With the recent cold snap and the cabin fever setting in, I have decided to post up pictures from last years WI hunting trip.
The trip was a huge success but I never shot at a deer.
I received permission to hunt a farm I used to hunt when I was in high school. Its across the street from the farm house where I was born and where my aunt and uncle live.
My first night was spent visiting with my uncle and my little brother over a beer. watching some does and a buck feed in the field.
The sign on the field was incredible.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962750.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962750.jpg.html)
I would head back near the Giant oak on the left. It seemed as if they liked to enter from this location.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962759.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962759.jpg.html)
Looking good so far! :thumbsup:
I have spent many Hours on the hillside in the background hunting when the timber company owned it but it was bought by a doctor and is now private.
There wasn't any good spots for my waldrop pack seat that allowed for good wind so I looked for an alternative.
This was it. A large Pine with a lot of trails merging around it. It seemed like a staging area where deer would mingle before heading through the CRP and into the field.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962799.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962799.jpg.html)
Bring it on, Charlie!
Bisch
The wind was ripping on this night and I was quite chilled. I got to the tree early.. about 1:00 pm. I knew the deer usually came out just at dark but I didnt have permission to go in very far so this would do..
Here is my gear secured to the tree.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962783.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962783.jpg.html)
Looking down from My perch, I was able to see a few nice rubs.
I couldn't get the best picture of them.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962772.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962772.jpg.html)
There was a big Rock below me. I hope my harness holds...
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962766.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962766.jpg.html)
My feet and but Got pretty sore.
All I saw this night was a couple black squirrels.
Usually this woods is loaded with deer and squirrels. The owner asked if I would kill all the deer.
This is the best pic I could get of a blackie. they wouldn't sit still.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962794.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962794.jpg.html)
On the way out I found this little rack with a tree that grew up with it. With the amount of berry brush, I doubt anyone would go in and place it there.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962778.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962778.jpg.html)
I was not able to return to this place during my visit between family Obligations and the much anticipated trip to the Family farm. Plus the wind direction did not cooperate.
:wavey:
After the 3 hour drive to farm, I was excited to see 2 21/2 year old bucks crashing in and out of the corn on the edge of our property line. Both respectable bucks... It was evident the rut was starting to kick off.
As we were viewing them the farmer who rents our field came in with the combine to pick the Soy beans. there was no way to get out of the way except to continue up to the cabin.
After unpacking quickly and talking with the farmer, he said he was only going to pick half the field, so I went to the other end the farm for an afternoon sit.
Turns out the farmer decided to pick the whole field. He made a lot of noise and no deer were seen.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Mobile%20Uploads/1416962970.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1416962970.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351370.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351370.jpg.html)
At this camera we have a Large 8 foot wide communal scrape. Deer were there every day and night. We have footage of several fights taking place here.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352100.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352100.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351359.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351359.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351357.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351357.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352267.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352267.jpg.html)
The next morning I tried a new stand close to where I hunted with a rifle religiously every year since I was 14.
It was barely light and I saw what looked like a doe and a fawn milling around up toward my little brother about 200 yards through the woods. He missed a doe with a fawn 2 weeks earlier up there so I assumed it was the same two.
Very nice....
After watching bits and pieces of these deer for an hour, they turned and came my way. I reached for my camera.
The first one headed toward me was a big bodied deer. when it popped up from the dry creek bed, It turned out to be a nice 2 1/2 year old buck.
I slid my camera back in my pocket and got ready for a shot. I could have taken one at 20 yards but thought he would come closer, but instead he skirted my position and headed out to the neighbors corn.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Mobile%20Uploads/1416963003.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1416963003.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Mobile%20Uploads/1416962997.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1416962997.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Mobile%20Uploads/1416962992.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1416962992.jpg.html)
Looks like you had a great time even without shooting anything. Hope the big boys are waiting for you this season.
Cool pics. Does that buck have a leg missing?
QuoteOriginally posted by Keith Zimmerman:
Cool pics. Does that buck have a leg missing?
No 3 legged deer that I am aware of... Its probably the angle.
