Clearing on top of a ridge, tons of deer sign.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/tradgang018-small.jpg)
Some rubs I saw in a hardwood flat.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang12-small.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang11-small.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang10-small.jpg)
Shallow deer crossing toward back of picture.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang13-small.jpg)
General photo of the area.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang02-small.jpg)
Good News:
Everything looks good, lots of deer sign and very light hunting pressure. Saw plenty of deer.
Bad News:
Shot a doe, but the bottom limb of my bow hit a tree. Looked like plenty of penetration, but hit her too far back. To make things worse, it started to rain about two minutes after I shot her. Lost the trail and never found her.
-Charlie
Here are some pictures I took of the camping area. These are all posted thanks to my lovely wife who figured out how to do it.
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang09-small.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang08-small.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang07-small.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang06-small.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang05-small.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang04-small.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd107/miller_cem/Tradgang03-small.jpg)
-Charlie
I also saw the largest fox squirrel I have ever seen. I originally thought it was a racoon going up the tree. I stopped hunting deer for a bit and tried to get him. He made it too far up a tree before I could get close enough. No one would believe the size of that stupid squirrel unless you saw it. I might go lookin' for him if I get a chance, seriously you would not believe how big it was.
I'm clear sick about that doe I shot. It was 15 yards when I stepped it off. I can't believe I hit part of the tree during the shot. Then it HAD to start raining. I couldn't think of a worse senario if I tried.
The good news is that there are tons of deer out there. Some of us will come back with meat for the freezer for sure!
Hopefully I didn't jinx us.
-Charlie
Sounds great! I'm really excited. The pics are beautiful. Is there plenty of firewood around or do we need to bring our own?
Sorry to hear about losing the Deer, I know what your feeling and unfortunately it does happen. The good thing is that deer are tough and I think that they survive alot of wounds that we might think are fatal. The area that you have picked out looks GREAT. Living in the western part of the state where it's primarily flat, I enjoy that part of the state where it gets hilly. I hope to see you guys soon.
TJ,
You might want to check into bringing firewood. With the outbreak of Emerald Ash Borer, it's illegal to transport firewood from some counties in Ohio to another.
I thought there might be some restrictions. Thanks for the tip
I'm not sure if they still do this, but they used to pile up trees that they cut down and you can cut all you need. You would probably need a chain saw. They store it up by campground near the big shovel.
I think we could find enough fire wood. Only problem I see is making sure we have dry fire wood. If it has been raining, we will need some wood that has been covered.
-Charlie
I'm still unsure if I can make it. I got my permit and printed out the maps etc last night. I have to check a few things to see if I can get clear.
If so, is there still room for me? I camp light so I won't take up much room. Just need a place for a small two man tent. and a place to park. Maybe even just a place to park. If I sleep in the back of the truck.
Its about 2.5 hours from here.
Oops Just found out my wife has to be at work that weekend. So unfortunatly I can't be there. I have to stay with the kids. I need to call her work and see what their thinking scheduling this during hunting season. LOL
Keep us updated for all of us who can't be there.
Sorry to hear ya' can't make it. Maye we can all do this again in January? I'm sure I could get it into my schedule!
-Charlie
I'd love to try for a january one. if you have one. like I said keep us updated on how it goes.