Hunted upland on Friday, Geese on Sat/Sun, and spent the last day & 1/2 getting this blind bought/setup for Jeff ;?)
It's really for my uncles, and some older buddy's that are done with ladders. These things are nice, maybe too nice, but if it keeps a few ol'timers in the woods it will be totally worth it. The big difference in my setup is that there's no failure piles or sadness spreaders on any of our properties.
So it's 3:18pm, and I'm up a tree S of Argonia for a last "hoora" before the guns start blazin. Spotted a doe and what I think was one of the 8' or 9's I've had encounters with down below my stand before I climbed up.
Didn't spook them, and they went S which is good with a SW wind. Maybe they'll come out on these cut beans later...we'll see.
Neither are bucks I'd shoot, but I still like seeing them! A doe and fawn passed through below me at around 3:45, and another set went across way S a few minutes ago.
No pics of the doe's/fawns here, but these beans have been getting some action since the snow.
Starting to filter out onto the beans...
Huge 8 with small split on right G2 just went through the timber E of me. I grunted and he turned, but stopped half way and returned to his path
He circled back and came out on the beans 100yds S of me, but wouldn't get closer...may not be as young as I thought.
I think it was "him"
I am thinking about giving it a go tomorrow with my bow. Haven’t archery hunted during gun season in years and years….gonna feel weird putting on that orange?
I'm going to hunt some during rifle, and "chauffeur" a few. It's really not bad the first few days until they figure out what's going on. Too crunchy to hunt mornings imo, so I may hunt ducks.
Had to wait to get out of there tonight, on account of the girls, and the snow already had a crust on it.
Look at the change in his body from the first pic to tonight, been runnin
This is a cool clip of a Momma Bobcat and kits after that snow, short and sweet.
Setup here near Attica for the afternoon, got one of my uncle's in the "Redneck". We had a good burger at "Petunia's" in Anthony, try it if you're in them parts.
Creek was too swollen for me to get to the stand I wanted, so I'm just kinda observing today, but sometimes those are the days things happen.
Honestly thankful for the muddy roads, I think it's cutting back on some of the road poaching in my areas.
Gonna get him back out next week.
Hard to get motivated today, wasn't even sure I could get to this farm with the muddy roads, but it wasn't as bad as I thought.
Same area where I had the encounters with the old 6/8/9 or whatever he is. I'm on the SE corner of an area they bed, and exit to the cut beans. Wind was SW walking in but should switch to NW as it get ls later.
Nobody rifle hunts this w/o me being here or knowing, so don't worry about me being on the ground. Maybe today is the day?
We think we have it identified, let's see what you think it is...
At 3:30 the wind went dead, and I thought about packing up...I need some cover movement/noise when I'm on the ground. Learned that the hard way on the last evening last year.
By 3:45 it had flipped, strong NW winds now and cloud cover, feels like a night to kill a deer.
Things got very close here for a minute, no shots fired, but a very cool encounter...
Well, not exactly, will explain with more pics and hopefully some video later tonight.
Still hoping you connect as well as your uncle. Good to see the older guys getting out…pretty neat stuff.
I'm going to back this up to the 28th, the day I saw the buck I'd been looking for on the hoof. He never got closer than 80yds, but it was cool just seeing that guy.
On the way out I pulled two cards, and this buck had shown up the night before. Hadn't ever seen him, and immediately I recognized a resemblance.
He came left to right in front of me, and as he started to get further away I grunted. He stopped and looked, but carried on E. Then I see another buck coming right to left(in blue), he stops on the X at 30 or so. I'm still, he stands there for around 5min checking the air and looking for the source of the grunts. Bring the bino's up and I know who it is, but now he looks smaller and I'm thinking it's "his" son? I turn the camera towards him and get a little footage.
After the 5min, or more, he puts his head down and starts E where he came from. I have two options, do nothing or grunt...I grunt. He stops, looks my way, and here he comes right down a trail that would bring him within 2yds of me.
