fly

While I get your point Bob, there are too many positives that overshadow the negatives for me. My kids still really look forward to Christmas and unwrapping presents and I get a kick out of that. I also enjoy seeing my family at the annual get together at my moms house. The city street decorations, the Santa house at the mall in the winter wonderland, and our church filled with people for Christmas service. Last month I had a friend tell me she doesn't like Christmas because she can't afford it. When I told her she should spend within her limits she said she couldn't because she had to buy for many people (not just her kids) and that it was expected. I talked with her a bit more, but realized it was just going to be like that for her. Then I gave her a list of the items I wanted for Christmas. Steve, Bob and I submitted our application for the bear tag and should know some time in February if we get drawn. We are in for spring 2015 and if we get drawn will by headed your way in June. I'm sure Bob will want to get a Christmas tree and put it up for our mid-Christmas celebration! As long as it's okay with you? Maybe we can use some of your fishing lures to decorate it.

looks like hes missing a left brow? I'd say high 130's.

Pretty cool looking paint job on my sons first buck! Got it back from the taxi just in time for Christmas!

Good luck bowhunter97! I know you've been looking forward to this. I'm headed to Kentucky with my 11 year old son for the free youth hunt this weekend. My sons buck was back from the taxidermist just in time for Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you Tim! Hope 2014 brings you more records!

We all make decisions in this life. Some choose to believe certain Bible translations, some choose not to believe in the Bible at all. Here in America we have freedom of religion and speech, but that doesn't mean we don't experience consequences for standing up for what we believe in. Phil believes in the Bible (not sure what version) and that homosexuality is a sin. A&E people (the ones that must believe differently than Phil) were offended and want him gone. I'm sure other stations would gladly pick up the show supporting Phil's rights to speech and religion. I'm sure the Robertson's will not sell Phil out, but I wouldn't be surprised if A&E sold out and came up with some bizarre fix to keep the show (with Phil) on the air and with it the money.

I hear ya! EHD hit IL hard the past two summers and deer numbers are down. Some years you take what you can get or the freezer goes empty. I took a non-mature 8-point in early December and kinda glad I did because I'm not seeing much of anything lately.

Haven't seen a deer the past two times I went out. Cam pics are mostly at night. Not a buck on camera for a couple weeks now. Will get out a few more times before the season ends.

Got the license and bear permit application in today!

I sent Steve a PM today - you as well. From what I can tell we need to apply for the DL028 Hunt (January 1st 2015 - June 30th 2015). We are required to purchase a hunting license prior to applying for a bear permit. The cost is 85.00 and if we want a fishing license it is extra. I suggest just getting the hunting license now and if we get drawn the fishing license later. The black bear permit runs 225.00. I'll apply online but will need your hunting license number. Prior to spending any money we need to make sure it's okay with Steve, the total number of people going, and the dates. I sent you my cell number if you want to talk. http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/regulations/wildliferegulations/pdfs/gmu2.pdf http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=huntlicense.prices

Sorry so late CB - just reading this - if you haven't applied already I'd love to apply as a group. Let me know!

No clue how to rhyme the second day so moving on... On the third day of Christmas the outfitters all moved to Ohio and said to me...

My 11 year daughter said she was going to go with me as well (back in October). However, since the temperature dropped below freezing last week she wants no part of it. I wish IL would have allowed crossbows for kids throughout the entire archery season. I have a TenPoint with a scope and after a few shots she was hitting the mark every time at 20 / 30 / and 40 yards. Hope she gets one MUD!

Great buck! Congratulations and good for you sticking it out till the end! I'm sure you were pumped to the max, might want to consider pushing the tongue back in with the next IL giant you smoke.

Crossbow season in IL started yesterday - For those using the mighty crossbow lets see your harvest this season.

Crossbow season starts today! Love the new law allowing IL hunters to mix it up a little. Looks like we are in second place - once Rhine enters his 8-point. It was placed here, but not in the official entry thread.

I have had the best luck 10-20 yards in the woods near the field edges.

Big doe - Congratulations!

Congratulations William! Awesome buck and you are right - nothing like being with your son when he takes his first buck!

Going to have to change OTPG to OTWG (LOL) Congrats to your son on a dandy buck!

Wow! Great buck!

Thanks everyone - I just noticed our score is in need of an update: Rhine... you haven't been upgraded from your doe to your 8-point and it's been a good while now.

Love hunting in the cold weather (teens)! Had a great hunt even though this buck isn't the monster I had been holding out for. I had passed a couple deer this size and even bigger in November but with the 2013 season in the final quarter I decided to take what the good Lord was making available. In addition in IL we can take 2 bucks a year so I'll still be looking, but with work getting busy I will not have near the time I had in November. Nothing like the uncertainty that comes after black powder - finding blood with your binoculars at the impact area, waiting in the stand for an hour hoping the shot was true and then following a blood trail to a big bodied whitetail. This 8-point field dressed at 160 and I'm pretty sure he's a 2.5 year old.

fly Team 7: Pile Driver Upgrade: 8-point

I heard he gave up Forum Hopping and Duck Hunting for Christmas shopping.