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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 29, 2019, 11:58:14 AM

Title: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/28/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 29, 2019, 11:58:14 AM
I have a spot that for years it was such a no brainer, that I walked right by it. Until last year when one day it just dawned on me to set up a ladder.

Up above the steel ag shed I have is a circle of red pines surrounding a deep ravine. I mow a hiking trail up along the Western edge and then make a 90 turn mow along the Northern side. Along time ago I learned that in a tall grass prairie environment, if you mow and give the deer an easy trail to follow that for the most part they will.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48810055001_53d1d40141.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hnbhQr)092819 hunt (https://flic.kr/p/2hnbhQr) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

The first 2 weeks of our season we have had very hot and humid weather. 2 nights ago we finally had a cold front move thru giving me a NW wind for the first time this year.
on the map above, the white arrow is the wind direction and the red lines are the deer trails coming off the ridges and down to feeding areas. The hill below the timber is steep , lots of wild apples trees dot the hillsides and the prairie is chest high.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 29, 2019, 12:04:15 PM
I was in stand quite early around 4:15 pm and spent the first hour going thru shot scenarios in my mind.

at 5 30 I suddenly spied the body of a large deer standing in between two apple tree at about 35 yards. I could not see it's head.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48814628073_2253c5de19.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hnzJfv)redpines1 (https://flic.kr/p/2hnzJfv) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 29, 2019, 12:08:22 PM
The deer was relaxed and walked around the back of the apple tree. As he rounded the corner I drew a breath of air as it was this year's #1 target buck. I have not laid my eyes in him since last November when he was arguing with a another buck over a pretty little doe. And despite having numerous pictures of him this year, they were all taken the same night last August. It was hot and he was at my pond in the dark .

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48809704873_5821f0d499.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hn9uKK)RCNX1575 (https://flic.kr/p/2hn9uKK) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Tim Finley on September 29, 2019, 12:12:04 PM
That is a monster I hope you get a whack at him . He looks skinny must be very old .
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 29, 2019, 12:13:08 PM
He walked to the next apple tree and stood broadside nosing for dropped fruit.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48815115571_88a511c899.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hnCeaD)redpines2 (https://flic.kr/p/2hnCeaD) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

I was thinking the shot was around 25 yards and that he was going to go around the back of the tree and that it was now or never. I started to put tension upon the string and slowly raised the bow and pointed it in his direction. But then I let down , as it was just too far. Then I changed my mind, the bow started to come back and again I let down .
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: achigan on September 29, 2019, 12:15:27 PM
 :o I’m all ears. Good to see you posting again. One of my bright spots each season.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 29, 2019, 12:17:32 PM
Now he stood staring in my general direction, out of the corner of his eye he must have picked up on the movement. He turned around to leave in the direction from which he came. Standing there broadside he was just the most beautiful sight. He slowly walked off and I thought to myself. just wait until next time. The next picture was taken the next morning from where he stood.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48815131582_669ee4dc8e.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hnCiVG)redpinesstand (https://flic.kr/p/2hnCiVG) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 29, 2019, 12:21:36 PM
I was relishing the experience when from the right on the mowed trail , a very large doe came walking my way.

I let her get right in front of me, and my Hillcountry Bobcat sent a 3 blade VPA through both lungs. At impact she spun and I could see the VPA protruding from the off side. She sprinted through the tall grass, I heard her fall, kick and then it was quiet again. Twenty seconds at most and her life was gone.

This picture looks on her back trail from where she stood when I shot her.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48815129242_d655cd9f26.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hnCiem)redpinestrail (https://flic.kr/p/2hnCiem) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: ron w on September 29, 2019, 12:22:49 PM
Really cool, hope you see him again.....and soon!!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Pat B on September 29, 2019, 12:23:48 PM
Better safe than sorry.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 29, 2019, 12:26:35 PM
She had run around the back of the closest apple tree and I briefly glimpsed her and saw the arrow had fallen out. I assumed she ran down hill ( don't all wounded deer go downhill?). So I got out of the stand , walked the mowed trail expecting to see her on it or to see blood crossing it. ZERO.

