Cold bird morning, Deer evening

Well, the snow on Monday stopped the state from stocking birds for Tuesday so they were doubling up the stocking for today. I was so psyched because I knew that the place would have a bunch of birds...WRONG! It was a very cold morning...only 6 degrees. It was cold with the birds too. Greg and I did manage to get one bird at the crest of the right side of the hill but that's the only bird we saw all day. We didn't hear much shooting at all, saw hardly any tracks in the snow and all the other guys we met up with said the same thing. What happened to the double stocking?! What a crappy way to end the season! As soon as I left the woods, I headed home to drop off the dog, change and zoomed to Gianna's basketball tournament. As soon as that was over I went behind the recycling center. It was a beautiful afternoon and the post was really enjoyable...I didn't see a thing, however. I saw only two tracks from deer in the snow as well.

Snow on the ground...

Went deer hunting up at the club today. It snowed like crazy on Tuesday (got about 2 feet) and I so i was excited to go deer hunting at the club to see what kind of tracks there were. I went up to 13 to see if the feeder was still up and working and to see if the tracks would be leading into it. I was surprised to see not one deer track heading into the feeder. So I decided to go to 9 instead. I sat up on the mound. I only saw a fox but it was a really nice sit. All except for my back killing me so I had a hard time sitting still. The club didn't get as much snow as I did but it was nice just the same.

Really slow day

Went bird hunting today...it was a really slow day. Greg and I both skunked. They hardly stocked anything...no shots heard anywhere.

Cockbirds galore!!

It's the last Saturday of bird season. I went up to Flatbrook and met up with Greg. We walked down the road again and started on the left side of the field. I can't necessarily say where all the flushes were but all I can say is omg, they were everywhere. We saw a few birds in the field but nothing to shoot at. We doubled back to get into the woods and as we were the guys at the end of the field kicked up a bird and he flew our way. I shot him as a crossing shot...I was happy, I usually miss those. Now into the woods and that's when everything happened. There were cockbirds running everywhere. Bacci kicked up a few, he was in sensory overload...we were in sensory overload trying to get to all the running birds. We made a lot of "through the trees" shots and missed a lot. It was a ton of fun though. At the end, Greg ended up with two birds that he didn't shoot...one Bacci pounced on before he could get up and the other someone else shot and couldn't find but Bacci did.

After bird hunting I went to the Tower to sit for deer with the bow. It was a crisp, sunny day. So wonderful to be in the tree!! At 2:30 I saw a small deer, looked to be a button, walking up the hill about 60 yards away. I saw a fox and a flock of turkeys. Nothing else...but it was wonderful! Can't wait to get back out for deer! I missed it!

No, I'm not Goldie Locks!

Went to the club today to do a drive with Tony and Greg. I got up there a bit early and sat at the end of the field that 10 is on. Shortly afterwards I saw Tony coming out of the woods so I met him and we waited for Greg. Once he got there, around 8:30, we planned the days drives. We started with the first pit near 10. I posted near the entrance road and the only reason I mention this (because we didn't see any deer) is because I found out a few hours later that Tony walked in on 3 bears underneath stand 10!! Glad they waited a while to tell me. We continued pushing the left side of the property. We moved over to push the river and make our way up the right side. I posted up on the hilltop where I was turkey hunting in the Spring, near the river bottom. Tony sat at stand 9 and Greg pushed the river bottom. As I sat on the hillside, I heard a loud rustling in the leaves right on the other side of some brush from where I was sitting. A minute later I heard Tony shoot. I waited for Greg to catch up and we went to meet Tony. He had taken a spike that I had apparently spooked away from me. That was the only deer all day. We pushed the rest of the property but never found another. I did a short sit at night near the #9 stand.

He's just not listening anymore...

I don't know what happened or when it happened but Bacci has just decided that he didn't need to listen to me anymore. This is the second week in a row that Bacci just runs and runs and doesn't listen to me. When I went quail hunting with Danny he listened like a champion, but not anymore. I went to Flatbrook with Greg yesterday. We started on the left edge of the field this time to try and avoid the crowd. It was a good choice because we weren't being pushed and as luck would have it, Bacci went on point immediately on entering the field. He held until we were able to get set and then a hen exploded from the field. Greg and I both shot simultaneously which, at it's close distance, was not the best thing to do...I guess that's a stir-fry bird. We continued into the field. I realized that I had forgotten my whistle in the truck. So we continued on to the end of the field and doubled back to the hill. That's where Bacci proceeded to run wild. He flushed two birds on the hill in his craziness. We worked around the hillside and towards the parking area so I could get my whistle. We worked the hillside and then went to the mountain...again working the hillside and again Bacci ran crazy. He flushed another bird. At this point I wasn't having fun. We went across the street and worked that for a bit...back to the truck and had a drink. It has been two hours now and things have pretty much calmed down. Greg and I went back out to work the river and Bacci decided to be a good listener. He worked close and I started enjoying it again. We worked the river and then hopped to the other side to work the swamp. Working our way to the edge of the swamp Bacci went on point...he held while Greg made his way to him. As Greg got closer the bird flushed. It was a hen and there were trees in between me and her and trees in between Greg and her. We both managed to get a few shots off but with little hope of hitting her. I saw where she came down so we tried to follow her and hunt her again. We made our way to the edge of the swamp and then into the field. We worked the field and couldn't find her. As we were about to go back into the swamp, Bacci went on point. We got close and the bird tried to fly and couldn't. Bacci pounced on her. Apparently we had hit her and broke her wing. A great ending to a somewhat crappy beginning.

Need to find a new place...

It's just too damned crowded! Went to Flatbrook and met up with Greg, along with a thousand of his closest friends. Went through the first field and on the way in, we didn't put anything up. We turned to come back and as we got towards the end we put up a hen. I missed twice (bit shock there) and we thought she went into the point. As we were looking in there someone else came along and flushed a cockbird. I shot and, yup, you guessed it, I missed. We went across the road and found the hen...put it up and Greg got her. As we went around the hill Bacci flushed another cockbird which was too far to get a shot. We doubled back over the top because Bacci was on scent. We followed it up and over until we found a cockbird tucked next to a tree...he took off but never flew high or far. Bacci chased him down and got him. When we got him we were at the bottom of the hill near the little field so we popped out into the hedgerow where Bacci put up another hen...Greg got him. So, if you're keeping score that's two for Greg, one for Bacci and none for me. We were going to work the field but there were a lot of guys so we went back into the woods and towards the parking lot. We got to the top of the hill and Bacci saw a cockbird almost at the same time as I did. I had him on one side, Bacci on the other and Greg cut off the escape...so it was triangularly surrounded. It decided to fly straight up and I finally connected on a bird! It was a good day all in all.

