-
- Species
- Whitetails
- Big Game
- Small Game
- Birds
- Special Methods
- Bow Hunting
-
- Species
- Bass
- Trout
- More Freshwater
- Saltwater
- Special Methods
- Fly Fishing
Is Dave Petzal Still Alive?
Recent Comments
- hengst on What Are the Biggest Duck Blind Sins a Gun Dog Can Make? (5)
- country road on Merwin: What Fish Pulls the Hardest? (26)
- MonicaR on 200 Reasons To Get Back In Your Treestand (27)
- bigjake on What Are the Biggest Duck Blind Sins a Gun Dog Can Make? (5)
- wvboy1022 on Whitetail Deer and Deer Hunting Headlines: 11/12 - 11/19 (26)
Categories
- 2nd Amendment (32)
- Ammunition (7)
- Animal Attacks (1)
- Bass Fishing (2)
- Big Game Hunting (55)
- Bird Hunting (67)
- Bow Hunting (6)
- Camping Gear (1)
- Close Calls (1)
- Deer Hunting (49)
- Fishing (4)
- Fishing Gear (1)
- Gear (22)
- Guns (161)
- Hunting (150)
- Hunting Gear (15)
- More Freshwater (2)
- Rifles (92)
- Saltwater (2)
- Shooting Gear (23)
- Shotguns (97)
- Small Game (41)
- Survival (6)
- Survival Gear (1)
- Trout Fishing (2)
Recent Posts
- Shotgun Shell Review: A First Look at Federal's New Prairie Storm Pheasant Loads
- Rifle Review: Petzal Tests the Marlin .338 MXLR
- Bourjaily: Beretta's Shotgun Break-In Machine
- Petzal: Winchester's Wonderful Model 71
- Petzal: The Best Camo for Hunting Away from Home
- Worth the Recoil? Remington’s New HyperSonic High Speed Steel Shotgun Loads
- Bourjaily: The Best (and Worst) Shotgun Safeties
- Petzal: Testing Nosler’s New Lead-Free Ballistic Tips for Varmints
- Is Dave Petzal Still Alive?
- Bourjaily: Anvil Shooting (Don't Try It At Home!)
Archives
Syndicate
Gun Nut
in your Inbox
November 06, 2009
Is Dave Petzal Still Alive?
This question came up on another gun blog when someone mentioned that they had seen a rifle of mine for sale, and another blogger asked about the gun—a 7x57—and inquired if I was still alive. Far from taking offense, I see this as a reasonable question, and will attempt to answer it as best I may.
On the one hand, I am very old. I can remember before television. I can remember when actual music was played on the radio. When I was born, there were still a fair number of men alive who had fought in the Civil War. I can remember when people believed what our government had to say. Obviously, that is a long, long time ago and does not argue well for my survival.
On the other hand, someone is writing this stuff and it sounds like me. And, in a week I’m going way up to northern Maine to freeze my nasty bits and not see a single one of the six deer that are left in that state. That sounds like something I would do. Last week I dropped enough at Cabela’s and Brownell’s to finance Cruella Pelosi’s health care package for a month. That’s definitely me.
And so my fellow bloggers, is the old bastard still sucking air? Probably.