Knowing that she was laying near by, I went back to the stand, picked up blood in the grass, followed around the back of the tree and there was my arrow. After that a very sparse blood trail led me UPHILL to the edge of the Timber , where she had collapsed and rolled backwards down hill a few steps.

She was a big mature doe and will feed us well this winter.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48809700633_b5da4a4bc0.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hn9tuD)doe092819 (https://flic.kr/p/2hn9tuD) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Keefer on September 29, 2019, 12:29:27 PM
Jim,
   I know he isn’t “ Angus” but he sure looks like a nice one to loose the string on.
If you feel like you weren’t sure of the shot at that distance I applaud your decision  :clapper: Or was there “ Something” more to your story? :coffee:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Keefer on September 29, 2019, 12:34:01 PM
Well that answered my question....Congratulations as I was typing my previous reply you had filled us in on the reason you didn’t shoot the buck . :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Sojurn on September 29, 2019, 01:08:28 PM
I've been waiting all month for this thread.  Looking forward to it. .
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Kopper1013 on September 29, 2019, 01:45:59 PM
Oh boy it’s 5 pines time again!!! :campfire:

Congratulations on a beautiful doe! And wow what a buck! I sure hope you two meet again and the distance is closer, many of us probably would have pushed that shot and for many it probably would of ended poorly so much respect to you for making the right decision
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Lefty on September 29, 2019, 03:49:07 PM
Congrats on the doe and good luck with the big boy!  Always my favorite thread!!!  Thanks for taking us along again this year.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Possum Head on September 29, 2019, 04:21:32 PM
Great job on the doe. Hang tough you’ll kill that beast!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: MnFn on September 29, 2019, 04:58:25 PM
Thanks for taking the time to write your hunting stories. I enjoyed them every year.
Gary
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: 4runr on September 29, 2019, 08:15:41 PM
Congrats on the big doe Jim!!

That Bobcat has served you very well.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Homey88 on September 30, 2019, 05:20:00 AM
Congrats on the doe and what a great buck! Good encounter! I hope you get a crack at him again!
Glad your posting your hunts again, this is always a favorite thread of mine!
Thank you!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Huntrdfk on September 30, 2019, 06:27:31 AM
Great hunt Jim! Congrats on the doe, and looking forward to your next encounter with that buck.

David
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: SlowBowKing on September 30, 2019, 09:25:51 AM
Nice harvest, and major respect for doing the right thing and passing on an iffy shot. I hope the next pic you post of that buck has you in it!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: rastaman on September 30, 2019, 09:30:59 AM
Way to go sir!  I always look forward to reading your hunting adventures every year. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: K2 on September 30, 2019, 11:18:55 AM
Congrats on a nice doe.  That must have been a tough decision not taking a shot at the buck.  I applaud you for not taking a shot you did not feel comfortable taking.  Hopefully, you will have another opportunity that will pay off.  Ken
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Bisch on September 30, 2019, 11:28:54 AM
Congrats!!!

Bisch
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: doubleo on September 30, 2019, 02:22:16 PM
Congrats on a great mature doe! Looking forward to all your hunts.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: lt-m-grow on September 30, 2019, 02:51:31 PM
Big doe.   Congrats.


And we all know you don't want to shoot the big one till late Nov.   :-)
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on September 30, 2019, 08:17:50 PM
Congrats Jim. Happy to see you posting again. That's a nice buck. Hope you see him again.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: yelper on September 30, 2019, 09:43:01 PM
Thanks for taking us along.  Hope you continue to have a great season!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Friend on September 30, 2019, 10:09:05 PM
Pouring yourself into such a fulfilling endeavor keeps the fire burning.

Congrats on the initial target and enjoy the future pursuit a most worthy buck.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: mangonboat on September 30, 2019, 10:44:15 PM
Great hunt and a big, healthy doe fro  the freezer!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt
Post by: Eden on October 01, 2019, 09:41:13 AM
Congrats on the doe!  Looking forward to following along with your season as usual.  Favorite thread for sure
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt (updated 10/08/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on October 08, 2019, 08:30:47 PM
It's like a knife in my heart.