Quail with Danny...

As the title would indicate, I went quail hunting with Danny today. I got up at 3:15 and made the two hour trek down to Danny's house. He lives only 5 minutes from Greenwood which is where we went. Met up with 6 of his buddies and their two brits. It is certainly a different experience down there...walking in the sand and pine trees...field after field after field...broken up only by small woodlots of pine. Very interesting. There were hardly any guys whatsoever and despite the fact that Danny and the rest of the guys said that it was the slowest that it's ever been, I thought that there were a decent amount of birds and it was fun. All except for the time when we put up a bird and as I shot, some guy started yelling that I was shooting too close to him. I, of course, wasn't...this guy was just being an ass. Up in Flatbrook, I'm used to guys being around...I guess they aren't "down south". I did end up getting two birds but came home with 6. Danny gave me Bert's birds and the other guys chipped in too. All in all it was a really fun time. Couldn't go deer hunting because I have to get back to the hospital to spend it with my mom.

I've never seen so many birds!

Started out the day by going up to Flatbrook to hunt pheasants. It was more crowded than I could ever remember seeing it. I mean, crazy crowded. We, Greg and I, stepped into the first field and all hell broke loose. There were birds EVERYWHERE. Too many birds, actually. It was actually a bit scary for the first 10 minutes with guys shooting everywhere. Here are the things that I can remember...Greg and I couldn't shoot for anything and missed a whole lot of birds. Secondly, we both got our two birds each, but I just can't remember where. There were too many shots, too many birds, too many opportunities for me to remember which ones we actually connected on. I also remember that after that first bit of insanity, we walked all the way towards the back down the riverside and then back around through the swamp side. As was the mode of the day, we did see a bird going down the riverside but she flushed and flew too low to the ground so I didn't want to take the shot. Couldn't find her again. On the way back we flushed a bird while going through the swamp and as we were going to find where he landed, some other guys beat us to it. We worked our way back to the hillside. By now the crowd had dissipated a bit and we walked through the hillside. To our surprise, we put up a cockbird on the top of the hill. It was totally unprovoked but must have been walking around and got spooked by us. Then we walked down the left side and put up a hen bird that was tucked into the briars. We carefully got ourselves ready...called in the dog to get a good sniff and when we were ready, we had her come out and flush...we shot four times and apparently missed!! We went to where we thought the bird landed and scoured the area...couldn't find her. We decided to move along. Just past where we found the hen in the briars, Bacci started getting birdy again. I saw what he was working on, a hen tucked into the bottom of a tree. Again, Greg and I got ready...called in the dog and when she took off...we both shot and MISSED AGAIN! This is crazy...this is horrible! We walked along into the swamp and as we were rounding the bottom of the hill in the swamp Bacci went on point. As we got closer a hen took off...I wasn't letting her get away this time! We decided to head back to the trucks because I wanted to get to deer hunting. As we were just about to the truck, Bacci went on point. This bird was a dead hen...right where we thought the one we shot at earlier had landed. We think that it was the same bird...that she had died and we couldn't find her.

I then headed off to the dump to see if I could find some bucks. It was a beautiful day out and I enjoyed sitting there tremendously. At around 2:30 I heard a bunch of noise behind me. It was a flock of turkeys picking their way towards me. They came in on me and got a little startled and took off running back to where they came. About 20 minutes later a spike buck walked across the top, towards the dump area and about 40 yards away from me. He walked straight across and into the field. A little while later, the turkeys ventured back to me...as they were feeding around, the spike walked back towards me. Then, the turkeys actually chased him away! One or two of the birds would walk towards him and he would walk away...then they would pursue and he would walk away and this went on until the spike was out of sight. At around 3:00, that guy that is starting to really piss me off came walking into the woods. He wasn't in camo, but jeans and a sweatshirt. He walked in the woods towards his stand, circled and left. I have no clue...but he's starting to get on my nerves. When we walked through the turks were still there. I thought they would have flown off but they just sort of side-stepped him and that was it. That was the only bit of action I saw all day.

Pretty crowded day, but more birds...

Went to Flatbrook today. It was a whole lot more crowded than on opening day. Perhaps because it's Veteran's day today. Some guy started to walk into the field well before shooting time, he said he wanted to get to the hedgerow. Either way, as he got in front of where we normally start he said he saw a "shitload of birds" there so he backed out. We told him that's why we don't go in until shooting time and he walked away. Of course we started out there. Soon after getting in we put up a double...one cockbird went to Greg's way and one to mine. I started at the one that went Greg's way and realized that the other one would be a better choice. I shot twice and the bird went down. As I started walking to where it went down I saw a hen moving in the field at my feet. She didn't run far but wouldn't fly. Each time I bent down to get her she moved a little further. I couldn't get the dog to come and help me and just then, a hen (not the hen...I'll explain later) took off and Greg shot at her, he missed. I went back to the task of getting my cockbird...where was he? I KNOW he went down. Down dead? That I'm not sure about. I worked Bacci back and forth over and over and couldn't find him. After looking for quite some time we moved on. When we got to the end of the field we decided to work it back. We did, to the point, and I went inside. I got to the end near the road and Greg was on the outside. I heard running in the brush and told Greg to get ready. Just then, I heard the wings of the bird flying down the road. Greg saw a flash of her but nothing else. We worked the remainder of the field and decided to go across the street. Up the hill and into the woods. We did and found nothing. We worked our way down until we came parallel to the hillside we usually like later. Crossed back over the road and headed for the hillside. After breaking through the brush, we came to a blow-down. I saw a feather on the ground and we jokingly said that there was a hen in the blow-down. Bacci had started to run up the hill a little...when just then, a cockbird took off from the middle of the hill and right to me and Greg. We both shot and the bird went down. We continued to putz around and go back to the truck.

