Little MIss Emma

Well, one of my precious grand daughters noticed on The Ghost Ranch Blog that not only was I using bad language (I think in reference to a stinking skunk) but that there was no reference to her on my blog.

She comes to ranch quite often and when she is her there is a certain magic in the air. She's like a little angel (most of the time) and we love having here around. Her favorite things to do are ride the 4 wheeler and feed the catfish.

Her name is Emma.

Little Miss Emma from Dan Ham on Vimeo.

Open Season

David G, actually season WAS open, I'm just not as blood thirsty as I used to be.

Gobble, Gobble

Looks like the turkeys are getting ready to rumble in preparation of the upcoming breeding season. This shot was from one my trail cameras close to the house.

The Deer of Ghost Buck Ranch

This is a compilation of some amateur video I shot last year during the fall.

Big Bucks

These 2 bucks were killed within about 5 miles of The Ghost Buck Ranch, so there are some good genetics, nutrition, and age to deer around this area.

The Benders

Bob, Erin, and Garrett Bender along with best buddy Micah came out to the GBR for a few days during Garrett's spring break.

They had great weather, although because we have had so much rain and snow, the ponds were still quite muddy and the fishing was poor. Erin did however catch a couple catfish in the Big Muddy, one about 4 lbs...

Most eventful part of their trip was probably having the deck of the cabin collapse on them as they were having lunch. Surprised but not injured I think.

Recent Observations

A big bobcat crossed the road about 80 yards from the house at dusk and just sat down close to the pond and watched for a meal.

Feral Hog tracks spotted on the road to Merritt's Pond. Don't want to have anything to do with them thats for sure. They can destroy anything in their paths like expensive food plots, deer fawns, turkey poults, etc. Not a good thing to find.

Hogs reproduction is prolific, 6-8 litters a year with 12-14 offspring per litter, they can overtake a place in no time.

Saw some snow geese flying low headed north last weekend. Also have had a couple of Greater Canada Geese hanging out at the front pond, just like last year about this time.

Burn Baby Burn

Well we finally attempted a burn, despite the recent rainfall, moisture and high humidity.

Pros and cons of burning in less than ideal conditions like these are:

Pros:

We were able to train new personnel on how to conduct a burn.

We were able to test new equipment that we haven't used before.

We learn something new on every burn, like even with high humidity a fire can, will and did jump the firebreak, much to our surprise. We only burned about 30 acres.

Cons:

Not really a complete burn (due to high moisture content in the leaf litter) and doesn't realize our management objectives.

Lot of work getting ready and putting everything away for such a small burn.

Gary and Savannah helping with the burn

Merritt mopping up with the swatter

300 gallon sprayer stuck deep in the mud

Doyle couldn't get enough of torching the place.

Equipment assembled prior to burning

Sad News. Poachers Beware

On our way to refill the Ghost Buck Pasture feeder (before we ran out of gas in the rain) while driving over the Big Pond Dam we found 2 dead bucks that had been shot by poachers. One was a forkhorn on the dam the other was a really nice 8 points floating dead in the pond with a bullet wound to the gut. Man was I pissed and saddened by that site.

Not much I can do but maybe be more vigilant about watching that part of the property and setting up some trail cams on surveillance mode

Hey I checked the Radar.

Well, it started out by us going to the SE corner of the property to refill the feeder. It looked quite foreboding with dark clouds and thunder moving in, but I did check the radar and it did not show any precipitation anywhere close to the ranch. I repeat I did check the radar. And of course Merritt did keep saying "I don't care what the radar says thats rain headed this way."
However once Merritt and I arrived at the Ghost Buck Pasture Feeder (which I might add us the further point on the ranch from the house) it did indeed start to rain. "I checked the radar, no precip any where close". Not so bad, we were in the mule which does have bimini cover so we would in theory stay relatively dry. Of course thats assuming it has enough gas in it to return to the Ranch house. Sadly, it did not, as a matter of fact just as you might expect we ran out of gas over a mile from the house in a thunderstorm. So we walked back. Merritt walked back in here clogs, and although she wasn't really happy about it did have a pretty darn good attitude overall considering the circumstances.

The Birds

Rained most of the day, we probably got about 2 inches which means it will be at least another week before we can do the burn.

We were invaded by hundreds of Grackles today, many of which fought over sunflower seeds at the bird feeder.

The edge of the front came through just before dark and presented us with a spectacular sunset and rainbow.

Jumped up some Canada Geese off the SW Pond.

Trail Cam Pics

More trail cam pics

Bucking and Moving Timber for Firewood

My neighbor Gary, cutting and moving timber while I watch.

