Trad Gang

With the low of 59 a few nights ago in Asheboro I truly felt the onset of the upcoming deer season. Not many days have gone by since the 2011 close that I have not shot my bows and thought ahead to the Sept 8 opening day.

Good luck to all you Tarheels out there. The Old North State's deer season looks promising. I hope your opening day is filled with twitching whitetails and a short blood trail.

Let's hear your prep stories, scouting reports, and eventually, your tales of success.

Keep your broadheads sharp.

Cheers to all.

I'll be hunting in Randolph Co on a 21 acre tract that I hunted last year and on my family's 12 acres. I scouted a tad in Uwharrie a few days ago, but I have never been able to find a definite pattern to the Uwharrie deer.

I have my fingers crossed about an opportunity in Guilford Co. Turns out a retired co-worker lives next to a farm where I primed tobacco back in the early 80s. This farm now sits abandoned with the passing of the landowner and his only direct heir is his daughter who lives in the Concord area. My friend has carte blanche access and has told me to come on over.

I used to hunt land in Laurel Springs NC and land near Jefferson, NC. I'd love to read some reports from you mountain guys and gals and see some pics. Too bad that land is now inaccessible to me.

Come on 9/8/2012.

I hunt near Kings Mountain on a 120 acre parcel the brother-in-law and I have leased for the past few years.  There is not a lot of deer, but enough to keep us content.

Good luck this year Rick. I used to travel through that area heading to Chimney Rock with my family. Always liked the scenery as we headed west of Charlotte.

I'm looking at houses down there so I'll keep an eye on this thread.  Good luck guys!!  Joe

Rockingham Co has one of the highest deer and turkey harvest reports.

Close to Va too.

Checked my stand area in Rockingham Co yesterday. I had a turkey invasion. Turkey poop everywhere and a tail feather left behind.

Spring turkey thoughts already?? :)

I will be huntign at the beach and possibly around RDU with my son. Just hope it cools off and the bugs don't carry me away.

OBX,

I'll be at Sunset Beach the 15th thru the 18th. Any opportunities nearby in the way of game lands?

Good luck this season yall, unless things drastically change I won't be in the woods this fall.  Can't wait to read the stories and see some pictures!

OBX,  Just back from a week on Hatteras...love it down there! I have always wanted to look into deer hunting on OBX. Can you provide any direction for your area?  I know there are deer in the Buxton area and all along 12 but not sure about regs etc.  Any direction, specific or otherwise, appreciated.

Brent

First year here in NC. I'll be hunting camp lejeune and the air station. Hopefully I can tag something, it's been awhile.

I'll be hunting some game lands on the north side of Lake James and in the mountains around Linville Gorge:::Our season starts Sep.10:::GOOD LUCK TO ALL   :archer2:

Woke up at 2 am couldn't get back to sleep. 5 am put on full camo with face net walked up the hill and got into one of my stands.I did get a little sleep in the stand and that's probably why I didn't see anything but a few squirrels. Thought I'd sit some stands this week and do some aerial scouting.

QuoteOriginally posted by hunt4life:
First year here in NC. I'll be hunting camp lejeune and the air station. Hopefully I can tag something, it's been awhile.

Good luck on Lejeune, I just sent you a rather long PM with some tips cause the deer on Base can be rather frustrating at times!

Teenage daughter & I will be hunting private land in Forsyth & Davie counties, Gamelands in Davie.
All our gear has been layed out for 2 weeks

There is the green swamp you can hunt near Sunset beach. There is also hogs down there so see if you can get a walk in the woods or two!

Hate to say it but my hopes are not that set on this yr - beginning of deer season is going to find me floating off Cape Lookout! Deer options here are the Croatan and you might as well go fishing! LOL so fly rod and false albies mixed with jetty specks over the stick and string.

Have been scouting alot and just not too good out there in the big woods. Will wait for it to cool down and the dog hunters to get in there and stir them up before I start bow hunting.

Wish everyone luck and will be following the thread! PICS!!

Chief

I hunted the lasr several years north of RDU

Hey Bud,I hope to get down there sometime this year.Loved hunting with you last year.

Open door invitation Dwight. As far a I can tell the big'un is still crossing that tract we hunted. I'm off from the 8th until the 22nd.

If you're heading back in Nov shoot me a pm and I'll give you my work schedule.

Went to check out one of 'my' spots on the gamelands and was greeted by a fellow loading empty bags of corn in his trunk (that's a no no on the gamelands).  In fact, it was the same guy I turned-in last year for the same thing.  I actually walked the game warden to the spot he was dumping and where he had his trail cam set last year.  He must have just been too hard to catch ....    :knothead:  

In any case, good luck to everyone.

I'll be hunting the swamps, planted pines, and bean field edges of Pamlico and Craven this year. Perfect conditions are forecasted for traditional morning and evening feeds. My gear is in order, broadheads shaving sharp, and my opening morning natural groundblind is groomed. It's a purty spot, about 40 yards off the edge of the swamp, and in the transition between oaks and bedding. Got my goal set to take a deer with each of my 3 traditional bows this year...

Good luck to all the other Tarheelers, didn't know there were so many here!

I will be hunting public land and private land piedmont section of the state. Chatham county has been good to us with a huge population of deer for us to work on. Persimmons look like they are gonna go early this year - acorns look good so far. We have been only using days off no vacation time last  few years and still are tagged out and burnt out by Thanksgiving - hope this year is the same or better.

Been ready for a while, then I hurt my back. I hope it is healed by mid September so I don't miss too much of the season. It looks good out in the woods this year.

Ive not seen alot of acorns where Ive been looking. A few water oaks around some field edges are full but not much else. I got a feeling that this year is gonna be better than last about shooting deer though.

I've been seeing alot of acorns fall that are underdeveloped and mostly caps. No mast.

Hopefully it's just scattered and not widespread. The drought and heat took its toll, I believe.

Anyone heard from Broketooth? or Bernie? Been awhile -

Bud, I'm here in the mountains. Also i have a bunch of private land,   that is fully accessible to me, over 20 spots. LOTS of acorns, apples are spotty.

Im having trouble seeing "good" deer this year for some reason but i have tons of deer.

The foothills are getting riddled with disease I'm hoping thats stays down there needless to say.

If you would like to, we may can work out a hunt or 2 up here, I'm a college kid so i can hunt all the time. Depending on the dates we can work something out.  And i have plenty to hunt.

Good luck to all! shoot straight men!

QuoteOriginally posted by Don Batten:
I got a feeling that this year is gonna be better than last about shooting deer though.

I'm with you Don!  With all the fires we had last summer and the amount of rain that's fallen since then the browse should be phenomenal.  I saw a ton of deer before I left and I can only imagine that this will be a very productive season for all the coastal hunters.

The place I used to hunt in Ashe was called Carson Woods. There was a HUGE Osage tree near the old homeplace just off the dirt road.

That's been a looong time ago.

Thanks Dalton. Same invite here. I have the one 21 acre plot I can hunt and I'm off Sept 8 thru the 22nd.

Glad to see good reports across the state. Not sure why the acorn crop, so far, around here looks iffy. Hopefully the good acorns are way up top and I can't se them on the tree.

Ive got my main stand set and ready to go here in Troy ! Bud B. you ought to come down  and help me scout out  some (archery only) game land thats here in Troy , no one hunts it and its loaded with deer or so Im told . I need a good hunting partner on game land so I wont get turned around after dark on a blood trail .

Mike Britt

PMing you my cell # Britt!!

Bud,
Thanks for posting this thread. It will be fun to keep up with everyone's season around NC. I have 2 trees rands and a ground blind set up and I am confident that I will see a lot of deer if my schedule allows me to get out like I want to.
Let's all keep in touch here. And I wish all my NC trad friends a safe and fun season.
Joe

No problem!

Ive been there, i have a couple of spots within 5 miles of there lol!

Gotta love good ol' Ashe.

goose season opens in the morning. been a hundred in one of our pastures every morning this week. got the double bull and a few decoys in the truck . gonna try and shoot one or two early tomorrow. dove is the main thing saturday. I won't be bowhunting them.

I hear that Don! Got the waders in the truck! But i won't mention the weapon under them! lol

Hunting behind the house and my sisters farm. Used to hunt Camp Lejeune but they have built houses and daycares and a  new highway where I used to hang my stands, makes me sick every time I go by there. Do a little hunting in Butner in Oct, and then  West Va. and Ohio bound for two weeks. Got the longbow drilling with the VPA's out to 35 yds. Can't wait.

Did a little recon work a couple of weeks ago on my hunting property(Franklin County) and saw 5 shooter bucks in one group. Usually I don't see all shooter size in one group. I think this is going to be a good year for nice bucks. We've been passing a lot of bucks over the last few years and I'm hoping this year we see some higher quality bucks.

Went out today and did a little scouting. Still finding a few, very few, acorns. Some of them very good size and the sign I'm finding tells me the deer are cruising the oaks looking for the few acorns that have/are falling.

Have not found any rubs yet.

I'm real excited about this season as I'm hunting with my Hill style longbow this year. Planning to scout some Monday.

I am so jealous of you guys. I left Transylvania County 3 1/2 years ago due to a layoff and I think about NC everyday.  Used to live in the heart of Pisgah but now live in the heart of Texas, while I see more deer here I enjoyed the scenery of NC better.  Does anybody hunt Pisgah?  All of the locals in Brevard seemed to go down to SC instead.