I had planned on going deer hunting this afternoon but Jeannie has to work late and I don't want to leave the kids home alone for that long.

Quick trip to Berkshire and then deer...

I went for a quick trip to Berkshire for birds this morning. I knew Greg was going and would meet him there but decided to leave the dog at home because there are usually a ton of guys there and they are all whackos. Well, as luck would have it, it wasn't crowded at all. I met up with Greg and we started in at the right of the first field. As we walked along he spotted a cockbird in a low tree. I decided that, because Greg spotted it first, I would get it out of the tree and he would get first shot. I threw a stick at it...and I could have sworn I heard him laugh at me! Another...and another...and another. Finally, on the last stick he flew...back over me and towards Greg. He shot first and missed...so I shot...missed...then Greg...then me. 4 shots and I watched the bird sail off towards the swamp where someone else quickly dispatched it. Lovely! Sometimes, waiting and planning is harder than just instincts. We continued along and within a few minutes, I heard some walking in the hedgerow...it didn't take long for a hen to get up and fly away. Neither one of us had a shot at her...again, she headed towards the swamp and we watched her fly away. We continued on and before heading back to the truck decided to go up the hillside and walk towards the trucks. Although it was a haul up the hill, we did see a hen when we got to the top. She was running away from us...and her legs were better than mine because I couldn't catch up. When she deemed that she was a safe distance from us she took off...she was right! She was safe.

I went to the tower for deer. It was a beautiful day!! At around 2:30 I saw a black blob in the distance. I quickly realized that a flock of turkeys were feeding toward me. I watched them until they walked off. At around 4:00, a deer appeared to my right. It was a small spike/button and he walked directly toward me and stopped under my stand. He actually started playing with my haul rope...licking it and playing with the carabiner at the end. He walked off and I saw nothing else. What a great day!

Opening day of Pheasant...

I had a great day of hunting today! Started out by going to Flatbrook for pheasants. Went to the normal parking area and was surprised how few guys there were there. Not that there wasn't a lot of guys, but I expected more. Started out on the field with Greg and again, was surprised...not one bird to be found! There was little shooting for opening day. After the first field didn't work out we went across to the hill. Worked our way around and Bacci pointed us a cockbird that was tucked up under a log. He was a low flyer but I managed to get him. We continued on when at the end of the hill Bacci pointed another bird...a dead one. It was a freshly killed hen so Greg took her. We continued down and through the swamp. Bacci pointed another hen...but when she went up there was a tree between her and I...Greg shot but missed. I came around the tree but I missed as well. We continued on through the swamp and came to the end. We walked up the hill and as we walked along the ridgeline, we saw a hen bird about a mile up in a tree. We normally try to shake the bird out but this thing was so far up the tree there was no way. So I decided to take her. We continued on the hilltop. When Bacci saw a cockbird walking...he went to the bird and he took off. Sort of running, sort of flying...he did take off (but didn't want to)...Greg was able to get a shot off...I wasn't. We walked down the hill and towards the area that we thought the bird went. As we walked around I saw a hen, just walking around. We followed her waiting for Bacci to come in and point her. We tried to wrangle her towards a good shooting lane for Greg. When Bacci caught up to us she immediately flew and Greg shot her. It was a really fun opening day.

I then went to the Recycle (dump) to sit for deer. At around 4:30 ish, a button buck came in and started feeding under my feeder. I watched him for just about a half hour when my feeder went off. It scared the crap out of him and he took off. That was all I saw for the rest of the night. I'll hopefully be back at it on Tuesday.

Two bucks...no shots

I took off of work today. I was going to go after that buck that I saw. I headed out to the dump. By the time I dropped off Dani at school it was too late for a morning sit so I decided, with the rut starting up, that I would sit in the woods from 10 until about 1, which is what I did. I saw nothing, but it sure was beautiful out. I went to my truck and tried to take a nap...I think I may have fallen asleep briefly but I couldn't wait to get back in the woods. So, at 2:30 I got back in my tree. I moved down the hill about 40 yards so that my tree isn't up on the hillside...when you're up a tree that's up a hill it seems like you'r a mile in the air and I am never sitting comfortably.

At 4:00, from the bottom, I saw a buck coming towards me. I stood up, got my bow in hand and waited for him to come to me. He quickly closed the distance. He was either a six or and eight with the brow tines...couldn't really tell. I came to full draw while he walked behind a tree...he's at 35 yards and he stopped! He saw me and was trying to figure out what it was. He wasn't overly concerned and took another step. I only need him to take one or two more steps...he put his head up in the air...gave it a sniff...decided he didn't like it and then turned around and went back the same way he came.

4:45, that same guy that put up his stand 30 yards from me came walking in the woods. I saw him climbing a tree that was 50 yards from me. Well...I moved 40 and he was 50 from me...so I guess I can't complain. Just about dark...but I don't want to get down until he does. I don't see so well in the dusk time so I don't mind getting down a minute or two early because I can't see well anyway. But I didn't want to mess him up. Just then...walking across the bottom of the hill I have movement to my left. A deer, I can see it's a buck but I don't know how big, passes through the branches to my left and right up to where my stand WAS. I was just about to get frustrated that I moved when he walked down the hill and right past me...at 20 yards. I can see that he's a buck, but I can't tell how big. In this area, you have to make sure that he's got three points on one side so I didn't shoot. I was at full draw and he was stopped at 20 yards. I let up and let him walk...and he slowly walked around me. He headed out to the middle of the property and then I think I heard the other guy shoot...either that or he was making noise getting down from his stand because he didn't see the deer coming at him. Either way, the deer made a bunch of noise...like it was either taking off or going down...one of the two. As i was getting out of the tree I kept looking for the other guy's light to see what he was doing but I never saw it. Not sure if that buck is alive or not.

It's aliiiiivee!

I went to the dump today to see if the guy moved his stand and to refill the feeder. I walked out of my truck...got the bag of corn and headed out...as I turned the corner...there in the middle of the path was the deer I saw on Saturday!!!! I'm taking off work on Wednesday and try to get a crack at him!!

