Yep, it's finally here this Saturday. Stands are hung, shooting is tuned in, broadheads sharpened and a call from my son saying my 7 yr. old granddaughter is coming Friday for a sleepover. Bowhunting what? Can't wait to spend the day with my little buddy!
I'll tell ya what I've been itching for this day since last November...best month and a half to be in the PA woods! You're not too far from me, I'm in Warren. Good luck on saturday! :thumbsup:
Good luck everyone!
I am in a Wedding on Sat. But can't wait to get out on Monday! Been a long time comin.
QuoteOriginally posted by ChiefStingingArrow:
I am in a Wedding on Sat....
Who plans a wedding for the first day of bow season?!?!?!?!?!?! :dunno:
Good luck everyone and stay safe in those stands!
BEST OF LUCK EVERYONE!! Shoot straight and stay safe
I'll be hunting Pa the Allegheny national forest for the first time this year. I can't wait.
Sure, rub it in!!!
I'm immersed in packing up a lifetime of "stuff" and throwing out things should have been gone years ago...all in prep for an Oct 18 move to TN...
I just can't take the time to go hunt... too much to do...
Be the first in a bunch of decades I missed opening weekend! :(
QuoteOriginally posted by wetfeathers:
I'll be hunting Pa the Allegheny national forest for the first time this year. I can't wait.
wetfeathers, that's right in my backyard. There sure is a lot of area to cover down here, and let me tell you what, it doesn't get any prettier than the ANF in October/November. Even if you don't see anything, it is insanely gorgeous.
Stop in Warren and check out the Kinzua Dam/Reservoir if you get the chance. Doesn't get much prettier.
Good luck everyone!
I have missed the last couple years am getting ready to get out this year.
Good luck to all you Pa. Sharpshooters!!! :archer2:
Best of luck, safety and fun to all hunting PA this coming Saturday.
I am chomping at the bit. I have to work this weekend but have of Monday and Tuesday so I will be out those days hopefully.
Been way too long. Looking forward to getting back in the woods. :thumbsup:
Bill
Good Luck to All!
I have a few days off next week and will be out this Saturday as well. Hunting in SE PA Saturday then hunting my place in Columbia County PA next week. Looking forward to the upcoming season.
Ron
Good luck!!
Go get 'em fellars. Beautiful country up there.
Quebec Run Wild area is callin...I must go
Good luck everyone!
I have several does and fawns hanging out in the woodlot behind the house. I'm going to spend most of my time playing with them. The only buck I have seen around here got squashed yesterday on the 4 lane 1/2 mile away. I'm not sure if he was even legal but I was hoping to find out. Crap.
I'll be out Saturday morning, but will be going to a wedding in the PM. Good Luck All!!
Good Luck My Neighbors!
I also have a wedding this saturday! Worst part it is out of town. Thank god for the early doe season in SE Pa. I put one in the freezer so far that will help soften the blow of missing saturday in the woods. Good luck everyone.
Good luck to our PA. friends! Be safe!
Kenny :wavey:
Some of us, myself included, will have to find a another place to hunt. The Pa DEC has closed 5 counties to hunting, due to the manhunt for Eric Frein.
Hope they get this guy, soon.
Going out with my grandson the first day. Had an operation August 20th just got the ok to start shooting. Should be ready to go by week 3.Love spending the time in the woods with Jayden he's 9 and really enjoys hunting. Good luck to all and be safe.
Stalker58, I saw that in this mornings news, I sure feel for all you guys in that area.
I'll miss this year's opener. Heading to SC this weekend for a rifle :eek: hunt with my dad. Will be at it here starting next week!
Good luck boys!!!
Add the money hunters would spend to what the leaf watchers would have spent and those areas will be economically devastated!
Couldn't find the 5 counties closed, but saw 7 townships were.
2 pipe bombs, AK-47, etc... this is one bad boy!
Bad case of bursitis in my bow arm elbow...not sure if I'll make it out or not yet
Good luck to all and be safe.