I grabbed my bow, still unsure whether I'd shoot, but I've got the camera on and it's going to get up close and personal. I had turned the camera back towards me, so you won't see the buck up close...you'll just have to take my word.
He gets to within 5yds, and stops...he's got me pegged. The grunt brought him, but it also gave away my exact location. It's a stare down for a few seconds and then he turns back NE and away down the trail he'd come from.
I'll post some footage later, have a trail camera there but it never triggered.
It's a long video, with not much footage of the buck...so don't blink. The last two minutes or so is him getting close and the stare down, but you can't see him. Just never know what any given moment can bring out there, was a good night.
Thanks guys, it was a night I won't forget for sure!
Got my uncle set up in the Redneck again tonight, near Attica, and I'm in a stand I haven't set yet this year. It's usually a late season doe stand, but we also usually have wheat out behind. This year it's that Teff grass, just looks like a dead lawn.
Not expecting much from my perch, but hoping one wanders in front of the Uncle!
Gave the deer a bit of a rest, although I did take my Uncle out last Fri, and my Dad's best friend Sun. We saw 15 or more deer each night, but nothing mature or that they wanted to shoot.
Got ol'Chet out yesterday for a duck, we had a good time.
So this afternoon I'm set up in the same exact spot I missed the "last day buck" in 22. Conditions are similar, not much wind but what there is coming from the ESE.
Don't have many spots for the Easterly wind these next few days, may try a new spot or two from the ground. This creek crossing is between bedding and winter wheat, so possibly something will come through on its way to dinner.
I'm hoping for some of that too James, and good luck to you!
I heard splashing a few minutes ago. Younger 8, but heavy, crossing the creek 100yds S of me. He's got an injured front right and is not getting around well.
I'd have shot him had he presented the opportunity, don't think he'll make it through the winter.
Just the injured buck, and a huge raccoon that came out of his den 3' below me on the bank.
He looked younger to me, but body is probably worn down from rut, just looked skinny. I pulled two cards on the way out, we'll see if he's on there.
Back at my spot near Attica, where the injured buck was a couple days ago. There's usually a good one or two cruising through here after rifle as well.
Creek and bedding to my W & S, wheat to the NE. Picked one up on camera here the first week of rifle I'd sure like to see in person, but chances are he's dead or gone...we'll see.
Thanks fellas, I've killed every deer I've seen so far today ;?) One direction to go from here.
Did have a flock of Sandhill's go over earlier, first I've heard any this Fall, seems late.
Just had 8-9 doe's come from timber to the N. They hit the fence 70yds N of me and went W. Then they turned back E towards the wheat but I never saw any of them after that. It's thick in there and I'm guessing they just went back N to timber...strange.
One of the doe's and her fawn broke from the group and went behind me headed SE.
They almost got to the creek, and this fella jumped up and chased them all the way back N to the wheat, once they hit the wheat they all stopped and started eating?
Thanks fellas, enjoying the ride!
The wound buck just passed through 80-90yds N of me headed straight to the wheat. Who knows, he might make it...can't see any "holes" in him but still limping. I'd think it he were really hurting he wouldn't be bedding 2-300yds or more from food source?
Over 20 out on the wheat now, only one buck and it's the broken up 8 that was chasing the doe/fawn earlier
You're right Zach, been buzzed a few times tonight myself. Stick one!
I don't want to talk about it.
I seen'm, just couldn't get him to come my way. Didn't "booger" him, glad he made it through!
I know these are horrible pics, he's a great buck, just take my word.
It was cool, saw a big body working over a small bush a couple hundred yds S. Put the bino's on it and just saw the body for a bit.
When he lifted his head I knew it was him, and I knew he was on a trail I'd seen others on tonight...not in my favor.
Let him walk for a bit, should I grunt...should I maybe bleat? I did both, and he looked. Started my way a bit, but another smaller buck came between us and I think he just shrugged it off.
Gave him several more steps towards the wheat, and I hit the grunt call again...he looked, but just not interested.
I'm letting a couple young guys hunt there too. Hoping someone gets a chance, he's been nocturnal until this evening.
