8MSDHC Team #12 - Buckthumpers

[theredmission]

Here is your official thread for the rest of the season guys.

Your team representative in the MS vs OS contest is: Byron

Good luck to ya!

[mudslinger]

sweet!

[theredmission]

sweet!

What would even be better is if I had some land to hunt this early season so I could call in sick tomorrow, but alas I will be stuck in the cube. :(

[mudslinger]

i here ya i work in and out of the woods but can't deer hunt till oct 3rd :(

but i am taking my oldest boy out on the youth hunt so that will be a small fix now that bear season is over for me

but there is small game going on and i have 2 more stands to hang

so i guess that'll do

[theredmission]

but there is small game going on and i have 2 more stands to hang

so i guess that'll do

yup thats what i'll be doing as well on sat.

[Anita Dwink]

I went in to check out the growth on a foodplot I put in 2 weeks ago . Growing Nicely ! I bumped 2 does ( within bow range ) and 20 yards from my stand . Most of the deer ( 30+ ) were feeding in a soybean field which is will be cut next week . I must have seen 100 deer on the 12 mile drive back to my house last night around 7:30 . Yea I`m geeked up . Putting in a few blinds on saturday . Good luck to any of our early doe team members.

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I'll be taking one of my Boys for the Youth hunt also. I am a little behind on scouting. My usual spot was select cut this year and I'll be moving to some other hot spots.

I will be doing a little Grouse hunting this week/end, and doing some checking around.

Good luck to the Team! Be safe!

[jme]

Anyone whack one today? I was out for justs a couple hours this morning. Bumped a couple in the dark on the way in but that was it. Sure was nice to be in a tree stand. What a gorgeous morning! Plenty of birds, squirrels and turkey. I feel better already. Tomorrow I take my nephew and I'm praying we see some deer.

[theredmission]

Anyone whack one today? I was out for justs a couple hours this morning. Bumped a couple in the dark on the way in but that was it. Sure was nice to be in a tree stand. What a gorgeous morning! Plenty of birds, squirrels and turkey. I feel better already. Tomorrow I take my nephew and I'm praying we see some deer.

Hey I thought you mainly hunt public land, did you permission for somewhere new this year?

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Anyone whack one today? I was out for justs a couple hours this morning. Bumped a couple in the dark on the way in but that was it. Sure was nice to be in a tree stand. What a gorgeous morning! Plenty of birds, squirrels and turkey. I feel better already. Tomorrow I take my nephew and I'm praying we see some deer.

I know what you mean! The chance to sit on stand while bear hunting was inspiring. I was thinking about Deer hunts of the past. I got my backside conditioned for a long sit now. C'mon Oct!

Hope you can put your nephew on a mature Doe, and he can close the deal! How old is he?

Good luck Team 12!

[jme]

Most of my hunting is on public land, although I have a friend who let's me hunt his place now and again. That's where I was yesterday. A guy at work is letting me take my nephew hunting at his family's farm. Kids only, I'll be shootin' a camera! In the last 4 years he's helped 4 kids get their first deer. My nephew (actually he's my grand-nephew as he's the son of a neice), got his first last year while hunting with his grandfather. Unfortunately his grandfather, my bro-in-law, died this spring. His dad is pretty much absent: lives in another state, trouble with the law, shows up every once in a great while, etc. He's 14 or 15 - an age when hunting and other male-oriented activites make a big difference. My heart really goes out to this kid and I'm praying he has success so he wants to hunt again.

[Acts 11:7]

We are on the board! Got her first thing Thursday morning!!!

12ga


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/DOE_11.jpg

If someone could resize that would be great!

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Good job. Now, lets keep it going. It will be Oct before I can score anything.

Let's hear the story...:)

[mudslinger]

so who orderd a shirt?

I did but with my screen name

it would be great to have the logo on it but i'm sure with all the teams it would be a set up nightmare

[Anita Dwink]

Set up a couple more blinds on Sat and Sun . I little delightful surpise on saturday when I was on my Newaygo property . 1st The neighbor who put a ladder stand 15 yards into my property last season pulled it . ( I pulled the the bottom off and stuck in on the property line post ) Was ready to use the bolt cutter . I problem averted . The other neighbor planted corn this year and about 20 deer are staging near one of my blinds . Spotty acorn crop . May have to use my climber more this year.
Ready to go . Didn`t hunt early antlerless . The adjacent properties didn`t either . Everyone have a nice week. :)

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I spent some time in the woods this weekend. I got a couple of birds and scouted some new spots. Saw some good sign.

There were a few Does killed during that early season and that gets ya pumped up for sure. I can't wait.

Are we on the scoreboard with the Doe yet?

Good luck!

[Acts 11:7]

Good job. Now, lets keep it going. It will be Oct before I can score anything.

Let's hear the story...:)
I wish there was a great story behind this doe, but there really isn't. I was looking southeast recording two nice eight pointers about 150 yards away in a bean field. I looked over my left shoulder to the North and she was standing there at 35 yards w/a fawn. I stuck my shot gun out the window and the rest is history. She ran in a semi circle and I was able to get my camera on her when she crashed in the beans, so that was pretty cool. I have to admit, I kill does because I feel it is important to the herd. I really didn't get all giddy with this one. I sure am glad my wife likes venison! If she didn't I might give up shooting does all together. I'm just not the stone cold killer I used to be...This ever happen to any of you?

On another note...the two bucks didn't run off after the shot. In fact they stood there for another hour and a half. As long as hunters do like I did and shoot does off the fields instead of getting to far in the woods this EAS should be good for all.

[Anita Dwink]

Congradulations on your Doe ACTS 11:7 . I completely understand your reluctance in taking the doe .The range of feelings after I`ve shot a deer , buck or doe range from relief , quiet elation , and a little melancholy . I will pass up does with fawns in tow more aften than ones without even though I have seen mama kick the living crap out of one of her kids for food when times get tough. Most of the meat in the house comes in from what I kill . I guess the simple answer is the one I gave the Schwanns guy when he was headed to my door . " No Thanks , I eat what I kill " . The look on his face was priceless. Enjoy the tenderloins !
I love to medallion them and fry them with mushrooms , a little gravy and noodles . YUM !:corkysm55

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

kill is a good one IMO. Most all of our parents, or Grandparents would flip over in the grave if they knew we shoot Does now, but it really makes good sense to me. Our understanding of the herd health is much better than it used to be, and the overall deer population is good. I am not for the all out sweep elimination of Does like the 452 project, but appreciate the necessity in controlled management.

Backstraps for dinner, huh?

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Wow, I thought I would be the one with few posts. Let's all stay active to keep each other motivated. I know it's all fun, but I assume we all would like to win. It is afterall, a contest.

I'm not complaining, but more like cheerleading. Don't make me do a backflip!:lol:

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Het ACTS, did you enter your Doe? I don't see any points on the scoreboard, or your photo in that thread. I'm not positive, but I don't think anyone else can do it.

Joel

[Acts 11:7]

Het ACTS, did you enter your Doe? I don't see any points on the scoreboard, or your photo in that thread. I'm not positive, but I don't think anyone else can do it.

Joel

I went to the directions thread and it said you could post in your team thread. Is there something else I need to do? The last time I checked the scoreboard thread, no teams had scores. How often is it updated? I can't be the only one who killed a doe.

[Acts 11:7]

I just submitted the picture on the scoreing thread. It is pretty small because it came off my cell phone. If someone knows how to resize pictures, please feel free.

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I just submitted the picture on the scoreing thread. It is pretty small because it came off my cell phone. If someone knows how to resize pictures, please feel free.


