So after 15 years of building points we cashed in and decided to go for deer together. This has been a huge undertaking for several reasons...
First of all last year this would have been an easy undertaking. We lived just 45 minutes from the unit and could hunt from home... With our move we are 5.5 hours away. The good news is I know the unit as well as anyone. In fact the DWM has called me at times asking how to access certain areas etc.
This is also the first time we are spending a hunt in a wall tent. So that took a whole lot of effort. I wanted a small easy to assemble tent set up. 2 years ago when Cabelas still was good I found a 12x12 Alaknak for $300. It was brand new and I took it. Added a roof protector, floor liner and stove etc. Since the 12x12 is small for 4 people we went with the Disco bed bunk beds. Etc. We use the front porch for cooking and storage.
I now have myself, my wife and my daughter to prep everything for... My son is also needing a lot despite not hunting, he is with me every step on nearly every hunt. So family of 4... Means 4 pairs binos, 4 backpacks, etc. It has been a real undertaking outfitting everyone propperly for late season cold weather hunt away from home. 2 pairs boots, 2 coats, 2 pairs gloves, etc. I have been working on getting all of this organized for month now.
Again this is all about one incredible experience for my family.
Some other prep things that most hunts do not require. My blazer, had a 16 gallon tank in it, that really sucks. So I installed a 38 gallon tank. I had to replace the clutch linkages and do some other work as well.
So Saturday we drove the 5 hours to the unit and set up camp. We got out of camp at 4:00 pm and took a drive. I knew several guys hunting the unit in the 3rd season. They had extremely hard luck and the deer numbers and success was way down. Weather? Migration? Who knows.
So Saturday I was not expecting much. In drove and glassed. Before dark we ended up seeing 74 deer of which only 7 were bucks and one buck that mature but not a shooter. We did see several small buck fighting and the mature buck was nose to tail on a doe and stupid as a buck in rut.
On sunday we got up early and hit one of my favorite areas. It was upsetting to say the least. In areas where I typically glass 100+ deer a day we saw 14. No good bucks and nothing worth getting excited about. We covered a ton of ground more than normal and still nothing. No tracks in the snow, no sign, nothing. Extremely frustrating and concerning.
That afternoon we finished up the camp set up and took a ride out on the way home. We found one really good buck and picked up some trash.
So we definitely give her first shot.
When we were driving around on Saturday we found slobs. We picked up a couple dozen beer can, a tarp. Etc.
I am sure we will find more.
Well right now it is 5:45. I am waiting on my Wife and daughter to get out of the house. We are loaded camp Is setup just need to get there... 5.5 hour drive just to get there then getting everyone Set up...
Well right now it is 5:45. I am waiting on my Wife and daughter to get out of the house. We are loaded camp Is setup just need to get there... 5.5 hour drive just to get there then getting everyone Set up...
Luckily we caught it before we passed Walmart!
Luckily we caught it before we passed Walmart!
Weather is really bad. Moon is huge and bright and I can’t be happier...
Look for those big bucks moving mid-day...
Good luck!
Weather is really bad. Moon is huge and bright and I can’t be happier...
Seriously, good stuff, looking forward to more!
We are hanging in camp for a few. My eyes are shot. Can’t glass anymore need some rest.
Tonight we went back to the same area. The deer started to show late and we moved and glassed a ton. Total for the day we saw 77 doe and 12 bucks. The only better buck looked to be a 3x4 but was not a first day buck.
The best part of a late season hunt so far has been getting back to camp early. We hunted til dark and were able to cook a full meal Tonight. Followed by cleaning everything up.
I also see a mean game of uno on tap For the evening...
Well 5:30am up and dressed. We are heading back to the pretty buck my wife wants. We have been seeing lots of doe with no bucks. Minimal rut activity. It should be better than it is, but it is not.
A nice fire in the stove makes getting up easy. We are all looking forward to lunch at the pink pig today...
Keep it rolling!!!
Mark
Be back soon hopefully with a wrap up!