I am going to go and pull my trail camera card tomorrow and see what's been moving near one of my stands. I'll move the camera to a different spot too.
Getting ready.
  :archer2:

Hope you get some good pics. Post up if you do, please  :)

I've got my couple stands up as usual.  I've got two different cases of red bugs while trimming up shooting lanes. Food plot plowed and planted(peas, turnips, rape, and clover) , for those late Nov., Dec. hunts.  I've got 4 shooters on camera. Three during day light hours. The biggest has only showed up for the camera during the night times.

As far as shooting, i've been shooting at the whiffle ball in the back yard out to twenty yards.  I feel like I'm ready for the moment of truth.

All I can say, is the few cool mornings we've had (lows in the upper 60s), has really got me ready for the cooler temps and all that comes along with it.  I've even started to grow my winter coat. I'm not shaving until the end of Jan.  The spousal unit (stole that from another tread   :saywhat:  


I'm ready!!!!!!

Hi guys, just moved to NC a couple of months ago, living in Clemmons now and leasing a house in Lewisville in 2 weeks, outside of Winston-salem.  I have not had tine to scout with the recent move and job change, so winging it this year.  Anyone have experience with the Perkins or Alcoa game lands?  I see they are near me, no private land to hunt, so thought I would try those lands out.  Thanks for any info you might have.

Adkarcher

Come on down towards Asheboro sometime and we'll stalk/hunt Uwharrie. I'm probably an hour from you. Maybe a little more.

No info on those other GLs. Sorry.

Adkarcher,
I cant help you with those game lands, but I'm in Clemmons and would be happy to help you out with any knowledge that would be useful to you. I am a member of Carolina Traditional Archers and will help you get connected with the great members there and go to the events we hold. Drop me a PM and we can talk.
Welcome to North Carolina.
Joe

Adkarcher,
I cant help you with those game lands, but I'm in Clemmons and would be happy to help you out with any knowledge that would be useful to you. I am a member of Carolina Traditional Archers and will help you get connected with the great members there and go to the events we hold. Drop me a PM and we can talk.
Welcome to North Carolina.
Joe

Joe - sent you a pm.  Bud B. - will try and make it down, sounds like fun.

Adkarcher.

Just donated $40 to NC for my hunting privileges. Best $40 spent all year!

My daughter's fiance' showed me his stand. There are over 15 persimmon trees within 30 yards of it!! And ripe persimmons are already on the ground. He's in a honey hole for sure.

$40 is a steal.  Cost me $88 in NY for the same thing and then and extra $10 in order to shoot a doe (during rifle season) and that $10 does not even guarantee me a doe tag, just a chance at one.  I never felt the $88 was too bad, I certainly got my money's worth, but it was sticker shock (in a good way) when I bought mine Sunday.  I feel like I can buy some extra arrows or something now!

renewed my license $80 sportsmans + CFRL + Trapping - this is one of the best deals in the country. 6 deer tags and I can buy 2 doe tags at a time w/o limit $10 per two tags.

I switched to Chippewa Wedgelocs about 12 years - and have 2 Climax platforms so I hung one yesterday on a cluster of oak trees. This way me or a hunt buddy can slip in with just the seat from a lone wolf climber and get a shot. The tree has 8 simmins steel bolts to cimb up and a screw in bow holder. I expect we'll get two at least from this set and it is a a back up spot.

Thunderstorms finally shut down my scouting LIFE MEMBER NCBA

Good luck this weekend guys!!!!

I just came back from checking my spot that's close to home. I jumped a bedded deer that was lying about 10 yards from my stand tree   :banghead:  

I plan on hunting it next week. I'll be elsewhere opening day.

Now, out to the bales...

Give Green's Swamp a try.  On Hwy 211.  Plenty of deer sign (dead deer in the road in the mornings).  Blood trailing in the poccisins is somewhat difficult.  Be sure to bring salt, pepper and some Jack Daniels in case you can't find your way out after a trail.  Exta water & coffee would make a nice touch.

Sorry I haven't looked at this thread for a couple days.

Bud, not sure where sunset beach is. I am up in kitty hawk.

Butchie there is a lot of hunting over here and a bunch of deer. They are very hard to hunt since it is big woods and no patterns to speak of. Pm me your number and I will give you my little knowledge

Sunset Beach is near the SC line. I got a call last night from the Game Warden for Brunswick, Matt Chriscoe. Looks promising for Columbus County GL   :)

This will be my first year with traditional equipment and will be hunting craven,Jones,lenoir,duplin,& caswell counties.

Onslow and pender counties for me this year.One week in november out of state.can't wait.good luck guys and stay safe.

Almost here fellas!

I hail from the Hillsborough area and over the years Butner-Falls GL has been my stomping grounds and down east, Croatan NF as well as some other well known eastern GL. I'm no longer setting stands. I have 2 climbers and I also hunt from the ground alot. I wish everyone good luck and I'm looking forward to following this thread. Go North Carolina!!

I have to leave for work in a short while. I'll try to hit the target butt for a few rounds of practice before leaving, but after that it's the real deal in the morning. I won't get back home from work until around 1030pm tonight.

Hopefully the rain will hold off, and let the cool front come on in...

Here's to a successful season for all.

:campfire:

Good luck this weekend yall!  Pick a spot and shoot straight, I can't wait to see the pictures.

I'm working this weekend, but I am sending good energy to my NC trad friends for their success this weekend. Good luck.

Working this weekend, hope to get on stand Monday. Good luck everybody!

QuoteOriginally posted by smokin joe:
I'm working this weekend, but I am sending good energy to my NC trad friends for their success this weekend. Good luck.

x2 Stuck at work today as well.  Calling for afternoon storms, so evening hunt is our.  Good luck and hopefully we will be getting some good reports from those that were fortunate enough to kick the season of right this morning!!!!!!!!!

Checking in guys, my father and i doubled up on does this morning eating acorns. I knew the shot would be around 30yds due to a lack of suitable trees, Thats just a touch far so  i cheated and used wheels.

Normally i wouldnt have, but Dad really wanted to go there so i was happy to get to spend the morning with him.

Hope you guys had a good morning as well!

QuoteOriginally posted by Bud B.:
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Beginning on page 11

   http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=118617    

Got some things to do so check in on the Hope and Faith thread for Faith's success in the Tarheel State.

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That's awesome Bud!  I hunted morning and evening today but didn't see hide nor hair.  I have yet to have any luck in NC since moving here in 2004, I just can't get the hang of early season hunting.  I still kill all my deer back in WV -- wish I could get them figured out here though.

Congrats again Bud!

Had 2 deer literally almost run me over, running right at me ( I was on the ground) till she noticed me at about 15 yards and the spun, took off.  Had a racked buck at about 25 yards, but always behind a tree or limbs till he took off and then 2 more does came out while I was watching him, but all were just our of my effective range.  I then saw 2 more does on the way out.  Overall, a good evening for my first ever hunt on NC gamelands and not knowing the territory.

Adkarcher

If you're on game lands you're doing great! Keep at it!

Congrats Bud.you are starting out great this year.that bloody arrow is sweet and the buck tells the story.Does it still have velvet?I hope to come later on this fall.stay at it.

Yep. Still in velvet.  :)

Good going, Bud.
  :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Way to go Bud. Velvet makes him even better.

I took my climber out this evening to set up for in the morning. I figured I'd sit for a while. A fawn appeared within about 30 minutes and hung around for a good while. Momma never showed up. I sat until dark.

Maybe in the morning.   :thumbsup:

Bud - AWESOME

hey guys I just got done breaking and icing.
HUGE Doe about 125 # I couldnt even pick it up - 15 yard shot - 40 yard recovery - 66# longbow - 2020 w 165 simmons sharks - what a beautiful day !!!! - saw several - this was the biggest - Persimmons are hammering NOW they are at least 10 days early guys go find one            :)          

was gonna hunt tomorrow after work but Im too tired - next hunt Thursday. I only have cell phone pics ?? not sure they ll make it to here.

soon after lunch I met my buddy Matt Quick since we hunt several properties together. We split the list and went seperately to scout check sign mostly acorns a couple a persimmons and we usually are looking for deer droppings this time of year since there is so much feed available.

I bumped 4 deer bedded under some oaks at one of our spots then proceeded to my afternoon spot. We'd been in there late August there is a single persimmon tree heavy and going early. A few large oaks nearby are not really going yet and there is plenty of big timber in this creek bottom. I park at the end of a cultisac and cross a fairway. Soon as I watch someone finish putting I blaze across this method mostly keeps me from getting hit by golf balls but I do hear plenty.

down the side - cross the creek - and I already have a tree in mind that is 20 yards from the persimmon. I sneak quietly after shinning up the creekbank and go to attach my lone wolf climber and IT DOESN'T FIT !?!?!?! - now im annoyed by making such a stupid mistake having laid an entry trail now which I hate - I quickly backtrack - down the creek - to another tree - and the stand goes on - but just barely. Ended up having to jump up into it grabbing the seat and doing a pullup sort of thing.

Quiet, quick climb and I am 16 feet up easily having made no more noise than a squirrel. A branch in front of me will make perfect cover so I hit it half way with a pruner and it lays half way down perfectly providing a sheild in front of me and since the tree I am in is a little too thick it completetly breaks any silhouette. hang pack - scew in a bow holder - screw in another one to hold my quiver and in just minutes I am practice drawing at shot windows in and around the persimmon tree and just as I start to relax I see a fruit drop           :)           so I immedaietly break out mini 10s binoculars and scan the ground. ? Nothing - looks like everything has been cleaned up and we know creek bottom and river bottom deer move a lot more than just dawn and dusk.