I saw your picture in the photo thread. Hopefully we'll get on the board soon. Last I checked, there were 7 teams with 5 points and 1 with 10 points. Nothing for the Buckthumpers, yet.

[theredmission]

Sorry guys I've been around a little but have been pretty busy so havent had much time to post a ton.

As for the scoreboard thread...Kelly Johnson is the one who keeps it updated and I verify it, and he is pretty busy usually as well so we usually get to it about once a week, so that is why we don't show any points yet.

[Anita Dwink]

They were taking out the soybeans this am on the property north of my stand . The deer were still getting what they could even with the tractor running the lines . A little fog this am but I saw a HUUUUGE ! deer out there . Made the rest look little and the fawns look like toy poodles . It`s got to be laast years 10 pt that survived . He was huge last year. I`m ready , I`m in Chicago today but my mind is you know where ! Ha :chillin:

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

They were taking out the soybeans this am on the property north of my stand . The deer were still getting what they could even with the tractor running the lines . A little fog this am but I saw a HUUUUGE ! deer out there . Made the rest look little and the fawns look like toy poodles . It`s got to be laast years 10 pt that survived . He was huge last year. I`m ready , I`m in Chicago today but my mind is you know where ! Ha :chillin:


Sure hope he is around when you are on stand! I don't do a ton of scouting for individual deer because I hunt public land, but I have a few really good areas with heavy deer activity in them.

Good luck!!

[Anita Dwink]

That 10pt stood 50 yards broadside last year . I had a couple does in range but he wouldn`t get any closer . I can and practice at 50 but I didn`t want to risk not getting a clean kill . I saw one of his offspring 1 decent 1.5 yr 8 pt still feeding with momma . Need rain to get my foodplot growing better . It`s a nice bed of green but if the deer find it now they will destroy it before it has a goos root base.

What is the closest shot you have ever made with your Bow/Gun ?

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

What is the closest shot you have ever made with your Bow/Gun ?

For me, 5 yards out from 20 feet up - Bow.

[Anita Dwink]

I took a doe at 7 yards 23 ' up . She was closer and I waited for a better angle . I shot at one from a pit blond at 4 yards . It was made out of branches with a few shooting holes . If you have never done it , it`s really cool . They never look down for us . When she was walking past I drew back slowly , she saw movement and turned to look in the hole . I put the pin in the middle of her chest and let it fly . Misjudged the lower branch in the window and the arrow deflected straight up just in front of her nose . She stood a little longer looking puzzled when the arrow landed a few seconds and about 10 yards behind her she booked . All I could do was laugh and think about how lucky she was that afternoon.

[mudslinger]

well guys took my 12 y/o sat morning had a spike come in with a doe and 2 fawns, got him all lined up but at the last moment Jake looked at me and said he wasn't readyu to kill a deer yet so I told him it was ok and we just sat there in the double ladder and watched more deer walk thru (just another doe and button buck) then we got down and went home

oh well maybe nexty year he'll be ready

I know my 9 yr old is he can bow hunt next year

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I took my Son Jake out Sat. We sat in a Buddy's platform stand. We had a great hunt. We had two young Does walk right under us. Jake had an antlerless tag, but opted to wait for a bigger Deer. I was impressed with his decision. A few minutes later, he spotted another Deer in the field. He was teetering on whether to shoot this Doe when he saw a white horn. He watched and a 3 point Buck was feeding at about 140 yards. He didn't waste any time deciding to shoot that one. The 7MM belted only a couple of seconds after I told him the camera is on him. The young Buck made it about 15-20 yards before piling up.

This one was not as big as his bow killed Buck last year, but it was his first gun-Deer. I was really happy to get it all on video. The Boy is 2 for 2! It's a good start. The pics are in another computer. I'll post 'em up later.

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Here's Jake's monster Buck. He sure looked bigger in the view finder. He has a Girlfriend who's Mother has pledged to make jerky from the entire Deer. It will cost him some backstraps, but sounds like a good deal to me.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/521/medium/Better_pic.JPG

[jme]

Mudslinger - wow, I'm impressed with the maturity of your son. You must be pretty proud of him.

NEO - congrats to your son. You mention you had the camera on - is there a video?

Closest for me is a doe at 8 yards with a shotgun. I was back in a swamp and the deer was coming from 4 o'clock. A hunter who hadn't seen me was around 60 yards out at the 10 o'clock position, 'still hunting' my way. I was hoping/praying the deer would step into a shooting lane before the other hunter spooked her. She did and I shot. I never saw the hunter after the shot - I think he had to hightail to his truck to change his pants!

Good luck on Wednesday - let's put some points on the board.

[Acts 11:7]

Who's getting out? WOW am I Jonesing!!!! The EAS was a real tease! I saw 3 wall mounters!!! Of course I can't hunt this land for horned deer. Hope the big boy is on the move after the rain!!!!

[Anita Dwink]

My 13 y/o dropped a 1.5 year old doe that walked by about 10 minutes after shooting hours . He may have waited but it caught him moving the rifle. He was contemplating waiting for a buck. Had some secing thoughts after a 6 pt walked by a few minutes after he shot . I told him the chances of that buck setting still if the doe started snortin and stompin were pretty slim . He is going to hold out for a nice buck in archery season , so he says . That was a fat 1 1/2 six. I hope to see him again , not sure if I`ll take him , just if he brings his dad next "tine" I mean time .

[jme]

AD - congrats to your 13 year old!

Yep, I'm planning to be out there Wednesday morning. Looks like it'll be breezy but I guess that will keep the bugs down. Should be pretty cool too - in the low to mid 40's in eastern Jackson County. I can only hunt in the morning due to work commitments in the afternoon.

Good luck to everyone!

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

AD, Same here - Congratulations to your 13 y/o! I think it's (kids hunting)the only thing that could be better than a successful hunt for yourself. I love it.

It doesn't look good for me on Wed. I am sick at home with the flu. I hope to get out later this week/weekend.

Good luck to all!!

[Anita Dwink]

I`m not sure what I`m doing yet . I set my own schedule and have plenty of work to do . With the weather looking questionable I might not get out until friday pm . Maybe tomorrow pm if it clears up some . Good luck and I hope you get felling better NEO.

[theredmission]

Wow guys congrats to your kids for the successful hunts!

Well, due to only having a select number of PTO days which I'm attempting to use as little of as possible I won't be out at all during midweek until later this month probably. Saturday just got bumped too, due to...a woman (yeah-yeah laugh it up) On the other hand however, some good news is I did up getting permission to hunt where I used to work again as well as a farm in the thumb where a distant relative hunts on occasion, so even if I don't make it out much for bow this year, I should have at least a doe lined up for us in gun season.

Good luck to you guys this week!

[Busa Tom]

Saweet!

[Anita Dwink]

I went out this am . Sat in one of my ground blinds , more recon and you never know. Farmer south was pulling what little corn he had left . Nothing ran my way . Got visited by a chipmunk and Black Squirrel 4 ' away . Put in a couple mock scrapes and moved a blind off the property I got informed late friday that the landowner decided against me hunting . Wonderful timing . I checked a mock scrape I put down yesterday and there was a young doe track in it. It`s just off a small run and near a food plot that is finally coming up . Going out to one of my prime time stand this afternoon . Good chance at this one for a fat doe .

AD out !
Oct 1 is deerlight savings time . Adjust your clocks two hours back on Monday and 2 hours forward on friday . :cwm27:

[Acts 11:7]

I had a pretty good morning in the woods. I saw four different bucks! All of them gave me shot opportunities, however they were all 1.5 year olds. Not to mention they all kept looking back to the west of me as if there was something else coming. A 3 point, 2 six points and a nontypical that had a main frme 6, but a bunch of stickers. He was also the biggest bodied of the four. He makes it to next year and he will be a sight!

