Hunted my second time out this morning in the early "earn a buck" season. A nice sized bear moved through along the edge of the swamp just as it was getting shooting light.  After watching a few squirrels going up and down trees, I finally had one come in to check me out. It had really cool black and grey mottled coloring. He gave me a nice shot chance. I must have grazed his belly as I knocked it off the tree, but did not make a solid hit. Shortly after, a couple of deer approached. They filtered down through a bunch of new growth birch clusters and emerged about 12-15 yards from my position.  The first deer started looking at me right away. I was surprised as I had some decent cover. The second deer walked right on passed him and hung out in front of me about 6-7 yards. Turns out both were bucks and I needed a doe. Well they went back and forth for about 25 minutes. It was quite fun. They finally left and went out into the swamp. It was time pack up and head home. Sure was a great morning, but it's tough to earn a buck when that's all you see..

Jerry, sounds as if you had a great hunt. I often enjoy some of the thing I see in the woods just as much as harvesting a deer. Memory's last forever.

Hey Jerry. Those does sure got smart quick . What a difference a week makes. Well I got winded myself yesterday A.M. I actually heard her before I saw her. She stomped and snorted twice before she took off and I finally caught a glimpse of her  and her fawn. We will get them just have to get smarter ourselves.What a great morning it was weather wise though. You couldn't ask for a better morning. Good Luck and Good Hunting Bud.

I agree tough to earn a buck; but seeing deer in close is as fun as can be. Great morning.


John III

Am I understanding that u must take a doe before u can harvest a buck? Is this a state rule or hunt club or what..@ any rate sounds like a good idea.

It's a state rule for the zones that open a few weeks before the regular fall bow season. It stinks when you have a buck in range and still haven't gotten a doe but management wise I think it's a great idea. Keep in mind these are also unlimited antlerless zones too. I also thought the 3 points on one side rule was working well too. It seamed to help the little bucks hang around a few years. Skippy

Hey Brother, it was a pleasure sharing the morning hunt with you again.  I'd like to set you up back there again one of these afternoons. That side of the ridge is definitely more of an afternoon spot as far as numbers of deer. I saw 3 different doe groups that afternoon after Vaughn's game. Also saw several bears including the collared mom with only one cub. That's a story I gotta tell you in person. Let's do next Sat afternoon so we can have some drinks afterwards. I'm sure one of us will "earn a buck"

Jerry,

I would think that taking a doe in your "new" spot would be fairly effortless. Have you had a chance to hunt there yet?

Ron

Hey Ron, appreciate the tip on the spot behind my job. I scouted it but have not hunted it yet.  I have a Friday night coming up I have to work, so when I get out in the morning I'll just drop in there.

Yup, early season can be tough.  I haven't seen a doe in shooting range yet, Bamboo had a spike close but no doe in the freezer yet.  Several bear encounters already.  Good thing is one more weekend of the earn a buck and we're into shooter's choice.  OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been out twice myself and no doe's or antler less. Last year all I saw it seemed was doe's. They know the rules as good as we do! ack!

Like I said pretty soon in Jersey there will be more BEAR than DEER! I will wack a doe Saturday,I will wack a doe Saturday, I will wack a doe Saturday........

Is that 3 does your gonna wack on Saturday Tom?   Then there will be more bears.    

One would suffice Bud. Just have to think positive.That was funny Jerry.