Biggest deer ever!

Ok, so I headed to the dump today. I got into the tree at around 3ish after a morning of raking leaves at home. I got up into the tree and noticed a loc on stand only 30 yards from my tree!! I couldn't even concentrate because all I thought about was that guy hanging a stand 30 yards away from my feeder! All was calm...just watching the squirrels...it's was a beautiful, but windy day. At 4:00 I heard the leaves rustling (more than the squirrels)...I look to my right and it's that guy that lives across the field. He waves to me and tells me that he has a stand in the woods. I asked him if it was his lock on and he said yes. I said to him, did it occur to you that my feeder was 30 yards from your stand. He had the nerve to say, but no one was here for a month. As if that would matter...but it wasn't true anyway. He apologized and walked off.

At around 5:30 I was looking around and heard something behind me. As soon as I took a peak I saw that it was a deer. I turned slightly and saw horns...and lots of them...and they were big. I think it ended up only being a 6 or so, but the tines were tall, had nice mass and the spread was wide. A really good buck by anyone's standards. By the time I got my bow, grabbed the string with my release the deer was on his way out. He paused at 25 yards to look at me but left quickly. I grunted twice but he wasn't interested. He disappeared to the middle of the woods where the guy went...I saw the deer stop and then take off running. Not sure if the guy got a shot off or spooked the deer. I didn't see either one after that.

Hopefully our paths will cross again.

3 shots...really?!

Went to the club today. Got there around 2:00 and decided to go to stand 13. It was absolutely a beautiful day...a little breezy, but really nice. Before I got into the stand I decided that I wanted to shoot a few arrows to make sure that everything is still good. I shot from 15 yards out to 30 at a water bottle and nailed it every time...I was good to go. I got into the stand and just really enjoyed sitting there. At around 5:30 I saw movement up the hill in the bushes. It was two deer...didn't see what, but they were quickly gone. About 20 minutes later, through the trees I could see movement and it was a doe heading towards my stand. I was calm and waited for her to be broadside. I had ranged the spot to be around 21 yards and I let the arrow fly. Whiz, right over her her back...what happened?! I slowly reached around and got another arrow...nocked it and by this time, she was joined by another doe. The second doe gave me a nice broadside shot and then whiz...over her back again. Ok...I suck. How could I miss high twice...I shot right before I got into the stand!? The first doe took off but the second one ran right under my stand...about 5 yards away. I wondered if I could risk getting another arrow. She started to inch forward and gave me the opportunity to get another arrow. I nocked it and this time held lower. The shot was quartering away and the arrow went right through her from the top back, through her chest and out her left leg...busting the left leg. That put her down right away. I climbed out of the stand and although she was hit hard, I decided that I wanted to put another arrow through her heart to put her down...which I did. I walked to the truck to get rope to drag her and by the time I got back, she was done. Three shots...REALLY!?

Finally scored! What an adventure...

Ok, so after taking the day off to go golfing in the morning (with Terry the Scot), I headed to the Tower for some afternoon action. I had a good feeling about the day even though it was pretty windy. The weather was nice, around 50 and the sun was peeking in and out throughout the day. I settled in to the tree around 3...and was right near where I had been seeing deer. I tried to get myself right where I saw the does from the prior time there. At around 4:30 or so the action started. I had three does work towards me from along the bottom (from the direction of the tower). They started working up the hill and got to about 35 yards from me. One doe, the biggest, came around the front and looked right at me. She didn't like what she saw but started walking towards me. I drew back when her head was behind a tree and then, around 30 yards out...facing me, she stopped still. I held for as long as I could but then had to let down. When I did she took off blowing. To my surprise, the other two that were with her didn't blow. They just kept feeding. I then noticed that there was a buck in tow with them. He was small...maybe it was the pencil 4 from the last time. He chased after them up the hill...and then a few moments later, back down the hill and then they were gone.

A half hour or so later I noticed movement near the apartments. A nicer buck walked along the wall and up the hill. Never came close enough for a better look but when it got to the top of the hill I heard a loud noise. I could only see shadows but it looked like he was in a fight with another buck...and then it sounded like a tree came down and they were gone. lol

After that excitement I just stood in my stand as it started to get dark. As I thought of the day, I listened to all the squirrels around when movement caught my eye. Right behind me, to the right was a deer...not a squirrel. It was right under my stand. I froze and watched as it came right under my stand and stopped. I wondered if I was going to get a shot but was fairly certain that I would so I tried to remain calm. As I watched, it turned and started to walk off...I drew back and when it turned sideways, I let an arrow fly. Just as I did two years ago, I spined it and it went right down. I had to hit it with another arrow but it was right under my stand. I drew and shot...this time it just grazed it. It was essentially right under me. It dragged itself down the hill a little and I took yet another arrow and shot. This time getting it right in the front. I must have missed the heard because it didn't die. It must have been too far forward. Well, I was out of arrows and out of patience and I felt bad for the deer...so down the tree. I got to the deer and slit it's throat. Huh...still didn't die. So, I removed the arrow from it's back...walked around to the front of it and plunged the arrow by hand right into the heart. Within a minute the deer died...finally.

I gutted the deer and got my stuff together. I started the drag out...hmmm... sure does seem like I've been walking for a while. Why didn't I find the tower...it's kind of dark...where am I?! Those are some of the things that were going threw my head. I missed my mark and got totally turned around. I kept thinking that I was below the tower and that I would eventually hit the street...but instead I was still above the tower and walked further and further from my truck. As I was walking, I kept looking out for some sign of direction and stopped paying attention to where I was walking...THUD...I fell on something and as I went down and cracked my knee...my stand came up and smacked me on the back of the head. I saw stars. I got up and continued...following lights that I could see through the trees. I finally realized that I was on the edge of the woods, at the back of someone's backyard. I sat down...turned off the flashlight and called the police. I wanted them to know from me before they got a call. I left the deer in the woods and walked to the house. I needed to let them know I had a deer behind the house AND to find out where the heck I was. Well, I knocked on the door but no one was home...so I went to the next door neighbor. Some guy answers and I said "Hi, my name is Keith and I got a little lost and I was wondering if you could help me"...he said "no" and closed the door. WTF! I walked down the street a little and went to another person. It was a really nice kid and his father...after going inside to Google it...he came out and they both helped me find my way. I had walked clear into the next town!! I found my way back to my truck and then drove back to get my deer. What an unforgettable night!