That is a bummer stalker 58! we here in the center part of the state are following that episode as well..!! As far as the rest of my fellow Keystone Staters... give em' heck Boyz...... calling for some rain. Be safe guys, shoot straight..!!
If hunters were in the woods perhaps he would be spotted sooner? I bet they do not want all the false leads.
Hope the catch him soon.
Good luck guys.
They originally told the archery hunters that they would be able to hunt as long as they wore flo.orange. That plan went south in a hurry. I do not think they really know where he is.
Rain is going to be a done deal before daybreak. Leaves will be nice and soft and the wind will be coming out of the west. I have a date with a big fallen Oak tomorrow morning. Were going to do a little "sneakin an peekin" Be safe.
Good Hunting,
Craig
QuoteOriginally posted by Cyclic-Rivers:
If hunters were in the woods perhaps he would be spotted sooner? I bet they do not want all the false leads.
Hope the catch him soon.
Good luck guys.
I don't think I'd want to confront a murderous heathen that stashed pipe bombs and AK's when I'm packin a bow and 4 arrows!
Sad for the family of the trooper murdered. Sad for the people who depend on this fall season for their livelihood from tourists and sad for the folks who looked forward all year and scouted to be denied access to their hunting grounds...
I echo Charlie's sentiments that this clown be found! ASAP...but some of those mountains up there would be hard to scare up a lone man who knows how to survive!
Decided to stay home from the hunting camp because of the weather. Got in a sit in the morn near the house. Nothing. Went back in the eve and it seemed good. Spooked deer when I let my bow down in the dark and a couple more between the stand and home. Darn it! That is the last thing I wanted to do. Maybe they think I'm harmless?
Tedd
Raining this morning at 5:45,didn't hunt. Did get out this afternoon despite the wind. Here are a couple shots of my sit.
(http://i.imgur.com/x0eb3A0.jpg?2)
Been sitting between this Wild Cherry and Hickory for a few years now. Lots of good times spent here...
(http://i.imgur.com/FDoOrwt.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/7no4TPF.jpg?1)
Looking out the blind.....
(http://i.imgur.com/9r3I0UZ.jpg?1)
I thought with the front coming thru and the rain clearing that the deer would be moving......not tonight.
(http://i.imgur.com/Odh2Tls.jpg?1)
Looking to the north.....
(http://i.imgur.com/d0oLnH9.jpg?1)
To the west.....
(http://i.imgur.com/uedjE9c.jpg?1)
East...... actually killed a doe here a couple of years ago on the last Sat. of rifle season with my bow, just on the other side of this brush.
(http://i.imgur.com/vlP5kiI.jpg?1)
Awesome pics!!! looks like a great spot :)
And to the south. Has anyone tried the hanging rope deal? You soak the end in lure and let it hang a certain distance above the ground. Kind of like a kingsize lure wick. If you look hard in the center you can see it.
Toatal sightings for the night- 1 Gray Squirrel and a pair of Ravens. To much wind.
(http://i.imgur.com/TbLelSZ.jpg?1)
I saw two buck and three doe last evening. Buck were small and couldn't bring myself to taking mamma doe with the two little ones. Left them pass. Great night to be in the woods.
Ron
How many of you guys woke up yesterday am went outside then went back in and back to bed like me? It was pouring!! Went out in afternoon, and almost got a shot at a big doe but she stayed out of range. I'll sit in a drizzle but it was really pouring. Hopefully I'm not the only little baby that sat the am out
Great pics Craig! I'm healing fast and slinging them out of my Slammer. Should get out this Saturday. Got lots of scouting in while I was off.
You give me a call John if you need one drug out. Glad to hear you are getting back to normal. Take care and be careful.
Good Shooting,
Craig
I guess I'll post this here too :)
(http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j324/mechunter/CAM00497_zps7b1c2330.jpg) (http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/mechunter/media/CAM00497_zps7b1c2330.jpg.html)
Way to go, Mark! I was out on Fri. in SpecRegs,5C, doe only. Had 3 ladies come in but stayed about 10 yards out of my comfort range. Sure was fun on a great afternoon.
