fly

Thanks for sharing that great story Jason. There's something about hunting and harvesting a deer in the snow that makes it very surreal. Probably because it's not real common to have snow during the deer season in IL. Good luck to you and your daughter.

Just bought one for the family (for Christmas so it is still in the box). It came with 2 Cabela's hunting games. I think my kids will like those. Currently they take turns being the deer and hunter. Once one of them makes an "ethical shot" the other falls dead. It's very entertaining to watch (6 and 7 years old). They get all dressed up in camo and everything.

Good luck to all in the IL second season. I'm going to try to fill my doe tag Saturday (that's the only day I have to hunt). I know from experience the number of deer I have seen this year has been lower than previous years. I only saw one deer during the first shotgun season. Lucky for me he was a shooter and I made the shot count. Remember it only takes a few seconds to change a terrible season into your best.

I have now heard varying opinions so I'd like to hear from those of you who can speak from experience. Do muzzeloaders kick more than a 20 g shotgun with a deer slug? I was under the impression that they have less. This was a big reason I bought one. I'd like to introduce my daughter to deer hunting next year. Thanks, Frank

My thoughts exactly.

Sorry to hear that John. I wonder what the other 399 have to say about the land? Public land can produce, but I have found that you have to go to areas where other hunters will not in order to get big deer.

Very funny! I got dibs on the red present in the front.

Nothing beats a good deer camp!

I'm headed back to clinical this week as well. Only 2 weeks left though before Christmas break! My students cared for a patient a couple weeks ago that fell out of his tree stand and when he landed a branch impailed him right through the upper thigh. Ouch! He wasn't wearing a safety harness so I educated the student on them and then she educated the patient. Good luck finishing out the semester

Good luck! Looking foward to seeing another big buck!

I sure would have guessed older. Congratulations!

Welcome to the RT forums!

Yea I think it's time to concentrate on hunting where the food is. Going out in the AM, low of 22 degrees Brrrrrr!!!!

Hunting in the rain paid off for you! Congratulations

Congratulations! That's a great first bow buck!

This issue came up earlier this fall when the new hunting videos came out. It bothers me to see a hunter allow an animal to die slowly instead of finishing it off (given there is that opportunity). I too have made spine shots. Some intentional (straight down shots) and some not. The 8-pointer I harvested a couple weeks ago was spine shot. The shot was a little high and the buck dropped in his tracks. He didn't move. I thought he was dead and started to get down from my stand when he got up with his front legs and started to move slowly away. I could have sat there and waited for him to die, but instead immediately placed another slug in his vitals to end his suffering. The celebration shouldn't start until the deer is found and no longer alive (IMO).

Mine should be done by Christmas.

For me: It all starts with deer hunting and Christmas music. I made a rule a couple years ago that no Christmas music is played until the first deer is harvested or Thanksgiving (whichever comes first). I also love seeing the small town main street decorations and of course snow.

I too have had bad luck with Rocky. Lacrosse (Aplha Burley)and Cabelas work well for me as well.

Since my kids are little I put up (what I consider) a lot of lights. I'll post a picture later in the week. I usually get them up the week before Thanksgiving. We'll get our tree Tuesday. I'm a bit sad because the tree farm we go to every year (cut your own) is going out of business after this season. They provide hot chocolate (for the kids of course ~ see OTPG below) and horse drawn carriage rides. The economic problems are being seen everywhere.

Gotta love those dark horned Canadian deer! Congratulations!

Awesome buck!

Glad you were able to connect. Congatulations!

A Thanksgiving you'll not forget. Congrats on a fine deer.

pm sent.