Quote from: joey46 on July 16, 2023, 06:09:14 AM
I had a feeling that was you CAPTJJ. The thought it was an archer's picture stuck in my mind. That picture has been around a long time. Almost thought I first saw it posted on the old NWTF form. About a zillion guys downloaded it at the time. I've seen it pop up on multiple forums over the years.
Protected is an understatement. The last time I heard of a panther poaching from the Collier County area the reward started at $5,000. There are a few black bears down in that general area also usually making themselves known when they raid a trash can. This is one crazy state. LOL. 
Yes, I took that in 2019. Was set up in a small clearing in some oaks, pretty thick behind me. Not long after I made some calls I heard something behind me, turned around and saw brown maybe 20 feet away in the brush. So I thought "here comes a deer"... until I saw it step out and noticed the muscular front leg. Grabbed my camera for a couple pics, wish I had videoed. Then I thought maybe I should grab my handgun just in case. I was wearing a leafy suit and started waving my arms because he looked ready to pounce on my decoy. He looked over and then slowly walked off.
Speaking of bears I've seen a few down there and had them on trail cams. Some of them are nearly hairless, rubbed the fur off on trees I think. My guess is to try and beat the high temperatures, maybe.