ADVERTISEMENT
Today on Field & Stream
Visit Our Sister Sites at Bonnier Corporation
| Enthusiast | Kiteboarding | QUAD | SKI | Skiing | Scuba Diving | Sport Diver | TransWorld Ride BMX | TransWorld Business | TransWorld Motocross | TransWorld SKATEboarding, | TransWorld SNOWboarding | TransWorld SURF | WakeBoarding | WaterSki | Warren Miller Entertainment | WindSurfing |
|---|---|
| Travel | Caribbean Travel & Life | Destination Weddings & Honeymoon | Islands | Meeting Traveler | Resorts & Great Hotels |
| Lifestyle & Shelter | Florida Travel & Life | Garden Design | Home Ft. Lauderdale | Home Miami |
| Luxury | SNOW | Spa |
| Marine | Boating Life | Cruising World | Fly Fishing in Salt Waters | Power Cruising | Marlin | Motor Boating | Sailing World | Salt Water Sportsman | Sport Fishing | Yachting | NewBoats.com | UsedBoats.com | YachtBroker.com |
| Outdoor | Field & Stream | Outdoor Life | SHOT Business |
| Parenting | Babytalk | Parenting |
| Science | Popular Science | Science Illustrated |
| Saveur | Saveur |
| Working Mother Media | Working Mother |
| Entertainment / Events | World Entertainment Services | World Sports & Marketing |
FieldandStream.com is part of the Bonnier Outdoor Group Network
Copyright © 2009 Bonnier Corp. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Comments (54)
God bless you Petzal. I hope you out live the 870.
wow, you're old, but glad you're still sucking air
This is off topic, but what sorts of things appear on Mr. Petzal's shopping list when he takes the bankroll to one of these fine businesses? Just Curious. Glad you're not dead.
GOD I hope so !
Who whould keep us "lower life forms"(lol) from "blowing ourselves up" and shooting straight !
Ok so now you will have to tell us about your Maine Hunt right? Wheere you hunted and what you took an aim at ok? Thanks and I like you can remember all those things too! Yup! Just keep hiking along and keep spinning those tails, just keep an eye on the White ones HAHHA!
"And, in a week I’m going way up to northern Maine to freeze my nasty bits and not see a single one of the six deer that are left in that state."
Lots o' deer in Maine. Hope your guide puts you on a good one. You haven't lived until you've frozen your axx off looking over some cutting for hours, only to finally stand up to crack the ice off your frozen joints and have that Biggest Bucks in Maine club candidate that's been drinking from your thermos snort and bolt. Then you curse, and a partridge blows off from the nearest cover. Then when you think all has quieted down the OTHER partridge blows from the same cover, even though you were sure you'd already looked it over thoroughly.
Rumers of Petzal's demise have been greatly exagerated. Good to hear you're still above the dirt.
Yep ... sure sounds like DEP's still sucking air. Glad to see that. But, just in case, since he is so old, perhaps we should get started on his obituary and the lines for his headstone. Did that once as a class exercise. Here lies .... Find out real fast what people really think about you.
Is Dave Petzal Still Alive?
I've been wondering myself, I would expect some heckling or something even a "you're full of it Clay!" from the Great One, LOL!!
May you enjoy the longevity of the cockroach, coyote, and Keith Richards. I drink to your health!
dear mr. petzel. I would very much like to inform you that it snowed in maine today, in some areas up to 5 inches, but there is still hope for you. In the past two weeks i have seen in upwards of 50 deer on a maine island, there is even more hope still. In northern maine, by a secret lake by a not so secret sporting camp known as libby camps there is a pocket of deer, some of which have tracks up to 4.5 inches long (too bad I already tagged out). Good luck on your deer hunt, I would also bring a shotgun for partridge and woodcock.
p.s. get ready to freeze!
Good to hear your still respirating, and hunting. Sounds like a perfect life to me.
Don't go all soft or senile with the passage of time. We'll let you know if these affects are present.
Ahh you go to the Land of my Ancestors...I do tend to think there is likely a few more than 6 deer up in Maine (Ayuh) Good Luck and I am quite certain that a few whiffs of Down East breeze will likely be quite rejuvinating, as long as you keep those nasty bits toasty.
Mr. Petzal,
I have no doubt that the bloggers question was prompted by the cartridge the gun was chambered in. 7x57? Surely you realize (like all modern firearm authorities) that game animals are much larger, tougher and faster than they were 100 years ago. 7x57 bounces right off the kevlar reinforced hides of modern deer. I'm glad you sold that rifle before you were mauled to death by an irritated doe after attempting to kill her with an antique.
Hmmmm as much as you and I will never be on the same political page Mr Petzal
our commonality being guns and killin critters.