Good luck everyone!!!

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Ahh, the sounds of the season (big body, stickers, scrapes, etc), and it's just the beginning. I am going crazy today because I can't get out there. I thought about going even though I'm sick but with my luck, someone from work would see my truck parked somewhere, or on the road. I'm sure nobody at work beleives for 1 second that I am really sick. I hate using sick days when I am actually sick.

I'll be out there Sat for sure. No real expectations for me until late Oct.

Joel

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I didn't miss much yesterday according to my hunting buddies. I suppose the wind had something to do with it. Nobody I know shot anything and there was very little action at all.

Too much on the sked for hunting the rest of the week, but will be out this weekend. I am undecided on shooting a Doe early. Anyone have an opinion? I usually don't this early, but if everyone feels we need the points, I would, given the opportunity - for the team of course:lol:, or possibly a jalepeno cheese backstrap sandwich!

[Acts 11:7]

Raced out as soon as football practice ended last night. Went to a stand that was close to a field edge so I could glass the field before making my approach. The deer were already out at 5:30. Standing 40-60 yards from my stand were 3 does, 2 fawns, and a small buck. Looked like a forkhorn, but he could have had brow tines? They fed off pretty quickly so I was able to get to my stand without spooking deer, just 30 minutes after I had planned. A little after 7 I looked behind me and there was a buck 40 yards from me with his nose in the air. He had my wind and he knew something funny was up, but he stood there for half an hour scent checking. He finally approached for a shot , but he was a four point. His lucky day! it was pretty cool to watch him use his nose, but it is easy to see why the little guys get shot. He didn't trust his instincts and came in to close to the smell. That was the fifth different 1.5 year old I saw on the same property! If the neighbors don't shoot them all up, next year should be awesome! I have yet to see one of the 9 I passed last year?!?!?!!!

One really cool sign from the morning hunt was that not one of the four bucks I saw in the morning used a scrape that all of them came within 5 yards of. Each one of them looked at it and walked by. I wonder if that means that scrape belongs to their daddy!!!

[Anita Dwink]

I got our yesterday at 6:30 . At 7:00 a BB came into a small plot I put in 5 weeks ago followed by his momma . She stood 10 yards out nose up and scent checking . She was downwind . Yes I guess paying attn to scent control works . She and her kid browsed for 35 minutes. and walzed off. 10 minutes later a small spike wandered through . I left my stand with none of them the wiser .

Headed out Friday pm. State land and a climber .

[jme]

Got out yesterday and had a couple 4 points walk by 20 minutes apart. Got one of them on video. Work is going to be crazy the next week with a bunch of meetings and travel so I won't get out until the weekend after next. I'll be checking on your success from the road and would like to hear some great stories and see pics of your trophies!

[Anita Dwink]

I thought I`d share something I found out last night . The neighboring property decided to till up their easement and put in a food plot yesterday. It`s probably 30 yards wide and 250 yards long . It`s right on their side of the property line . Hope they stick in winter wheat . They better pray that it doesn`t rain too much . There is a 50 yard section of wet and nasty that will turn in into a mudbog if they attempt to drive back to their camp . I hope they enjoy packing in their stuff . :lol:

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I thought I`d share something I found out last night . The neighboring property decided to till up their easement and put in a food plot yesterday. It`s probably 30 yards wide and 250 yards long . It`s right on their side of the property line . Hope they stick in winter wheat . They better pray that it doesn`t rain too much . There is a 50 yard section of wet and nasty that will turn in into a mudbog if they attempt to drive back to their camp . I hope they enjoy packing in their stuff . :lol:

Seems a little late for planting. If it is winter wheat, maybe you could setup on a trail on your side headed that way.

I am not too familiar with private land ownership. Sure seems like there is always some sort of trouble with the neighbors.

Good luck!

[Anita Dwink]

We already have the ambush points set up . We have pines and swamp bottom that they deer use as a travel route . Before , they could bait and pull them across . Not anymore . This is strictly panic management . There is always some issue but I seem to draw the dingbats no matter whether it is state or private. I sort of accept my fate and try to guess what stupid thing will happen on opening day of rifle or the 1st bow weekend . Got pelted by duck hunters a few years back when I had my stand on a swamp edge . Maybe when things get slow I`ll drop one of my opening day stories on here. :)

[theredmission]

Good luck tomorrow & the rest of the weekend guys. I'll be in Chicago, but my thoughts will be w/ you in the woods...looks like tomorrow morning will be perfect out.

[Anita Dwink]

I didn`t see any last night . Good sign , no movement. This am about 8:00 I had a dandy 8 pt come in off behind my right side and cut in 15 yards behind me . I wasn`t sure why he changed course until 15 minutes later when a doe came out where he went in . To my left a BB gave a 10 yard broadside . Then back to my right a wide 4pt and a doe fawn were within 20 yards . Then mamma of the crew cut the corner and met the other doe about 45 yards and they milled around watching the BB feed next to me . The 4 pt came within 10 yards and was tempting . I was hoping that mamma wanted to cross in front of me but no chance . They all meandered to the bedding area a couple hundred yards away . I grunted and turned the youngens until mamma called them back . I was getting ready to laeve at 9:00 when what I thought was fawn started in behind my left side . This stand is on the edge of a Pine stand and splits a feild and little opening in the pines where the food plot is. When the deer came in I saw that it was what I was looking for, unbred doe . She was a bit skinny though so when she moved into one of my shooting lanes instead of waiting for her to look away she decided she had to pee so that`s when I drew and that`s when she saw me move and jumped into the pines and snorted for 10 minutes. Saw a number of bucks on the way home . What a georgous morning . Frost , light fog and deer wandering around . I`ll be more ready next time . Maybe

[mudslinger]

went out last night had a spike come in behind me and i was gonna practice a draw on him but he winded me just before he came into a lane half hour later a big tall spike came in watched him and drew on him till he walked off going out in the morning

hopefully something comes my way

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Tried two different spots Sat and Sun evenings. I never saw a deer. No worries. I use the early hunt trips as scouting missions. I don't put alot of time in early scouting because so many things can change in public woods after the pressure is applied. I was hunting a very good looking spot Sat., but there was noise from campers in the distance. I was in a Maple tree on a flat ledge of a big ridge. There's swamp below and a Oak & Jackpine orchard on top. I was on a rub-line with scrape activity near by. I couldn't believe I didn't see Deer there.

So, I should be putting up some points in the next week, or two (I hope).

Good luck!

[Anita Dwink]

Went out Sat and Sun afternoon . More recon than anything . Had a young racoon swinging in a autumn olive bush for a hour . Sun was screaming crow day , there must have been 50 jumping all over and doing some strange growling and screaming for a hour until a neighbors dog wander through and pushed them off . Need to change the position of that blind . Will get that done during lunch today . Don`t expect to get back out until thursday pm . No scrapes or rubs . Did have a guy stop by the house when my boy and I were getting ready to tell me that he saw a big 8 pt sat am cross 200 yards down from my house . Nice to know 1 of the 6`s I let pass last year made it . Good luck to all of my Buckthumper teammates this week.

[jme]

Haven't been out since opening day due to offsite work meetings. Plan to get out tomorrow morning for just a couple hours. Man, I have one of those 'feelings' - know what I mean?? But then, I get those just about every time I go out!

Anyone whack one over the weekend? Keep us posted.

Good luck to all BuckThumpers.

[Byron]

I killed two fawn does this evening. I'll get pics tomorrow and hold onto them for later entry.