Lucky 4-pointer...

Went out today and it was beautiful...just gorgeous weather. The morning was chilly and still and I went behind the job. All was quiet, however. The only bit of excitement was the fox that came to visit. A nice big one too...then I went to Dani's softball game.

The afternoon I went behind the dump. By this time the wind had picked up. It was still nice, but now pretty breezy. I got into the tree at around 3:00. At 5:00 I saw the old guy that lives across the way come into the woods and walk across. Pretty much as soon as he disappeared from sight, I saw movement coming my way. I stood up and got ready. What appeared was a pretty nice looking four point buck. He came to within 10 yards of me and decided to hang out there for about 45 minutes. So, for this entire time I was standing pretty darn still. I didn't want to spook him just in case someone else was coming. Alas, no one else decided to show up that night. It was cool to watch him though.

Damned Coyote...

I went behind the tower today. It was a beautiful day...a little breezy, but nice. I decided that I was going to try and go below the apartments so I can get to where I saw those bucks the last time I was there. I took my time getting to a tree and was set up and ready by 3:30. By around 5:10 I saw movement from higher up the hill walking towards me. A group of about 6 deer stopped about 60 yards away from me (almost where I sat the last time). They were feeding in the area when all of a sudden they started blowing. I was downwind so I knew they didn't smell me...they started to run. I hadn't moved...what happened? Then, I saw a coyote running towards the group. He followed the group out of sight. About 10 minutes later he came trotting back. Damn Yote!!

At around 6:20 I small buck came from up the hill to my left. It walked calmly to me and under my stand. I did draw on the deer but determined that he was too small. I think that he was a fork...maybe a 5, but with the little pencils on his head it was hard to tell. I let him walk.

Right after the rain...

Started out the day behind work...the weather was perfect...started getting cool...and it had been raining so I expected a good day. I started the morning out behind work. The only thing I saw was two foxes...one that came out right under my stand. I looked around for another tree to possibly get in and found that someone else's stand is right around the corner. I'll stay where I am, thank you.

I headed up to the club in the afternoon. I got there and in the stand around 3. I walked to the Dip Stand but felt like I was so out in the open and there weren't many shooting opportunities there. Maybe with the gun. So I went to the Swamp Stand. I kept hearing an ATV all afternoon. Sounded like they were close enough to be on our property but I couldn't tell. At around 4, someone came walking across the field and through the hedgerow. I looked through the range finder but couldn't tell who it was...no one that I recognized. The worst part was, he came walking out again around 6. He's nuts! I saw nothing...thought I would so I was disappointed.

Off into the distance...

Went out to the Recycle today...The weather was really nice...it's starting to cool down a bit. I saw three does but they were in the middle of the property and never came close. They showed up around 5:30.

Full mood, hot as hell and windy...

Not the heading that is going to give you a feeling of a good hunting day, right? I went behind my company this morning and saw nothing. It was pretty warm but not terrible, but saw nothing. The moon was shining like it was daytime. I left the woods and went to softball. I decided to stay for softball and not go back to the woods in the afternoon.

Two bucks fighting...

I went to the tower today...it is a beautiful day. Sunny, breezy and seasonal weather. I was conscious of not going all the way up this time because the guy I spoke with last time told me that I shouldn't be. So I walked a little lower down...well, by the time I found a tree, it was too late...I was just about in the same spot I had been lately. I set up by 3 and was ready. It was all quiet up until around 6:30...I happened to peer backwards and saw movement. It was far away so I had a hard time seeing what it was...but then it was clear, I was seeing two bucks fighting. I had my video camera on my bow and tried to video it on the bow. Eventually it became too difficult so I took the camera off the bow, put the bow down and just video recorded.

After about 10 minutes of watching that, I heard them coming up the hill towards me. I tried to swing around to get a better look (knowing that I couldn't shoot the bucks because they were too small and I haven't gotten my doe yet). Well, when I peeked around the tree, I saw that it wasn't the two bucks walking towards me, but two does! and all I have in my hand is the camera! I quickly stashed the camera in my pocked and slowly picked up my bow...I had leaves to the left of me blocking me from the does view. As they approached my right side I got myself all set for the shot. Once they clear the leaves they are about 12 yards from me. I wait...and I wait. I can see them milling around through the leaves and then suddenly I can't see them any more. I squat down and can't see the deer any longer. Somehow, they disappeared. After waiting some more time for it to get totally dark. I climb down and head home.

Quads, quads, quads....

I started the morning behind the company. The weather was beautiful. I kept looking to my left (where the buck came from) and to the right (where the does came from) the prior week. As luck would have it, two deer came from behind and must have seen my movement (or caught my scent) and took off like their ass was lit on fire. Shortly after, I heard a deer snorting from behind. I didn't move so it must have caught my scent and it kept blowing. I noticed that it wasn't leaving so I turned ever so slowly and saw a deer in the bushes. I watched the deer worked very slowly to me and just as it was getting to the clearing I drew back. I held (and held and held and held) and suddenly saw that it was a button buck. I heard blowing from further back so I knew that there wasn't just the button. I finally let the arrow down and the button looked at me. He was spooky then...stomping. I waited and saw the other deer...it was a smallish doe but I was going to take her if given the opportunity. She started to walk down the same clearing and after what seemed like forever, I drew back and when I did...the button must have seen the movement and took off. At least I got to see the deer. Oh...by the way...the feeder still isn't working!

In the afternoon I went to the tower. When I was walking into the woods I noticed a quad parked on the hill. I know that there was that kid hunting up there. Several times during the evening two other quads rode around. This went on the entire time and screwed up the hunt.

I suck...again!

I know I posted this same heading once before...but apparently I still do!!