Thanks buddy,good luck and safe hunting.
Congrats on the doe grouse11,she looks like a good one.
Craig, I always like to see your pictures. Is that Howards old bow? What scent are you using with the rope?
Frank,
Yes that's Howards 21 Century. I needed to take it out at least once, so out we went last night.
I had some curiosity scent on that. The original article I read suggested preorbital,but that stuff is off the wall. We'll see what happens.
Good Shooting,
Craig
Did an afternoon hunt today. Was not into the woods until 12:00pm. Took a walk up over my favorite bench to do a little still hunting. Weather was perfect with a strong wind out of the south/southwest.
Found 3 really nice scrapes,one of them being almost 4 ft across. I know it's early,but there they were,and on top of a bench to boot.
Picking my way down over now-4 steps at a time-always ending with my left foot forward. It is looking good and I glance down and over to my right and there is a nice 7 or 8 pt staring me down at about 14 or 15 yds. Twenty yds below him is a huge doe and she is on to me too. Wind is strong out of the south, from them to me,but they have me on the visual.
Lock down lasted about 3 minutes,then the buck whirled, snorted, and headed down the ridge collecting the doe as he went. Awesome!
Kept heading into the south wind working my way down,have to be to work by 4:00. It was 1:15 when I had the encounter with the deer. Got down into a stand of Hemlocks that has a really nice signpost rub. It is being hit good this year. There is a big one around. It's going to be a good season!
(http://i.imgur.com/FJIDBdf.jpg?1)
Good luck this year Craig. I always enjoy your posts and pictures! What a rub!
You have a way with words, Craig! I 2nd Homey's view!
Had two does come in just out of range this evening. The wind was really gusting and they were pretty edgy. Also a whole flock of turkeys. Feels like the start of a good season!
All right Paul! Hope you do have a good season. Cool day out Craig. I too have been having some fun encounters. Doing more spot and stalk this year, especially on the windy days.
Congrats Grouse. Great Pictures and story telling Craig! :thumbsup:
Good Luck Guys.
Hey guys,
Windy,windy,windy. Everyday......keeps things interesting.
Some days you just stay home and cut the grass. Mike,Doc, Jerry and Charlie.... Thanks for the kind words.
I hope you guys have a great season. Hunt safe!
Good Hunting,
Craig
Well, another wet rainy Saturday a.m. and worse than that, a wind out of the north/northeast. The rain was expected,the wind is a no-go.
I am going to be watching some scrapes this evening where the wind should be ok. Good luck to all.
Good Shooting,
Craig
Yeah Craig, good morning to sit home, drink coffee and cruise TradGang.
You got it buddy!
Good luck to you if you get out today!
Good Hunting,
Craig
I had three nice doe and a little fawn feed along a ridge right above my stand last night. my stand is in a natural funnel where deer cross....except these deer. they fed along the ridge and then cut back toward me but came in from behind which was down wind. of course they didn't stay around long when they got a whiff of me.
Looking to put my first deer down with a bow this season. Praying it all comes together. I have seen 20 deer altogether this season.
Good hunting and shoot straight
Saturday night I had a nice (young) 7/8 pointer come in (couldn't tell if he had an extra little kicker or not) but wouldn't get close enough for a shot.
He got to about 35 yards, then turned around and fed back the way he came. wouldnt respond to calls yet.
His days are numbered ;)
Well,couple the unseasonably high temps.(for northern deer anyhow) and now a few days of rain(heavy and thunderstorms at times) this season has just been "grand" so far.
Early muzzle loader starts Sat. and runs for a week. Check the Reg.book as there might be requirements to where Flo.orange.during that time. Good luck to all!
Good Hunting,
Craig
(http://i.imgur.com/E55ajCW.jpg)
Yes, we have to wear the orange starting Saturday.