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I killed two fawn does this evening. I'll get pics tomorrow and hold onto them for later entry.

Best Regards,
Byron :)

Congrats on the Does. Why hold on to the pics for later entry? I think we only get the 5 pts for one Doe, right?

Enjoy your venison!!

[Byron]

Congrats on the Does. Why hold on to the pics for later entry? I think we only get the 5 pts for one Doe, right?

Enjoy your venison!!
Just in case I get a better doe, of course. :D

Don't worry, I'll get a doe entered by the end of the season, guaranteed.

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[Anita Dwink]

Good shooting Byron. I had to go to Dearborn this am . Saw a lot of deer in the feilds until well after 9:00 this am . Might alter schedule to get out Thursday am . I normally have a doe down already. I usually take a week off for Gun deer but this year I`m taking the 1st week of November for obvious reasons . If the weather forecast is ugly I`ll bump it to the 2nd week . One of the few benefits to being your own boss is that you can flex vacation time, most of the time. I made a few adjustments to stands and now know where and when to most of the home range does .
Sights are dialed in to 40 yards and I`m way beyond ready . Hope to have the 1st one down by ths weekend .

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I'll be in a tree tonight! I should be able to get in the stand and ready by 4:00 this aftn. The temps are a little warm, but it's rainy here. So, I'm hoping for a little action today.

Good luck to all!

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

The rain stopped and the wind changed at 4:00 yesterday. So, I opted for an afternoon of scouting. I saw a dandy Buck and lots of good sign at a few different spots. I am going to hunt all weekend. I will probably camp out with a few buddies. Not totally Deer camp, but close.

I hope that bruiser walks by me in the next few days!

Good luck to all!

[Anita Dwink]

I`m going to try a new spot tomorrow pm . It`s a piece of state land that has a natural funnel into the neighboring cornfield . It`s far enough away so that the deer if shot will either turn back into state land or expire well before it hits the line. I always bump deer headed into the corn when I`ve squirrel hunted it . I expect to find a tree that my climber will work on. Will take a big doe if I see one and use my restricted tag . I only wish to shoot 1 buck so the extra tag can go to doe. At least that`s my plan. Headed back to the stand Sat am where I spotted the 8 and 4 .

Good luck and I hope to have at least 1 down this weekend .

[Acts 11:7]

Well, the stock market is crashing. Needless to say, when you do what I do it makes it pretty hard to go hunting. I have been out four times and have seen 8 different bucks. Only one was a 2.5 year old 8 point. He gave me a shot, but he was about 90 inches or so. I decided to pass.

Pray for the leaders of our country. At the moment they could use all the help they can get!

[Byron]

Here's a pic of the does from Monday. No field photos of these girls, but you do get a peek at the walk-in cooler I put together over the past couple weeks. :chillin:

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Does06OCT08.jpg?t=1223777547

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[Byron]

Here's this morning's update. ;)

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Doe12OCT08.jpg?t=1223831724

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[Anita Dwink]

Nice Doe Byron ! And Cooler. You needed it this weekend . The spot a wanted may had somebody parked there . Went on to another farm I can hunt . The deer didn`t move until after dark . Went scouting sun am . Found several rubs and scraped in a obscure peice of state land . I`ll hit it when I take a week off in early Nov . The farm north of one of the properties finally pulled and tilled the beanfields. It will either move them into my plots until they scour them clean or they will move to the next ag plot . Found a few trees that were hit in August . A couple were 5-6" in diameter . I suspect it`s from the 8 I saw last week . I will not be out until Friday pm .

[jme]

Good job, Byron! I went out yesterday morning but didn't see anything. Had a chance to put the ThermaCell to the test and it worked great. My stand is only 16' high and I didn't have a mosquito bother me all morning. When I got down they just about drove me crazy. On Th or Fr I hope to sneak out for an afternoon hunt. So far I've only hunted in the morning. Looks like it'll cool down later in the week and this should also help.

Good luck.

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Good job on the Does, Byron. I would love to have a walk-in cooler. Is it refrigerated? If so, how did you do it?

I hunted Fri, Sat, & Sun. I saw three Deer. It was disappointing, to say the least. I'll be taking care of the honey-do list early this week and get back out when it cools off, maybe Thur.

Good luck to all!

[mudslinger]

great job Byron! Nice cooler

went out Sat. morning ended up on the gorund the tree I went to use my climber was just too big a t the base to climb so I sat on the ground had a spike come in behind me at 14yds drew on him didn't know i was there then had 3 does and a BB come in from the same area as the spike they knew something was up and blew all the way to the state line (or at least that's what it sounded like) then just before I left a doe and a BB came in from the south and got 12yds from and she started to stomp at me and then I sat up and said what do you want? and she freaked turned and plowed right thru the BB knocking him over and then he got up and follwed her it was great couldn't stop laughing I went back to the same area last night (fed forest) and only had one come thru it was a big tall spike drew on him and when I was turning to follow him my arm hit my harness strap and I released the arrow and it went right behind him (luckily) he took off like a bat out of heck

never had that happen with my tether strap guess I just had it too high on the tree

[Byron]

Here are some pics of the cooler:

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Overallview.jpg?t=1223927233

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Viewfromdeck.jpg?t=1223989977

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Insidefrontcorner.jpg?t=1223990026

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Lightdoorandoutlet.jpg?t=1223990106

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Hangingbarandhook.jpg?t=1223990135

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Floor.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Coolingunit.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Coolbotcloseup.jpg?t=1223990819

This is the Coolbot controller that allows a normal window A/C unit to get the temp in the cooler down into the 30's. I have it set at 38 degrees right now. It's warmer because we'd been in and out of the cooler several times before the pic was taken, but it'll cool back down to 38 degrees within 10-15 minutes after it's closed up.

At the top left of the Coolbot is a room air temp sensor. Just to the right of that is an icing sensor that can be seen where it enters the fins on the intake of the A/C unit. This lets the Coolbot know if ice is building up on the coils. The black cord goes to the power outlet. The bottom right cord is a heating element, which is connected to the A/C's intake air temp sensor (normally attached to the front of the intake fins, but moved elsewhere for proper operation. The Coolbot heats this element to trick the A/C unit into thinking that the room temp is higher than the 65 degrees it's set to cool to, so it keeps on cooling all the way down to any chosen setting from 32 to 60 degrees.

I'll be happy to answer any questions if anyone is interested in putting one of these together. It's been a lot of fun and has already come in quite handy!

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

That is awesome. Is it ventilated at all? I would love to put one of those in the yard, or garage. Did you buy surplus grocery store items for the cooler construction? You did a great job.

I think I would install some sort of emergency warning light/bell, or something like that to signal the outside in case someone somehow got locked in it, but that's just the mad scientist side of me.

Looks great.

[Byron]

That is awesome. Is it ventilated at all? I would love to put one of those in the yard, or garage. Did you buy surplus grocery store items for the cooler construction? You did a great job.

I think I would install some sort of emergency warning light/bell, or something like that to signal the outside in case someone somehow got locked in it, but that's just the mad scientist side of me.

Looks great.
Thanks, NEO! I actually found someone on M-S that had some extra cooler wall and ceiling panels that were leftover from a restaurant cooler/freezer. For the floor, I used 2" of Super Tuff-R insulation board and fiber reinforced panels over top. The A/C unit was brand new from Home Depot (on end of season clearance) and the Coolbot was purchased new from the manufacturer at www.whitetailcooling.com. All the miscellaneous hardware was from HD, also.

As far as emergency notice, I've so far just figured that my cell phone works in there. ;)

It would be easy enough for me to add a wireless doorbell, too...