45 minutes later a hound dog pushes a doe by me and crashes what was a beautiful afternoon. moments later I hear people talking 150 yards away - could be a new homesite or timber work - dogs and people come with the territory hunting chatham county.

an hour later things look good agian - some more fruit has dropped - shadows have lengthened - crows have been yelling all afternoon - must be a roosted owl or hawk nearby - and I start thinking it may be time to pull that bow off the holder and at least have it in my hand - and as soon as I thought it I bumped it off the hook and too the ground !? You gotta be kidding me - I expect to make mistakes day one but this is ultra stupid !!

So I climb down - get my bow AND arrow - and climb back up - as I am turning to sit 2 deer blow at me and cantor out of there - bummed. That was probably my chance - lucky at that since a dog already pushed a different deer out earlier - I can't believe I have blown it and begin to get mentally ready "when to pull out" but also it is a beautiful day so I just sit back and enjoy the show. Sunset is only 15 minutes away and i have a front row seat.

10 minutes later the biggest doe I have seen in years walks in almost directly under me - I do not move - and she looks at the trail I entered and I think she thinks I left. I am pretty sure she heard something earlier but if they are bedded you almost have to step on them to get em up.

She walks under the tree and starts nuzzleling and feeding - and in just a couple a minutes her head is behind a tree trunk so I stand slowly steadily and with no noise. her head comes up she scans around and starts to feed and walk at the same time like deer like to do and I see an opening in some lower limbs she will go under and i decide if her chest goes through that opening I will shoot.

She does and I make a perfect shot from full draw 15 yards and she bucks and steps back and stands there - obviously not knowing what has just happened. Couple a seconds later she takes a few quick walking bounds and stops 40 yards out standing still but tail twitching wildly and I know she is annoyed at something. About 10 seconds later she falls over front legs futilly motioning running away she passed into a final sleep.

I put the binoculars on her to confirm but I was shaking so bad it was nothing but a blur - then she must have completely relaxed as her weight rolled slightly showing bright white belly we all do love to see. It is amazing how well deer can blend in alive but when they are dead that belly is like a road sign.

Happiness is a lot of things and for today double lung placement and a trail so short it can be confirmed from stand will have to do           :)          

Matt was hunting a few miles away and good thing since I could drag the deer out but could not lift it.

By Friday the meat will be aged 5 days and we are making a huge batch of chili out of the whoe deer (minus backstraps of course)

Great start to what looks like a great year - we have a small circle of friends we send cell ph pics too for some years now - first thing we do when we walk up on a kill - after a brief prayer of THANKS.


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Congrats, I haven't seen anything yet.

Congrats Cory!

:thumbsup:

Good going, Cory.
  :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Thanks for the pic Cory. Simmons did the job again for you. (as usual).  

I'm starting my season thursday as well ( my 50th birthday). Gonna be after them hard thru  the weekend. Moon will be darkest on saturday. Feels good out this am. DB

Congrats Bud & Cory. Cory Simmon's is the way to go. Happy Bday Thurs. Don you are catching me. Good luck everyone.LCH

Good job guys!  Ya'll are making me jealous. Already got meat in the freezer and I still haven't made it to the woods.

Franklin, NC - Need info. for the area, PLEASE!! Folks just bought property there and looking for hunting info. THANKS!!!

Well, I did not pick a spot resulting in a clean miss over the back of a Nanny.  I guess that is why they call it hunting and not killing.

Rick,
We have all been there. Keep at it. You'll get one.

Same fawn as yesterday at roughly the same time.

I'm set up near a creek crossing, but it's so thick I had one come out of the brush covered area I'm hunting and jump the creek before I ever saw it. About 30 minutes later I saw two more doe in a nearby fescue field.

Keep at it Rick. I missed three two years ago and three last year. I'm trying to be more choosy about my shots. But I'm sure my missing isn't over.  

Bud B
I think you hit the nail on the head.  I made that shot without being completely confident and choosy.  it was a rush shot where I saw her and only had a second to draw and wait for her to come through a small opening before releasing...never did really pick a spot.

Any updates fellow tarheels?

I'm heading out again in the AM.

Not seeing anything yet but my confidence is high , good job on the buck bud and congradulations to you also cory.

Got a great spot have seen 20 over the last three days and had a string jump.

Only been once so far.  Had a nice doe broadside at 20 yards, and was getting ready to put preasure on the string.  Right then a spotted fawn popped out.  I thought long and hard about it, but decided to let momma walk.  The farm we're hunting is covered up this year.  My brother had a big 8 pt. at 10 yards last night, but got busted by a cow horn he didn't see when he drew.  I'm heading out there in the morning to try my luck again.

Congrats to you guys that already have meat in the freezer.

ZERO deer sighted from stand today - saw a couple driving out after dark. Beautiful day - I scouted this morning and I have a white aok ridge here in Sanford FULL of fresh droppings and acorn hulls all over - think I will hit it with a climber Sunday. Work tomorrow. Don B should have something by now. Matt Quick got a doe day after I got mine.
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Going for coastal hogs Monday  :)

Hope to see one or two or....

:clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

I've been out three different times. Saw at least 4 deer every sit. no bucks and no shots taken on does. had two in range but am trying to do some video and couldn't get it all together. took william with me one afternoon to run camera but wouldn't you know it . We got some great footage of 4 does about 80 yards in a cotton field for about 4 hours. Gonna try it again this afternoon. DB

Good luck to you Don!

Had an opportunity this morning on a doe at 10 yards, but was waiting for her to move some since part of her vitals were covered by a bush with leaves.  Don't you know it, she caught my sent and blew out of there. Next time I guess.

I have seen some deer but no shoot opportunities

Post the videos even if there is no kill at the end. Just watching deer is at least half of what gets us out there!

God Bless,
Charlie

My daughter & I sat in our blind all day at a small farm in northern Forsyth Co..
Didn't see anything.
Lots of sign, persimmons dropping nearby.

i have been out three times passed on six different bucks saw 9 does no shot oportunities. Go figure just trying to shoot some does. Taking my buddy Todd this afternoon hopefully he will get his first trad kill.LCH

Deer were really on the move yesterday late afternoon. I saw 6 and two nice bucks. However I ended up having to work late (Hay baling ) and saw them all on my way home. A buddy of mine down from Va, shoot a real nice doe.  May try it this pm.

Went yesterday morning saw a spike in velvet and a large doe. Went to check out another spot on the way home and jumped a nice buck bedded on the edge of a corn field, and alot of good sign. Going to hang a stand this afternoon. Love these cool mornings!

Nothing for me this weekend.  Had a nice buck on the camera while I was in the stand 15 yds away. It was too early and dark I did not even know he was there. Will be 2 weeks til I can go again.

busted by single mature doe 1 hr before dark - shot at a small doe after sunset arrow glance off a twig I did not see - decent hunt though power line near home.
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My 17 year old daughter hit a doe late this evening ( her 1st) at about 18 yds. Walked the blood trail until it started to really rain & get dark.
Will go back tomorrow to search, but they are calling for about 1.3 inches of rain in the next 2 days.
She's experiencing the thrill of victory and the agony of possible non-recovery now.
She probably won't sleep well tonight.

good luck on the recovery.i have ben out 2 mornings and 2 evenings and have only seen deer in the pm right at dark.good luck guys

Saw 7 does out in a field while on stand this afternoon. They were acting really spooky. lots of coyote tracks in the sand. Had about a 200lb  black bear walk down the road by the field. He got about 15 yds down wind of me and stood up on his hind legs for a better whiff. He finally bolted back the way he came. Got about a minute and a half of video of him. fun set but no shot.

Cory and Bud - way to go!

Cory - I've
been keeping an eye on the persimmons on my deer lease and none are dropping yet..Persimmons are one of my favorite spots to hunt.

Only hunted twice so far. Had 4 does in at 15 yards on one hunt but couldn't get the shot I wanted. Got skunked on the second hunt(last friday afternoon) - which is very unusual for the areas I hunt.
My son took 3 shots at two big bucks lasttuesday evening(09-11-2012. He saw several other smaller bucks and several does on that hunt also. Something was going on that afternoon as that is the most activity we've seen from that stand this year. He killed his first deer with a recurve when he was 12 and has only bowhunted 2 or 3 times since then - he's now 25 years old, so he's got a lot to learn about waiting for the right shot. This year he's been going strong and I've given him my best setup's to keep his interest up.
I'm planning to hunt wednesday and friday afternoons and maybe saturday morning.
Good luck to everyone this week.

Hey Bud,
Where in Laurel Springs did you hunt? I now hunt the family farm in Davie, but we used to own a house and several acres that joined Thurman Chatam game lands. Just had to walk off the front porch and onto A section. I have had a few burgers at the little cafe across from the "post office"/hotel

farrider,

Elk Knob Hunt Club, that was active in the 70s and early 80s. Dean Pruitt's dairy farm was most of the land. Dean is now passed and his sons have a few acres of the old homeplace up there I think. Roger was one of his son's names but forgot the other. The property went up to the Parkway boundary in alot of places. It was over on the far side of the mountain from Thurmond Chatham, off Meadowfork Rd north on the Parkway from Laurel Springs. Killed my very first deer on the knoll behind his newer dairy barn. But that was 1981.

Going back out again tomorrow night.

Still wishing all some good luck out there. acorns are hitting the ground hard around here.

Our place was just over the ridge on 18, Mulberry Gap Road (dirt) led to the top and paralleled the game land's border. It was a beautiful place, and I miss it. I had a sweet little spot out on a point where the deer came up and over the ridge. I'm heading out to test the waters here in Davie tomorrow. Trees on the farm are heavy with persimmons, but they are being a little slow to ripen. None the less, with this frontal boundary passing today and dumping tons of water, I feel there will be some activity tomorrow.