250 sq inches while moving but only need 100 sq inches visible for 360 degrees once in stand. I just leave the vest on in stand. Never seems to bother the deer and keeps the ML guys a bit farther away.
Hopefully it will stop raining by then as well.
I might get a break and try it in the morning. Moving my stand for tomorrow.
Hoping that that 8 point comes back through again.
I was lucky to connect on a 6 point opening day and a nice doe a few days later from the same tree in Schuylkill Co. Trying to set up my 14 year old son for his 1st with a recurve now. Lots of fun left.....Good Luck Guys....Bobby
I've been playing with several does and fawns in the woodlot behind the house. I can be set up on the ground watching a trail within 1/2 hour after work. I figured I had things all figured out this evening 'til I saw them coming out 150yd from me. :)
Monkeyball, thanks for the heads up on orange requirment starting Saturday. I totally forgot. The whole gun intrusion week still ticks me off. ML hunters all week with three days of Jr/Sr rifle at the end.
"Primitive" muzzleloading inlines, and then the two age groups with the worst judgement are toting rifles. Meanwhile I'm trying to hide behind a bush undetected with my bow. I've been in some pretty scary situations. I used to boycott the whole week rather than get shot. Now I just stick close to the house and cover myself in orange.
Good luck everyone, and stay safe.
Finally got in a stand after a long wait to make sure the healing process from a recent procedure was pretty much good. Tuesday evening was very windy but didn't matter I was hunting. Had a small flock of yardbirds come by at 5:45 and new my Predator camo did it's job. Along about 6ish a doe with a spikey in tow came sneeking along under the spice brush at 15 yards and I left her pass. Felt sooo good to be hunting as I was also spending time in a blind with my grandson. Good luck to all! Be safe.
Red - I agree the gun intrusion has supposedly served its purpose in PA. Deer herd is in check... now get rid of the gun intrusions during archery season. We have enough gun intrusions as it is during archery since since they allowed the crossgun to be used.
Ron
John,
Glad to hear you are back in the saddle. Predator is a good camo.
I sat this morning for awhile, beautiful morning-to warm for good deer movement though. A pile of turkeys were waking up behind me, but no deer to be seen. The best is yet to come.
Good Hunting,
Craig
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/1011110946.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/1011110946.jpg.html)
Craig,
Thanks a lot for your thoughts and prayers certainly helped the healing. Going to start hitting it harder next week have yet to be to Indiantown Gap got some real nice spots there with plenty of deer sign. Good luck to you and be safe! Looks like things are starting up there. Needs to cool down.
I got my PA buck :goldtooth: I gotta figure out how to do the pics
Well, tagged out this morning, not a monster, but I am thrilled with him!!!
(http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j324/mechunter/CAM00516_zps356ae3a8.jpg) (http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/mechunter/media/CAM00516_zps356ae3a8.jpg.html)
Good job! Your satisfaction is all that matters. Nice buck.
Nice buck! Congrats!
Hey Mark,you are not messing around are you? A doe and a buck and we aren't even thru the second week.
It was a beautiful morning,good job and take care.
Good Hunting,
Craig
Thanks everyone :) I guess you can say I don't mess around but it rarely happens this way, I am just not real picky is all haha
Sat in a natural blind this morning,very quiet except for the wind and the waterfowl hunters down on the Susquehanna.
Took a seat along three Ash trees on an inside corner in the back field this evening. More wind than this morning. Had a hen turkey "putt" me out about 3:45. Sat till dusk then packed it up.
Good Hunting,
Craig
Had a built in quiver holder between the Ash trees.......
(http://i.imgur.com/n68V6vA.jpg?2)
Sat out this morning for awhile. What a temp. change. Slipped in while it was dark and sat in a natural blind. Wind out of the south and cloudy. Had a deer snort just once, up above me, then all was quiet.
Had a couple Chipmunks racing around the blind like they ate some bad acorns or something and that was about it.
Rain suppose to start early Tues. a.m. We'll see. Hope everyone is enjoying the season.