Right behind him was 2 button bucks. They hung out below me for 20 minutes or better chomping up acorns.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Mobile%20Uploads/1416963019.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1416963019.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Mobile%20Uploads/1424136875.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1424136875.jpg.html)
As it turned out we would see these two on every hunt the rest of the week. One was actually a doe fawn, the other a button.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Mobile%20Uploads/1415332188.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1415332188.jpg.html)
About 30 minutes later, I had another 2 1/2 year old come in and stop Broadside at 8 yards.
I came to half Draw and he Bolted. He went about 20 yards and started walking. My elbow Cracked loudly when I started to draw. He was young and handsome. His tines were short but I would have been very happy with him even though we have some bruisers around.
This is him here at the scrape I talked about earlier.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415332183.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415332183.jpg.html)
:campfire:
:campfire:
Bisch
Here is where he was standing. The tuft of leaves he turned up when he bolted.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Mobile%20Uploads/1416963025.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1416963025.jpg.html)
The stand I was sitting is in a strip of woods which connects the neighbors corn field and our soybean field. It on each end it connects to larger wood lots and even though it lacks cover, It has great deer movement.
The next morning I saw 3 different coyotes and several smaller bucks but nothing was close or wanted to come closer with calls or lip squeaks.
That is until 10:30 am.
I had a larger 3 1/2 year old beautiful Main frame 8 point (later to be confirmed a 9) come barreling through. There was no time to stand so I grabbed my bow.
He was dogging hard from my right and coming straight toward but behind me.
I twisted left in my seat and tried to stop him as he passed behind me at 16 yards. He never broke pace and stopped 80 yards near a scrape road where my brother entered the woods to his stand. He sniffed and freshened u the scrapes then turned back along the top edge of the woods. He cut out into the field and ran hard over the hill toward our cabin.
The whole experience last only minutes but I shook hard after that for 30 or more minutes.
I'm enjoying this Charlie! Nothing like being in the Wisconsin woods! :clapper:
Bernie
Wanting to give that spot a break, I went back to the spot I sat the first night. No deer seen, Turns out this spot on the farm just wasn't being used this year. Its a big Drainage that deer usually cross and travel.
They also tend to side hill an old logging road plus They travel the inside of the woods below the field. Not so much sign this year...
QuoteOriginally posted by Bernie B.:
I'm enjoying this Charlie! Nothing like being in the Wisconsin woods! :clapper:
Bernie
Hey Bernie, our farm is down near where your son Lives. I get home sick every time he posts photos.
For the afternoon Hunt, I went to the other side of the farm. we have trees planted and a food plot, There was a lot of sign, I mad e aground blind back into the pines but never saw a deer.
I felt good about the spot, but watched hundreds of Robbins, a few squirrels and hawks. Jumped a few deer on the way out. It was a pleasant evening sit.
Before leaving I placed a trail cam that caught a lot of deer we never seen before.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351444.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351444.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351380.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351380.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351430.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351430.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352169.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352169.jpg.html)
I was perched inside the corner of those pine trees only a day or two earlier.
few more
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351428.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351428.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351442.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351442.jpg.html)
After getting back to the cabin, I learned there was fresh Blood trail on the farm.
My brother confided in me it was a dead deer but wanted to play it out with our dad to see what would happen.
So I played along and acted like we were following a trail with an undetermined end.
It was fun to see the excitement when my Dad shined the light on the deer.
It wasn't the biggest buck on the farm but it was my little brothers first at the farm. He was genuinely happy and excited about it and the meat he now had for his empty freezer.
He made a great shot ion him and it went 30 yards.
Out of respect for Trad Gang rules, that picture will not be posted here...
here he is seconds before he was shot. The next camera photo has a tuft of leaves in the air.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351009.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351009.jpg.html)
That night we played Cribbage and celebrated in camp.
I love camp life and playing Cribbage with my Family.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416540949.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416540949.jpg.html)
You can see the Can coozy from Two Tracks. Those things are NICE!
The next morning is supposed to Be in the mid to low teens.
This is the morning things get real exciting!!! I promise you will hear of it tomorrow.
Charlie... you got my blood pumping!!! Great chronicle of events, Thanks for that!! :campfire:
Very cool story! Thanks for sharing :campfire:
Steve
It's looking like you had a good time Charlie! You have a lot of nice looking deer on your farm, looking forward to hearing more.
