Checking Game Cams and Finding New Ground

This past weekend I made my way up to my spot in D-14 to check my game cams that have been up since April 15 2017. I also wanted to look for a few new spots to check this year. We made the trip up the night before to base camp. Spent the afternoon getting our gear ready and planning for the morning. I got the old trusty Weber out and grilled up  some rib eyes and potatoes. After a great dinner and a few brews, we got out the coyote calls to see if we can get a answer back from those pesky song dogs. After about an hour we decided it was time to get some sleep before the alarm clock wakes hits at 4am.

It felt like I had only put my head on the pillow as I am bumbling around to shut my phone off. I double checked the time and jumped in the shower. After getting ready I woke Rudy up, loaded the truck and hit the road. I decided to take a different way to my cam location as I wanted Rudy to glass a bowl that I have seen deer in the early hours. Leaving Rudy I ventured on to my cam location and made the hike in. Pulled the card on my first cam going over the picture we have bucks. Not a buck but bucks. It was great to see the growth on them in a month and a half. In total 4 buck for sure 2-3 does and 2 mystery deer that were just out of my cams range. Once I saw the first buck I loaded up and headed to the second cam. Unfortunately I had set it in a bad spot and had a 16gb sd card full of branches and leaves blowing. I pulled that cam down and decided to try and find a new location for it.

After getting back to the truck I made my way to Rudy and he was waiting on the road for me. He has spotted a coyote and a doe so it was a success for him. We made our way to a new area I had never been. On the way we spotted a beautiful bobcat up on the hillside. He was not spooked by me getting out of the car and just watched me. He finally decided it was time and made his way up the hill. After driving for what seemed like miles we came across a great spring crossing the road in a few spots. We decided to hike the canyon and see. It looked promising but with temperatures rise fast we both decided we need to hit this one first thing in the morning. I was amazed by all the water that was flowing. I have been up in this area pretty much my whole life and have never seen this much water. It was great to see. All the plants and wildflowers growing like crazy. With some hope some of this water will still be here come hunting season.

We got back to base camp, kicked the boots off and relaxed for a few hours before we headed out looking to get a coyote with my bow. We tried 3 sets and could never even get a answer. Hiked the hills for a little bit burning off a few calories made the way back to camp and spent the evening cracking jokes and going over the SD cards made for a good relaxing night. Hit the road in the morning and I was able to watch almost all of NASCAR.

Local Trail Spotlight: Lakewood Nature Trail

LAKEWOOD NATURE TRAIL 
Located between Candlewood street to Carson street in Lakewood. With parking at Candlewood, Boyar Park, and Monte Verde Park access is easy. The trail is open from dawn to dusk. This mellow trail follows along side the San Gabriel River. The trail is full of native plants and wildlife. Egrets, herons, hawks, and coyotes all call this place home. The Trail is roughly about 2 miles long one way. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and cleaned up after. The city of Lakewood dose a great job keeping the trail maintained and clean for all to enjoy. The plus about this trail is across the riverbed using Del Amo or Carson bridges and a short walk down the riverbed is Rynerson Park. They just opened a new playground and work out area. Let the kids play while work up a sweat. They also have a 1 mile concrete loop. If you do the trail and the park you can get a little over 5 miles. Plus you are hardly near traffic. It is great if you are like me and listen to headphones while walk not having to worry about traffic.

Remember to always bring water and stay hydrated. Bring a snack or lunch if you plan on a longer adventure. Some of the trails have water fountains but I would rather be safe than dehydrated. Most of the local hikes will be short 1-4 hour hikes. Great for a evening hike or casual stroll after dinner or a great way to start your weekend.