It was still quite mild as I headed up the logging road today. I had tried to dress down so i wouldn't overheat . But, I still succeeded in soaking my kuiu
top and bottom with sweat.  I went all the way up and around to a stand that has only been hunted two times this season. Neither time by me. This stand needs a south wind to hunt it properly and I had one today. I am embarrassed to say that the name of this stand is the "email stand". It got its name two seasons ago when I was looking at an email when I should have been looking at the deer trail! A big one got away that day. Its one of those memories you hate to replay!

the stand sits on a little knob just below the top
of the ridge. You can catch deer coming up from the bottoms or cruising the bluff top contours scent checking for does. here are my views from on stand.

I have done alot of invasive cutting up here along with some tree release. Some nice really nice young white oaks have benefited greatly. Anything still green at this time of years is an invasive of some kind the green you see below me is a nasty patch of buck thorn.
 
Just as the the Eastern sky was showing orange I heard an animal running my way. A very light colored , and on the small side coyote was cruising by at 20 yards. Too bad I saw it too late to do anything about it. I spent the morning watching intently in all directions and rattling lightly every 30 minutes. But for a third time this week , I got skunked and returned to the yurt without so much as seeing a deer's hair. Didn't jump any either.
Had to stop to enjoy this view on the way down.
 

Thanks for the time you put in keeping us updated.  We appreciate coming along with you on your hunts.  Ken

All of the conditions to see and kill a deer tonight seemed perfect. The wind was light and steady. Just enough to cover the sounds of a bow hunter drawing his bow. The sky was scudding low moister filled clouds and gave the appearance of a November rutting type of day. I got into the Dallas stand and noticed a new rub on one of the two Aspens in front of the stand. I had counted 5 new scraps in the mowed trail as I walked tot eh stand. I pulled the SD card of the camera as I passed and noticed there were 359 photos on the card!

So as I sat in the stand and the afternoon passed without so much as peep being heard or a hair being seen, I was just a tad disappointed on the walk back home.

Here a two photos for your viewing enjoyment. The bucks seem to still be in large groups. I think the deer like what I have planted.

Diner time

lodge brothers meeting

That is Godzilla to the left of center

one more

Only a matter of time! Thanks for the updates  

Checking that trail cam would be a thrill. Kinda strange to me that those bucks would be together this time of year.
Love that feather tucked into your strap on. Hope you don't mind if I steal that idea. I'm big on feathers.

I'm with steadman, only a matter of time until one of those boys gives you a chance...  

I had every intention of heading up top and hunting for the first time over a buck decoy. But the wind was wrong for that spot so I decided to head over to  the cursed "do Over" stand. Walking up the logging road in the dark I jumped at least 4 different deer. I was surprised they were in their beds so early. that normally isn't a problem.

It started to lightly rain at 7 am. At 8 am I looked  up the ridge and coming down the steep part about 60 yards away was the body of a deer. When it stepped behind a blow down 45 yards  uphill ,I removed El Uno from the hanger. The deer was on a dead head approach to my stand.  It looked like a young doe. I had every intention of  trying to finally break the string of bad luck this stand carries and had the deer broadside at 7 yards. Too bad it turned out to be a buck fawn. Killing deer in their first season just isn't in my management plan. Who knows this could be the B & C buck I kill in 2017. He walked  on by never knowing I was just above him.

I wont be able to hunt again until next Tuesday. Family and Professional obligations are going to have my focus until then.

I hope everyone gets out over the next few days and have some stories to post for me to read when I get back.

Great trail cam shot jim.... Lots of potential now and in the future!!!

Keep at it  

I've spent the last three days reading this....What a great story!

Wheres the update!!!

Jim posted that he won't be able to hunt again until Tuesday.  I'm going through withdrawals...

Yes me too .  I look forward to reading the updates and seeing the great pictures almost everyday.  Keep them coming Jim.  Good luck and shoot straight

Jim I'm really enjoying following you hunt this year don't stop posting.Larry

Packed and ready for 5 Pines. Via some Compton budys in Nebraska.
See you in a couple days Jim... Hopefully ill arrive just in time to help track a Big one!

Andy

Got home tonight just in time to shoot a few practice arrows. I don't care what the weather is doing, I'll be in a stand somewhere in the am!!  Big cold front moving in for later in the week , its going to start getting good. Time to make plans for all day sits.........

Safe travels Andy . See you at the yurt!

Good luck guys    looking forward to more updates

Woohoo, more updates!!!