fly

Looks like a cool application. I used to keep a journal of temperatures, wind direction. even moon phase. But after a few years I just went back to playing the wind. If I had a larger parcel the information would be useful, but with just 32.5 acres I basically have to be in one or two stands for that wind, not a lot of choices. This weekend was fun hiking the Ozark hills and visiting wineries with the wife. The wife saw a deer on this trail. Tomorrow I'm back at it. I also just got the call that my new crossbow has been fixed - I'll pick it up tomorrow after the hunt.

I've been keeping a log of my hunts. So far 10 hunts in October (either a few hours in the AM or PM). Five of those hunts (50%) I have seen at least one deer. Four of the five I have had a shot opportunity (50 yards or closer). One of the ten (10%) included an encounter with a mature buck. This is all on my small parcel of 32.5 acres.

Great looking buck Pat! I've been in the stand a few times since the unicorn buck and saw a couple does. They worked to within 45 yards, but i needed 5 more to feel comfortable with the shot. With my old Xbow 40 is my limit. I had a smaller buck walk right under me in a down pour at 15 yards. I love having close encounters. Then next week is full of kids sports, home projects, work related stuff, and a trip to Missouri with the wife to visit some wineries. After that I get serious.

Congratulations on your doe Martin! Al, those are some beautiful bucks as usual.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I will let you all know if he shows up on camera. I have heard of tracker John, but have one neighbor that I have had legal issues with over property lines. We were headed to court a couple years ago when he died. (Wasn't me!). Anyway, I assume his family inherited the property and I have not heard anything about it since. At this point, I'm just leaving it as it is. I wouldn't want to ask permission to track on their property (if the dog went there) and get things stirred back up. I did shoot my Vengent after to make sure the scope was on and it was spot on. However, after the 4th shot the strap that pulls back the accuslide BROKE! Now it's at TenPoint getting a new strap! I love the speed that comes with these newer crossbows, but hate the associated problems. Anyway, my old TenPoint Stealth XLT is back in action until I get the new one back. Oh... and William, Good luck with that beautiful buck!

Glad to be a part of the team! Shot my number three buck (the unicorn buck) on October 3rd. Quartering away shot at 50 yards with my crossbow. Didn't see the impact, but heard it. Waited a couple hours and then followed the blood trail 350 yards till it ran dry. The blood had gristle in it, no bubbles and just specs every 5-10 feet. I went back the following day and grid searched for several hours. Found no beds, and no deer. My best guess is it hit the front shoulder and went through the brisket area without hitting vitals. Hoping he survived and is still running around. Makes me sick of course. Pictured below is this buck I named the unicorn buck. I estimate him to be a 4.5 year old. The number one and two deer I named Victor and Rib Cage. Victor is a 5.5 year old that has a V on his right main beam (G2 and G3). I've been after him since 2020. Rib cage is a 170 inch 3.5 year old. Good luck to each of you!

I'd say two teams with 4 people.

I think you're right Al. I'll be focusing on taking this deer unless I see him after the gun season. In which case... I'll still probably take the shot. LOL

I have pictures of this buck from last year and aged him at 2.5. I had him walk under my stand as a 2.5 year old 130s deer at 20 yards and shot him with my camera. Here is a picture from last year. I really don't know what I'll do and may not until the situation is at hand. On one hand he's likely the 2nd highest scoring deer I would have on my wall and on the other hand, next year he would be the biggest and probably make Boone and maybe hit that 200 mark.

A couple pictures of a 3.5 year old named Rib Cage that has me on the fence as to shoot or pass. This buck should go 165 as a 3.5 year old which means he has a shot to make 200 inches one day. When you only own 32.5 acres, with trigger happy neighbors...????? Anyway, such a beautiful buck!

Very nice Al! Hope you connect.

I'm in!

Congratulations Al!

I'm hopeful some 4.5 or older bucks show up. Only have the one 8 point with a unicorn point that I judge to be mature.

I have William. A lot bigger than I predicted. This 3.5 year old will score 160 this year. Makes the decision more difficult, but I hope he still gets a pass from me this year. Next year he may the biggest deer I ever shot at 175+, this year he would be # 2 or #3, but not number one, as my biggest went 172.

Welcome back! Been here since 2008 (about the same time I opened a Facebook account). I still stop in here once a week to see what's going on. Still enjoy the contests even though our low numbers threaten the contest every year. The turkey contest is gone, but the deer contest is hanging on by a thread!

Here in IL we have to apply for Deer permits (Gun) in April. August 1st is opening day for squirrel season which ushers in the fall hunting season. Soon corn will turn yellow as will the bean leaves. The crisp cool days of autumn are close at hand. Looking forward to it!

I hear ya Patrick. I'd prefer to see the bottom deer first and then it would be easier to pass.

I have a couple nice bucks on camera this year. The 14 pointer is 3.5 which means "IF" I can let him go another year he might make B&C. Neighbors will not give him a pass and I suspect he will be right at 150 this year.

Happy 4th on the 6th!

Well, one week and I'm back to normal. Hopefully future run ins (you know there will be) will not be any worse.

Well, it finally got me. LOL Tested positive this past Wednesday. Was due a booster this month and planned on getting one. Not sure it would have prevented it, but maybe. Anyway, I remember our prior discussions and figured we all would be exposed sooner or later and like the flu, something we have to live with. I have had several fevers, but no shortness of breath and no issues with taste or smell. I'm taking Paxlovid at the recommendation of my doctor. I have to stop my cholesterol lowering medication for a while, but that's not a big deal. So far the Paxlovid seems to be working as I'm feeling a lot better today.

Find a place to hunt first. Then scout it out. Find deer trails and decide if their are trees that you can place a stand in. Then buy the stand for that tree. Wear a safety harness. Sooo much else to list, start there - and be safe.

yea, i have several and plan to do the same "some day".

Another nice one! Congratulations!