Good Hunting,
Craig
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF5400.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF5400.jpg.html)
Got a chance to slide out in the woods this afternoon for a little bit.
Wind was blowing real hard out of the North, Time to do a little sneaking and peekin.
Sassafrass leaves tell it all........
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF9991_zpsc6e4711d.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF9991_zpsc6e4711d.jpg.html)
9 times out of 10 I usually start my jaunts entering this back field.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF9992_zpscd6e5e64.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF9992_zpscd6e5e64.jpg.html)
When the Good Lord sends one of these guys past me while I am out hunting ,for some reason I always seem to get into deer.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF9993_zps3ba26224.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF9993_zps3ba26224.jpg.html)
I can't wait until we get a good cold snap to knock the ticks down.
Every trip out so far........
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF9996_zps04885343.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF9996_zps04885343.jpg.html)
Saw a few more rubs that weren't there last week. This one wasn't to bad.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF9998_zps21073a39.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF9998_zps21073a39.jpg.html)
It is a gradual climb from the backfield heading up through the woods and there is a section that has some nice thick cover, lots of green briar.
You slow down here and take your time. Right behind this big clump of Briar two doe got up and climbed the little bench just above.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF9999_zpsfb58931f.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF9999_zpsfb58931f.jpg.html)
They stopped on the bench and just started browsing, sometimes eating acorns and at other times nipping off the yellow leaves that were all around them.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0003_zps912c971c.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0003_zps912c971c.jpg.html)
With a little more zoom...
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0003_zps912c971c.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0003_zps912c971c.jpg.html)
They hung out for probably 12 minutes or so and at one point we were only about 20 yds from each other. The one finally saw me make a slight move and the staredown was over. Cool.
I continued up the trail, the wind was getting a little wacky now, hitting me from behind. I came across a set of scrapes in the bottom on the way out. I mentally marked the spot....vacation starts next week.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0006_zps99a3db1f.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0006_zps99a3db1f.jpg.html)
Nice stuff Craig. I been getting alot of those situations too. Deer close but behind a bunch of junk.
Craig, good luck to you next week. I love following your posts. I have the week after Halloween off and hope to see some deer. Haven't had much luck yet. Kill a big one!
Good luck buddy,enjoy your posts. I'm getting after it a little more next week myself! Be safe.
Got out this morning for a few hours. Sat very close to home and skipped wearing the Orange. Wind steady out of the west and low 40's at daybreak. Pretty quiet for the most part.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0023_zpsca745ab2.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0023_zpsca745ab2.jpg.html)
Around 7:30 I heard a really strange noise come from behind me. I could not identify it as to what may have made it. It was between a cough and a growl if that makes any sense at all.
About 7:50 I heard something from the same direction and turned my head ever so slightly only to spook what I think was a vey small deer. I still am not sure,no tail,no snort,and very low to the ground.
All that I saw was the tail end and I am still scratching my head?
Going to hunt it again tonight,who knows????????
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0028_zpsa0f1bfc7.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0028_zpsa0f1bfc7.jpg.html)
Big foot, Craig?
I am not really sure Jerry, had a Bobcat cross the road in front of me the other night in the same area.
Good Hunting,
Craig
Good luck Craig....time is on your side. Tom
Hey Tommy, I tried to call you today,we were traveling past your old stomping grounds on the way up from Bedford. Hope you are doing well buddy. Take care.
Good Hunting,
Craig
Vacation started today and I got out this evening for a few hours.
Put a scent line down and had a nice buck show up at 6:15 right on the trail he was suppose to. He would come no closer than 30 yds though. He didn't get that rack by being stupid.
Got home and my wife told me she had a surprise for me. What a lady! Check out the box! I think it should be nominated the "Beverage of Traditional Archers"!
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0087_zps2bcaa41c.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0087_zps2bcaa41c.jpg.html)
Good Hunting,
Craig
Mid to high 70's yesterday. Raining and 58 this morning. Looks like conditions should be good for tonight though. Good luck to all.