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

As far as emergency notice, I've so far just figured that my cell phone works in there. ;)

It would be easy enough for me to add a wireless doorbell, too...

Best Regards,
Byron :)

I wasn't really imagining you, or me (if I'm lucky enough to build one) getting locked in. I was more thinking about a neighbor, or a kid.

Again, great unit!

[Byron]

I wasn't really imagining you, or me (if I'm lucky enough to build one) getting locked in. I was more thinking about a neighbor, or a kid.

Again, great unit!
That's primarily why I added this, just to prevent unauthorized access and potential problems:

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Doorlock.jpg?t=1223996550

I think I'll look into adding that wireless doorbell, anyway...

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[Anita Dwink]

Just think of all the beer you could keep in there ;). Great way to season your kill . You may end keeping a few friends deer in there . I always hated rushing my deer to bone out and store in the frig .

[mudslinger]

that's one nice setup got me thinking of a winter project

[theredmission]

Hey guys still hanging around, I'll finally be able to get out Saturday morning...hopefully a nice doe makes a trip by at 20 yards :)

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I got out last night. I sat on an oak flat between two cedar swamps. It's usually a very good spot. So far this year, I've only spotted one Deer there and last night was no exception.

I don't know what the problem is. Most of my Buddies are having the same luck around here. I never liked a full moon, but that has never shut me down for over a week before. I hope something gives soon.

I'm taking my 4 Y/O out tonight to sit in the tent blind. It's his first time Deer hunting with me and he's pretty pumped up about it. He wanted to wear camo to pre-school today. We'll see if he brings in some beginner's luck. It will be fun!

Good luck to all!

[Byron]

I took the heads from my does to the check station early this morning and got my three patches. They look pretty nice!

The mature doe was tooth-wear aged at 5 1/2 years old! I contemplated keeping the jawbone for my collection, but I decided to let them send her in for CWD testing.

Hope you guys start seeing some more activity soon...I hate the lull period! Good luck, everyone.

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[Anita Dwink]

4 year olds work well to bring the luck . I brough mine with me later in rifle season and dropped a doe 3 mintes after sitting down . He now thinks that having to wait for more than a hour is slow . I`m going out tonight if I can get out of Brighton on time .

[mudslinger]

got one this morning, a big doe she was 40 yards away

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/522/medium/PICT0582_edited-1.jpg

[Byron]

Got another doe last night with my 12 year-old daughter in the tree with me. We had a great time!

Congrats, mudslinger! Nice doe!

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[theredmission]

Got out this morning-saw a huge buck at first light in the next field over to me about 150 yards out and was coming right to me but something from the nearby road spooked him enough that he change directions and headed off to the west instead. Later on just as I was about to leave I had 3 does come by but they were behind to thick of brush for me to get a clean shot.

[Anita Dwink]

Nice doe ! I went out into some state land I`ve never hunted , found a really nice oak to climb . I was 80 yards from where a couple good size does came by . Came back in sun am . Had different group of does go by the same spot the others did . Did have a old doe show up out of nowhere 30 yards behind me around 9:00 . MY harness was over the wrong shoulder and she walked way unaware . I`ll be back in there up a oak where the traffic was this weekend . Seeing more activity in some of my other spots . It`s good to see my teammates picking up the slack . I picked up another piece of property this weekend . 40 acres of Oak surrounded by rye , hayfield and corn . They bed in a thicket just east of the oaks . Saw several rubs and a scrape on my walk through .

Have a good week !

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Good on ya, Mudslinger & Byron (again). I don't have much to report. Things sure are slow for me. I still have high hopes though.

A buddy sent me the pic (below). I thought you all might like it.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/521/CDY1.JPG

Good luck to all!

[Byron]

I'm up to five does now...if you guys need to borrow one, let me know! :D

The last one had this cool white stripe on her muzzle:

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k316/sheabm/Whitestripedoe17OCT08.jpg?t=1224599790

That picture is awesome! (other than the bait pile ;))

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[jme]

Good job Mudslinger, and congrats again Byron. Hunted Sunday evening, first evening hunt of the year, but didn't see anything (4th hunt in a row with no sightings.) Went out Monday morning for just a couple hours before work. Had a spike hanging around and then another hunter walked nearby and spooked him. The deer came back and presented a nice shot opportunity but was 30 yards out, which is about as far as I like to shoot. I waited for him to come a little closer but he he didn't. Not at all disappointed for not taking a shot. The plan is to take tomorrow off work and hunt both morning and evening. I really want to get some points for the team.

[Anita Dwink]

I`m hunting this afternoon, probably the last hour to hour and a half. It was 19 degrees outside this am and I wish I could have been out . Headed out during lunch to set up a mock scrape or two .

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I wish I could'a been out this morning. I didn't see much AGAIN, yesterday aftn. I will move to a connector trail leading to a field lined with acorns on the edge. I've been trying to save this spot. I see Deer in the field every night when I driving out of my hunting spots. I saw a decent Buck with the Does last night. So, I'll give 'er a whirl tonight.

Good luck!

[Byron]

Good luck to all you guys. I likely won't be out again until after I return on the 31st from a trip to France.

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[theredmission]

Good luck to all you guys. I likely won't be out again until after I return on the 31st from a trip to France.

Best Regards,
Byron :)

I'll do my best to actually score some points but at this rate I don't have very high hopes on the season right now.

Have a good trip man.

[Anita Dwink]

Thumped a 7 pt this afternoon . It`s hanging . I`ll post the pic tomorrow .

[mudslinger]

got one last night!

Ok here's the story yesterday morning my buddy and I were hunting some land and I saw zero he saw 11, 9 does and 2 bucks a 6 and an eight ( he missed the 8 shot for 4o but the buck was only 33yds) so anyway he saw were the bnucks came from so we moved the stand to trail they were by. so last night I go out and sit in the stand and at 5:45 two bucks came out a 6pt and a 5pt so i thought if one of them walk by I am going to take a shot so anyway the 6 comes by and is 20yds 1/4ing away and I am getting ready for the shot and just as I leaned out a little more to take the shot and just as I released my foot slipped on the platform causing me to shot a little further back then I would have liked. so I watched the buck run off and then recomposed myself after almost falling out of the stand (and yes I wear a harness always have since i began hunting from a tree)

then i realize where did the other buck go so i turned around and looked he bedded down 25 yds behind me and stayed for 45 min. then he got up walked right under me and headed out to the neighbors field. so anyway I called my buddy and told him i got one and waited till dark .

started to get down I lowered my bow and was getting ready to climb down when all heck broke loose three bucks came charging out of the autumn olive and two were fighting and one really big 8 point came running right by the stand and stopped 30yds behind me I could see his rack with what light was available in the clearing

the other kept at it but couldn't see very good just shadows even w/ binocs

eventually they relaxed and went out to the field the 5 pt. went earlier

so i get down triled my buck to the thicket (i hate crawling thru autumn olive) and when I looked I could see an orange light blinking about 45yds in (it was my tracer nock) :)

so anyway long story short

I GOT ONE!


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/3047/medium/PICT0588a.JPG

[Byron]

I guess I just needed to wish you guys good luck! :D

Nice work and congrats on the deer.

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Great work AD & MS. Glad for your good luck. We should be very competitive in the contest, I think. Now you can hunt for a bigger Deer and cull if ya get 'em. Not saying anything negative about the ones already taken by anyone on the team, as I have contributed a giant "0". They're all trophies to me.

Good luck & safe hunting!

