Well, the deer season officially ended here yesterday and I didn't get out. 30 Inches of snow this time last week and my backs been aching a bit. Today I decided to go to my buddy's property and visit a couple of my favorite spots. I've known him for over 55 years and have sole permission to hunt his property. Not very big in terms of acres but it produces deer every year.
The point of this post is to remind us all to look for something new each time we enter the woods.
I have 2 favorite spots. One down by the north branch of the Patapsco River. And the other on the edge of some Christmas trees he planted about 30 years ago.
After a week of warmer weather the snow is still 12 - 18 inches depending on where you walk. I sure could have used some snow shoes. Anyway, I took my time to take in the sights. My camera is not the best but it did give me some great memories of today.
I began by walking down towards my river stand. Along the way I came across some rabbit fur. Looks like a hawk probably got this bunny.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Chris%20Snow%20Pics%20001_zpskn5pwqmk.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Chris%20Snow%20Pics%20001_zpskn5pwqmk.jpg.html)
Once up in the stand I can look down on the bald trees, snow covered ground, and frozen edges of the river.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Stand%20to%20river%20bend%204_zpshxrylp6i.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Stand%20to%20river%20bend%204_zpshxrylp6i.jpg.html)
Rail Road bridge looking off to the east.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Stand%20to%20RR%201_zpsdqkfmxi7.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Stand%20to%20RR%201_zpsdqkfmxi7.jpg.html)
Once out of the stand I walked down to the river and took this shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/River%20to%20RR%202_zpso9cyvxbp.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/River%20to%20RR%202_zpso9cyvxbp.jpg.html)
Next to the river I saw some tracks from my feathered friends.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Turkey%20Tracks%20_zpsvmfsvpex.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Turkey%20Tracks%20_zpsvmfsvpex.jpg.html)
Across the river there's a rock formation where a fox lives. I guess he has to make a decision each time he comes to the tree.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Fox%20den%20_zpsrxaipuin.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Fox%20den%20_zpsrxaipuin.jpg.html)
This little fidget didn't make it. Maybe that fox is eating well.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Deer%20leg%20by%20river_zps4pq7d36h.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Deer%20leg%20by%20river_zps4pq7d36h.jpg.html)
Now up to my other favorite stand. I had a feeling that with the big snow the deer would be using these pines for shelter.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Pine%20Tree%20Stand%201_zpsj5bx9qkb.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Pine%20Tree%20Stand%201_zpsj5bx9qkb.jpg.html)
The tracks and beds here were unbelievable. All thoughout the pines and along the edges there were tracks everywhere.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Tracks%20behind%20pines_zpsqss59yel.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Tracks%20behind%20pines_zpsqss59yel.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Deer%20bed%201_zpsfyjl6ufh.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Deer%20bed%201_zpsfyjl6ufh.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Back%20of%20pines_zpsihntmjhi.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Back%20of%20pines_zpsihntmjhi.jpg.html)
I jumped 9 deer out of here. The one in the middle here is an 8 point. Camera just can't do him justice. And oh yes, he is the one that ducked my arrow :rolleyes: at the pine tree stand this year. I guess he'll be a bit bigger next year.
So long for now my friend. Live hardy.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/Hatrick/Nice%208%20in%20bottom_zpsmepx6xcw.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Hatrick/media/Nice%208%20in%20bottom_zpsmepx6xcw.jpg.html)
Looks like a nice walk in the woods...... :thumbsup:
Thanks. Felt like I was there with ya!!
That was fun, thanks for taking us with
Nice
Cool stuff. What's all that white stuff all over the place?.
Dave,Looks like you have a slice of paradise there and know it well. Enjoyed the pics of your walk.
Nice pictures, but cold and snow would be a problem for me.
Thanks for taking us along. Great to get out in the woods anytime.
Nice walk-along with you, Dave. :thumbsup:
I enjoyed your walk also; very nice pictures! :clapper:
Bernie
Dave,
I didn't make it out the last day either. Watched two granddaughters' basketball games but it was fun day anyway.
:thumbsup:
Well, you have more snow there than we do here! Thanks for sharing the walk.
I need a walk like that...Real soon.
Looks like a great day!
Thanks, all. As I get a little bit longer in the tooth, sometimes I would be just as happy with a camera in hand as a bow. Although I still love deer meat and would sure like to have another chance at that 8 point next year.
Hey Rich, we gotta get back to the range once this snow gets out of here.
The snow has beaten my butt so bad at work that I have avoided it (and its beauty :( ) while I am off. Thank you for reminding me of what I am missing. I am so dang lazy. Your pics are inspiring!
Killdeer :wavey:
Killy, believe me, I was cursing the stuff royally a week ago. However, there is truly something special about snow covered woods and waters. Interestingly enough, I saw squirrels everywhere during the bow season but didn't see a single one while on this walk. I think they're smarter than we give them credit for.
Great walk a long! thanks for sharing.
:thumbsup:
Really enjoyed the walk! Thanks!
Dang it looks cold up there! I am not sure I could stand that kind of cold weather after 55 yrs of living in Tx!
Bisch
Bisch, I hunted down by that river one day last year when it was 16 degrees. It ended up a great morning. I didn't shoot anything but a lot of activity and a couple good bucks. Good thing there was no wind or I would have never gone out. The worst is always my fingers.
Thank you for sharing
F-Manny