Which off sets a good deal
I do hope you occasion to see one of the six,.. ( per mile)
But dont expect the google eyed ongoing effusive fawning I have just scanned cause it aint there
YUK YUK
None the less,.. safe travels and good luck.
This is good news. So can I take that 7.21 tomahawk off your hands or do I really have to wait for you to die? This sorta begs the question, how many guns have you horse traded over the years?
Dave< I hope you have a great time freezing your hunt off, but you remind me of an interesting conversation I had with mt father and my daughter, we were talking about the changes we had observed from our childhood, my dad being 28 years older than me, and I am 28 years older than my daughter. She is in law school now. My father grew up on radio, nickel movies on Saturdays that included newsreels,a short, cartoons and the feature.As a child, the depression was all he new, but some how they stayed together and had fun. Roosevelt was president, people traveled by train, and the farms that were the best hunting areas were now the burbs I lived in as a child.
I watched black and white TV(color had started, but no one in my class had one yet), listened to the world series with a transistor radio(got busted for trying to use the ear phone in history class), computers were at NASA and the big colleges, and I could take my folding knife to school for projects.
My daughter started using a computer when she was 3, she didn't have "free time", all activities were planned and structured, folding knives were now considered "weapons" and were banned from school, she owned every Disney video made, and I had to make"play dates" to take her and her friends fishing.
I don't want to know how it will be in 10 years from now.
My
Lets get real here, for one to sale a firearm, you got to wonder the mental status or the health condition of the individual lol!
So, ah, you old fart; How much for the 7x57?
Glad your still kickin' Dave. I don't know what F&S would be without you, and I don't want to.
going to freeze in northern Maine next week...come back in January if you wanna see cold.
one tough cookie
Good you are still alive and I hope you kept the 6.5X55 for the Maine hunt. I will loan you my Ruger 77 in .284 if you need it.
oh crap now i have to go to plan B to find out what that smell is! thanks, Dave! glad you're still here...or there...or wherever. you're not here are you? what the hell is that smell!!!
Don't die,Dave! We need the great articles like the no B.S. accuracy test!I used your advice and kicked the crap out of an oil can today!God gave you a long life for a good reason!
If you passed away, who would we give a hard time too.
7x57 that doesn't sound like a .338.
Ya'the first sigh of him getting old was when he castrated his 338 RUM to 22 inches, I just thought he was getting to citified!
Dave, We all hope it is a long, long time before your temperature drops for good. Keep the gun articles coming. Your crusty writing holds the attention like no other living gun writer. Nothing personal but the others that are still warm seem rather mundane compared.
Is who still alive? Heck, I don't know -- all I know is that today after 11 months of empty shelves I just bought a box of Magnum Large Rifle Primers!!!!!
WOW! men who ACTUALLY fought in the civil war were fairly commmon? didn't people die in their 40's and 50's back then? just HOW old are you Dave???LOL! seriuosly though, David, I for one, am very glad you are still with us. a large part of my gun knowledge has come from reading articles (and books) by David Petzal, Jim Carmichel, and Sam Falada. with the first two being the most prevalant. i was very sad when Jim Carmichel retired. happy for him, everyone deserves a nice long retirement. but sad that i wouldnt be reading any of his new material on a regular basis. he is a fine writer, and genuinly knows his stuff, as are you. the work that you guys do is very important, to many of us. you guys have taught thousands of us many things over the years. and i for one, really apreciate your hard work. please, dont go anywhere soon, except to maine, to freeze off your digits! LOL! then come back, and tell us all about it!
About Dave, his age, his guns and Maine hunting. I had the privilege and fun of working with him in the same tiny gun magazine office when I was released from active duty in the navy and he was still in the army reserve. The Old Solgier is, indeed, a dinosaur...but a smidge younger than me.
I know for a fact that Dave owns more than one fine too expensive long gun and that he has a soft spot in his grizzled heart for--the 7x57. Or maybe just mine, a left-hand Rigby.