-Jay
Thank you Charrie for the memories and a good time. I hope to check those cameras in 2 weeks. It was a great week with you and your brother. Looking forward to next year already and just to think all those bucks will be just that much bigger. Your brother is in the hospital right now waiting on 2 future hunters to join us.
Forgot to tell you, just bought another bow tonight.
Good looking place there with some nice deer! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
Very nice Charlie! Looking forward to the rest of the story.
So the next Morning arises and its bitter cold from what we are used to.
Dad and My Brother sleep in, It could be possible they celebrated too hard, or maybe burn out was setting in or s sense of responsibility to clean was in order. Who knows but they stayed in bed, I went out.
Prior to 10:00 Nothing really happens. I see several small distant bucks and coyotes, nothing was interested in my calling.
Today, we are to get a visit from LITTLEBIGMAN. I have spoken with Jim on many occasions and was looking forward to chewing the fat with him. I knew he would be out around noon and I was contemplating getting out since it was slow.
Then something caught my attention.
Out in Front of Me is a corn field. Most of the distant coyotes and smaller bucks were traveling back and forth in the CRP cuts between the corn.
Here is my View,
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416963115.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416963115.jpg.html)
Sitting here with my :coffee: and enjoying this thread. Thanks again Charlie for sharing.
My trance of thought broken by the tremendous crashing happening approximately 100 yards in front of me, I quickly adjusted my attention.
A doe appears and sprints in my Direction.
As she neared the edge of the field by the wood lot she stopped and looked around.
This is where it gets interesting.
nice pics Charlie
This doe runs in every direction 10 or 15 yards before she runs back the way she came. Only when she ran back, She ran on the down wind side of the CRP strip that she came toward me on. When she reached 3/4 of the way where she came from, she turned and went back into the corn to the left the way she came.
It happened so Quick and erratic, I never analyzed it until after what happened next....
Enter Stage Left Buck. All in his glory Big Beautiful and Majestic. I heard him well before he entered the CRP strip and when he exited the corn he stopped and looked in my direction. He had a Corn stalk in his rack and I knew exactly what was happening. He was looking for the Hot Doe who just was in front of me.
This Buck starts to sprint toward me with his head held high. On a full tilt run toward me he is looking form side to side for his hot Doe.
He gets to where the doe stopped before she started leaving a confusing scent trail for him.
I grunt and he looks. Then runs Back in forth in pacing the fence following her movements. I grunt again and he looks...
This time he reacts and Jumps into the woods with me. He seemed both agitated and desperate at the same time.
He paces in side the woods back and forth and looks hard for his Foe and his Doe. He is at 22 yards and even with the down log in this photo which I am putting back up.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416963115.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416963115.jpg.html)
After pacing back and forth a few times he had enough and jumps back into the field. I grunt at him again and the hair on his back stands up and he jumps back into the woods with me.
Again he paces for 20 yards give or take this time a bit closer. He is this time on the closer side of the down log but he is moving back and forth. Its well within my wheel house but he is constantly moving.
Eventually he has enough and jumps back into the field. He stands just on the other side of the fence and I could tell he was scent checking.
This time my grunts go ignored and he sprints back down the path the doe took. She must have fooled him because he exits into the corn left toward a known bedding area.
All this took place in a matter of minutes and has etched a memory like the commandments in stone.
This is a picture of him from earlier in the year. he is standing on the left of this picture.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415306067.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415306067.jpg.html)
The above picture was taken 100 yards from where my stand hung.
If he stood still I could make this shot but he wouldn't stop moving. If I had been more experienced or not shaking like a school boy about to ask his first girl out, maybe I could think better. Perhaps, I could have pulled it off???
Either way that was AWESOME...
More to come.
Charlie- great story! Having a couple beers reading this and it is getting me through the winter lockdown tonight. Thank you!
What a great week Charlie. Thanks for the time and effort putting this up. Nice job.
When deer like that quit shakin you...........
After sitting back down and trying to regain composure after such an experience a Major Crash Came from the corn to my right.
Not 15 minutes has past since the departure of the majestic Buck.
