took my habu death adder for a walk this morning before first light to a spot I just received permission to hunt...  saw two small bucks at first light and then glassed for an hour from a "high point" in the property.  I saw 3 bucks still together, one being a beauty.  They were in an old apple orchard, so I hoofed it on over taking the wind into account.  As I was sneaking through some overgrown weeds, I see one of the smaller bucks jump up to attention.  I thought for sure I was had... then the nice buck approached from 10 yards to my left, bows at half draw.... then a snort... it was a beautiful morning altogether.  hopefully this story will be "to be continued..."

Cool man, that's exciting.    

Bakes

This sounds like a winner...I'm hoping for more!

sounds like a real good story comming up.  

Go get 'em Shawn! Good Luck!

Congrats on a fine          

was back at it this morning before work...

before I get into todays hunt... I would first like to say that it can be tough sometimes finding and figuring out new hunting areas.  I have been in Erie, PA for about 10 months now.  Of course, things got very busy since my wife and I had our first son.  With the move, becoming a father, starting a new job, it's been hard enough to find the time to really get out and do some scouting, let alone hunting.

just wanted to encourage all of you hard working men and women, fathers and mothers to keep at it.  The past two days has really been the first time I have had a chance to breathe in the last year, and to actually just relax and be still.  Something to be said about that when you are out hunting and are able to take in all of God's creation.  These past two days have really been a time to reflect on all that has happened.  So for most of my hunt today, I sat with a smile on my face.

I got a little closer to the orchard I saw and stalked the 3 bucks in yesterday.  At first light, I watched as a different buck made his way out of the thick apple trees right towards me.  He was a young 8 point, cruising along.  He made a scrape, came over to check out my montana doe decoy and then headed on into the woods.  He wasn't spooked at all by the decoy, but he also didn't seem all that interested either.

so ends another morning of hunting... but we'll pick this one up next week. =)

Very good post.  I know how you feel.  I moved in June to a new place and have three kids under three.  Woods time is a very precious commodity.  Keep it coming and good luck!

My only concern for the area I am hunting is that I haven't been seeing many doe.  What will this place look like during the rut?  I am hoping lots of competition between the bucks, but without the doe, will they move on to other areas?  Anyone have any insight on this?

To answer your question about the does, they are not far.

What you have found is a buck mecca. The area contains all of the elements the bucks prefer, and barring some major change, the area will always hold bucks. When the rut starts, the bucks will probably be elsewhere, but if you can hunt the area without spooking them, you have an excellent opportunity to learn alot and possibly tag a buck in the process.

Young bucks sometimes pester does, and they try to avoid them because of this. This is another possibility for the lack of does in the area.

Whatever the case, congrats on the new baby, and I hope one of those bucks wanders too close to your bow.

Shawn,
Nice to see a fellow Tradganger from Erie,PA.
During the winter alot of us meet up and shoot at Outpost Archery. You should stop by sometime.


Bill

Stay safe, shoot straight and bring a successful ending to this story!

Never mind, it was already successful. Now bring home the jerky.  

     Fun and more fun. Let us know if things work out.


JDSIII

we are experiencing some warm weather here in North Western, PA today and possibly the rest of the week. It may be a few days before I get back out.  I had to work this weekend because I am going in late so i can hunt the mornings when most guys aren't out.

Shawn

Shawn,

I live 50 miles southeast of Erie. We have the same problem here. Lots of little bucks, some NICE bucks and few does. But when the rut comes those bucks are flying all over the place looking for the does. I love to hunt the rut then from the ground. Lots and lots of action. Just keep doing what you are doing and i am sure it will all come together one time.

Chad

Finally made it back out into the woods... =)