I can tell you that he knew guns very well way back then in the stone age of riflery, and our titular boss, Larry Koller, thought so too. I bought and sold guns and knives (a knife freak, he is) with Dave...and even bought back a .270 of mine at his request--for good reason. It wasn't particularly accurate for a beautiful, custom-made Gary Goudy rifle. Not Gary's fault.
What knowledgeable rifleman would have such a gun built on a plain left-hand Rem. Model 700 barreled action? A mainly pistol shooter with too few nickels to rub together and too little knowledge about super accurate barrels on special actions, is who. I still have that rifle.
The problems with Maine hunting for spring bear and winter deer are these: the black flies eat you in bear season and the frozen air halts you in deer season. But these are a minor nuisances considering you are hunting in a First-Class state with excellent finned, furred and feathered beasts.
Mrs. Petzal didn't raise any dumb kids. He never wanted to swap his fine Gibson guitar for my H&R .22 revolver. Live on, my man.
When you always get a trophy and you never, ever miss . . . you can figure you're dead and in heaven!
I'm afraid I'm going to need more proof than this lousy blog. My clear understanding is that the "Dave Petzal" (rhymes with pretzel)piece has been the work of a ghost-writer for at least the last forty years...you can fool some of the people...
DEP-
Very glad to hear that the reports of your demise were greatly exaggerated! Don't like to think about not having the Gun Nut to peruse in odd moments or to have a reliable source of answers to arcane bits of trivia.
However, I wonder if age has not affected you somewhat, since you did trade off the 7 X 57 and you are (seemingly) going to Maine on a voluntary basis to hunt scarce deer?
having hunted northern maine for a stretch i sympathize with your plight of freezing you niblets. i have stopped going as the deer in the region where i went are slightly less common than bigfoot, aliens, or the gateway to atlantis. glad to hear you are well and enjoy taking your gun for a walk in the woods.
p.s. at least it is pretty there and with a 20ga you can get a few grouse along the logging roads.
Absolutely wonderful news, Dave. I hope this passes on to Pelosi and Hillary so they will know the proverbial thorn is still in their sides. Please give an update on your Maine trip. By the way; how much is the 7x57? (My all time favorite caliber)
Dave,
You are not yet ready to join Russ Carpenter or Col. Whelen. When you step out into the deep woods of Maine, you will fully come to life. The great questions of life will come back to you, and memories of the girls you courted--or should have. You will recall about half of the fine guns you should never have traded, and brilliant ideas for your blog will come to you.
By nightfall, you will have forgotten why you enjoy freezing the nether bits off.
Stay with us, Old Boy.
Blue
Hang in there Mr Petal!!
Pardon me Mr PETZAL!!! I never said I was a fast typist or a slow typist I am a Halfas(s)t typist! :(
Dave, go ahead and retire, let four more people have a job...., no really Dave, glad you're alive and kicking. The blog wouldn't be the same with out you and I know F&S wouldn't. Keep up the good work.(Should have been work)
Ever since I can remember when someone would ask how I am I would reply that I was still sucking air. This is the first time I have seen anyone else use that expression. I too have heard exaggerated reports of my demise on numerous occasions. I attribute these rumors to the actual deaths of my many look-alikes who have gotten me into many a tight spot with game wardens, anti-hunting private property owners and various unreasonable boyfriends, husbands and brothers of women who love men who love hunting, fishing and nature in general. Sometimes you sell a gun, other times you just drop it and run.
Don't try for the misty-eyed angle in this blog, Dave. We knew you weren't dead. One lousy 7 x 57 doesn't equal a dead David Petzal. If a truckload of left handed Savage 110s with Chet Brown fiberglass stocks suddenly showed up on the market, we'd worry.
I will say that the only time (other than for a short time as a business) the only time I have ever sold a gun was under extreme duress, had problems with CYS after our home being hit with a tornado (10 months after a flood, long story) and needed an attorney, after 2 disasters in a row we were tapped out financially and I had to sell some guns to hire the lawyer, and even with the choice being my kids or my guns it took me a while to decide to sell.