Tim

white oaks dropping steady now here Peidmont. Wally i did see a few persimmons about to go no fruit dropped yet ??? these others that have been going are near Jordan and Harris Lakes - I have no clue why ??

Persimmons are dropping like mad here in Asheboro. HUGE ripe ones. But none are where I hunt  :(

5 different trees w squirrels cutting and a RACCOON cutting acorns too in another tree all within a 50 yard radius I was in the middle and saw ZERO deer - second hunt no sightings - I am in a slump   :)

I'm with you Cory. Nada today.

Yesterdays hunt was one of my best and most enjoyable ever.

I saw at least a dozen different deer.

I had planned to hunt the woods in back of a food plot we planted a couple of weeks ago. Its a natural travel area for the deer and would be good hunting even though the food plot didn't have much in it yet.
Walking in through the weedy pasture, I see a couple of deer running down through the woods to the right of the food plot. I had a feeling they were feeding on something and so I moseyed on over there to see what was going on. I eased into the woods and found two white oaks dropping some acorns - they were dropping while I stood there.

I picked a tree out and up I went in my lone wolf climber.

Starting at 6:00 p.m. I had deer coming through almost constantly. They all went to the the two feed trees, I had many, many 10 yard and less shot opportunities but was trying to hold off as I was only 200 yards from where my son saw the two big bucks last week. That was a hard thing to do as I was hunting with my new to me Northern Mist Classic longbow and I wanted to bloody it pretty bad.

Finally had one doe to my left and slightly behind me that would put me in pretty good shape with the big doe contest my club has but I couldn't get the shot I wanted on her.

Saw three bucks, two cowhorn spikes and one 7 point. The 7 point was very tempting as it was about 14 inches wide inside, but I kept thinking about the two big bucks and let him go even though he offered me some great 10 yard shot opportunities..

I'm getting picky in my old age, even though I'm not really a trophy hunter, but still find myself passing on deer if I know there are bigger ones around...

Planning to go again friday afternoon. I've got another hot spot I haven't hunted yet that I need to try but this spot is hot right now so if the wind is right I may go back to it for fridays hunt.

Cory - no persimmons dropping in my area that I've found yet and I've checked a lot of trees.

Got a doe today - 12 yard shot - double lung hit - 50 yard recovery - 66# longbow 2020 165 gr sharks.
Beautiful day eagle fying overhead during my lunch break - stump shot a while - scouted a couple hours - Yikes Wally more Persimmons at Jordan so plump they all burst when they hit the ground.Saw a copperhead slide by from my stand.
I am BEAT!
work tomorrow - next hunt Sunday


(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/corymattson/0_1.jpg)
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:thumbsup:

Season has been going good do far for seeing deer. I shot a doe opening Monday, and another old doe Sunday buck movement has been slow seeing a few small ones here and there only big deer are still coming in at night.

saw 3 does at 6:38 this evening. No shot opportunity. Maybe try it in the am.

Daughter and I ran into a pack of coyotes on the way in - boy can they scream & howl.
Between them and the low flying State helicopters (looking for pot fields, maybe?) we didn't see anything all day.
Will give it a go tomorrow evening.

Went hunting off the creek in hookerton the other day. Only accessible by boat. Good spot but just too early in the year for me. Too hot and got carried out of the woods by mosquitos. Saw 2 does and tons of tree rats.

Hey Eric, you know Carl Blizzard? I use to play music at his shop from time to time. The creek runs just behind it. He might would let you put in there. good luck Don

4 mores days and I will be chasing a nice one I got some pics of. Hope the weather cools off some

So far no shot opportunities on does every time I go I have a shot at a buck. Go figure. No white oaks dropping where I hunt they dropped last year just red oaks dropping. I need to shoot one or two (does).LCH

Don, i dont know Carl but im going to ask around and see if any of my friends do. Thats a beautiful place down there. Good luck to everyone this week.

NC BowBender,
I live in your neck of the woods and have seen lots of coyotes and coyote sign too. I think they are effecting the deer population and movement. My trail camera shows mostly nocturnal movement so far this year, and little movement in places that used are normally very busy this time of year.

I surmise that the pressure from the coyotes is changing deer patterns. I am starting to think that I may have to concentrate on coyote hunting for a couple of years to thin them out a bit (if that is even possible).
Joe

Well, after many days of trying to go, I finally made it into my little honey hole today. Problem is that my little spot is full of small drainage areas, and we have had a lot of rain, including a nice storm last night. Nice and quiet stalking, but I wanted to sit. I was completely inundated with mosquitoes which proceeded to harass me without mercy. Silly me, I bought a new Thermacell at the end of last year, but in my haste to get to the woods, I overlooked it. I finally gave up and switched ares, seeking sunshine and wind to help, but no such luck. As I was ready to move out of my last spot, I tossed my strap on seat down to pack up, and nearly dropped it on a bedded fawn. It bolted from no more than 5 yards from me, nearly giving me a myocardial infarction!!! It was at least a winning day, as I did get to witness this amazing creature doing what was so deeply ingrained in it's DNA.

far rider, you have me laughing out loud!! Would've loved to have seen that moment!!  :biglaugh:

Way to go Cory - you are the deer slayer!

LCH - we had a bumper crop of white oak acorns last year too - but some of the white oaks are loaded this year also. Deer are really searching them out here...You might want to double check your white oaks....

Don't know why some areas the persimmons are ripe and others they are not. In my area I've never seen persimmons ripen till after the frost in October...

Speaking of coyotes as someone did in this thread....The other evening when I saw so many deer, most of the does did not have fawns...That is unusual for my area as I usually try to find a dry doe if I want to kill a doe in September, and its hard to find a dry doe as most does have fawns with them that time of year - which is the opposite of what I'm seeing this year. We've seen coyotes in this area so I think maybe they are impacting the fawn population...

I saw two  young cow horns around 11:30 am. problem was I was in and 8pt or better area. Well off to work. I'll make it out a few evenings this week.

The mature does I have seen this last week have already started herding up and have left their fawns. I'm not seeng spotless fawns with the does, but am seeing both.

We set from 4 pm to dusk. No sightings, but a great time sitting together.
Starting to cool down. Supposed to be 48 overnite.
Next time to go will be Sat.

Just got done skinnig my deer. 14 yd shot - deer ran 20 yards and stopped unsure of what happened - a moment later crashed downhill for a 45 yard recovery total. Might leave it hang till morning down to 48 degrees here     :)     tonight. Persimmons again!!! discoverd around 15 trees that day I was watching eagles at lunch time. I am beat - number 3 taken care of. I hunted yesterday afternoon and saw no deer ?? but I did call in a huge Hawk which was fun - it visited quite some time before pusshing out -- I gotta look it up to see what it was - huge and flew through timber yellow feet and some yellow on his face too but I think it was too big for a Redtail? -  today this was the only deer I saw. Bright moon this weekend so I may be scouting more than hunting for till that moon cycles through.

(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/corymattson/0_1-2.jpg)

66# longbow - 2020s - 165 gr sharks - lone wolf climber

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Cory, you should have enough chili meat stock piled now. You know What Gene said, "20 percent of the hunters kill 80 percent of the deer" . You can't kill them on the couch. Good going. I'm heading down to Lukens friday for a afternoon hunt. You aint gonna believe it but I was down there sunday and saw not a single bug. It's scary. Might get out wed or thur here.

Back yard hunt last night deer came in few minutes before dark again, looked like 5-6 does. Heading out to franklinville this afternoon, if another one of those big Does comes in tonight film or not I will be letting an arrow go. I messed up last week and my go-pro died as soon as she got in a shooting lane and I let her got at 9 yards.

QuoteOriginally posted by Don Batten:
I saw two  young cow horns around 11:30 am. problem was I was in and 8pt or better area. Well off to work. I'll make it out a few evenings this week.

Lukens(sp?)island??

If that is it I could tell you a funny story about a huge 6 pt I got less than 2 yards from once there. Think we both had a heart attack!

Hope everyone's season is going well - the only time I have been someone dumped a pack of hounds in the opposite side of the cutdown! I guess test running his hounds - well they pushed to pretty 8s outta the cutover - watched one circle back and bed down, the other got pushed off into the swamps.

I wasn't mad though as I got to see deer and listen to a good race.

I really do not sit until it gets a little chilly. Heavy frost in the mountains on Monday morning. Plenty of small bucks and does sighted. I really need to thin the does out a little this year. Anyone heard how Wilkes and Surry county are doing with there hemorrhagic disease. I found a dead deer in the New River about a month ago that was a suspected case.

No word except what's on the NCWRC site...

Commission to Hold Public Information Meeting on Hemorrhagic Disease
on Sep 07, 2012 01:34 PM • Views 3786
Message Sent!  

Share This Media Contact: Carolyn Rickard
919-707-0124
carolyn.rickard@ncwildlife.orgWILKESBORO,N.C. (Sept. 7) — The N.C.Wildlife Resources Commission has scheduled a meeting to present information to the public about the scope and impact of an outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD) on deer in Western North Carolina.

The meeting is scheduled for 6-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, before the Commission's annual public hearing on proposed regulations.

"We plan to present information about HD in general, as well as discuss expectations that hunters, landowners, farmers and others can have for this season and future years," said Chris Kreh, a biologist with the Commission. "This is mainly an informational meeting, though we may provide some recommendations for hunters with specific management goals for deer on their property."

Biologists are observing an increasing number of hemorrhagic disease cases in white-tailed deer in the western part of the state, especially in Caldwell, Wilkes and Surry counties.

The disease has no human health implications, but is one of the most significant endemic viral and sometimes fatal diseases of white-tailed deer in the southeastern U.S.