EHD has been confirmed in my immediate area. How wide spread and how fatal is any body's guess. The rumor mill (Face book) says any where from dozens to hundreds of dead deer have been found in my county of residence. This on top of CWD being found in a single buck last year a mile from my farm. Between the EHD, and the DNR's Decision to allow 3 bucks per hunter and unlimited does certainly looks very bad for the immediate future here at 5 Pines.

I have searched my farm and have not found any dead deer.  Thankfully. But I am told ( all 2nd hand) that some were found next door and just up the road a couple of miles.

I do know first hand that deer sightings in the last 12 days has been dismal. Also the images on my trail cams have dropped to nearly zero. Example, a camera on one of my trails on 09/26 had 8 deer ( 5 of them bucks ) go by it between 6.30 am and 8. 30am.  That same trail camera captures only 3 deer in the last 12 days . The same goes for my other cameras, all on extremely heavily traveled trails. not much has gone by in the last 12 days.

Only time will tell the real story. to be continued.......................
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/08/19)
Post by: Hopewell Tom on October 09, 2019, 05:12:31 AM
Well that's a pretty dismal report, Jim.
You've worked your tail off making a good place for wildlife and out of the blue - disaster. Staying positive is the only course. And just about impossible...

Good work on the big doe. Good luck on the big buck.
I'll be watching, good to see you back.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/08/19)
Post by: Keefer on October 09, 2019, 05:35:00 AM
Jim,
  We had the same thing happen here in the county and joining county's here in Maryland a few years ago and as I was at Church talking with a farmer he said he found 12 on one farm of his as he was harvesting and his neighbor had so many and even a farm I used to see over 30/40 deer now show signs of about 6 if that.
  Now as I headed to work one morning last week I saw a nice 8 point early in the morning trying to cross my path so I slowed down and he looked healthy body wise so "Some " do seem to make it but I know your frustration and concern.
   It makes one stop and really pay attention to what is doing this and how can we as hunters work to prevent it from destroying them all.
  it has been super dry here the last few months but we had a wet spring so only time will tell.
  Keep thinking positive and get the facts from the DNR if you know of any .
When we had it here in a matter of a few conversations in a 5 mile radius folks were saying anywhere from 100 to 200 deer were found.
  Sometimes Folks can spread EHD faster then deer can if you know what I mean so keep the Faith and keep hunting Jim.
   
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/08/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on October 09, 2019, 02:50:53 PM
thanks guys.

Was encouraged this am when I saw 2 young bucks from stand.

Hopefully it will turn out ok
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/08/19)
Post by: Whip on October 09, 2019, 06:41:11 PM
Congrats on the doe Jim.  And good luck on the #1 buck.  He'll be hanging around more and more in the next few weeks. You've already earned the right to tag him by making a solid choice.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/08/19)
Post by: Gehrke145 on October 10, 2019, 02:08:38 PM
This late in the year you should be ok if you're not seeing sick deer.  When my area in Nebraska got hit, it was pretty easy to see just with the dang birds in the sky.  EHD sucks but once it gets cold those little midges disappear.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/08/19)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on October 10, 2019, 09:32:15 PM
I hope it's not as bad as it can be.  Hopeing the slow down is part of the october lull
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/08/19)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on October 12, 2019, 10:47:04 AM
I had a thought Jim, might want to temporarily fence off your watering holes.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/08/19)
Post by: Whip on October 15, 2019, 05:43:05 PM
I'm just catching up & read about the ehd outbreak. Man,  that really really stinks for you Jim.  CWD is for sure the bigger long term issue but ehd is going to hurt.   Hope you get lucky and aren't hit to hard.  Did you get good frost this past week?  That will really help those that have still made it.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/15/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on October 15, 2019, 10:17:22 PM
wicked weather! Wind, snow and sleet combined with a bad chest cold has kept me out of the woods the last few days until today. Despite not seeing a single deer today, I find reasons to be optimistic.