Still not sure I made the right decision either.......
Oh, one more thing; why are you going to Maine for shooting action? Down here where I live on the Gulf Coast, we are getting ready for another hurricane. Come down here and in a couple of days you'll be able to shoot fish. Just make sure you're tied to something nice and heavy when you do.
So you're off to Maine. Any chance you're taking that Guide Gun of yours?
As old as you are and with your job you should have more gear than you know what to do with.
Live long, shoot often, write frequently. It has been many years (1969-70-71) since I spoke to you as a customer at (the old) Paragon Sporting Goods in Manhattan, and I've enjoyed your work ever since. I relocated to the West Coast in early 1972. Good hunting in Maine, and wherever you may go. Continue to share your wisdom and wit with us.
Ed J. Pulumbo,
I wasn't worried, crusty old bastards like us don't just die. We have a way of flaming out in style.
In all seriousness, I did hear that I died in a car accident a couple years ago. It does shake you up a bit and make you touch your body parts to make sure your still here.
David is fealing the presure of these Young Bucks coming to get him, especialy Alex age 10! LOL! Speaking od Alex, he just might do it, NO JOKE! This kid? Heck, Young Sportsman is the one to really start watching!!!
Mr. P:
I saw your 7x57 for sale on a website. Came across it because I've developed a fondness for the cartridge and accurate rifles chambered in it, and was thus looking for both. Your rifle is beautiful, a genuine show-stopper. I can see why its selling price is lofty. But is the rifle accurate? (MOA being defined as "accurate" in a sporting rifle.) Semi-accurate? (1.5 MOA)
TWD
Dave - I'm very glad to hear that you're still kickin' around! Maybe you'll even beat Russell Johnson who turned 85 today!
That was the best response for that question...Go petzel
A 7X57 owned and used by world famous author, hunter and renaissance man Dave Petzal. I'll give you $500 sight unseen. Oh wait is it a lefty? Scratch that... and let me guess you are going to take the .338 to Maine again? I would vote against such an undertaking. Hey I remember black and white TV and WWII vets everywhere wanting to tell you how they kicked Hitlers ass. Happy Veterans Day everyone and God Bless those of you who have served!!!
Post a Comment
God bless you Petzal. I hope you out live the 870.
wow, you're old, but glad you're still sucking air
GOD I hope so !
Who whould keep us "lower life forms"(lol) from "blowing ourselves up" and shooting straight !
Lets get real here, for one to sale a firearm, you got to wonder the mental status or the health condition of the individual lol!
oh crap now i have to go to plan B to find out what that smell is! thanks, Dave! glad you're still here...or there...or wherever. you're not here are you? what the hell is that smell!!!
This is off topic, but what sorts of things appear on Mr. Petzal's shopping list when he takes the bankroll to one of these fine businesses? Just Curious. Glad you're not dead.
"And, in a week I’m going way up to northern Maine to freeze my nasty bits and not see a single one of the six deer that are left in that state."
Lots o' deer in Maine. Hope your guide puts you on a good one. You haven't lived until you've frozen your axx off looking over some cutting for hours, only to finally stand up to crack the ice off your frozen joints and have that Biggest Bucks in Maine club candidate that's been drinking from your thermos snort and bolt. Then you curse, and a partridge blows off from the nearest cover. Then when you think all has quieted down the OTHER partridge blows from the same cover, even though you were sure you'd already looked it over thoroughly.
May you enjoy the longevity of the cockroach, coyote, and Keith Richards. I drink to your health!
Mr. Petzal,
I have no doubt that the bloggers question was prompted by the cartridge the gun was chambered in. 7x57? Surely you realize (like all modern firearm authorities) that game animals are much larger, tougher and faster than they were 100 years ago. 7x57 bounces right off the kevlar reinforced hides of modern deer. I'm glad you sold that rifle before you were mauled to death by an irritated doe after attempting to kill her with an antique.
