home town Doctor fresh out of Medical School and his soothing presence of Duke his faithful Great Dane that went to the office with him I pulled out of it. I know the Man Above was listening and had further plans I guess for me. Anyway I am still here and you are here and we are enjoying life and spring.

Seems most fitting to me that on the day befor Easter we certainly have even more to be eternally thankful for.

[Big Horn Posse]

I just love spring! My favorite time of the year!

[pegleg]

I have been enjoying it I only have two complaints. it's freezing ass cold in the morning and 70+ by the time you get back to the trailer. makes me feel like a stripper. and you have to be careful starting a track later in the day as the dogs get real hot. The other draw back is the wind it can wash a track out pretty quick as the temp starts rising and the wind picks up. the upside is it is real nice just riding and seeing new country. I think I have been to new areas the first time in spring more then any other time. and here the bears are out looking for greens and spread all over this year. I am not sure why, but that adds some to the day.

[Benny G]

You are all right! Spring is best!!! Now let's go hunting.

[Ike]

Spring is among the best times of year, as I enjoy the warming weather, the ground under my feet and longer daylight hours that come with it. As far as "let's go hunting" well, somebody gave old Ike the coughing cruds and I won't be climbing any tough hills for a day or two.

Good luck to the rest of you though............

ike

[pegleg]

I'm pretty sure I could round you up a burro or two Ike.

[sourdough]

Spring hunting I will agree is some of the best. Spring weather on the other hand is the pits. So are the chores that need to be done I can tell you the honey due list is quite long and growing. But the hounds are feeling it; their coats are starting to brake and their starting to sample the spring grass. The willows are starting to bud out and the birds are looking for a suitable place to build their nests. The deer will be headed back to their summer range to fawn out disappearing over night leaving the predator in limbo for a few weeks, but they will greet those new born fawns and the cycle starts over again. The wood pile is getting short and I am getting tired of building a fire. So come on spring get a move on.

sourdough

[Ike]

I'm pretty sure I could round you up a burro or two Ike.

That sounds like fun pegleg, and would be nearly as comforatble as a rocking chair--and I'm probably half way down to your place as we speak.

ike

[pegleg]

I like burro's actually, mules not so much. but a burro they have some surprising traits

[Montana Hounder]

I love spring hunting, You can hunt most of the time jeans, gators and long sleeve shirt. I also notice that in the spring the last few years there is alot more tracks to chase in the spring. Went out yesterday to do a little hunting with the kids and wife and found four different tracks.So the day was fun. happy hunting

[Big Mike]

Spring is definitely my favorite ttime hunt for longtails. Dont have to freeze you a$$ off, trailing conditions are good (when the wind aint blow 50mph). Toms seemed to be cat around more in the spring as well.

I rode my ass off in March and had a big goose egg to show for it this year. Seasons over here except on private. My dogs dont get to do much for the next couple of months. I gotta say I wasnt sad the season closed this year, I needed a break!!

Mike L im with you I traded the spring months for the winter months anyday

[houndnem]

That's awesome! you are all right on track, but here in so utah I don't think our snow is gona be gone till july!! come on sunshine.