I went to the tower today. I got in around 2:00 and set up nearer to the apartments this time. I had seen deer hugging the side of that hill last year. It was a nice day...mid 70's but windy. At around 4, a herd of about 8-10 deer came running down the hill...but further away from me. Maybe they were spooked by the wind...I don't know. Then at around 5, I was standing up and noticed movement behind me. There were 7 does (3 does and 4 fawns) walking behind me. They were almost in range. I saw one of the does starting to walk in a path that would put her in range so I drew back. I held for what seemed like forever. My arms started burning but she finally stepped to a spot that was at about 24 yards and I let the arrow fly. A clean miss...what the hell?! She ran away...but then started to circle back. I quickly stumbled for a new arrow...and she came to THE SAME SPOT. I put the pin on her chest...right behind the shoulder...I clearly remember thinking to be calm...take a good shot and fling! She took off running. I knew I missed the first one...but this one I wasn't sure. I mean...everything was right!! So I got down...found both arrows...right next to one another. Both were clean and there wasn't a drop of blood anywhere. Another miss. I SUCK!! Well...at this point it's only 5 so I got back into my tree and climbed. I got to the top..strapped in and heard something behind me. Two more deer coming down the same path. One problem...my bow is on the ground. I quickly hauled it up and nocked an arrow. I'm not sure if the deer saw or heard me or if they were just going down a different path but they avoided me. Then they circled around and one of them started to walk back towards me...from the top. When she got about 50 yards she looked in my direction and decided that she didn't like what she saw...and she turned and slowly walked away. That was the last deer I saw. I saw a lot of them...but omg...what is my problem!?

Wow...what a ride!!

I went to the recycle today. I got in the woods around 2:00 and fought with the camera arm. I couldn't get that dang thing to snug up to the tree...i'll work on it tomorrow. Anyway...at 5:00 it looks like someone turned out the lights. All of a sudden...the wind starting picking up. I mean REALLY picking up. I did see a deer coming in from the bottom and she walked up towards the edge of the field and just stood there, frozen while the wind started really whipping up. She got spooked and took off running...I, on the other hand, had to hang on tight as my tree was whipped all around and I was pelted by falling debris. Then the heavens opened up and it POURED. I got absolutely soaked to the bone and contemplated getting down...but it was too late...I decided just to sit out the storm. About a half hour later it calmed down...the rain slowed and the sky lightened up a bit. Around 6:00 ish I had a doe come from the dumpside behind me and skitter into the field. Then, right at dark, another deer came from the field into the woods at the downside of me. I was surrounded but nothing came close. Surprised that there was no interest in the feeder whatsoever. Lots of acorns all around though...heard them dropping the whole night.

Opening Day!!

What a gorgeous day!! It was a clear 56 degrees when I entered the woods at work. I got up the tree and at 6:22 got a text from TJ saying that he got a doe. I have to admit, that did deflate my spirits a bit...that's so stupid. By around 7:30 I saw some movement to my left. I stood up and had a 3 point buck walk right under my stand. He stood there for a while...walked over to the feeder and looked at it...almost asking it to please dispense some of that yellow goodness. Of course, the feeder didn't work for some reason. He passed within 14 yards of me. He walked off and shortly after I saw movement to the field. It appeared to me that there were 2-3 deer on the field's edge around 113 yards away. I waited for them to walk by but they didn't. I sat down...and as I sat I saw a pair of legs sneaking through the brush that was 60 yards in front of me. I don't know what it was (buck or doe) but I know that they weren't spooked by me...I had good wind.

I got out of the woods and went to Dani's first softball game. They got creamed! lol I headed up to the club for the afternoon. I sat in stand 10. It was really nice all except for the blazing sun that was beating on me making me sweat bullets! At around 5:30 I had two does walk into the middle of the field...they milled around there for a little bit and walked off (opposite of me). That was it for the night. Greg was in 14 and he saw a fawn and a button. Tony was in 13 and he shot a "hairless" spike which he left there because he said he didn't realize it was a spike until he shot it. Grrrr.

Back out on Monday...going to the Recycle.

4 days left!!

I absolutely can't wait. I took off Monday and Tuesday so I have the three days all planned out. I'm going to hunt behind my company on Saturday morning and then head to the club for the afternoon. I'm going to spend all day at Recycling on Monday and all day at Tower on Tuesday...bring it on!!

So remiss...

I've been very remiss in writing anything. Not that I've lost interested in writing...I just have been so busy lately. Ok....so the season starts in just two weeks and I can't be more excited. Two nights ago we had our annual safety meeting for the cull hunt. Not much has changed other than the town would like us to not get any closer to houses than the current 450 feet. Even though the state has amended that for bow hunting to be 150 feet (which is WONDERFUL) It doesn't bother me to stay where I am. The spots that I hunt are just on the border so for me, relaxing the restrictions to 150 just makes me feel more comfortable where I'm at.

Before I went on vacation I went up to the club to fix up a bunch of stands. Tony said that we were going to possibly try food plots this year. While I was on vacation, Tony called to see if I wanted to go to the club. I obviously couldn't...so I'm assuming that they went there to plant.

Well...other than the occasional walk through the woods that I've been doing during lunch...I'm just waiting anxiously for Sept. 11th!!

Working at the club...

Well...when you're itching to get out there and all you could do is dream about that opening morning climbing up a tree...what else can you do...but go to the club and work! Me, Tony, Greg and Bob got together to do some work on the stands. We kicked butt too. At first, Bob and I went to 10 where we mowed down the field in front of the stand. I used the DR mower for a while but then it was too much for the machine and Bob went and got the bulldozer. Watching that thing work is amazing. While we were there, Tony and Greg went to 3. We finished 10 and went to 14 and cleared that all out. The new stand that Greg and Tony build looks great! Then, as Bob finished on 14 I went to 3 to help out. We also worked on the swamp stand and 4. We decided we'll need a new stand at 4.

All in all it was a good day's work...hot as Hades, but good.

Already?!

I know that it's early...but holy cow, I'm obsessively waiting for bow season ALREADY!

They are teasing me!!

I had to head up to the club today to get some rocks for my front wall. I show up and what do I see in the first field? 5 TURKEYS!! They stayed there the entire time that I was loading rocks into my truck...I think I saw one of them stick his tongue out at me!! Dang turkeys!!