I am quite certain that quite a few deer have indeed died and that certainly is depressing. But I got an email today from a trad friend in Wisc. saying He decoyed in a good buck last night. So at noon hour, I grabbed my buck decoy, placed it in the 4 wheeler and stashed it under the ladder in the little field I intend to decoy in.

Then on my way out of the field, I grabbed the camera card out of the camera I have placed over looking the annual communal scrape that is always in this spot.

low and behold some good bucks are starting to feel frisky. Two nights in a row. i'll be decoying here as hard as the weather and wind will permit the next few days .
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48906620906_445c8c86fc.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hvHdvQ)RCNX0291 (https://flic.kr/p/2hvHdvQ) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48906819727_e393dcf9ee.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hvJeBM)RCNX0631 (https://flic.kr/p/2hvJeBM) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

we have also had a hard freeze two nights ago and talk is it killed off the gnats spreading the EHD
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/15/19)
Post by: Keefer on October 16, 2019, 05:09:23 AM
 That's good to hear Jim seeing those two bucks gives you some "Hope" and glad you got a freeze.I was just reading last night just getting a good frost can kill those little demons"nats" and by those two latest photos that buck in the picture on the right looks like he could of had some of the same genes as "Angus".
 He reminds me of one those "Rock em Sock em" robot boxing games we had as kids. Looks pretty stocky and healthy to me.
   Keep us posted on how you do with the decoy and thanks for posting . :archer:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/15/19)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on October 16, 2019, 06:20:09 PM
Grat report jim!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/15/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on October 16, 2019, 09:22:50 PM
it was too windy this am to go up on top of the bluff to decoy. So I stayed low and didn't see a single deer .

This afternoon the wind started to die around 3 pm and I was on stand over the decoy by 3 :30.

at 5:15 this 2 year old 10 point came in to the sound of the antlers gently ticking together. He rounded the decoy and didn't quite give me a shot. He was too young anyway to kill . But it was great fun to have success on the first try . The reconyx picked him up as he rounded the deek's back side.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/48911578787_9daa0760bb.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hw9Cjx)RCNX0002 (https://flic.kr/p/2hw9Cjx) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

I'll be back up there tomorrow am .

Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/16/19)
Post by: Keefer on October 17, 2019, 04:40:47 AM
Jim by chance you have a doe decoy ? Just curious how those bucks would react to having a doe somewhere near that buck or off to the side .
  I wonder if someone makes a decoy of a doe lying down and thinking you could have all kinds of action with that buck and doe decoy.. :archer:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/16/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on October 17, 2019, 01:01:12 PM
good question. But I never use a doe decoy any more. I found years ago that two many decoys spoil the soup.

Just have had much better luck with aggressive bucks coming to the sound of antlers.

Today I watched a very good 10 point about 75 yards below me on the ridge. He was headed to bedding cover and refused to answer my calls.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/16/19)
Post by: Roy from Pa on October 17, 2019, 01:14:30 PM
Have you ever tried just a bedded doe decoy?
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/28/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on October 28, 2019, 10:58:13 AM
it's been a tough 12 days.  horrible chest cold, horrible weather,  we moved from the old farmhouse into the new house we built this summer and most of the deer movement has been after dark!  I still managed to hunt most of the days, most sits were total skunks!

But I pulled a card on that funnel where I was hoping to kill Angus last year and all four of my best bucks walked thru it in the last 7 days. They all survived the EHD!