Good hunting,
Craig
My vacation starts 11/3 can't wait looks like the weather should be fine. Very excited! Got a few days off the last week also. Maybe this year is the year for the Slammer I bought from Leon... I know it is a turkey killer! Saw some small bucks bumping the doe around last Saturday. Good luck, be safe.
Well, this looked to be the last morning that I would be able to go out and get soaking wet in 50 degree temps. so I tried to dodge the showers looking at the radar. Didn't dodge fast enough,it only takes about 30 min. to get really wet in a steady "shower".
Should be getting pretty interesting by next week John. I am off next week also. Hope that Stewart does well for you.
Good Hunting,
Craig
Last night was a good evening to be out in the woods. After the showers we had for the better part of the day were over the woods smelled unreal. That musty,leafy smell. The sun peeked out around 5:00 Wind was suppose to be out of the N-NW.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0094_zpsb520e64c.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0094_zpsb520e64c.jpg.html)
There is a set of scrapes over in the direction just above my knee.
Around 6:00 I can hear deer coming and two come running down off the hill to my left. I watch,figuring they are going to cross the creek below me. I was really surprised when they took a sharp left and ran by me at about 7 yds.
Two yearlings whooping it up that the rain was over,looked like two kids at the playground. Sat till quit time,then packed it up.
Good Hunting,
Craig
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0095_zpse71cfc88.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0095_zpse71cfc88.jpg.html)
I spent the afternoon helping a buddy try to find a buck he had shot earlier in the week. Really nice afternoon even though we were unable to find the deer.
Came across this natural stone seat while we were looking. I am sure someone placed it there years ago,would really be interesting to know how many......
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0102_zps7853861d.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0102_zps7853861d.jpg.html)
Pretty cool........
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0103_zpsaf316611.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0103_zpsaf316611.jpg.html)
Took off all of last week to hunt. Bucks were chasing doe and on their feet during daylight hours. Passed up some small bucks but did see a few big ones that stayed out of range. Great time in the woods last week. Looking forward to hunting the next two weeks. Should be fantastic hunting.
Ron
That seat is awesome!
I'm taking Friday, Monday and Tuesday off work, so I'll be out there the 7th-11th. We're supposed to have freezing temps with high's in the mid-upper 30's, should be absolutely perfect rutting temp.
Good luck everyone!
Last week I took an afternoon and checked out some area over at my buddys. It did not take long to find some good sign.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0099_zps71014e6c.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0099_zps71014e6c.jpg.html)
Got setup there this afternoon. It was one of those nights that felt like it was going to happen....I know you know what I mean.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0103_zps1eb2572d.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0103_zps1eb2572d.jpg.html)
All the makings for a good hunt were there, wind was blowing right for a change, the sun was at my back, all kind of rubs below me with a brushy deep ravine for them to come out of, and a nice fresh scent line put down.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0102_zpsd49dd050.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0102_zpsd49dd050.jpg.html)
The deep ravine is off to the left of this photo,there were lots of rubs showing that they were coming out of there.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0106_zps1b20b47f.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0106_zps1b20b47f.jpg.html)
This is looking off to my right and below. It is also a nice bottleneck as the area above it is really nasty even for the deer to travel through.
(http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/rr330/livrht/DSCF0107_zpsbb1e12f5.jpg) (http://s496.photobucket.com/user/livrht/media/DSCF0107_zpsbb1e12f5.jpg.html)
Right down below me is where I started my scent line and ended it.
I drag two wicks that have been soaked in xxxxx lady killer lure
then hang it in a tree. I also hang a scent canister with some scrape lure on it.
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Wish I could say that it happened tonight, but it didn't. At one point I had pesky little gnats flying around me and then at 4:30 it started sleeting. Unbelievable.
Nobody was in the mood for love tonight, maybe tomorrow?
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What a day this was. Got setup this morning in the blind out back and waited for daylight. Deer were moving early this morning,like before 6:00.