Dave< I hope you have a great time freezing your hunt off, but you remind me of an interesting conversation I had with mt father and my daughter, we were talking about the changes we had observed from our childhood, my dad being 28 years older than me, and I am 28 years older than my daughter. She is in law school now. My father grew up on radio, nickel movies on Saturdays that included newsreels,a short, cartoons and the feature.As a child, the depression was all he new, but some how they stayed together and had fun. Roosevelt was president, people traveled by train, and the farms that were the best hunting areas were now the burbs I lived in as a child.
I watched black and white TV(color had started, but no one in my class had one yet), listened to the world series with a transistor radio(got busted for trying to use the ear phone in history class), computers were at NASA and the big colleges, and I could take my folding knife to school for projects.
My daughter started using a computer when she was 3, she didn't have "free time", all activities were planned and structured, folding knives were now considered "weapons" and were banned from school, she owned every Disney video made, and I had to make"play dates" to take her and her friends fishing.
I don't want to know how it will be in 10 years from now.
My
going to freeze in northern Maine next week...come back in January if you wanna see cold.
Is who still alive? Heck, I don't know -- all I know is that today after 11 months of empty shelves I just bought a box of Magnum Large Rifle Primers!!!!!
About Dave, his age, his guns and Maine hunting. I had the privilege and fun of working with him in the same tiny gun magazine office when I was released from active duty in the navy and he was still in the army reserve. The Old Solgier is, indeed, a dinosaur...but a smidge younger than me.
I know for a fact that Dave owns more than one fine too expensive long gun and that he has a soft spot in his grizzled heart for--the 7x57. Or maybe just mine, a left-hand Rigby.
I can tell you that he knew guns very well way back then in the stone age of riflery, and our titular boss, Larry Koller, thought so too. I bought and sold guns and knives (a knife freak, he is) with Dave...and even bought back a .270 of mine at his request--for good reason. It wasn't particularly accurate for a beautiful, custom-made Gary Goudy rifle. Not Gary's fault.
What knowledgeable rifleman would have such a gun built on a plain left-hand Rem. Model 700 barreled action? A mainly pistol shooter with too few nickels to rub together and too little knowledge about super accurate barrels on special actions, is who. I still have that rifle.
The problems with Maine hunting for spring bear and winter deer are these: the black flies eat you in bear season and the frozen air halts you in deer season. But these are a minor nuisances considering you are hunting in a First-Class state with excellent finned, furred and feathered beasts.
Mrs. Petzal didn't raise any dumb kids. He never wanted to swap his fine Gibson guitar for my H&R .22 revolver. Live on, my man.
Ok so now you will have to tell us about your Maine Hunt right? Wheere you hunted and what you took an aim at ok? Thanks and I like you can remember all those things too! Yup! Just keep hiking along and keep spinning those tails, just keep an eye on the White ones HAHHA!
Rumers of Petzal's demise have been greatly exagerated. Good to hear you're still above the dirt.
Yep ... sure sounds like DEP's still sucking air. Glad to see that. But, just in case, since he is so old, perhaps we should get started on his obituary and the lines for his headstone. Did that once as a class exercise. Here lies .... Find out real fast what people really think about you.
Is Dave Petzal Still Alive?
I've been wondering myself, I would expect some heckling or something even a "you're full of it Clay!" from the Great One, LOL!!
dear mr. petzel. I would very much like to inform you that it snowed in maine today, in some areas up to 5 inches, but there is still hope for you. In the past two weeks i have seen in upwards of 50 deer on a maine island, there is even more hope still. In northern maine, by a secret lake by a not so secret sporting camp known as libby camps there is a pocket of deer, some of which have tracks up to 4.5 inches long (too bad I already tagged out). Good luck on your deer hunt, I would also bring a shotgun for partridge and woodcock.
p.s. get ready to freeze!