[jme]

Congrats AD and Mudslinger - way to go. I've been in a bit of a slump lately. Had a small spike coming in Tues morn but another hunter came by and spooked it. The deer came back and was broadside at 30 yards. I waited, hoping it would come closer but no luck. That's the only deer seen since opening day. Tomorrow I'll get back out, can't wait.

[SPITFIRE]

Congrates nice deer.

[Anita Dwink]

Here`s the pic a short story on the 7 pt . I`ve been travelling a lot lately or I would have gotten this up quicker .

Also the pic size is waay too big. If you can down size it R M please be my guest . Thursday decided to sit a stand near my house that I haven`t used much , not alot of sign . My wife gun hunts it because it`s adjacent to the house . Didn`t hear much on the sit . Nice a crunchy all around so nothing can sneak past . Had a rabbit in the samll clover plot I put in , it kept me occupied . Heard something coming in from a ways out and thought it might be a buck , lone and there was a new rub about 80 yards behind me that you can`t miss. He curled around about 20 yards in front of me and welked almost next to my tree . I have a small sapling I left on the insde edge of the plot that he looked he was headed to and I let the arrow loose when he stopped about 7 yards in front of me . He bounded off and crashed 40 yards out .

Nice Buck Mudslinger ! http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/3047/7pt3.jpg

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I shot this Buck tonight. He came in around 6:45. Came right at the grunt call. I really didn't plan to shoot a young Deer this year, but he had a really nice size body and the action has been severely slow.

So, here are a few points to add.

Joel

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/3047/medium/Joel_s_5_Pt_002.JPG

[theredmission]

I shot this Buck tonight. He came in around 6:45. Came right at the grunt call. I really didn't plan to shoot a young Deer this year, but he had a really nice size body and the action has been severely slow.

So, here are a few points to add.

Joel



Awesome man!...I think that puts us in the lead! I'm really looking forward to this weekend's hunt-I'll be out Sat and Sun (as long as the Fri night partying doesn't knock me down too bad). I haven't seen much sign other than some gigantic tracks but I've heard rumor there is a 12+ booner roaming around the area. *fingers crossed I get a shot*

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

[quote=theredmission;2365321]Awesome man!...I think that puts us in the lead! I'm really looking forward to this weekend's hunt-I'll be out Sat and Sun (as long as the Fri night partying doesn't knock me down too bad). I haven't seen much sign other than some gigantic tracks but I've heard rumor there is a 12+ booner roaming around the area. *fingers crossed I get a shot

Thanks. I hope you see that B&C Buck! good luck this weekend. It looks like I will be traveling the rest of the week for work. I hope to get out this weekend for some pre-rut hunting. Things are finally starting to pick up around here. Now all we need is a little help from the weather man. It's been way too windy for my preference.

We should have around 42 points now, right?

[Anita Dwink]

Way to go NEO ! I am in the 1 in hand is better than none on the pole camp . I hope to get out some tomorrow PM and will hunt like a banshee this weekend . Still sheduled off for 5 days of non-stop bow hunting from the 5th - 9th . Plan on tagging out by opener . Well it`s a plan for whatever it`s worth . Might keep a doe tag for muzzleloader or if I can find a place to hunt in zone 3 . I`m going to can some venison this weekend . Continued Good Hunting to Team Buckthumpers ! BooYaa !

[jme]

Congrats AD and NE - way to go! Good luck theredmission, I hope you get him.

Sunday will be the next time I'll be out and I hope to hunt a good bit of the day. Last Sun I heard a fawn bleat before shooting light and could just barely make out its image. Twenty minutes later I heard a series of low grunts and assume it was a buck chasing momma. Never saw him and no apparent response to bleats. This Sun I'll set up a bit closer to the thicket where I saw the fawn and heard the bleats. Exciting time of year!

[Acts 11:7]

Sorry for the late post. Last Thursday I put out a climber at lunch that was on the east edge of the main bedding area that I hunt. The main woods are to my east and the alfalfa is north west. I had yet to sit in this area because there are so few trees that allow for a stand. I came back after practice that night and hurried up the tree. I was almost set and I hear movement close by. I look down and 10 yards away is a 6 point. He begins to rub every sapling around. After a half hour of this he starts to chase a doe and fawn that stood up out of the bedding area 50 yards away. He ran them around my stand for 10 minutes until she had had enough and headed for the corn to my south. MInutes later another small buck hopped the fence coming from the big woods. He met up with the other buck and they stood on the edge of this bedding area for 30 minutes looking over the alfalfa waiting for the does I figure. Then they both left going seperate ways. At a little after 7 a HUGE buck made his way across the alfalpha toward the corn. He was about 120 yards away. I grunted at him. He stood for about ten minutes and then headed my way. He closed to within 50 yards and then circled the bedding area to my south. At this point another buck coming from the same spot as the big boy was crossing the alfalfa. he was a 2.5 8 point I passed earlier this year. I grunted and he followed the same path as the big boy. I could hear the big guy thrashing some trees, but it got too dark to stick around. He ended up between me and my truck so I walked a half mile out of the way to the neighbors and he gave me a ride back to my truck. All in all four bucks on a stand that I had never sat before was preetty sweet! I have yet to get back out. I might have to skip work and make it happen!

The big guy had a bad limp and a crazy rack. On his right it was a perfect 5 points with a wide spread and great mass. He was 4-5 inches out side his ear! On the left he has a massive beam that comes our strait over his left ear about 8 inches or so and then moves forward 8 inches or so and then curves out and down 5 more inches or so. This beam had a few odd points on it. I now know what was making the rubs on the huge trees on my property. He might be 25 inches wide with his crazy left beam. He was a beast of a buck!! His tracks look like cow tracks. If any of you has witnessed the tracks of a true giant you know what I mean. Without hesitation he will go a minimum of 220lbs field dressed. I am pretty sure he was the wide racked 10 I had a run in with in 2005. At that point he was 3.5, so if he is the same buck he is 6.5 now. He is a true pig of a deer! If it was gun season, my wall would have a little less room!

[jme]

Acts - this sounds exciting! Next time out maybe you can bring a camera so we can see some pics of the brute. Heck, with a buck like that you could start a thread like Thunderhead has so you can give day by day updates. You still have over two weeks before gun season so go get him!

[Acts 11:7]

Acts - this sounds exciting! Next time out maybe you can bring a camera so we can see some pics of the brute. Heck, with a buck like that you could start a thread like Thunderhead has so you can give day by day updates. You still have over two weeks before gun season so go get him!


I couln't agree more. I had it with me. I just didn't get 3 minutes without deer on top of me to set it up. I use a camera arm and it takes a minute or two to get all set. I am going out in the morning and going to sit in the same place until 11. Should be a great hunt! I plan on getting there around 6, so that should give me plenty of time to set up. My biggest fear is getting out after the deer have beded down. It is a sweet bedding area in a very secluded spot with tons of everything a deer wants. I am actually a little scared to even hunt it if I can't stay all day but I gotta get out!!!

[Byron]

Bonjour, Monsieurs! France is good, but no hunting going on right now...

Can't wait until I can hunt on Saturday!

Byron :)

[Anita Dwink]

Sat in the wind tonight . Did a aggresive grunt sequence around 6:30 . maybe 3 minutes after I stopped , it sounded like one of the big boys came running in behind me and stopped out of sight . Never did show itself . My hunting partner had what he thinks may have been a big 8 or 10 in at dark yesterday checking a doe that was 10 yards in front of his stand . Hope to see him Friday am .

