Anointed Archer, Robslifts, their better halfs and I went up on a scouting trip for the upcoming deer hunt in Atlanta,MI. By the looks of things it's brewing up to be a great occasion!
I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share camp with.  All of Gods creation was perfect as always. Clear skies and comforatable temps made it a relaxing occasion. We ate great feasts, along with some wicked hot habanero peppers that came from my mother in laws garden and awesome Red Stag doe. I'm still stuffed!
During the day we spent driving along orv trails in search of well worn deer trails, elk sign, panoramic landscapes and views of other creaures that inhabit the area as well. We seen the biggest coyote I had ever laid eyes on, courting grouse, huge elk and deer tracks. We spotted quite a few groups of deer browsing with one group that consisted of a couple nice bucks and were even blessed enough to hear an elk bugle. We walked through the thickest vegetaion (ask Jeff about my directional skills,LOL!), climbed near vertical slopes and crossed some impressive bedding areas. Bear,deer and elk scat were all around us and reminded me that we were not alone.
The nights were nice and cool with shooting stars dashing across the sky and howling coyotes well into the wee hours of the morning. I kept the night critters away from camp with vicious snoring that unfourtunatly kept fellow camp mates awake too.  :(  (bring ear plugs)  
Anyone coming on this trip in October should not be disappointed! With eveything that was around us, at all moments of the trip, will overload ones senses and bring peace to the everyday bustle of life.

colors are starting

view of a sink hole

looking out of a sink hole

Most of the posse. Jeffs wife guarded over the top of the sink hole.

Rob and I found this at the bottom of one of the sink holes, that had no man made way of getting in and out other than climbing up and down an insanely tall and steep incline. Anyone know what this is?

Possible camp spot

Tasty grouse!

Dueling cameras

Bows and breakfast, my favorite things!

Elk sign!

Deer bedding area

Just outside of the bedding area. The ferns were up to my chest!

View from my treestand overlooking the bedding area.

Behind my treestand. These woods had been forested some time ago.

I beleive this was an old elk rub from last year. If not it's one heck of a deer!!!

We came across this very impressive deer track. I beleive it's from a buck. My hand is 7 1/2 inches long and 4 inches wide. I would love to see what made this!!! Thanks for looking!

 

Great pictures Arwin...  You know, it made me think, I live here in Mi. as you do and we pretty much take this kind of hunting land for granted..  We are sure fortunate to have this type of public land protedted for us to enjoy..  Look at the diverse animal population we have to hunt...  I find myself wishing for a hunt in Tx., or down South for pigs, or out West for Elk.  Many folks have to rent land to hunt and thats just a shame..  Thanks for the fine pictures,  Jim

Lookin good guys,,Nice pics too,,      

Arwin, Any hogs in MI??
Bert