Good to hear your still respirating, and hunting. Sounds like a perfect life to me.
Don't go all soft or senile with the passage of time. We'll let you know if these affects are present.
This is good news. So can I take that 7.21 tomahawk off your hands or do I really have to wait for you to die? This sorta begs the question, how many guns have you horse traded over the years?
So, ah, you old fart; How much for the 7x57?
Glad your still kickin' Dave. I don't know what F&S would be without you, and I don't want to.
Good you are still alive and I hope you kept the 6.5X55 for the Maine hunt. I will loan you my Ruger 77 in .284 if you need it.
Don't die,Dave! We need the great articles like the no B.S. accuracy test!I used your advice and kicked the crap out of an oil can today!God gave you a long life for a good reason!
Dave, We all hope it is a long, long time before your temperature drops for good. Keep the gun articles coming. Your crusty writing holds the attention like no other living gun writer. Nothing personal but the others that are still warm seem rather mundane compared.
WOW! men who ACTUALLY fought in the civil war were fairly commmon? didn't people die in their 40's and 50's back then? just HOW old are you Dave???LOL! seriuosly though, David, I for one, am very glad you are still with us. a large part of my gun knowledge has come from reading articles (and books) by David Petzal, Jim Carmichel, and Sam Falada. with the first two being the most prevalant. i was very sad when Jim Carmichel retired. happy for him, everyone deserves a nice long retirement. but sad that i wouldnt be reading any of his new material on a regular basis. he is a fine writer, and genuinly knows his stuff, as are you. the work that you guys do is very important, to many of us. you guys have taught thousands of us many things over the years. and i for one, really apreciate your hard work. please, dont go anywhere soon, except to maine, to freeze off your digits! LOL! then come back, and tell us all about it!
When you always get a trophy and you never, ever miss . . . you can figure you're dead and in heaven!
I'm afraid I'm going to need more proof than this lousy blog. My clear understanding is that the "Dave Petzal" (rhymes with pretzel)piece has been the work of a ghost-writer for at least the last forty years...you can fool some of the people...
DEP-
Very glad to hear that the reports of your demise were greatly exaggerated! Don't like to think about not having the Gun Nut to peruse in odd moments or to have a reliable source of answers to arcane bits of trivia.
However, I wonder if age has not affected you somewhat, since you did trade off the 7 X 57 and you are (seemingly) going to Maine on a voluntary basis to hunt scarce deer?
having hunted northern maine for a stretch i sympathize with your plight of freezing you niblets. i have stopped going as the deer in the region where i went are slightly less common than bigfoot, aliens, or the gateway to atlantis. glad to hear you are well and enjoy taking your gun for a walk in the woods.
p.s. at least it is pretty there and with a 20ga you can get a few grouse along the logging roads.
Absolutely wonderful news, Dave. I hope this passes on to Pelosi and Hillary so they will know the proverbial thorn is still in their sides. Please give an update on your Maine trip. By the way; how much is the 7x57? (My all time favorite caliber)
Dave, go ahead and retire, let four more people have a job...., no really Dave, glad you're alive and kicking. The blog wouldn't be the same with out you and I know F&S wouldn't. Keep up the good work.(Should have been work)
Don't try for the misty-eyed angle in this blog, Dave. We knew you weren't dead. One lousy 7 x 57 doesn't equal a dead David Petzal. If a truckload of left handed Savage 110s with Chet Brown fiberglass stocks suddenly showed up on the market, we'd worry.
I will say that the only time (other than for a short time as a business) the only time I have ever sold a gun was under extreme duress, had problems with CYS after our home being hit with a tornado (10 months after a flood, long story) and needed an attorney, after 2 disasters in a row we were tapped out financially and I had to sell some guns to hire the lawyer, and even with the choice being my kids or my guns it took me a while to decide to sell.
Still not sure I made the right decision either.......