Tonight was the best yet, was up on the first bench and had two Bobcats below me. The closest one was at one time probably 10 yds from me when I first startled it. It hung around a fallen log and was trying to catch a Chipmunk for quite awhile then proceeded to walk the full length of the log(about 30') then came within 12 yds of me before slipping away into the woods. The other one was further down the ravine and never came closer.
Saw 3 doe from 3:00 to 4:00 then sat the rest of the night and enjoyed the evening. Great night.
The only way it could have been better was if my camera would have been with me instead of at home on the kitchen table!!!!!
Good Hunting,
Craig
Alright, I don't count the rut officially in until i have my first sighting of a decent buck walking around in broad daylight in a S.S.
That stands for "Sexual Stupor" Anyhow,was out this morning and got soaked to the skin, and that was through wool. Got back to the house and am drying things out.
Look out the window and whoa baby,my first sighting of a mature buck in an S.S. 19-20" buck crossing the road...looking for love.
It is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good Hunting,
Craig
Good luck Craig!
Snowed like crazy on me this evening! Every now and then I would take my arrow off the string, shake the snow from my fletching and pluck my bowstring to shake the snow from my beaver balls.
I saw a doe and a fawn and a flock of turkeys, but no shot opportunities. I was hoping the doe would lure in the "S.S." buck, but not tonight.
John,
No snow here, actually got nice this afternoon. The normal high winds like we have been having for the last 2 weeks, but no snow.
Good luck to you buddy, it should be getting crazy for this last week.
Good Hunting,
Craig
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Nice photos. Windy like the last 2 weeks! I think this is the windiest fall I can remember!
I wasn't in the hills today. But earlier this week in northern Tioga county, public land, tuesday morning a really nice buck and his smaller 8pt pal where within 35 yards before winding me. I can't say for sure if they came to my calls or where moving in my direction or some of both. The big one was a real monster. 200+ lbs. Just a massive body. The nicest buck I have ever seen in the hills or possibly anywhere. It was very early and a dark morning and I did not want to give the rack too much attention. A screen of beech saplings prevented me from considering a long shot. I tried again the next morning and got soaked in the downpour. He didn't show. I can't wait to get back there. I saw no other deer and little sign. The mountain I am hunting on is loaded with acorns. I haven't had the time to scout elsewhere to know if I have an exclusive on the acorn crop in the area. I have had trail cams up all summer and fall and made several scouting trips. It's one of those low deer density areas but there are some rare whoppers. I get more bears and coyotes on film than bucks!
Well, it is winding down rather quickly here. Hunted this morning in a ground blind and I have to admit it just did not seem right listening to crickets on a November morning, but that is what you get when it is in the low 50's. There was no deer movement but I think I could have limited out on Gray's. Temp is on the way down for the last of the season. Should be a great finale!!!!
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Good Hunting,
Craig
Suppose to be nice and chilly tomorrow and Saturday mornings. Hope that helps things out! Just hope it's not as windy as last Friday.
Steve
I got one more day to hunt - Saturday. It's been a pretty slow season, but they were chasing does when I was out Monday. I had an 8 point chase a doe by me within 20 yards, but there was no stopping him for a clear shot.
Well, another archery season has come to an end. Congratulations to all of you who filled tags and hopefully a mindful of great experiences. It was a good season.......
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My season ended without drawing on a deer. At least I did manage to see a few bucks and the action did heat up the past couple of weeks.
The deer won here, too. Taking my daughter out for rifle season, then breaking the bow back out after Christmas.
Steve
Sure is a bummer to see it come to the end but late season is around the bend so I will be out for sure!!
Had a good season with everything that went on and am thankful to have the time I had to spend in the woods. Didn't score yet, but had a few opportunity's on some smaller legal bucks that I passed. Last Thursday got real close to a chance at a dark antlered 10 but don't know what happened...lot smarter than me! Saw another good 8 but he was chasing. Had a ball hunting from the ground for a few sits. Good luck to all and be safe! It,s not over yet.
Your'e right there John, won't be the first time we went into extra innings(late season). I am sure it won't be the last either......
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