hornet nests?!

[nbtrapper]

when i was hunting last year i found a really nice big nest and i was wondering if they leave it and make a new one in the spring or do i have to kill them to get the nest? i don't really want to do that though.
and what is the best way of preserving them?
i had bad experiences with them before while taking them in the winter and putting them inside the jeep with us lol you know how that one turned out. just don't want to make the same type of mistake

thanks

matt

[trapperbud]

I'm pretty sure that they use the same nest for more than one season and would have to be removed from the nest. Just be carefull in doing so .

[payne]

I have quite a few nest that I get in the winter time and have never had the bees come back to life, but have'nt never brought into house. I leave it out in the shop and have'nt had any bees come out. Not sure why. I don't put anything on them to preserve them just leave them natural. I asked a guy that collects them and he said that if you put stuff on them it'll deteriate the paper and will fall apart. I have had some of mine for 10yrs. and still look great.

[Nutso]

I have heard that the birds will totally distroy a nest while it is dormant.

Usually the best time to harvest the nest is while it is dormant (late fall, winter). I put them in a black garbage bag, then place in a sunny spot for a few days, any remaining hornets will die.

I have a few that I have collected over the years. I think they are beautiful.

[nbtrapper]

thanks for the tips guys i'll let you know how i make out with it.