Grey Fox Release

Caught another Grey Fox that we released.

Why did a good friend of mine say this video made him think of me?

Signs of Spring?

Trying to schedule a Prescribed Burn, if only it would stop raining or snowing for a change.

Well if the rumor is correct and the Robin is a sign of the coming of Spring, it might very well be on its way full force. As I was driving the ranch this am I saw dozens and dozens of Robins searching for a morning meal. I for one, find this to be very good news.

Skunked, Hazards of Varmint Relocation

Well one of the hazards of Varmint relocation that I didn't take into consideration was:

What the hell to do if you've got a live skunk in a live trap. Sadly, ain't no way I'm getting anywhere close to being sprayed by a pole cat so I had to dispatch it with my .410. However the bastard did decide to spray in my direction once he realized  his days were numbered, so somehow I got some skunk juice on me and let me tell you I've been holding back a gag reflex all day.

 Just got a little bit ended up on my belt and jeans when I had to empty the trap, but I might add a little bit of skunk pee goes a long way. Merritt is on her way up in a couple hours, think I might need to jump in a hot shower,

Fortunately Willow (my 13 year old Black Lab) decided to stay in the Mule with Bailey and avoid the olfactory onslaught. Wish I had been as wise. 


Later.

Tough times being a Hermit

Just me and the critters, getting a little lonesome.

Caught one coon (I'm reducing my coon and varmit population to give my Turkey and Quail population a better fighting change during the nesting season that is soon approaching. Coons, skunks, and opposums can wipe out an entire nest of eggs in one meal).

 Bought two more traps, have a total of 5 now, so hopefully can put a serious dent in the population.

Mainly organized office and set up all my backup hard drives so I can access all the photos on them.

                          

               Excited that my lovely wife is coming up tomorrow.

                              Can't wait till the Davis Family comes up to fish.

Grey Fox and Velpar L

Ran my 3 havahart traps this am and found a 2 coons and a grey fox.

Let the fox go. Took the coons to Coon Town.

Tried to Velpar (thin) trees between the ones I flagged to keep but there was always a non target species too close so I'm having my neighbor Gary look into getting a discount on renting a skid loader with a tree shear instead. I should be able cut down a lot of trees if I rent one for a week.

Sprayed Velpar along the entire 1 mile west perimeter fence line to control brush growing up thru the fence. Used spot gun applicator with precise delivery system and applied 3 ml per one inch dhb or 3ml per 3 ft for multiple stems. Will check results after spring leaf out to make sure I didn't damage non target species.

Photo of West fence line taken in October 2009

Also continue removing coarse fuel from fireguards. Problably overdid it since I have been sick but hopefully not. Had to do the outdoor stuff yesterday and today since we are expecting rain tomorrow.

Flagging Trees for TSI

Still sick, but did have good nights rest last night thanks to lots of meds. Been watching WWII HD, very good.

Marking trees for chemical removal, actually flagging trees that I want to leave.

Dogs got in the trash again, I'm getting pretty tired of that to say the least. Set out 3 coon traps with dog food and marshmellows. One at Horse Pasture and 2 at Lilly Pond feeder.

Sheds and Fire

Man, I'm sick for the first time in 6 years and it sucks, I don't want to do anything.

     Found a 3 point shed at the Ghost Buck Feeder today.

             

Trail cam pics indicate most bucks lost their antlers between Feb 14 & Feb 18th.

Had a new electronic front gate installed.
Mostly just lazed around and watched tv, no energy.
Been doing a lot of research on TSI (Timber Stand Improvement) I need to thin out 112 acres as part of my WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program) thru chemical brush control.


Spent most the last week removing coarse fuels from the firegaurds on the west side in preparation for a 214 acres burn.

                                        Last years burn 

Initial post

To whom it may concern,
And at this point that is very few. I'm starting this blog in leu of journaling about The Ghost Buck Ranch. Just seems like it will be easier and more accessible thats all.
I promise not to try and be cute or funny cause quite frankly I'm not.
This is mainly to record mundane ranch info as I attempt (and hopefully will be successful at) improving the wildlife potential and habitat of 563 acres located in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma.
Bringing the property back to Native Habitat to benefit wildlife and being a Good Steward of the land is my ultimate goal.

Countdown to Closing March 25, 2008


Ranch purchase was March 25, 2008. I will start blogging from this day (Feb 25, 2010)forward but hope also include info and visuals from purchase till this point also.

Map in relation to Ada Oklahoma (12 miles)

GB Ranch Aerial Map

563 acres, almost one square mile of paradise

A Little Bit of Heaven