I was really happy to see that the flyer is still on his feet.

the best is yet to come...…………………
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48974807592_9ccb4a213f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hBJG3m)RCNX0043 (https://flic.kr/p/2hBJG3m) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/28/19)
Post by: Homey88 on October 28, 2019, 07:59:43 PM
Get em jim!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/28/19)
Post by: ron w on October 28, 2019, 08:11:39 PM
Hope you feel better, keep the stories coming :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/28/19)
Post by: TooManyHobbies on October 28, 2019, 08:25:58 PM
Congrats on the nice doe. Good luck with the Big Guy.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/28/19)
Post by: Gen273 on October 31, 2019, 11:00:13 PM
Congratulations Jim! Your hunting threads are always among my favorites every year. Thanks for taking us along.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/28/19)
Post by: GCook on November 01, 2019, 06:47:36 PM
EHD has devastated the herd in the area of Missouri I hunt.  Seems like it rears it's ugly head during the drier summers.   The deer numbers really don't get the chance to recover. 
Good hunting with what deer you have.  Enjoyed the thread last season even though the ending was not what we all hoped.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(10/28/19)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on November 01, 2019, 08:23:43 PM
Keep at it jim. Headed to the fed arm this weekend for the annual bow hunt. I think about you often, enjoyed your visit a few years back.   Seems I lost yer #.

You're always welcome. Good luck.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/02/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 02, 2019, 11:30:07 PM
it's funny how things can change over night.

Yesterday I spent nine full hours in two different tree stands and saw one deer.

Today I was in a stand for 45 minutes and this happened.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49003085431_81a9e1197b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEeC4i)bloody arrow (https://flic.kr/p/2hEeC4i) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 02, 2019, 11:40:59 PM
I have a stand not far from the yurt that once the bucks start to seek it becomes a great place to be.

I had just started to see some chasing earlier in the week. We have had really cold weather the past few days , and I felt today might be a great day to start sitting here.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49003739558_f484df73ca.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEhYvm)1102119 (https://flic.kr/p/2hEhYvm) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49002539353_faf8e1aca8.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEbPJa)rutting buck stand (https://flic.kr/p/2hEbPJa) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: achigan on November 02, 2019, 11:41:29 PM
 :campfire: :coffee:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 02, 2019, 11:55:42 PM
There very few trees on the farm with multiple trunks. This is one of the few. . The ladder is strapped to the center and largest of the three trunks and faces up hill.

I was in the stand before first light which is about 7 am. It was cold with a slight wind out of NW. Just at first light , I spotted two dark forms approaching from up hill.  Coming down in what seems to become a corridor for bucks searching for does. The stand sits between the logging road and three deer trails all parallel to each other.

At First I thought they were does. But the first stopped at a  scrape about 75 yards from my hide. When he freshened the scrape, I got a little excited. As he came my way I knew I would let him pass. The small eight point strolled by on my right on the closest of the three trails . Roughly 15 yards up hill.

As the second buck came down hill, I could hear him grunting. His rack looked broken up and was very dark
in color. he was on the same trail. I leaned out forward to be able to draw and avoid the smallest of the three trunks. But he was walking too fast for me to draw. Suddenly he turned to his right , It looked like he would pass right behind my tree as he cut towards the road. I leaned back, brought the bow up , so the arrow would clear the tree and then I turned 180 degrees on stand. He was angling away at about 18 yards when the lighted red knock appeared in his side.  He blasted across the road , thru the 10 yards wide strip of woods and disappeared in the tall grass prairie.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 03, 2019, 12:04:13 AM
I sat back in the stand amazed at how fast it had all happened.

A trad friend of mine , whom I call '2 Fletch'. Was hunting over in the "pants down stand". I didn't want to go get him to help, but it was starting to spit snow and I was worried we would lose the trial if we didn't get on it.

So I made the short walk back to the yurt and then to his stand and gathered him up.

I had left the broken arrow laying in the road below the stand where I had found it.
We followed blood easily, with just a short hesitation here and there. He had made only about 60 yards before he fell. It was an easy drag down to camp.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49002560818_ae8633e48a.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEbW7f)as he lay (https://flic.kr/p/2hEbW7f) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 03, 2019, 12:06:27 AM
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49002536118_50687c52a5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEbNLo)hero 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2hEbNLo) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

The bow is a Timberpoint  Firestick 40 @27 .Werewolf single bevels  on Carbon shafts.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49003287247_0c27d3857f.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEfE3T)deer 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2hEfE3T) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 03, 2019, 12:07:32 AM
And hopefully this short video of him on Sept 6th will play for you .
(https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/49002482478_3e1abd6030.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hEbwPy)RCNX0002 (https://flic.kr/p/2hEbwPy) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 03, 2019, 12:12:04 AM
As we sat in the new house , looking up the hillsides, toasting the buck and the day. I spotted the flyer coming down the hill at 5 :15 pm. Watching him in the spotting scope along with 2 other bucks cruising the hillside topped the day. 2 Fletch was hunting in the Birthday stand I could only hope he was having some action. The bucks were certainly on the move.