I hate turkey hunting...

I decided to start the day by Cadillac. I get in at dark, right before sun up and I sit. As soon as it get's sort of light, two birds gobble...and they are close! I looked across the ravine and two birds are roosted within sight of me!! I watched them while they would occasionally gobble. I used a soft yelp and cluck, just once hoping that it would convince them to fly down towards me. They eventually flew straight down and, after a moment or two, I called lightly. The next thing I knew I heard them gobbling what seemed like forever away. Couldn't be the two birds that I JUST saw! I waited, convinced that they were coming in silent. and waited. and waited. Nothing. The two that I heard a good distance away WERE the two that came off roost. I tried to circle around them but never found them. I tried the rest of the property but nothing. Why do I keep turkey hunting?!

Close, but no cigar...this is frustrating

Ok, so I started the day by the old cow pasture. I figured I would try and call the birds while they are in the roost and give them an offer they couldn't refuse and they would fly down to me instead of the other side of the river. Ah, the best laid plans... No turkeys to be heard, seen or ...well, no turkeys. I did run and gun for about three hours in the cow pasture. I did manage to see a bunny though. She hopped up to about 2 feet away and then when she realized that I was there she almost had a heart attack. So, I decided to move over to Cadillac side. Same thing...run and gun for a while but nothing. I decided that I was going to get my blind out of the woods. So, I drove from the Cadillac side over to the other part of the property. Guess what I saw!! Two birds on the horse farm next door. So I boogied over and jumped out of the truck. I made my way around the backside of the horse farm, while still on our property, and started to call. Immediately they both came back with gobbles...and they were close! Game on!! The birds kept answering me back but sounded like they were walking back and forth. Not really coming closer. I worked the birds and would sneak a bit closer and work, then get closer and work. They wouldn't come any closer...the next problem is, I was running out of time. At 11:55 I decided that they weren't coming in to me and I snuck up the hill to see why. There was a fence separating my property with the horse farm. Perhaps that's why...not sure. I'll be back at them tomorrow.

Turkey - lot's of talkin.

I started out the morning near Stand 4. That's where I went in last Saturday and put up my blind. It's at the bottom of the field where the birds were roosting and hanging out last year. I got there before the sun, went into the blind and just as it was getting light I let out a few soft tree calls. I didn't hear a thing but waited for about 45 minutes. I eventually popped my head out of the blind and, from behind me, I could hear gobbling. Sounded like it was coming from the old cow pasture. I got out of the blind and made a bee line for the old pasture. As I approached from the down-hill side I could hear the gobbles loud now. I belly crawled to a bush on the edge of the hill that led down to the creek bottom. I sat behind the bush and started to call. As I did, the gobbles immediately answered. GAME ON! Well, this went on for some time but the gobbles didn't move...they stayed in the same spot. So I belly crawled out and tried to make my way around to their flank to the right. Sat for a bit and called...same thing...they kept answering back but wouldn't move. Ok, so this time, back in the center and I slid down the hill on my butt, keeping the bushes between me and the gobbles. When I got down further I sat up next to a bush and started calling. Again, they answered but wouldn't come closer. This time, however, I could hear a hen with them. So she and I apparently had a conversation too. She would talk back to me...then they boys would cheer...then I would talk and they would cheer. This went on for at least an hour or so...but they wouldn't move. I have been talking to these turkeys for about 2 1/2 hours now. It was time to try something drastic. I backed out and went all the way to the left where I could get into the creek bottom without being seen. It was thick but I managed to find a spot. Again...called and they answered. It was then that I realized that they were on the other side of the river. That's why they weren't coming in...they didn't want to cross the river. This went on for a short time and then they just shut up. I waited for about a half hour or so...but nothing. I backed out and continued to work around the property but never heard or saw anything else. Well, aside from another blind, which I'll assume is Bob's. It was set up in the swamp. I'll be back at it on Thursday. This time, right to the pasture. I want to see if I can call the birds to my side of the river from the roost.

Took a walk...

Obviously since the season ended there hasn't been much going on. I took a walk today up by the tower. I wanted to see what was up past the hill and look for sheds at the same time. I didn't find any sheds but I didn't realize that it flattened out at the top and that there were houses behind the apartments. It looks promising...lots of acorns. There are what seemed like heavily used trails (not deer, people...bikes...atv)...but it still may be ok. It was a beautiful day for a walk.

The season ended fittingly...

Today was the last day of bow hunting. What an unbelievably gorgeous day it was. The sun was shining, it was in the mid 40's...just beautiful. I decided to go to the water tower for the last day. I honestly had no expectations of seeing anything, but I just wanted to enjoy the woods for one last time before turkey season. I got into the woods around 2 and found an area in the snow where there were a crossroads of tracks. A good sign. At around 4:15 I saw 4 deer up the hill from me. They were around 80 yards away. They picked around there for a bit and then walked further up the hill. At 4:30ish, I had two walk about 50 yards below me. In this twosome was a buck that was still holding horn. Although only one. He looked to be that small buck that the big buck was chasing from earlier in the year. At around 5:00, I had another doe walk below me, again around 50 yards. Then, at just around dusk, I had six does come to about 50 yards from me. They made their way from under the apartment to up the hill. They were spooky. All the deer I saw tonight, with exception of the ones up the hill, were crossing from right to left (looking up the hill). Then, just as I was about to get down from the tree, I coyote followed that same 50 yard path below me.

So ends another season. It ended fittingly because, much like the entire season, the deer were around me, just not close enough for a shot. It was a great day in the woods however. The season was great. Although I only harvested one deer early on, I had more opportunity to hunt this year than ever before. Now...on to turkey!

Last day of muzzy...

I went to the club today. It was the last day of muzzy and I went to 10. Instead of going into the stand, however, I knelt in the snow in the hedgerow. There was almost a foot of snow on the ground and not many tracks so I didn't have high hopes. Turns out I was right...I didn't see anything. I left early because I was going out to dinner. One more week left (with the bow).

Blizzard....NOT!