I look up to see another great Buck crash out of the corn and sniff around where the do had been. I immediately grab my bow and the buck decided to jump into the woods headed my way. He didn't follow a trail and crashed through the brush over the fence creating his own trail.
He meandered back and forth about 30 yards out and worked his way closer to me.
Slowly i reposition my feet and ready for the shot that was about to present. He is off to my right and i am right handed. Out of the corner of my eye I watch... He stops broadside at 20 yards and assesses the situation.
Nothing I could do at this point but wait.
He is dangerously close to being down wind of me but as he starts walking again it appears his direction of travel will put him at 5-8 yards in front of me.
I am all set, The shot Mantra is playing in my head.... Pick a spot.. bend at the waist... Pick a spot.... Bend at the waist. I cant believe it.. this is gonna happen...
at 10 yards off to my right he veers to his left and catches a whiff..... stops and looks around...
Like all big bucks I have encountered he just turns and walks away with purpose but doesn't call attention to himself. No grunting I could do will turn him around. I had him at 10 yards. Darn it all.....
If I had been more experienced, I feel like I could have turned when I first saw him. I know I could have made a shot at him on several occasions up to that point but when you are in the moment, It seems as if for me anyways, I am so scared I will mess it up, that I tend to not try and get away with things.
Here is a picture of him..
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415196061.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415196061.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415196012.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415196012.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415196064.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415196064.jpg.html)
2 Beautiful Bucks within bow range within 15 minutes of each other. Unreal.... :goldtooth:
I sat and regained composure.
After another 30 minutes this guy walked out of the corn and stopped 15 yards from me.
I was ready to shoot but he stopped in the same spot as the previous buck and retreaded in the same direction in a hasty walk.
This is what he looked like as he walked away.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415306071.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1415306071.jpg.html)
Probably one of the most memorable sits on stand ever for me.
Just like around here, right Charlie..... :biglaugh:
Looks like a great trip.
Great story, thanks for sharing
after sitting for another hour without any action, I climbed down and went back to the cabin to meet My Dad and Brother to fill them in on the morning they missed.
Shortly after lunch Jim Showed up and we shot arrows and talked about ideas for land management for several hours.
It was Great to finally meet Jim. My only regret is we never took a photo...
Thanks Jim for spending the time and Gas to come and Visit.
One highlight of the trip was a few mushrooms growing in the yard.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962801.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962801.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962808.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962808.jpg.html)
They were delicious...
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962987.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416962987.jpg.html)
Several more deer were seen. A few Does, a few bucks but no shots were taken at Deer.
Here are a few seen during the week.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352167.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352167.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351374.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351374.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351366.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351366.jpg.html)
I came face to face with this guy on the walk out. It was getting too dark to shoot. We stared at each other for a few minutes then each walked our respective ways.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351348.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351348.jpg.html)
No one saw this guy named Binky by my brother, he managed to break a few more before season end.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352100.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352100.jpg.html)
Great stuff Charlie! Thanks for sharing.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352152.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416352152.jpg.html)
We have a Very Large Dry Doe wandering about. No one saw her. I cant find her picture.
We saw Coyotes and Turkeys daily.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351033.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351033.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351432.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Trail%20Cam%202/1416351432.jpg.html)
Charlie, that was Awsome thanks for sharing. :clapper:
On the last morning as we were packing up,My little brother and I did some trail Camera checks and some stumps shooting. It was a splendid couple hours.
He's never stump shot before but I talked him into possibly breaking or losing an arrow. On our walk we saw a Rub bigger than my torso, a Fox squirrel as large as a house cat and an owl.
Also we kicked up a buck that my dad saw run off which was larger than any we have seen on camera up until that point.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416351372.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416351372.jpg.html)
Mid day at the cabin, we watched 2 decent bucks run a doe all over our Front Valley. Hind sight we could have ran down and put ourselves into position for a shot. But all our stuff was packed in the truck. We had a 3hour drive and my mother was having dinner ready for our return.
I need to Back up a bit as I forgot a previous sit.
I finally went to a spot I had been wanting to check out. It is a brushy fence row, connecting a smaller field and a larger corn field. Bedding area is just below me in a valley.