New  hunting regs. due to the CWD in the area will allow me to continue hunting bucks should I so desire. I do and I will.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Homey88 on November 03, 2019, 12:17:13 AM
Congrats to you! Way to go! Beautiful buck!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Joeabowhunter on November 03, 2019, 04:40:55 AM
Congratulations on another great buck.   :clapper:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Kopper1013 on November 03, 2019, 05:00:23 AM
Boy he’s gorgeous! Looks like an old guy, congratulations!!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Keefer on November 03, 2019, 05:36:45 AM
 :clapper: Congratulations Jim I knew you could do it.... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: TIM B on November 03, 2019, 05:49:23 AM
What a dandy!  Nice shootin and thanks for sharing!
Tim B
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Hopewell Tom on November 03, 2019, 06:09:52 AM
Way to go, Jim.

You continue to inspire. I agree with how fast things change. Not going so good right now? - Just wait a minute...
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: 4runr on November 03, 2019, 06:46:39 AM
Congrats Jim!!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Jayrod on November 03, 2019, 08:28:39 AM
Always well done and deserved to you jim!Congrats on a greatbuck :clapper:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: ron w on November 03, 2019, 08:51:39 AM
 :clapper:  :clapper: well done!!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on November 03, 2019, 10:27:43 AM
Way to go jim!  Great buck.  Congrats!!!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: MAT on November 03, 2019, 10:48:45 AM
Funny I walked by that stand a month ago and remember thinking it doesn't look like a place you'd put a stand.  It's rather unremarkable place on the side of a hill but Jim has seen plenty and finally killed a big buck out of it.  That's what spending 100 days/year in a tree stand does for you.  Congrats you earned it, again!

BTW - EHD was found where we are hunting in Iowa this year too but it looks limited (reportedly all the dead deer were does, at least what they found).  It was just getting good again after a bigger outbreak 4 years ago.  Needless to say there are not the number of bucks deer older than 4.5 like they're normally are.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: achigan on November 03, 2019, 02:02:00 PM
Well done LBM! Thanks for bringing us along.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: GCook on November 03, 2019, 05:45:49 PM
That's a nice buck.  Congratulations on a good shot and short blood trail.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: kskickapoo on November 03, 2019, 08:53:48 PM
Thanks for taking us along on your hunt each year and congrats on another fine buck!  I really enjoy your posts and look forward to them each fall...
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Trenton G. on November 03, 2019, 09:03:42 PM
Congrats on a dandy buck! I love this thread!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: rastaman on November 04, 2019, 12:48:56 PM
Beautiful animal!  Way to go sir! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: lt-m-grow on November 04, 2019, 02:14:49 PM
That is awesome.   Congrats.

It was good to see the pictures of the new ranch too (at least a bit). I was wondering where you put the new house.  So now you have a yurt, a guest house, and a house...how do you choose? :-)

I will look forward to the next buck!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 04, 2019, 02:30:39 PM
ha

Actually we begin the salvaging of the old farm house on this weds. As much as possible will be reused some where.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Nook on November 04, 2019, 03:15:03 PM
Congrats Jim...  Thanks for taking us along.   :archer:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Horne Shooter on November 07, 2019, 04:43:06 PM
Haven't been coming on Tradgang as much this season so it was great to see my favorite thread up and going.  Great job Jim!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: BrianC on November 12, 2019, 05:38:14 PM
Impatiently waiting for some more reading material and pics!!!

