28 degrees, 3 mph variable wind. Crunchy out. I used a diaphragm Turkey call on the walk in as I know deer are bedded close by. I probably didn’t fool anything, but at least I tried,
It is 4:15 and I can hunt to 5:30.
Ok, the deer had to have heard and/or seen me. Besides it being crunchy, the snow and ice laid over my 6-7’ tall native grasses that I use as screen cover when traversing to different hunt locations.
I say this as I did not observe a deer while in the blind. I was at one end of the S shaped plot that is slightly more than 2 acres in size and weaves its way through native grass dumping into timber at one end, where I was at, and a 10 acre Ag field at the other end which was beans this year. I left my blind and checked out the plot, there were at least 9 deer very visible against the snow. I could not see the full plot so I assume there were more. I will be in the timber tomorrow morning.
Thanks for the well wishes guys.
22 degrees out, very slight south wind. Will be up in a tree. Did not bring the Fanatic, so will be layered using Celsius outerwear. The Instinct might give me away as it is quiet out.
Cold enough that I will be using my 50 lb. Bowtech Revolt. Took a turkey in the Spring with it, but have not taken a deer with it. It is a breeze to pull back when cold, which allows me less movement. No leaves on the trees, everything is bare where I am headed. Will have to be as still as possible.
Perfectly broadside, I drew, placed my 25 yard pin on the second doe, exhaled and released.
She stopped at about 100 yards. Stood still for about 30 seconds...
I love the color of crimson against the snow!
;-)
Thanks
As you can see the timber was open. I am sure I busted deer off of the plot on my way to the timber. I was in a stand about 100 yards from a south facing bedding area, and 150 yards from the plot mentioned yesterday. The wind was coming from their bedding area towards me. They came out of the bedding area and were on a direct trail to the plot. I was lucky again!
Charlie, I was wearing Sitka this morning. That’s why it happened!
What a weekend. The Buckeyes demolish Clemson and the Browns are in the playoffs! I am a happy camper, but not a member of BHA, Lol.
Thanks for going along with me.
I don’t know if I will hunt anymore. I hope to start some much needed chainsaw work, and to start pulling stands. GL if you are still out there.
If you decide to hunt anymore...you could always donate the meat to some neighbors or needy folks.
Thanks. We always donate at least one deer. Another one will be totally processed to summer sausage, much to be used as gifts.
Congrats on your two deer! We are blessed when we can take more than one. Good luck with the small game hunting and fishing. I never developed an interest in winter fishing, and it is a great time for habitat management.
I only have 120 acres, so shooting too many cannot happen since pressure of any elevated amount will have the deer relocate, and it is bow hunting only for me, which means the deer usually win. But I do talk with the CO and biologists for our area. Crop damage is a much bigger problem than habitat damage. You don't see browse lines in heavy ag areas like you do in suburbia with no management. And MO really opened up the anterless seasons to get and keep the numbers down from previous peaks, which I agree with.
Thanks Justin and Lou. This obviously will never be an epic thread that makes the favorite list; however, it is possible to have an exciting adventure on a small parcel. Wild at Heart forever!
Nice writeup You are a trooper for sure. Chipping Ice to get into your stand is Awesome !
Walking miles and chasing elk and other things can be tough. But, the mindset and commitment it takes to go out in the cold to set for hours on end to kill a whitetail with a bow, that’s been hunted for three months, takes more brass then any of that in my opinion.
Justin, this was a lot easier to do than a tough mountain elk hunt like the one recently documented here. I am not capable of doing that! And a good late season food source is almost a sure thing to at least see deer. Combined with keeping pressure light on my farm and no firearms hunting, the deer feel fairly secure. And I just enjoy being out. For the last few years I have at least one Bald Eagle that regularly visits during the winter, and in fact I saw him last weekend. I will go out just to witness that. I appreciate your kind words but in no way was this tough to do, again more dumb than anything really. Thanks.
To me, it takes a different mindset to go set in cold temperatures for hours on end waiting for a deer. It’s not my cup of tea. Kiddos to those who can.
Good luck
At home saw lots of deer out early the two days before I came up which made me optimistic about my chances. No real temp, wind or pressure changes so was surprised I saw zilch yesterday.
Have not hunted this area since October.
The food plot described above was eaten to the ground, nothing left. Poop every where. Common observation every year after a period of below freezing temps.
