2012 Was Fair to Midland (Pic)

[Big Sky]

I'm not sure where to post this because there are 3 different species in the photo. I guess here is as good as anywhere. 2012 in Montana was a fair to midland year. I've had better and have had worse, but overall it wasn't bad. Having my own beetles to clean skulls makes things a little more fun. Although all the coyotes I killed last season aren't in the photo it wasn't bad. Got a little over 50 coyotes, 1 bear, and 1 mule deer. Normally there would be an antelope in the picture as well, but I haven't been lucky enough to draw the last 2 years. Drew 16 years in a row and then nothing the last two. Oh well, I should be about due to draw this year.

 

[hornart]

Awesome Photo and what an amazing job on those skulls

 

[fishing4sanity]

That's a cool looking photo. My son wanted to start a beetle colony. Are the beetles much of a hassle/expense to establish and maintain?

 

[1_pointer]

I'd take a "middlin" year like that anytime. I really wish I could get my wife convinced to let me have a beetle colony. She's a bit skeered of flesh eating bugs. It would be cool to put together a collection that is that good looking.

 

[Festus]

Good year by any standards!

Nice skulls, neat picture.

 

[Selkirk]

That's sweet...thanks for sharing.

 

[Big Sky]

For those that are wondering if the beetles are a hassle to care of...well yes and no. No they aren't difficult, but keeping a perfect humidity balance and temperature can be difficult. The hardest thing is keeping them at 75-80 degrees all year round.

 

[Festus]

Mine would starve to death!!

 

[Big Fin]

Very cool. Hope you someday get to add a wolf skull to that pile.

 

[Big Sky]

Big Fin, I agree a wolf skull would be a nice addition some season. However, I would just a soon not kill one too close to home. They haven't invaded too heavily over around here yet and I hope they never do. Odds are they will though.

 

[noharleyyet]

Mine would starve to death!!

That's the second thought that came to mind..the first was Wow, Big Sky has some fat beetles.

I'm really liking that pic...especially the black background.

 

[JCS]

What in the heck do you do with all of those coyote skulls?

 

[Big Sky]

JCS, I have a buyer back East that buys every coyote skull I clean. Works out kind'a nice because even a coyote shot in the middle of summer is worth some $$$.

 

[elk_hunter]

That's a hell of a year right there...congrats!

 

[ID_deerslayer]

that's a great year if you ask me. congrats on the success!

 

[havgunwilltravel]

Great looking skulls and a nicely set up photo. My mate is just getting organised to get some beetles and we look forward to reducing the hassle of boiling and cleaning the skulls.

What do you do when you get the skulls out of the beetle box? Do you do anything extra to them?

 

[cornfed]

Wish you were closer, I'd help keep your beetles fat and we could spit the money.

 

[Big Sky]

Hey guys keeping the beetles well fed is half the fun...like I actually need another reason to hunt.