Thanks,

Brian
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Greg Szalewski on November 14, 2019, 09:12:05 AM
Congrats Jim. Nice buck!!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: MnFn on November 14, 2019, 11:52:14 PM
Congratulations Jim,
You are a blessed guy! Nice deer.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: SlowBowKing on November 15, 2019, 06:34:27 AM
Congratulations, he’s a stud! I’m a sucker for those dark horned bucks!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on November 15, 2019, 11:06:05 PM
Jim I know you are not one to stop hunting just because you punched a buck tag.  Lay it on us. 

I also am aware the pumpkin army has invaded so hopefully a few good ones survived.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: Whip on November 16, 2019, 06:09:08 PM
I thought I had commented on this but maybe that was on FB.  Anyway, congratulations again Jim. Glad the season turned out so well for you after all.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(1102/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 16, 2019, 08:12:05 PM
thank you everyone

Charlie you are spot on.

I have been hunting hard, just not had any really good stories to share. I have had a bit of luck decoying last week. I decoyed in two young 10 points and partially decoyed in 3 others ( hang ups). I have the benefit of a 2nd buck tag since the gun season began last weekend. 1st time in my life that I have a gun tag ( you can use a bow during gun season in MN). Was really very weird in the hardware store when I purchased it.

I'll hopefully have a good story to share with you all soon.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/20/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 20, 2019, 10:11:37 AM
Well I finally have a good little story to share.

This am is was much warmer 32 F. Very foggy and very wet. No wind as such an eerily quite.

I was down on the little field where I normally decoy. however, I have put the decoy away and was doe hunting this am. ( my 2nd buck tag is not valid again until Sat ).

at 8.05 this guy just appears out of no where at the corner of the field.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49094769223_cf9ef1f496.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hNkwsk)RCNX0122 (https://flic.kr/p/2hNkwsk) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

 He was walking toward me and I said "oh Shit" under my breath as I don't have a valid tag for him . I am sure he heard me, as he stopped dead in his tracks. Did an about face and quickly walked off in the opposite direction.

It was surreal and was definitely worth getting out of bed for.
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/20/19)
Post by: lt-m-grow on November 20, 2019, 10:31:26 AM
He must have had a problem with you swearing  ;)
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/20/19)
Post by: Keefer on November 20, 2019, 04:47:06 PM
Jim maybe he thought "well now that you mentioned that I will"  :biglaugh:
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/20/19)
Post by: kennym on November 20, 2019, 04:59:02 PM
Good job Jim!!
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/20/19)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on November 20, 2019, 06:11:43 PM
Cool encounter jim. It always amazes me how evry critter in the woods can make a racket yet somehow sometimes a deer can just materialize
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/28/19)
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on November 28, 2019, 02:23:32 PM
Happy thanksgiving every one.

the Midwest received a good blanket of snow over the last day and a half. Once the snow stopped, I have spent 8 hours in tree stands only to get skunked entirely. The place is littered in tracks but the movement is taking place at night.  Here are some of the sights.

path to the stand
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49137946563_3a0e64d42c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hS9Pze)path to to stand (https://flic.kr/p/2hS9Pze) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

frozen crabs, the deer tracks under this tree is awesome
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49137947503_018149c734.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hS9PRr)frozen crabs (https://flic.kr/p/2hS9PRr) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

Stands are slippery and noisey. A piece of carpet helps quite them down .
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49138444331_fdaa608800.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2hScnxr)bd stand snow (https://flic.kr/p/2hScnxr) by jgilmer2010 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/51550276@N08/), on Flickr

Hold your loved ones and friends close this holiday season. Over the last 72 hours, I lost two. one a friend the other family . both men in their 70's. both unexpected.. Life is precious enjoy each and every day as if it's your last. Go hunting!



Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/28/19)
Post by: Kopper1013 on November 28, 2019, 04:02:44 PM
Sorry to hear that Jim, I’ll be sure to hold mine
Title: Re: A 5 pines evening hunt updated(11/28/19)
Post by: GCook on November 28, 2019, 06:04:55 PM
Sorry for your loss.  And you are right.
No one is promised tomorrow.  This is the day that God has given.  I shall rejoice and be glad in it.

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