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target retrieval
- Thread starter pax
- Start date
GeorgeinSC
Well-known member
For the targets that I can pin point with my pro pointer I use a thin screw driver that I rounded the end of to probe for the target. When I fine it I cut a slit in the sod. Insert my coin popper (gasket scraper) under the coin and gently lift it out of the dirt. Once you put the lifted area back the way it was one can not see that I was ever there. It does take some practice but works well most of the time.
Simpsonslammer
Active member
I prefer the half moon plug, cut half a circle and fold it over. That way at least some of the root system is still intact
Depends on how deep the target indication is.
As mentioned above for 1 to 3 inch deep targets use a smoothed out tip screwdriver.
I've dug a lot of plugs over the years, i know what works and what don't.
For medium to deep targets i'm not a fan of the smaller the plug the better.
For these i slice down a rough deep semi-circle, deeper than than probably necessary.
Here's my take right or wrong on plugs:
-A deep plug will typically keep most of the deeper root structure intact, especially important in hot dry weather.
-In parks, a deep plug will resist being pulled out and flung a few feet away by the vacuum of the park mower. Seen flung dried up plugs more times than i care to remember. A real eye sore to me and i'm sure the park caretaker too.
-Also do not leave a plug higher than the grade around it. It will likely dry up and worse be spotted a mile away.
The replaced plug should be approx. an 1/8 to a 1/4 inch or so below the surrounding grade. This will ensure the next rain will puddle over the plug and help rejuvenate it. Sometimes highly compacted soil when dug up and loosened will be too much to put back in the hole. My solution in that case is to grind that excess soil up with the hands and fling it into the air. I guarantee it will not be noticed if done right. But a dried up plug a couple inches higher than its surroundings will be noticed.
I seen guys stomping, pounding and jumping on a plug to try and get it even with its surroundings. Ain't gonna work, all that now hyper compacted soil can't be condusive to keep the plug alive.
-Make sure the periphery of the plug is well sealed with soil. I've seen dried up plugs that looked like an earthquake happened around it. Without soil around the plug's periphery, the air will get in and dry up the exposed roots. Seen lots of those, plug is dried up around its edges but greener towards the middle. I always save a handful or two of soil for this purpose.
As mentioned above for 1 to 3 inch deep targets use a smoothed out tip screwdriver.
I've dug a lot of plugs over the years, i know what works and what don't.
For medium to deep targets i'm not a fan of the smaller the plug the better.
For these i slice down a rough deep semi-circle, deeper than than probably necessary.
Here's my take right or wrong on plugs:
-A deep plug will typically keep most of the deeper root structure intact, especially important in hot dry weather.
-In parks, a deep plug will resist being pulled out and flung a few feet away by the vacuum of the park mower. Seen flung dried up plugs more times than i care to remember. A real eye sore to me and i'm sure the park caretaker too.
-Also do not leave a plug higher than the grade around it. It will likely dry up and worse be spotted a mile away.
The replaced plug should be approx. an 1/8 to a 1/4 inch or so below the surrounding grade. This will ensure the next rain will puddle over the plug and help rejuvenate it. Sometimes highly compacted soil when dug up and loosened will be too much to put back in the hole. My solution in that case is to grind that excess soil up with the hands and fling it into the air. I guarantee it will not be noticed if done right. But a dried up plug a couple inches higher than its surroundings will be noticed.
I seen guys stomping, pounding and jumping on a plug to try and get it even with its surroundings. Ain't gonna work, all that now hyper compacted soil can't be condusive to keep the plug alive.
-Make sure the periphery of the plug is well sealed with soil. I've seen dried up plugs that looked like an earthquake happened around it. Without soil around the plug's periphery, the air will get in and dry up the exposed roots. Seen lots of those, plug is dried up around its edges but greener towards the middle. I always save a handful or two of soil for this purpose.
Ironsight, I agree, get past the root system. I use the 'D' handle to pack in the soil, then pack down the plug...works well, and after a brushing of the grass, can't tell.
I was once on a farm property and on the second days hunt, noticed half the plugs were pulled. I thought the homeowner did it, scratching my head, why would she do that? Come to find out that skunks and coons will pull them looking for grubs......they can make us look bad.
I was once on a farm property and on the second days hunt, noticed half the plugs were pulled. I thought the homeowner did it, scratching my head, why would she do that? Come to find out that skunks and coons will pull them looking for grubs......they can make us look bad.
cladcanada
Member
Anyone use a coin poper or make one ?
GeorgeinSC
Well-known member
I went to Harbor Freight and bought their gasket scrapers (3). The middle size one was what I wanted so I took a grinder and cut the larger one down to the same width so I have two coin poppers. The smaller one worked but not as well as the next larger size. They work good for me.