We were supposed to have a blizzard today...well, happily, it didn't happen. I was planning on going out but if it was going to snow like a blizzard, well...I couldn't have. So I'm happy that there wasn't even a snowflake. I went up to the club and sat at 10. It was a gorgeous night...chilly and a bit windy, but by the time I sat in the stand the wind had died down. I was certain I was getting a deer tonight...as you could guess...I didn't see a thing. Time is running short!

Sit after a drive

I went to the club today. They boys were driving the property but I couldn't attend the drive. I decided to head up late, got into stand 3 at about 3. I didn't see anything. It was cold...only about 15 degrees. Gorgeous night....I heard turkeys making a racket down by the cadillac the entire time. Didn't know they were so vocal this time of year.

Still nada...but I'm on high alert...

Ok, so I'm going back to the club. Even after hearing about the bears. While I was driving up there I was trying to think were I was going to sit. The bears were a constant thought in my mind. When I got there, I actually contemplated sitting in the bed of my truck and letting THAT be my blind, but logic got the better of me and I went to 10. It was chilly but the wind made it downright cold. It was pretty gusty and I didn't see a thing. As I was leaving the woods I noticed that there was a full moon. I really should plan my days off better next time! Oh yeah...why was I on high alert? Well, I kept expecting to see Mama bear and her three baby bears. Thankfully I did not!

B...B....B...Bear!?

Ok, first let me start by saying, I didn't see a bear. Secondly, it was absolutely beautiful out. I took the day off to do some hunting. I headed up to the club and got there around 2ish. I decided to try a new spot so I went to #4. I sat up in the tree and felt so exposed. I used the range finder to check out my distances and when I did that, I noticed that there was a milk crate tucked into the brush about 50 yards away from me. Perfect! I got down out of the tree and sat in the brush. It was fantastic...a great hiding place. I sat there and just enjoyed the afternoon. I didn't see anything, surprised, but used to it at this point. When it got dark I made my way out. I ended up seeing Tony, Jeff and Brad. Tony saw two buttons but then proceeded to tell me that the Division of Fish and Game chased a mama and three cubs out of the neighborhood behind our property and on to our club. They are denned up between the first field and upper field on the side of the old pit. Lovely!! Tony did say that the Division will be back in March to dart them and move them. I sure the heck hope so or Turkey season will not be so fun!

It's amazing how good their hearing is...

That could also be entitled, "My season...what else could go wrong". I went out today and it was just gorgeous!! First I went in MP by the tower. I got in about a half hour or so before light and it was brisk out...about 24. I sat sort of near the tower, kind of where that ladder stand was...and as the sun came up, I saw such a beautiful orange ball rise out of the sky beyond the horizon. I saw about a million squirrels...but no deer. I got out of the tree and went home for lunch. Afterwards I headed to the club.

I got to the club around 1:30 and I was the only one there. The weather was absolutely beautiful and perfect. I sat in stand 10 and just really enjoyed the afternoon. Just about last light, I had a nice sized doe come within about 20 yards or so from my stand to my left. The problem is, I was expecting her to the right and I shoot lefty. So, as she was passing my tree, I turned. As I turned, apparently the sound of my butt against the wood is louder than I could perceive and she took off. Only a few steps...but away from me...behind me. So, I waited and waiting. We played a little stare down. I was being hidden by the tree so I decided, because she wasn't going to come back, I was going to stand up and try to swing around the tree. Well, she didn't like that too much. Don't know if she saw me (which I don't think) or heard me...but she wasn't sticking around anymore. It was a beautiful day.

A beautiful day in the neighborhood!

It was absolutely gorgeous out! With the weather the way it's been lately, to have a day that was in the mid to high 40's and sunny is just priceless. I decided to sit in the morning with my bow at the Recycling Center. I got in well before light to my same tree. This is the first time I've been there since the construction that is going on. Well, they sure did tear up part of the woods. The other thing that I noticed when the sun came up was how open it is without all the leaves. I haven't been there for a while. I didn't stay long...between the construction and the leaves, i felt like I was wayyy to out in the open.

I headed to the club in the afternoon. When I got there, I have to admit, I was a bit frustrated. There were three trucks...Tony, Greg and someone else's that I didn't recognize. The frustrating part was that they didn't put on the map where they were so I couldn't plan where I wanted to go. I didn't want to walk in and find them. So I decided to go to my blind. Even though that's not where I wanted to be, I knew they wouldn't be there. I drove around, parked and went to the blind. It was still ice'd in and as I was trying to see if I could remove the chunk of ice, I turned and noticed something lying in the opening about 20 yards away. I walked over and saw the 3/4 eaten carcass of a deer. I don't know how it died (although I'll assume someone shot it and couldn't find it) but it ended up right in front of my blind. So...I'm not going to hunt over a dead deer so back out I go. Then I went to stand 13. I didn't expect to see anything, and wasn't disappointed...because I didn't. At least it was a beautiful evening and I really enjoyed that! The ride home however was less enjoyable. Apparently there was a big crash and they had parts of Route 80 closed so what normally takes 45 minutes, took 2 1/2 hours. Oh well.

Oh, so close and oh so cold...

I decided to skip out of work early today and head to the club. It is supposed to be "Arctic" tomorrow (windy and super cold) so I wanted to try to get some woods time. I got to the club and into stand 10 by around 2. It was about 24 degrees which wasn't so bad, but the wind was howling...that went right through me, but I was good. It started to snow and it was beautiful. Just at dusk I had a doe in the thickets to my right. She was so close to me, around 10-15 yards but in the thickets I couldn't get a shot. She just had to take a few more steps towards me...but instead she turned to her right and headed off behind me. Grrrr. By the time it got dark, I was really cold and shaking.

Brrrr...sure is cold and windy

I decided to hit the club with the muzzy today. It was cold!! My truck said that it was 17 and the wind was howling, so i'm sure that the wind chill made it in the single digits at least. I went to the blind and did see some tracks around. But I didn't see anything that sit. I did see Tony and Bob and they both had seen deer. Tony saw to little ones near the Cadillac and Bob had a doe bed behind him at 10, but then she caught his wind and left. Tony said that Greg got a nice 8 during shotgun and Bob said he saw a nice 8 yesterday in the big field. (I KNEW I should have gone yesterday!!)