Transported by a biting midge (or gnat), the virus enters deer through the blood stream. Common symptoms of sick animals include emaciation, loss of motor control, fever,lameness and swelling of the neck and head. Infected deer often seek relief near bodies of water, resulting in a higher frequency of dead deer near creeks,rivers and ponds than on adjacent uplands. Investigations of these dead deer usually reveal ulcerations on the tongue, dental pad and palate. The mouth may also be bluish in color and the skin flush or reddish, particularly noticeable on the inside of the legs and belly.  

Commission biologists first began seeing deer afflicted with the disease in Wilkes and Surry counties. In August, reports of the disease also began coming from Caldwell, Burke, McDowell, Rutherford and Buncombe counties. The hardest hit counties are Caldwell, Surry and Wilkes.


Anyone go????

Havent seen ary up here in the mountains thank the good Lord. I have heard of some found though.

On a lighter note....i finally scored last night!

5pt shot was abiut 8-10 yards, and he was!
ballhootin by 20.

Ill post some pics when i get back to my computer

Way to go Dalton!

Lookin' forward to the pics  :)

Sat in the stand this evening but nothing. The near full moon began to rise well before sunset. It was bright coming out. Barely a need for the headlamp.

Just before climbing down I heard a deer snort off in the distance. Not sure what it was wheezing about, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't me.

Going to hit it again tomorrow evening, but not sure how it'll be with the moon the way it is.

today should be better.

J-Dog, yes lukens island. I think you told me the story once.

Me and a buddy are headed down for the afternoon set.

oh by the way, My longtime hunting buddy and friend Jet Mathews shot a nice bull moose up in Maine this past week. #979  gutted 52" spread. Hoots recurve. He called me 45 min after the shot. to say he was excited would be an understatement.

Went out this morning and had a couple of youngsters, 4 pointers visit me within about ten yards.  Hope
Nobody shoots them...should be shooters in a couple of years.

Stalked my stand tonight to get it out for my work week. I don't want it stolen...   :mad:  

But, walking ever so slowly I walked up on two doe who appeared from behind some bull brairs. We saw each other at about the same time. They bounded off but did not blow in their retreat.

Maybe next time.   :banghead:

Finally got some ripe persimmons falling in one of my spots...Hope to hunt it later this week....

I had 5 bucks and 2 does come in last night. I shot the biggest doe, shot looked perfect right behind the shoulder. 15 yards treeshark, she ran off like I had smoked her. A friend was with me hunting about 100yards away, she ran past him he heard a gurgling sound.
I found no blood and where she ran to was a huge cut over couldn't find her. That sucks. LCH

Gotta hate that Lee. All this rain we've been getting is making it hard to find a good time to hunt. I'm getting ready for work and awoke to the sound of thunder.

Yeah Bud the ground was nothing but wet black dirt with a few leaves mashed into it. If there was blood it didn't show. Todd was sitting in the stand she ran by.LCH

Good luck when you get back into the woods.

Saw my first red fox in years this morning while on stand. So did the nearby crows. They were circling above him and he was twisting his head to watch them circle. He sniffed the air and went on.

No deer seen.

Shot at a doe yesterday and everything was looking perfect until tire lower limb on bow hit the cable on my tree stand causing the arrow to dive right under her. Now I am 0 and 3.  I am finding out that this Trad stuff is a lot harder than you may think...different things to consider than using a "wheelie"

I have not seen a deer since opening weekend.  There were 2 weekends I was not able to hunt because of work (and I only have Sat. - gotta love the No Sunday hunting thing), so it has been a slow.  I did see my first NC turkey yesterday, got all excited and then remembered no fall season here.  Oh well, good to see one.

Adkarcher

My opening day was yesterday. Been so busy with work or my kids school and sports functions that I haven't been able to get out....till yesterday morning. I had a doe moving in to my shooting lanes but she was very skittish, but still coming. I thought this is it and I had my fingers looked and ready to draw with just a few more steps when a huge limb falls out of a nearby tree and sends her the other way, hunt over! It was a very good hunt anyway, some much needed time in the stand to relax. I hope to get back out there again this week, maybe I'll get another shot at that ole nanny.

QuoteOriginally posted by adkarcher:
I have not seen a deer since opening weekend.  There were 2 weekends I was not able to hunt because of work (and I only have Sat. - gotta love the No Sunday hunting thing), so it has been a slow.  I did see my first NC turkey yesterday, got all excited and then remembered no fall season here.  Oh well, good to see one.

Adkarcher

As long as you're not hunting public land you can hunt on Sundays with bow on privately owned land, unless the landowner deems otherwise.

I'll be heading out this evening to take advantage of the arrival of this cold front.

I have not been able to get hooked up with private land yet, so the no Sunday hunting thing is a major barrier, really stinks for the working man.

Is that the same for turkeys in the spring?  Can you bowhunt turkeys on Sunday on private land?

Adkarcher,
I understand where you are coming from, I need a place to hunt on Sundays too. This afternoon would have been perfect in our part of the state, and I have the day off too. I am a transplanted northerner like you and I love NC. This state is beautiful and the people are so nice. I have to figure out a way to meet some land owners so I can set up a Sunday spot.

The turkey bowhunt question is a good one, but I don't know the answer to it. I'll be looking that one up.
Joe

I would imagine the private land will eventually work itself out, at least I hope.  Just some seems like a waste this year - nice cool temps today to hunt and I sit home while I had to hunt in hot weather yesterday.  Still working on some people at work for private land, just seems like a foolish law.  I can do everything else on Sunday but hunt.  Oh well, I will enjoy the times I get out and wish I was in NY on Sundays...

Yes sir, you can certainly bow hunt turkey on private lands on Sunday. From what I read the only restriction on Sunday hunting is migratory game birds. Page 42 I think....

Good.  I have met a couple of guys that maybe I can at least start turkey hunting private land there this spring since they only deer hunt.  This led to deer hunting chances in NY, so you never know.  Might be able to coyote hunt also, so there is hope.

I shot this one early last week. 16 yard shot and watched him fall out at about 60-70 yards. Not the best picture, but it was late.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo247/Buxndiverdux/photo-43.jpg)

Love that picture thanks for adding - nice buck
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Congrats on the buck.

Someone else has a trad buck to post... Todd????

Yeah Bud I am surprised it isn't on here yet. He was one happy dude last night.LCH

(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h440/herndondt/FirstTraditionalDeer.jpg)

Sorry for the delay fella's! Here he is boys and girls my first Traditional buck. I give thanks to God, Lee Hinton and Bud B.

God gets all the glory!

Lee for mentoring me and taking me hunting.

Bud B. for selling me this bow.

The full story is going to be on it's on post. Soon I promise but I have to get the time to sit down and give it the glory.

Great Job!!!!
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Todd took me out to his place last night. In four hours I saw nine deer. The only shot opportunity was on a button buck, so no shot. That place is crawling with deer. Acorns were popping the ground all over.

With all those doe around I'm sure a nice buck is near.

Thanks for the fun Todd. That's the most deer I've seen in one sit.

Well fellas the good Lord has blessed me again! Here are my second and third deer with a traditional bow.


(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h440/herndondt/BCCFD23B-157D-47F4-ADD2-0D31C2BABCC6-1106-000000DDABF55DE5.jpg)

Love It!!!!!!!!!!! Good shooting.
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Story Todd.!.!.!  you can't just post and run!!

:thumbsup:

Well with the frost, I started hunting the mountains. Last night, red fox ran by and a basket rack 8 right under the stand. I also seen the neibors dog three times. This morning I had another different little buck under the stand at about 15yds and a small raccoon. Camera shows small bucks everywhere. It looks like the management plan is working. I am hoping to shoot a long nose doe for jerky.

Tim, I know exactly what you are talking about. I use to be in a club close by home that if a deer stuck his head out during gun season , he was toast. Property was sold 4 years ago and new owner did not lease to the club. After some really selective logging and being lucky enough to have met the new owner and done some work for him, the time off has done wonders for the deer. I've passed a bunch of nice young 2 1/2 to 3 1/3 yr old bucks this year on this piece. Hell , I been trying to shoot a doe since the season came in and can't get a shot at one.  It's a good problem to have. too many small bucks.

Just a heads up Tarheels, especially Piedmont areas...

Yesterday I saw a spike near a major highway in open daylight. Unusual for the area. I have begun to see deer on the road dead, more so than usual. Today I had to put down a buck that was hit by a car in the middle of Greensboro, no where near the countryside. It did a number on the Mercedes that hit it.

I'm thinking early signs of rut. I have seen a couple of scrapes in the woods while hunting too. Seems a bit early, but mother nature does what she wants.

I am up here working in Ohio and the locals have been telling me the same information for the past couple of weeks.  Scrapes all over.

I'd say you have this deer killing science down pat!  Congrats herndondt

Thanks awbowman!

This evenings report:
My son and I were hunting a new set on a hardwood ridge over looking a 3 acre pond. Around 7:00pm we began seeing movement. We ended up watching 8 does all pretty good size feeding on acorns. They never came any closer than approx 35 yards, so no shot was taken. We also saw 3 raccoons and atleast 10 squirrels.

I did take note of where they were feeding and picked out a tree or two to climb in the next few days. I'll keep you updated on this spot.

As for what I have been reading on here about scrapes. I know of atleast 12 just around my house. They are popping up everywhere.

I saw 11 deer and one big bear this afternoon. The bear at 4:20 and all the deer from 6:10 till dark. Could have put the hammer down on three of them but indecision got the better of me.

