Pennsylvania Game News - December 2012 - 23

on the undisturbed snow. After perhaps three miles of looking we saw our first set of tracks, but they were deer tracks from the night before. On the road itself the tracks were all but gone, and it was only on the wind protected side bank that the tracks were easily identified. It was apparent the current conditions would require peering back into the clearcuts and scanning the edges rather than simply finding tracks on the roads. With a new idea of where to look we continued with each of us scanning our respective sides closely. The two cups of coffee under Holiday’s belt were apparently working, as he was more than ready to find some tracks. Time after time the truck was put into park as he exited to check out a minor disturbance in the snow on his side. Twice he motioned for me to get out, only for me to tell him they were simply faded deer tracks. Once again I got out for his urgent hand waving only to inspect a fine set of pine squirrel tracks that he was sure were what we were after. Undaunted, that only one of us really knew what we were looking for, we proceeded on our quest, and after perhaps an hour found our first set of snowshoe hare tracks. Although they were blown over in most places, there was no doubt that a hare had spent time in the area the night prior. After marking the spot on the GPS we pushed on, exploring one new area after another, all the time hoping that tracks were around the next bend. As the day progressed, we continued to find sign despite the poor tracking conditions. Considering the brutal weather, we believed that when tracks were discovered, it was close to the core area of the hare, as big ears and high winds don’t lead to much gallivanting around. It was at the sixth and final area after we had found tracks that 15 yards off the forestry road on top of a stump sat the elusive white rabbit. In disbelief, we both stared at it for perhaps a minute, wishing
DECEMBER 2012

we had a camera. Although I had seen hares and even had managed to harvest a few, this was the first time Holiday had ever seen one. With confidence in what we had found scouting the area, we began the long trip home eager for opening day. On the day after Christmas, Dusty Learn, JJ Fenton, Holiday and I were probably more excited than on any other day. As we loaded shotguns and beagles into the Trail Blazer, everyone in the group was more than ready to get started. Four guys and three dogs on a 2-hour drive can emit more than enough strange odors, and all parties were glad when the hunt site was reached. Since we had scouted the area the snow had continued to stack up and was now 8 to 10 inches in places, making for tough hunting. Our plan was to inspect each site we had scouted, hoping that sooner or later a hare would be jumped. After more than an hour at the first spot it was beginning to remind us how hopeless hunting hares can feel. Although tracks were present, both hunters and hounds were working hard just to get through the clearcuts. After covering most of the thicket, it was decided to move onto the next spot. Five minutes into the second spot, JJ’s Winchester 1300 roared twice and an elusive snowshoe was on the ground. Dusty, Holiday and the three beagles had been hunting a section of clearcut while JJ and I watched the forestry road, should one jump across. The cold temperatures and deep powder presented poor tracking conditions, and we feared the dogs would struggle to circle one. Encouraged with our success, we continued on to the next spot hoping to find tracks. Much like the first setup, JJ (now
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Pennsylvania Game News - December 2012

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