Had to work today,and yesterday evening, hunted yesterday morning, nothing, but wonderful morning nonetheless. Got in the blind at 6:45 tonight at 8:15, 15 minutes of shooting light left, had 4 deer trot out of the woods right past me at about 30 yds, never stopped and gave me a good shot. They picked around, started back towards me, had to leave, shooting light was gone, so I sneaked out, kept the blind between me and them till I could get over the rise behind me and out of sight. Just a matter of time, backstraps and biscuits, elk hunting in 3 and 1/2 weeks!
Ive had a few close calls the past couple days myself. Had one walk within 10 feet of me yesterday. They'll slip up eventually.
I love living through you guys. I still have to wait until Oct. 1st!
-Jeremy
I hunted Sat and Sun mornings. Both mornings were the best of the summer -- it was 55 degrees Sat. and a bit windy and 46 degrees yesterday and dead calm! I could see my breath. I saw no deer Sat. AM but my son killed a doe.
Yesterday was exciting! I saw a string of deer coming at the base of a low ridge in shoulder high weeds. The first was a spike in velvet, then a 5-6 pointer also in velvet, then a Doe (that's the one of these 3 I wanted) but a VERY NICE ??? pointer (more than 8) without velvet was behind her. I think all were coming from a Persimmon tree (some are already dropping in my woods). The deer were coming at a front quartering angle to pass through a nice opening but BEHIND my cedar stand (I was in the tree). The closest quartering towards me was 26 yards. They all passed behind my tree at about 15 yards with one little opening the size of a chest cavity to shoot through.
I had to get completely turned and find that hole. The first 3 deer passed through the hole. As the big buck (I'm a PY measurer -- sine 1979-- this deer was easy record book)disappeared behind my tree I drew the bow (The STick by Tim STrickland). I think the deer heard the arrow sliding on the teflon sleeved arrow rest (I know, he would never heard the arrow on a carpeted shelf). He froze before entering the shooting hole and then simply quick walked away.
I think this deer was a 9-pointer I had on my only trail cam but I''m not sure. He would have beenn a terrific 1st traditional kill since 1974! I switched to compounds in 1975.
When I returned home (this hunting area is visible from my back deck) I fixed the arrow rub sound. I put athletic tape (very thin as I didn't want to mess up my tune) on the springy arm and first coil. The sound is gone -- better late than never.
I'll get out 3-4 more times this week.
Sounds fun to me! We have an early turkey hunt in Michigan mfor the first time. It will give me time to scout a little before deer season, and maybe even get my second turkey with a long bow! Good luck with your hunting!