Oh by the way, I did shoot a nice doe on monday afternoon. quickest hunt of my life. As I was climbing into the stand the doe was coming at about 40 yrs out.  hardly had time to pull my bow up and nock an arrow. she passed at about 22 steps and made it another 40 or so yards. 50lb widow, razorcap head. plenty of blood. no pics. sorry

Cool way to go Don  :thumbsup:

Congrats herndondt! That is a great buck and couple of does. You started off hot!

Saturday, the wind was wrong for my set stand so I hunted off the ground. Two imature does within 20yrds. Both busted me before I could get a shot.
This morning, my dad said there was deer everywhere and seen about 15. Last night, I sat till dark and did not see a thing. My friend hunted and seen several small bucks running and breaking apart does with nose to the ground.

Thats very encouraging to hear! I have a buddy that hunts over on 163 and he had 2 8s chasing a doe all morning saturday. Getting closer!

Scored on an 8 point this morning.  My first trad buck.

QuoteOriginally posted by Rick Richard:
Scored on an 8 point this morning.  My first trad buck.

Pics please!!

Congratulations!


 :clapper:  

 :coffee:

This morning had 2 10pts come by out of range eating acorns. They had a small 3pt with them they came by at around 0750. At 1000 had a year and a half old 8pt come by. I think I will take Thurs. and Fri. off try to get one of the 10's before muzzle loader season starts. LCH

This evening was pretty good. I saw 7 does and they all fed out at least 50 yards from my stand until it was so dark that I could not see them. Oh well, I watched where they were feeding and all I have to do now is find a tree. Hopefully I will score this week.

QuoteOriginally posted by Rick Richard:
Scored on an 8 point this morning.  My first trad buck.

Posting a pic of Rick's NICE 8pt for him...

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/photo.jpg)

My first self bow animal taken with a 69"NTN Bamboo Backed Hickory 50#@26". A 14 yard double lung shot with a 145 grain Snuffer on a Port Orford Cedar Shaft. I watched him pile up in seconds. It was an awesome feeling!
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo247/Buxndiverdux/photo-46.jpg)

Way to go Mitch!

good job guys both awesome  :)
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I thats what I am talking about!!!!!! Good job Guys   :clapper:  

 :archer2:

Thanks again Bud B for posting my picture!

Thats the way to get it done guys!

Leaving herndondt's place last night I saw three bucks about 150 yards down the road from his driveway running from a stripped tobacco field. One was probably the largest racked alive deer I've seen in person. Walking into the woods earlier we passed by at least three scrapes that were freshly cleared of leaves.

It's on central guys. Get out before the muzzlers go out.

Way to go Mitch, John told me you were in the primitive mode now.

I do believe too that the Rut is very very close.  I noticed a bunch of scrapes and fresh rubs this past weekend.  Also the buck I shot was gettting that rutty smell.

Good luck to all and be safe!

The rut IS ON in ENC,I've taken two that were rutted up in the past two weeks.

Congats to all
We are going back out this weekend
Probably will end up sitting in rain showers

Passed on a shot opportunity this evening on a spike. I had the Dave Johnson longbow with me, which has yet to take a harvest. It was tempting, but he'll be nice two or three years from now.

Nice buck Rick Richard.  Congrats!!!

Could have done it again this morning, but another year will make him much better.

I was sitting in the same stand that I took the 8 point from last weekend when this really nice 4 point showed up at about the same time and stopped in the same spot as the buck last week.  He presented me with a 12 yard broadside shot.  I drew back on him and concentrated on the spot and visioned it happening. I let down and watched him walk off...what a thrill.

:clapper:

I got another doe Tuesday - they came by late almost  last light - time to settle down and do some buck hunting. I heard coyotes yelling back at geese like crazy the other evening - loud like Texas coyotes - this was Chatham County. Good job guys and I saw Wallys buck - beautiful! Muzzleloosers start this Saturday with another week stolen from bowhunters - we will keep bowhunting.

I wouldn't have believed it, but as I was looking for a new stand/blind area for my dad, I quite by accident stumbled upon a very fresh scrape in between two VERY thrased saplings. I was standing looking over some fallen timber, and kept smelling that familiar musk. I walked a few yards and there it was. Very fresh, very used, and very close to my normal ground stand. All indications are that he's a young one, but the ladies might not care. Guess where I'll be tomorow?

Went out this morning and someone else was in the patch of woods I hunt, so I backed out and came home. I don't want to mess up someone else's morning, and he was there before I got there. Now I'll have to spend the day doing chores instead of hunting. Grrrrr.

I need to find a few new farms to hunt here in NC.

I shot a big 7pt yesterday evening. I had taken Ben Graham (Hummingbirds Bows) hunting. I took him where Todd killed his buck a few weeks ago there are several bucks in there and the place is littered with scrapes. There are a lot of acorns on the ground.
He came in around 1850 (6:50) eating acorns I started not to shoot him because he won't score that well but upon further inspection he was an older deer and had long G2's and was wider than his ears. He came under my stand and then walked straight away from me not offering the shot I wanted. Finally after what seemed like for ever he quartered slightly away and I put a Simmon's Tigershark through the good stuff. He didn't go 50 yards. Ben was so happy (glad he brought his cart mine is broke).
I will get some better pics today and try to get them on here Bud you may have to help me with that.

I just can not catcha break. I had several shot opputunities on small bucks and non shooters right  underneath the stand. I am trying to shoot some of the larger does. Last night I hunted my only stand set up for a south east wind. That means I have to walk through my area that holds deer in order to get situated. I got there early and set up without busting any deer. Hour later, still early, two large does come out with one fawn and walk up through the woods. I set that stand in a V 'ed pine on edge of a old fence line. Its a perfect edge. Instead of walking the edge, they headed up the mountain and got down wind of me. I watched there reaction because I knew what was immenent. One doe, stopped got on alert and took off up the mountain taking the other two deer with her.
I little later I had 4 deer come out of the thicket and walked up the mountain on the other side of the stand about 30yards away. Wrong side of the tree and to much brush in the way of a safe shot. I see a squirrel running around in the open woods at about 20yards, By the time I got set, he was about 30yards. Out of frustration, I launched one at him. I have to check that judo, it had to skim him.
Close to dark, I look behind me and a huge doe by herself was walking down the edge with the wind in my favor. I slowly got into position shooting between the V. Tight shot but doable. She comes in and stops with her head behind a pine at 15yds. The is one pine branch about the thickness of your thumb going horizonally through her vitals. She comes around the tree forcing me to get the bow on the other side of the tree. I opted to pull it in close to me and flip my safety line over my head. She stops in the open 5 yards from the base of the tree and my upper limb has not cleared the safety line and making a slight noise. She caught a little movement and she was gone. I was not moving much but it was enough. She ran about 20yards and stopped, then slowly walked away. So close

LCH email me the pics I'll post them for you brother! Congratulations! We'll  be home tomorrow afternoon so maybe we can hunt sometime soon!

Old gray face 4pt, have let a few nice 6pts walk, hopefully they will make it and be bigger next year, did this a few years ago letting 6pts walk and rifle hunter shot them. These gun hunters around here in eastern n.c. shoot everything they see then complain that there are no big bucks. Wish they would go to the 2 bucks a year rule instead of 4. Heading to Ohio next week, going to be nice getting away from dog hunters.

My wife is in Pollocksville for her family reunion today James. Wish I could've gone down.

Good luck in Ohio.

I wish I had all of the problems of passing on small bucks to let them grow.  One day a week on public game with fox hounds, dove hunters and small game hunters makes the bowhunting pretty worthless so far this year.  I even had small game hunters literally park within 20 yards of my truck and walk in on my sit.  I realize the land is there for everyone, but really?  As Smokin Joe stated above, I usually turn around and leave or go somewhere else.  NY state land hunting looks pretty good right now and I thought I would never utter those words.  Anyhow, enough ranting for now.  Still a couple of months left.

Thanks Bud, Ohio is my favorite place to hunt. It has to be the most bowhunting friendly state in the country. Almost got my wife talked into moving there and buy a farm. Never seen a state with so much public land to bowhunt.

My daughter and I sat all day today.
Finally at 1800 2 does came in, but would come any closer than 25 yards, and her self imposed limit is 20 and under.
So we watched them feed off, and watched a beautiful red sky sunset.
Evening hunt scheduled for tomorrow.

adk....pm me. I'll let you hunt the tiny 21 acres I'm hunting. Plus, there's Uwharrie a mile down from my driveway. We can stump-n-hunt there and have a blast. Even if no deer are harmed. We can certainly scare the bejeebers out of some squirrels.

I really need two sets of eyes on that 21 acres though.

Seen several does again tonight with the wind swirling, started feeding my way but ran out of daylight.

Adk,
Send me a PM. Since we live so close to each other maybe we could team up and develop a plan to get access to some better places to hunt. My spot is not very good any more.
Joe

Sandy's keeping me inside today, I'd sure love to be out there! I took my backyard groundblind down to keep the heiffer from destroying it....

Good on you for letting the young ones walk Jimmy!  Running dogs and shooting everything that moves makes hunting coastal Carolina interesting to say the least.  Good luck in Ohio next week, I'll be looking for some pictures and a story the next time I see ya!

Nothing yesterday evening. Sat and watched the approach to the scrape line for 4 hours with 0 luck. Wind really swirling though, so I feel sure that had at least something to do with it. Going to back out and wait until at least Monday evening, maybe Tuesday depending on the wind.

Looking for number 1,
Tim

Debating whether to go out tonight or not. Wind is really blowing here in the SE part of the state. I still haven't seen a deer this year while bowhunting, though hunting on base isn't the greatest.