[jme]

The weather/wind looked so perfect that I couldn't stay out of the woods for a short pre-work hunt. Glad I did. Saw 3 different bucks. The first one didn't respond to an estrous bleat but when I hit the grunt tube he came right in, not close enough for a shot. I hit the rattle bag when he went out of sight. Then I did something stupid in not grabbing my bow right away. Several minutes later when I reached for it he busted me. I hadn't heard him sneak around the other side of me. Half an hour later I saw a deer walking through the woods. Then all hell broke loose way off in the woods, obviously a couple deer running around. At 8:45am a small buck came my way, with a larger one behind him. I was tempted to shoot the small one when he was 22 yards out but the larger one seemed to be following the same path so I waited. Glad I did. The shot at the quartering away deer took out the liver and far lung. Super easy blood trail. Decent 8 pt, probably 2.5 years but maybe 3.5 since he's starting to get a little hump in his nose. He had a huge heart. Rack up some more point for the Buck Thumpers!
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/3047/medium/Deer35a_103008.jpg[/IMG]

[Acts 11:7]

Great Job!!!!

I only saw two little bucks this morning.

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Awesome job man! Great Buck & story.
I'm still stuck in Ypsi another night, but will be back home hunting this weekend. After hearing all of the Buck activity reports from everyone, I am hopeful for a chance at a nice one soon. I know where there are a couple of them hanging out. Now, I just need 'em to offer up a shot.

[theredmission]

Way to go John!

Yet another fruitless morning for me...try again tonight after raking some leaves.

[theredmission]

Arg, flippin' deer! I was all situated at about 4:30 this evening and right around 5 heard something behind me. All night I kept going back and forth in my mind of what it was mulling around behind me, one second it would sound like a squirrel, the next a yote, the next a deer again. Tried some bleats, grunts everything, but to no avail. Finally when it got pitch black I picked up a rock and threw it in the direction of the noise and...silence. So I just figured it mustve been a squirrel or whatever and begin to pack up. Then as I get about three steps out of my brush blind two bucks come flying around the blind corner from behind me and take off right down my shooting lane. :irked: All night they were not even 10 yards directly to my back just hanging out. Eh, it happens I guess.

[Anita Dwink]

Sat am . Had two groups of does bed down on the other side of my pine tree about 30 minutes before light . Had to be really quiet . Did a soft grunt to see if they had a buck in tow. No Luck . About a half hour before I had to leave I pulled out a doe bleat and they weren`t impressed and took off the other way . That afternoon I went back to the stand where I shot the 7pt . Had my boy about 120 yards up the tree line . The neighbor decided to listen to the best of the late 70`s and early 80 rock for the last hour and proceed to straighten out a bent pc of metal for the last 10 minutes of shooting light . Needless to say just when light was fading a buck walked behind my by and walked within 10 yards of my stand and he strolled off unaware . My son now knows that not all crunching is squirrels . This am I went to the new 40 acres and sat in a ground blind I put up friday ( too early ) daybreak I heard 1 step looked out the window behind me and see a doe 20 yards away staring at me and not liking it . She paced for 15 seconds , snorted and ran back the way she came . I did locate a nice tree to climb down the ridge at a cross trail . Near a new scrape . Taking wed- sun off to hunt . Good Luck this week .

[jme]

Went out this morning to a friend's place near Dexter. Heard a couple shots that sounded like slugs, not birdshot. About 20 minutes later had a couple fawns come w/in 30 yards. I'd have gladly taken one but no shot opportunity. Don't know if the shots were at a deer (mom?) or not. Work will be crazy this week and next weekend we have stuff on both Sat and Sun:mad: Might try to sneak out one morning before work for just a short hunt.

Can't wait till the scoreboard is updated - I think we're doing OK.

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

to report here. I hunted all weekend and had very little Deer action. A Buddy missed a big Buck and a couple other Buddies shot Does. This warm weather week is NOT what we need.

Hope the pre-rut urges the Deer despite the temps.

Joel

[Anita Dwink]

Went out this am . Had a doe and two fawns walk in around 7:30 . All of them kept looking back . I tried to move around for a shot on the doe but she caught me moving and I had to freeze. They walked behind me unaware . I stood in position for a while thinking that there might be a buck trailing . After a while I sat back down and hung my bow up. Of course another doe came in to catch up to the others and stood where I could have had a nice shot if I hadn`t just sat back down. She stood still for 10 seconds and followed the others . Went furthet in to set up a ground blind for my boy and I for Rifle opener . On the way out a small buck crossed in front of me and my tree stand at 9:15 . I wouldn`t have shot but they are moving some . Headed out this afternoon . Too warm but it`s toasty .

[jme]

Went out yesterday, Thur, morning for just a couple hours before work. Got out there just at first light - can't get out earlier since I want to help the kids get ready for schol. It was quite cool, around 40, so I hoped they might have stayed out late feeding before it got warm. Didn't see any deer from the stand but kicked up a small spike on the walk back in. This weekend is jam packed with family/church events so I won't get out. Next weekI hope for one more pre-work hunt. Good luck this weekend guys. Looks like it'll cool off but might be a bit windy - at least in SE Mich.

[Anita Dwink]

Yesterday am I had a doe fawn around me for 20 minutes . I bumped a few deer headed in. One must have been a buck , I smelled him before I heard him. I officially tossed my doe bleat into the bottom of my tote . I have twice scattered what were does headed in when I used it . I had no idea they were close when I used it but flags were flying shortly after. New scrape near one of my stands, too windy yesterday PM . Went out and got lots of sway in my pine tree. Going into a woodlot adjacent to a cornfiled this afternoon . I expect with the front coming in and the rut getting close they may stage up there . Headed to the range for lunch with the wife to make sure her rifle is still on . Good luck this weekend .
Back to work monday .

[Anita Dwink]

I had a unusual hunt yesterday . Hauled my climber into the woodlot about 4:45 . Around 5:10 I had a doe cross form the corn into the woodlot behind me . I lost sight of her and she showed up to my right about 20 yards away . I drew and had to twist a bit . Let the arrow fly and it went about 2 ft to the left and hit her in the neck. She jumped and started walking away . She stopped out of range and I went for another arrow . When I looked up I lost sight of her . 2 minutes later from that direction her she comes back to my left at 30 yards in some thick stuff but she stops and I loose another arrow which cantered up my rest and ended up flying 20' higher than myself and in a tree . She jumped again and started back the way she came and stopped again around 30 yards out . I practice out to 40 and have 6" groups . This one went over her back and to the corn she ran . Having one varmint arrow left I lower the bow , dropped the quiver and proceeded down the tree quite dejected .
Went to the spot where I 1st shot and found my arrow and good blood .
The blood trail from there was huge and spotted her down about where I last saw her standing . The other deer coincidentally came by at the same time . I went from PO`d to happy to why is my bow off in a matter of seconds . My arrow looked like it cut the main artery in the neck . There was no blood in her when I dressed her out . I`m lucky that the marginal shot was fatal. I had another tag had I hit the other . I didn`t get the pic last night and will have to post up the next doe . Sorry, I was a bit out of sorts :dizzy: and found out that my rubber attached to my peep twisted my string at full draw and it was torqing my arrow. I fixed it this am and will be out this afternoon, weather permitting .

[jme]

Way to go AD! Updated results were posted in the "..contest chat thread" and we're in third place. We're 5 points out of 2nd place and 10 out of first. BUT...it doesn't count your doe. So, we're tied for second and only a doe out of first. C'mon Buckwhackers let's whack another one. If it's a doe we're tied for 1st. If it's a buck of any antler size we claim first!!!! I'm booked solid with church/family stuff this weekend so won't get out at all. Next week I'm hopin'/prayin' to get out for a short pre-work hunt.