Got Chet out yesterday for his first goose. He did ok, but we have some work to do...as expected for a young dog.
I'm back at my Attica spot, and on the ground again. Cameron was here last night in a different area, saw a small buck and some doe's but nothing mature.
There are at least three mature bucks that have come through here since the end of rifle, maybe one will come again this afternoon.
Nada. First hunt I can remember not seeing a deer this year, but I forget those days pretty quickly. Guess I'll just have to try again tomorrow ;?)
I'm back at the farm where I'd seen the old 6/7/8/9 whatever he is/was. Haven't been here since rifle ended, not sure what's left or moved in, but there's only so many more days and I'm not good at quitting.
Had a bit of a coughing fit when I got into the stand, but pretty windy and hoping I didn't blow anything out.
These cut beans have been getting worked, lots of droppings and tracks out front. We saw 8-10 doe's directly in front of this stand the last time I was here, hoping there's a "late bloomer" in the bunch.
Thanks Brian, very strange night. I'm on 60-70ac's of beans, and I can see all of it from this stand. Not a single deer came out?
Wasn't a complete "skunk" as I did see a doe & fawn in some heavy grass 200yds S of me around 4:30.
Another observation, I haven't see a single coyote from the stand this year, and I've only heard them once?
Snuck into my spot near Caldwell, nobody's been here since rifle, and no shots fired here during rifle. These deer had been getting up early and hitting the wheat around 3, but with the abnormally warm temps they might not today.
Not many tracks out front, and I haven't seen any bucks here I'd shoot so far this year...but any given moment right.
Haven't been able to post pics much from here, so I'll recap after if need be.
Two doe's popped out on the wheat S of me around 3:25, and then a wide but young 7.
At 5 or so I caught movement behind, and downwind of me. Looked like a young basket 8. I've had a lot of interactions with deer over the years, he was as cautious as any I've encountered.
Back and forth, left to right, scent checking and there was something he just wasn't right with. This went on for literally 15min, he finally gave me the "Ok" and came by at around 30yds.
He's an older buck, 9 with split brows(so 11 JW...just so you don't have to take off your shoes). I didn't really consider a shot, but had a few opportunities, more interested in what he might turn into next season.
P.S. Saw a coyote, and heard several tonight.
Appreciated Jared. Wasn't going to hunt this afternoon, but with rain in forecast the next two days I thought I oughta.
At the spot near Attica, let's see if that big 10 makes another appearance. Very light winds, gonna have to be a perfect scenario to even get away with drawing.
There's a new scrape 50yds out in front of this stand, hoping it's his "handi-work".
Just had a bobcat and three kits come through...perty neat
Neighbor moved on at sundown, but only 7 deer came out on the wheat NE of me, and he wasn't one of them...next.
Back at the same property this afternoon, but on the opposite side...I've taken two bobcats here over the years with bow. I brought my waders to cross the creek, but it's runnin about 6-8' deep today, so that's a no.
I'm set up on the ground, a trail coming out of heavy timber splits in front, and they like this grass in our little woodlot here.
I had literally just sat down and saw movement coming from the E, unfortunately the lead doe saw me first. She, and the other three, followed by a forky skirted around me and got downwind...they gone. Didn't blow, but took off in a hurry.
Didn't think I'd see a thing in here tonight, hoping that wasn't it.
Pretty sure he's living on neighbors place, and eating his wheat too. With the creek so high, if he got stuck on this side, I guess there's a chance he could swing through here.
Here's the wounded 8's hoof, not looking good. I've seen this many times, specifically in this area, and often both front hooves? Never known one to make it to the following year with this condition, but not exactly sure what's causing it.
Meant to post this pic earlier. This is the father to the triplets I'm pretty sure, such a cool looking cat.
Three more doe's just cam through, but nothing tailing
Young 8, and two smaller buck's came through from the N. Was sure hoping "grandad" was with him but alas.
Are those last 3 pics of the gimpy 8pt?
No other "rein-deer" came by, nope a different 8 Brian...no gimp.
Hope all y'all have a Merry Christmas! Lots to be thankful for, enjoy the day with your people.