Hang in there Adam!  It does take a little time to learn the training areas and where the deer like to hang out, but believe me they're in there.  I've found that the months of Nov & Dec are much better when it comes to regular daytime movement and shot opportunities, I usually see more deer in the two week block around Thanksgiving than I do during the rest of the season combined!  Hang tough and keep after 'em, if you have good sign at your stand setups you should start seeing them during daylight hours soon.

Thanks, Ive tryin to get in one of the areas you had shown me, but its been closed now for awhile. I assume they probably have some exercise going on there. Ive been hunting the Croatan a few times too and have actually seen some deer there, but its all been with a gun. Really itching to get one with a bow.

I live here in Croatan, go down to Haywood landing and Long Pt, the crops have been cut and if you find the trails going to the fields follow them in to you hit the marsh, been hunting these areas for 30 plus years and there is some big rack bucks in there, but you got to get way back, take a GPS, you will see plenty of turkey and a lot of black bears. The dog hunters will be hunting the roads and they push all the big bucks back into the swamp. Used to hunt Camp Lejeune but they cut down all my old spots so its back to Croatan, which is nice because you don't have to check out and in. This area is covered with hardwoods, and is a longbow hunters paradise.

Postman, thanks for the leads. I will definately check them out. Went out there tonight near catfish lake. Saw 2, buddy killed one of them. Hopefully I can get out there this weekend and try again.

Any deer movement in these strong winds? I was considering going hunting off the creek in hookerton this evening

QuoteOriginally posted by erictetterton:
Any deer movement in these strong winds? I was considering going hunting off the creek in hookerton this evening

You dont know unless you go. I was in the same boat, and was suprised in a good way. The deer have been laying low since the beginning of the storm, riding it out. Now that its over, they need food, water, and to clear their boredom. Not to mention all the nuts and acorns that blew down during the storm. If I could hunt tonight, I would.

Here is pics of LCH's Hummingbird/Tiger Shark kill from this past weekend. Congratulations brother you are the man!


(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h440/herndondt/7F9AD56A-24C3-4083-91E4-4E71A5F1E294-3279-000001F334380490.jpg)

(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h440/herndondt/3E79C9BE-464C-4C0C-8C5D-107F0818944E-3279-000001F33759CC45.jpg)

Here is a pic of the entry from a quartering away angle with the Simmons Tiger Shark

(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h440/herndondt/0F6C4A95-0EB9-4A9C-A76C-18AEA6F0FF3C-3279-000001F336384E34.jpg)

WOW!

Way to go Lee  :)  That's a mounter for sure!

Outttt-standingggggg, Lee!

Hello Marine! My son-in-law is now home.  :thumbsup:

Good to see you posting Bernie. Continued prayers your way Sir.

Thanks guys, Bernie and bud I get lucky every now and then. Todd thanks for posting that. Bud we need to get together with Todd and fix some stand sites on that other land he has. I am ready to put a SHARK attack on some does.LCH

Say when  :)

Again, nice deer Sir! And it ain't luck. I've seen you shoot  :thumbsup:

Hey everyone! You look like a great gang of people. I've been wanting to get out there and start hunting with a bow instead of a rifle, but never had anyone around here to hunt with. Then I saw this thread and this site. Nice Job so far this season guys and gals! You've got some fine looking kills there.

I live up off 150 in caswell near rockingham, just north of greensboro. If anyone is interested in hunting my land with me or inviting me down to hunt, I'm game.

Its good to be here.

Mr. Bones 2012...you think this is fun....and it is, however you should try one of the shoots that is hosted by some trad clubs in the area.

Good one Lee. I haven't had much time to go myself lately because of work and kids ( 3rd one is due any day now). Early season was good to me though i killed a nice 9 point and an 8 point that i think will make pope and young but they were victoms of my mathews z7. Troy is on the way to Kansas today and plans to arrive tomorrow. i was supposed to be with him but the new arrival put that trip on hold.

Welcome Mr. Bones  :)

Thank you , Bud. Think I am beginning to get back closer to normal now but arms and legs still feel a little like spaghetti.

Mr Bones,
Welcome to the camp fire. You are not too far away, and I would be happy to come on up and help get you up to speed with trad hunting. It is a ton of fun and an interesting way to experience deer hunting. I even have a bow or two that I can let you use to experiment with.

Drop me a PM or an email and we can set something up.

Again, welcome to the trad campfire.
Joe

Good buck Lee. Congrats, I bet Ben was excited.

Bernie, Good to see you are getting better. remember we have a date in april for the st jude hunt.

Preston, good luck with #3.

Good luck to Troy out west.

Bucks are moving in my neck of the woods. I videoed a decent 8 pt working a scrape about 25yds from my stand on tuesday. had him at 15 on wed and saw mutiple racked bucks to and from hunt. I got some prime land t hunt and ive enjoyed just watching them. Do have a couple of shooters on camera. I shot one doe about two weeks ago and killed a real nice 7 pt last friday up in north west VA. Saw a ton of deer up there with over half being bucks.

hopefully I'll get a shot at big boy in the next two weeks. Ive seen him once but not for long.

Welcome Mr. Bones! You and ADK need to pm me sometime. We'll try to get something together. Bernie it's really good to see a post from you sir. Semper Fi Devil Dog!

Thanks Don he was.

Thanks Preston hope everything goes well keep us up to date and congrats on your bucks. Tell Troy good luck.
LCH

Thanks, guys. Hope to be posting more as I get back in the swing. Don, I have thought a lot about the St. Jude hunt in the Spring and sure won't forget it. I should be OK for that for sure, good lord willing - and wouldn't miss it if at all possible. I did go out and do a ground stand one evening out back here last week but nothing came my way (no real surprise but it felt good to be out there, at least). Good luck to all during the rest of the season. Hope you get your chance at Mr. Big, Don.

Thanks Bern. Give me a call if you feel up to climbing a tree or just walking in and ground hunting your spot at my place.

Got a huge beautiful doe - came through at last light - 8 yard shot - 65 yard recovery - steady blood sign - love them sharks!!! - heard a muzzleloader go off around 4:30 but the 3 deer I saw were moving last spec of daylight ?

(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/corymattson/0_1-1.jpg)

You're having a great season Cory. Congrats!!

QuoteOriginally posted by Cory Mattson:
- 8 yard shot - 65 yard recovery - steady blood sign - love them sharks!!! -  

Enough said there buddy! Congratulations on your harvest Cory!      :clapper:

Saw 8 deer and 3 bear yesterday afternoon. All does that I could tell. Had some hounds come through running a small yearling. Fact of life around here for the rest of the season.

Taking the day off to practice with my Guidos Web. back in the woods tomorrow .

I will, Don, and I hope it comes to pass. Remembering the bear from year before last, I'm not sure about sitting at the base of that tree - LOL, (though somewhere near there would be a good place to sit probably)

Good on ya, Cory - nice healthy looking Doe.

Thanks guys - I took today off hunting I was too tired but shot my bow most of the morning and scouted most of the afternoon - Heads Up guys in the  peidmont I found at least 9 different mature white oaks still dropping with fresh deer sign and acorn crumble under them today. These are white oaks IN THE WOODS at least 100 yards away from edge structure so I am going to "set" on em when time comes to hunt. Hoping to connect there next Saturday / Sunday - AM if it is a cold morning but next weekend either way. Good to see you back Bernie - see you at Dons St Jude Hunt
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Thank you, Cory - looking forward to that.

Hopefully this storm on wednesday holds off or isnt as bad as the news says. My off days are wednesday and thursday so hopefully I can make something happen.

As far as bear go, with the season starting in a few weeks, has anyone had any luck bowhunting them? Everyone Ive talked too says dogs are the only way, but they said that about deer too. I found a spot on public land with a lot of bear sign, and my buddy saw one about 200 pounds the other day within a few hundred yards of that area.

Yesterday about 10 till 6 I had an 8 pt come in chasing a doe. He would score around 110" if I hadn't already shot a buck I would have shot at him. LCH

Plenty of bear taken with bows, including some in NC, although I haven't had that blessing - yet     ;)    . (Did get one when I lived in Maine - but was using a wheelie bow back then - before I switched to traditional gear.)

Number 3 is here. She was born friday at 11:04 pm. Healthy baby girl 7 lbs 10 oz 18 1/2 inches long. My hunting season is pretty much over but i am blessed with something better than a deer. We named her Ava Claire Roberson, she will be joining in on the trad 3-d season hopefully next summer with her big brother and sister.

You have a better dear to follow than the woods type.

Congrats Dad.  :)

My two girls soon turn 27 and 25. YIKES!

Congrats Preston and Melissa.

Had a real tall 4 pt under me this afternoon. A doe came in and he was all about her. I think he knew something was amiss but wasn't really sure what to do. I would have shot the doe but she never offered a shot. Could have shot the buck a dozen times. Good hunt though. I'll try again tomorrow evening.

Hang in there, Bud B. - LOL

Conratulations to y'all and the new addition - Welcome, AVA. Send me an e-mail, Preston, I'm not sure I have the right addee in my "recovered" computer system. (others too).

Preston congrats on a beautiful little girl you have a nice family.  

Bud B. you are old. LOL call me sometime.336-214-1004

Bernie glad you are doing better.LCH

program me in LCH 336*402*3833  :)

We've set for 4 afternoons.
Saw deer, but they never gave a shot.
Finally at 5 pm this evening, my 17 year old daughter center-punched her 1st deer at 20 yards.
Ran about 15 yards, crossed a creek & died.
God has blessed her mother and I with a great child.
Next Sunday she turns 18.

