Did this owl rat me out?
 

I went out for a very, very short hunt yesterday morning. Promised the wife I’d leave the woods by 9:30. As it was getting light, an owl landed in a tree just above my spot, looked at me, then flew off. About 20 minutes later, when it was fully light, it returned. It looked at me again, and did it’s little hoot sequence. Then, it flew to another tree about 30 yards away and did the same hoot sequence. It continued to do this…stopping every 30 yards and hooting…in a 100 yard circular perimeter around ME.

I thought, “Are you really ratting me out, bud, after I was admiring your silent flying ability???” Punk!

I diont know if he was ratting you out but I would have been thinking the same thing. Too funny. What happened to hunter to hunter comradery?

He made a backdoor deal with the deer! Next time, it's owl soup! :biggrin: Pretty sure owls are protected, though. And I think, for some odd reason, they would taste NASTY!!!

Either he ratted you out.
Or he was trying to mate with you.

Hey, that's a backdoor deal I'm not willing to take!

I'd be interested to know if he ratted you out.

I kicked an owl up walking in yesterday.

We watched each other for a bit, then he vanished silently.

fully protected in NY state. I could have easily blasted him with my 7mm, although I would never shoot upwards with a rifle...

Sounds like the owl was hunting too. Ever watch how a hawk will scream to cause their prey to move so it can be spotted? Hawks and owls are not stupid. They will use humans to their advantage when looking for food. An example is they will fly above farm equipment that is moving through a field. You may also spot them flying above you when you walk through a field or through the woods.

It can work both ways, though. I've had Blue Jays, squirrels, and other excited critters clue me in that a deer was in the area before. It ain't personal. They'll also work for you, too ;)

Wether it ratted you put or not it was still a cool experience you will never forget.