Foot rot?
KB's Link
I think it's probably a cut/thorn on the 8pt this year, and an injury to the big 8 that died. Not sure about the buck with both front swollen hooves.
Merry Christmas by the way.
Pretty sure that's what happened on the old 8pt Matt, hoof looks too torn up to be a thorn or fence...but we'll never know.
Tried for Geese this morning but only got one, just wouldn't cooperate. I just got set up for the afternoon here on the farm where the old 6/7/8/9 or whatever he is/was had been. No sightings since before rifle, likely gone, but ya just never know.
First passerby going through timber out front, North, of me. Was hoping the snow would pick up, but it's petered out.
Good Luck, tonight!
Wish we'd have gotten the snow, I only had the one spike come by...wrong time wrong place I reckon.
That looks very similar Jason, would be a sucky way to go.
As light came I saw a group of four bucks, working their way SE into an old fence row. The big 10 was within, and I watched him bed 250yds SE of me.
Not a breath of wind, absolutely no way to get close to him now. Going to wait a bit and pack out, go check a few cameras, think about what/where I should hunt this afternoon.
Ain't over yet
Told Easton & Cameron they could hunt there this weekend too, so I'm going to leave it alone hoping he or another gives them an opportunity.
Checking a spot N of Harper a few minutes ago, and there was a pair of baldy's. One of them didn't want to leave, and I finally figured out why.
Appreciate it fellas, I've had a helluva season no matter what. I like the chase, and the challenge, and I've had a bunch of both!
No, that buck is still intact, just a blurry pic from a blurry video...couldn't get a good focus through all the limbs.
So I'm set up on the cut beans near Argonia, the only stand I ever saw the old 6/7/8/9 or whatever he is/was. Had him at 65-70yds that night, gonna need him or another to be closer. Just hoping to see something here, last time it was basically a "skunk".
Keep grinding if you're out there holding a Tag!
Young 6 just came through below stand, but moving quickly. Four or five doe's back in timber, and several way S. Nothing out on the beans yet.
Have I told you that I also suck at chess?
I thought it was the 6 from earlier, and grabbed the bino's. It's him.
Glad he made it, my first thought, where's he going my second. Took a few bites and headed S, I grunted, he didn't care.
On the way out they were everywhere, and I think I have a plan for tomorrow.
Easton hunted the stand I was in this morning. He saw the same deer, but straight to the neighbors wheat. He'll be there in the morning, and Cameron will be in that stand in the evening. No quit.
I'm obviously not good at the "X" games! Waited a bit to come in this morning, making sure everything was off the beans.
Set up on the ground where three trails come together, and the wind is right...in fact it's down right chilly.
Hope he's up and roaming around this am...reckon We'll find out.
Nothing moving here, and I don't have enough layers on, I'm out.
One last "stab" tonight.
Ok, one last dance, set up on the trail he used last night. Huge bedding area, and we don't go in here at all during the season.
Lots of rubs/scrapes I can see from here. Don't think he's on any kind of routine, hadn't even seen him in person or on camera since before rifle, but maybe just maybe...
Just had a covey of quail within 3' of me, tried to move slowly and get a picture but couldn't pull it off. They're still whistling and walking around me.
As they crept around calling to each other I heard hooves coming...a bunch. Looked to my right and 10-15 doe's/fawns/little bucks were running at me full speed?
Not sure if something S of me spooked them, or if one caught my scent and the others just raced to the bedding, but they literally split and went around me...well worth the price of admission!
Around 4:45 the doe's, that had come through earlier, filtered out onto the beans...right by the stand I was in last night. Thought he might join them but no.
Then at 5:30 I saw a deer coming down the trail out front, just a little fawn, nothing trailing.
So that's that, not filling this tag just like many before...but you can bet I got every penny out of it. One of my most enjoyable seasons honestly. Passed on a bunch of great bucks, and had close encounters with a couple of old giants.
Thanks for tagging along, hope y'all have a super 2024!
A very Happy New Year to all
Glad you got to enjoy another season "out of doors".