Oh, one more thing; why are you going to Maine for shooting action? Down here where I live on the Gulf Coast, we are getting ready for another hurricane. Come down here and in a couple of days you'll be able to shoot fish. Just make sure you're tied to something nice and heavy when you do.
So you're off to Maine. Any chance you're taking that Guide Gun of yours?
Ahh you go to the Land of my Ancestors...I do tend to think there is likely a few more than 6 deer up in Maine (Ayuh) Good Luck and I am quite certain that a few whiffs of Down East breeze will likely be quite rejuvinating, as long as you keep those nasty bits toasty.
Hmmmm as much as you and I will never be on the same political page Mr Petzal
our commonality being guns and killin critters.
Which off sets a good deal
I do hope you occasion to see one of the six,.. ( per mile)
But dont expect the google eyed ongoing effusive fawning I have just scanned cause it aint there
YUK YUK
None the less,.. safe travels and good luck.
If you passed away, who would we give a hard time too.
7x57 that doesn't sound like a .338.
Ya'the first sigh of him getting old was when he castrated his 338 RUM to 22 inches, I just thought he was getting to citified!
Dave,
You are not yet ready to join Russ Carpenter or Col. Whelen. When you step out into the deep woods of Maine, you will fully come to life. The great questions of life will come back to you, and memories of the girls you courted--or should have. You will recall about half of the fine guns you should never have traded, and brilliant ideas for your blog will come to you.
By nightfall, you will have forgotten why you enjoy freezing the nether bits off.
Stay with us, Old Boy.
Blue
Ever since I can remember when someone would ask how I am I would reply that I was still sucking air. This is the first time I have seen anyone else use that expression. I too have heard exaggerated reports of my demise on numerous occasions. I attribute these rumors to the actual deaths of my many look-alikes who have gotten me into many a tight spot with game wardens, anti-hunting private property owners and various unreasonable boyfriends, husbands and brothers of women who love men who love hunting, fishing and nature in general. Sometimes you sell a gun, other times you just drop it and run.
As old as you are and with your job you should have more gear than you know what to do with.
Live long, shoot often, write frequently. It has been many years (1969-70-71) since I spoke to you as a customer at (the old) Paragon Sporting Goods in Manhattan, and I've enjoyed your work ever since. I relocated to the West Coast in early 1972. Good hunting in Maine, and wherever you may go. Continue to share your wisdom and wit with us.
Ed J. Pulumbo,
I wasn't worried, crusty old bastards like us don't just die. We have a way of flaming out in style.
In all seriousness, I did hear that I died in a car accident a couple years ago. It does shake you up a bit and make you touch your body parts to make sure your still here.
one tough cookie
Hang in there Mr Petal!!
Pardon me Mr PETZAL!!! I never said I was a fast typist or a slow typist I am a Halfas(s)t typist! :(
David is fealing the presure of these Young Bucks coming to get him, especialy Alex age 10! LOL! Speaking od Alex, he just might do it, NO JOKE! This kid? Heck, Young Sportsman is the one to really start watching!!!
Mr. P:
I saw your 7x57 for sale on a website. Came across it because I've developed a fondness for the cartridge and accurate rifles chambered in it, and was thus looking for both. Your rifle is beautiful, a genuine show-stopper. I can see why its selling price is lofty. But is the rifle accurate? (MOA being defined as "accurate" in a sporting rifle.) Semi-accurate? (1.5 MOA)
TWD
Dave - I'm very glad to hear that you're still kickin' around! Maybe you'll even beat Russell Johnson who turned 85 today!
That was the best response for that question...Go petzel
A 7X57 owned and used by world famous author, hunter and renaissance man Dave Petzal. I'll give you $500 sight unseen. Oh wait is it a lefty? Scratch that... and let me guess you are going to take the .338 to Maine again? I would vote against such an undertaking. Hey I remember black and white TV and WWII vets everywhere wanting to tell you how they kicked Hitlers ass. Happy Veterans Day everyone and God Bless those of you who have served!!!
Post a Comment