Mike great news.
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Congrats to you and your daughter Mike. Sounds like a perfect shot.

Congratulations Preston on your new addition.

Congratulations Mike to you and your daughter.

Poor ole Bud it will be ok. I'll see you later this afternoon.

Had 2 bucks come by looking for does this morning. One was the 110-115 inch 8pt I passed Sunday evening. It was all I could do to let him was he was at least 3 1/2 year old. I doubt I will be able to withstand the temptation again. He was 8-9 yards.LCH

Good on you Lee. Let em walk and shoot a few does for meat.

Great self control, especially at that distance. Don't know if I could have let him walk

Hunted this morning. Public ground. Saw a small bear right at daylight. About 0820 I hear deer hounds barking. They get closer, then I can see them about 0840. They ran around in a 100 yard circle several times and wouldnt leave. I decided I had enough and walked back to the truck. There were guys all up and down the road, sitting in their trucks with rifles, and rounding up their dogs. Thank god duck season is about to start.

nothing this morning, tonight I had deer comming through the rhododendrum. Doe walked out downwind about 22-25 yards that was nervous so I waited because I knew she had more deer following. Buck came out at 15yards broadside. He was about even with his ears. Dumb to the world, and concentrating on that doe. I watch him chase her. He chased her through the gap in the fence and I have a camera there. I should have got him on camera. I think I know which one it was. Hoping to shoot a long nose doe for jerky.

hunted today - snuck in just as the rain was stopping - cold N/W wind and saw 0 deer - but I did call in a gray fox and a great horned owl - both to within 10 yards and both at the same time  :)  had a head bobbing session with the owl until he decided I was too big to eat - the fox was figuring a way to steal a meal until he saw that owl and he VANISHED talk about scared !
I'm getting tired - might be close to pulling my tent for fall deer - I still love it every time out but I am BEAT  :)  been cooking vension chili ad backstrap w home fries
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deer movement has been slow here for the past few days as well. Heading down east today with friends to try and shoot a bear. Windy as hell this am. Hope it lays in the pm.

Anyone going to K-Zoo.
Been seeing deer, no shooters, I guess I will have to settle on some does. I have several up and coming if they make it through rifle season. Starts Saturday here in the mountains. Road hunters holiday.

Good luck down there, Don. Pierce a nice Bear!  :archer:

Finally had a doe come by me that was not running for her life from a buck chasing her. I made a 24ish yard shot and hit her through the ham. Thank goodness for those Simmon's Tigersharks. It worked out pretty darn good. She went about 100 yards the shark came out under her abdomen and almost field dressed her. Great broadhead.

Anyone else doing any good. Bud B. haven't heard from you are you able to hunt this weekend?LCH

Not much hunting lately. My oldest daughter got married last Saturday and we've been watching our new grandson while the couple is away on their honeymoon. Her husband has a son he adopted and now she's a mom and my wife and I are grandparents    :)    .

Aidan and I along with his new uncle, Duke (slim_grim), have done some stumpin' in our woods. That's about it.

I hope to get in the woods Saturday but that's not a guarantee.

Hope the trad hunters are still doing well now that rifle season is in.

Good luck all.

Bud

I should get out tomorrow and Sunday at least half a day each - might be my last deer hunts - almost time to switch to hog hunting and getting some sets in for coyotes. Was thinking about duck hunting for a day but I have not seen any real ducks on Jordan. Hunted Tuesday and saw no deer but saw a new bunch of baby squirrels coming out of a tree nest - really cute and little like hamster size. They were playing for some minutes until I moved just a little - probably thought my head was an owl cause they shut it down immediately and ran inside.
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Bucks are still chasing. Shot a good 8 point this morning with the gun - he was chasing a doe big time. My cousin also shot a big 8 point in johnston county this morning - he was chasing does also.
I think this week and next will be real good - based on my buck success these weeks in past years...
I'm gonna see if I can get me something with my Northern Mist longbow now. I've killed at least one deer each year since I took up trad in 1995. I had bad luck on recovering a 6 point and doe with the bow this year so put it up for a while to get my head straight. I'm ready to pick it up again now    :)

gun season is in full effect in wnc, going out sat. unless kids get sick again.  going to wear as much blaze as i can.  lots of hunters on public land, well within the first 1/2 mile into the woods. stay safe during gun season folks.

I went Saturday evening, I was on call Thursday and Friday so I did not want to chance it. About 4pm, a 2 and half year old 8 point came through and right under the stand. He was cruizing. I had him twice with a chip shot. He walked up jump my fence and was gone. I sat there thinking he better wize up and listened for a distant shot. Then Zoey came out with her fawn. She had two but I guess the coyotes killed one. Her and her fawn feed under the tree then a coyote hipped and she walked towards the sound and fed off. Zoey is my neibors deer, she has a tendacy to follow me through the woods looking for a handout. I can't get rid of her, but her fawns freak out. I guess they think she is committing suicide.

Congrats Preston and Melissa!!!!

Preston,
Sorry but I forgot to congratulate you and the wife. Very happy for ya'll. Sounds like you've got your priorities straight too.

I had this one run into my arrow yesterday.   :)   I shot it at 15 yards with my self bow hickory stick.  (http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo247/Buxndiverdux/DSC_0048-1-1.jpg)

Mitch , you da man. Love that quiver center bar.

Mitch great job with your stickbow - looks like bamboo backed yes ?
Very Cool
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QuoteOriginally posted by Don Batten:
Mitch , you da man. Love that quiver center bar.

That is a drop from a hickory board. I had to figure out a way to carry arrows, so a little red neck engineering was required.  :)  I'd still like a 2 arrow quiver, but I have not seen anything that I like for 3 blade heads. I want something small and light weight. I guess I'll have to make what I want since I'm so picky.

QuoteOriginally posted by Cory Mattson:
Mitch great job with your stickbow - looks like bamboo backed yes ?
Very Cool
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Yes it is.

Cool - LOVE Bamboo - good hunting<><
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Mitch Great job on the deer with your self bow - congrats.

Your pic is too big for forum regs (max. 640) so I have re-sized it for you and posted it here (my pleasure , to keep it from being pulled). You can either download this one and re-post it in your post, in place of the original; or just leave it here and delete your pic.

Again - great job on the hunt.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/ber643%20Misc/DSC_0048-1-1.jpg)

Hello guys-
I'm new to the NC area (Asheville). I took this spike in MD with my Osage self bow. Took me two years to make it as I took my time (55lb @ 29.5). Would really like to make some new hunting buddies around here to maybe do some public hunting. I currently have a lease in Royston GA but thats a 2.5 hour drive.
Clay
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/DAGATOR16/photobucket-738-1351639904672.jpg)

Welcome Clay. Nice bow and deer!  :thumbsup:

bucks are still chasing some hear. I saw the biggest buck Ive seen alive in NC today chasing four does. Almost made me wish I had my rifle with me.

Welcome Clay and good job on that deer - Don me too just saw the biggest buck in about 6 years right here near the house - I had him at 20 yards when he hit my entry trail and hesitated - I still thought Id get em and there were 2 bucks the little one I let go last week was with him. He busted out acting too skittish a few minutes later two dogs came on their trail - then I understood why the buck was so tweeked. I let the dogs go cause they both had collars and looked the type that wouldn't hurt my deer - one was a fat cocker and the other a mongrel bird dog type. I should a quit by now but I can't stop - maybe scout tomorrow - sit tuesday then im done.
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I watched a nice 10pt breed a doe 2 time Friday morning and saw a 110inch 8pt chasing a doe an hour later. Both the does were small perhaps yearlings just coming into heat? I don't know why I keep passing up bucks guess I am waiting on something special. LCH

nice spike dagator, in asheville myself, will have to get together to shoot sometime. I hunt public land only.  mainly in pisgah national forest.

Smacked another doe with my Hickory Stick at 12 yards. This one is a pan sized model and the best eating.   :)    (http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo247/Buxndiverdux/photo-57.jpg)

Like the way you think Mitch. Congrats

Had a doe and a couple of yearlings just out of my comfort range last weekend.  I was hoping to get another opportunity this weekend, but stuck in Ohio due to work.

I have noticed buck activity on my hunting property is way down and the deer are getting back into a normal routine...feeding and bedding.

The good thing is they are feeding on whatever food sources that are left in the woods like briars and I have a large patch of those on the property.

I haven't been in over a week from work and watching the little ones but hopefully this week  :pray:

This threads been a little slow over the last few weeks, good luck to everyone that's staying in it for the last few days of the season!

Jan 1 will be my last hoorah for the 2012-13 season. Maybe the Good Lord will smile down on me   :)    :thumbsup:

Hope everyone's last few days are proiductive ones.

I just returned from spending 4 days in Uwharrie.  I didn't see a single deer.  I've been hunting before, and not put anything on the ground, but this the first time I've not even seen a deer.

I hunted in the gun area out of Yates Place a couple of afternoons.  That was a mistake, there were hunters stomping around everywhere.

The rest of the time I was hunting the archery only area near Troy.  Some sign, but no deer.  I considered making deer season into squirrel season.  There was a quite a few in there.

Despite the frustration, I had a good time and shared some coffee and a campfire with some nice gentlemen from Marshall.

Wait until next year or better yet hog hunting next month  ;)

Dave

Pulled all my stands down yesterday. Calling it quiets for this year and start planning for next.

Rainy season ender. Didn't even go out  :(

For those fortunate enough to take advantage of the municipal seasons, good luck.

Thanks for all the replies for this past season.

Bud

The hunting season is over, however begins all the planning, dreamimg and practicing for next years' adventures.

Hope to see some you at the local shoots this year.

Happy New Year!