I found an incredible spot for a tree stand however, I just had a strap on seat. I climbed a tree and strapped the seat 20 feet in the air.
I heard some grunts in the bedding and soon a very nice 8 point materialized in front of me. he was walking and grunting. No way with my set up I would be getting a shot, there was no way to be on the ground here either without prior work.
I watched him walk past at 20 yards. a few minutes later a doe came out and fed in front of me for an hour. The whole afternoon I could hear this buck harassing deer and grunting in the bedding area. Awesome!!
One other critter was killed on this trip.
I was practicing off the porch with my little brother and this guy ran out of the cabin. They have been eating some of our spray foam insulation. I gave fair warning but had to evict the trespasser.
10 yards.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416017326.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416017326.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416017310.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416017310.jpg.html)
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416017284.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416017284.jpg.html)
After arriving back home to Wausau, a hunt was planned with a good friend of mine. We would go to a 18 acre tract of land he owns.
It was a cold snowy Crappy Beautiful Morning.
The hope was that bucks would be out freshening up scrapes.
About 8:30 an 8 point buck came my way. Unfortunately even though it was close, I couldn't get a shot through the low pines.
I no sooner texted my buddy a deer was headed in his direction and I heard his bow go off. It turns out, we were not too far from each other.
He has 3 little ones at home and his hunting time this year was pretty limited. Plus hes been taking the 3 and 5 year old with him. Even though he admits his chances at a deer with them are limited, he wouldn't have it any other way.
He was thrilled, and I was thrilled for him.
Out of respect to Trad Gang and the rules, I will not post those pictures here but Man, what a great Morning!!!
The following day it Rained, and Rained and Rained. I was soaked just looking out of the warm house at it. ;) :readit:
The last morning in town while waiting for my ride to the airport I saw more deer out my parents front window.
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416963120.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/2014%20WI%20hunting%20trip/1416963120.jpg.html)
What an incredible Trip, I hope you had half as much fun following along as I have re living it through this thread.
Thanks for sharing the awesome pics and even more awesome story! I know you were really looking forward to getting back home to hunt with family and friends.
I was corresponding with your dad last year about a turkey call that he made and I won during the St. Jude auction and he was very much looking forward to hunting with you! Looks like you all had a great time. :campfire:
Great story, Charlie. Glad you had a quality hunt back home.
Very nice pic's. I've hunted in WI. for 47 years. Awesome place to live and enjoy.
If you can get a mouse at 10 yards, start shooting at the deer at 30!
Great story and pics, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the trip Charlie. It sure helps when cabin fever sets in.
thanks Charlie, great trip
Great pictures and story, thanks for sharing. I was right there with 'ya the whole time. I didn't see any horns on that deer mouse, by the way. ;)
Bob
:thumbsup: Great Story and pictures Charlie! I enjoyed that!
Thank you Charlie, even though I was there it seems even better now. Visited the twins tonight,
Charlie
It was great to finally meet up with you, your Dad and Brother Andy.
I'd forgotten what an exciting morning you had that day. your pictures sure bring back the day.
Be well and if you keep shooting mice like that , the deer will have NO Chance!
Awesome hunt; thanks for sharing.
Looks like a great trip Charlie...thanks for sharing!!
Great story and awesome pictures Charlie, you for certainly had a hunt you will never forget. Are you still planning on making the move back here. Your pops is a great guy to, was only able to talk to him briefly at our WTA banquet last time, do you know if he is coming this year? It is actually this weekend .
You hit that little mouse but doubted yourself on a big buck ? You have to learn how to relax, you'll live longer :clapper:
Thank you for taking us Charlie!
F-Manny
Great Story!
Great hunt well told my brother. Miss hunting with you and your dad.
The pictures were awesome and I found several "favorites" in the bunch.
A heavy meat pole in camp is nice, but I'll take a hunt like yours any time.
Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup:
Charlie
Just the story I needed to get excited for next fall
Thank you :clapper:
Just bringing up a previous hunt at the farm. Sitting in a cabin all day due to rain has a way to cause guys to talk about memories.
What a great story and a wonderful trip. Thanks for taking us along. >>>----> Ken