[jme]

Boy do I feel dumb. "Anita Dwink" struck me as an unusual name for this site - especially since AD isn't a woman. Heck, I figured he had probably taken his wife's name for the first part of his moniker and that maybe Dwink was some sort of derivation on his last name. Well, I just got home and poured myself some scotch thinking, 'man, I need a drink.' Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!

Wish I could be in my treestand tomorrow morning, mid day or evening. Post your hunts on this site - I'll be hunting vicariously through you.

[steve1983]

look at the scores again!!! you are a lot father behind then you thank!

[jme]

Steve - I'm looking at the rankings that were posted today by srconnell22. This ranking is in the "..chat thread.." (it has 5 yellow stars in the ranking column), not in the "Contest Scoreboard" thread. Is there another listing somewhere?

[steve1983]

yes there is the official score board!! heres the link to it http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252014

[Byron]

yes there is the official score board!! heres the link to it http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252014
It's early November. Firearm season hasn't even started. The scores right now mean very little. How about you just stay out of our team thread now, kay?

Keep huntin' hard and enjoying your time in the woods, guys.

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[Anita Dwink]

Hi jme ,
My sense of humor has a 5 secod delay attached . If you watched Blazing Saddles talk like Madeline Kahn for a little while and Tadaaa !
Some of my other screen names not here .
Ray Jaeger if spoken is deer hunter in German
Stick Flicker obvious
Jose Canusee National Athem sort of .

I`ve always considered changing it but change for change sake is not worth changing or the change would change everthing . Whooo Hooo .
:cwm27: Back to the woods AD out !

[Byron]

No deer tonight, but I did get a nice tom turkey with my bow. Hope you guys had good luck, as well!

Best Regards,
Byron :)

[theredmission]

My bummer of a season continued this weekend with me coming down w/ the flu Friday night, keeping me in bed until 6am this morning to go to work...not very happy right now about that. Well, looks like I'm going to have to get it done w/ the gun.

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

I am fighting it off too. I don't have it bad and I'm trying to keep it that way.

A buddy shot a nice 8 pt Sunday night. That tagged him out and opened up a couple of spots for me. I have recent trail cam photos of two very nice Bucks at one of the spots. One of the Deer is a gorgeuos 10 pt (130-140) and the other one is a super wide XX pt. I couldn't tell in the pic.

I went in there yesterday and hung a drip bag and some scent bombs. I put the camera back up too. I'll hunt it tomorrow, Thursday, and gun opener if not run out.

Wish me luck and good luck to you all!

[jme]

Just a quick note to say Good Luck to everyone on the BuckThumpers team. I sure hope those of you had had the flu are all better. Tomorrow I'll be sitting with a first-time hunter, the son of a friend. I'll be shootin' a camera so I dont anticipate baggin' one tomorrow. Good luck to all of you, let's get a few more to add to our point total.

[Acts 11:7]

Just a quick note to say Good Luck to everyone on the BuckThumpers team. I sure hope those of you had had the flu are all better. Tomorrow I'll be sitting with a first-time hunter, the son of a friend. I'll be shootin' a camera so I dont anticipate baggin' one tomorrow. Good luck to all of you, let's get a few more to add to our point total.


:yeahthat:

[theredmission]

I'm feeling waaaay better than last week and just have a lingering cough that I can't kick, but am good to go tomorrow. I've got a buddy I'm taking out on his first deer hunt ever in the morning. Weather looks a little iffy but hopefully we can see something and maybe get a shot.

[theredmission]

Saw two bucks tonight and missed two bucks tonight, first time I've ever missed and it happens 2x's...ugh. Well time for dinner and then hit the bed early tonight to get ready for the long week at work waiting for next Saturday.

[Anita Dwink]

I dropped a wounded spike sat afternoon and a small doe when I was dragging the spike out . I think I registered bow only , if that`s the case I`m sorry team for not getting the 1st bow killed doe up . Let me know if I can use this one for points. I`m tagged out and playing guide for the Wife and Son now . Hope the best for the rest ! Did you check your sights RM ? Unless they were tough shots scope crosshairs can shift if not seated after being adjusted . I`ll stick the pics of the two on our thread later today .

[theredmission]

I dropped a wounded spike sat afternoon and a small doe when I was dragging the spike out . I think I registered bow only , if that`s the case I`m sorry team for not getting the 1st bow killed doe up . Let me know if I can use this one for points. I`m tagged out and playing guide for the Wife and Son now . Hope the best for the rest ! Did you check your sights RM ? Unless they were tough shots scope crosshairs can shift if not seated after being adjusted . I`ll stick the pics of the two on our thread later today .

I can't remember what was the deal w/ the first doe you got? Do you have a picture of it?

Yeah the sights are on, first one was !00% my fault it was pretty close and I just shot high and the second was a 100yrd-ish shot & the deer was quartering away and made some kind of crazy jump/turn thing right when I pulled the trigger causing me to just barely miss left of it.

[Anita Dwink]

No Pic of the 1st one . I read a thread and thought that since the teams were all balanced that the bonus for getting a deer of your choice of weapon was eliminated that any deer would count no matter what method , so I figured that the next doe would be fine after I butchered up the 1st . I`ll take a pic of the last one before butchering it .
Good luck on the next opportunity . I got lucky a few years ago on a close one . Hit way low and broke both front legs , I wasn`t pretty but I put her down as fast as I could . Every year I hope to be given a opportunity and pray that my aim is true and the kill clean and quick .
This year was a hoot to say the least. Didn`t get the monster , did get the freezer full . Safe hunt and good health !

[theredmission]

No, nothing changed in the rules regards to weapon-it was just a heads up in regards to why bonus points were not being awarded. I guess if it comes down to the 5 points we may be able to work something out as I have given 'oks' to a couple other submissions that were iffy but we'll cross that bridge when it comes.

[Anita Dwink]

I`ll post it up later today .

thanks

[Byron]

I`ll post it up later today .

thanks

Wait, what's the deal with bonus points not being awarded?

[Acts 11:7]

I found out that the giant I have been hunting for 4 years is dead. He was killed last weekend by a bowhunter. I have yet to hear the story from the horses mouth, but he was fighting with a big eight point and they got tangled together. A bow hunter walked up to them in a field 200 yards from my stand and killed them both. He was an 11 point with 2 drop tines on the left main beam.

On the bright side, I did put the hammer down on two does yesterday. Both were mature deer, but one was a pig.

[N.E. Outdoorsman]

Sorry about the big 'un that ya didn't get. I know the feeling. I suppose it's better that bowhunter got him than starvation while locked up with the other one.

I have been hunting a specific 10 this year and he's giving me the slip every time I'm out there. Hopefully, he'll show himself again. I am headed out this aftn with the rifle. So, I suppose I won't be able to submit for points if I get him (Bow only), but I will still sleep tonight if that's the case.:D

Good luck to all!

[Acts 11:7]

I just heard more of the story. The Big one was dragging the 8 point which was already dead. It's just too bad that it had to end that way. I always hunt a specific buck. Now it feels like my season is over and there is still 6 weeks to go.

[Anita Dwink]

My friend's daughter dropped a nice 8 pt near the spot I would have been in had I not finished off the spike . It`s her 1st buck and she`s ecstatic . I now know I will not see him next year . One of the other big boys got smacked by a car and broke half his rack and half his noggin. Still alive until the fiancee of the daughter and hunting buddy of mine nailed the 4 x 1 20 minutes later on my other blind this am. Only One of the 4 big guys left that I know of . They both have given me a lifetime membership to any treestand or blind they have . I`m not sure they know it yet . Here`s the pic of the doe and spike from the opener . I stuck it into the entry thread RM .
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/3047/doe23.jpg
Sorry to hear about your loss of the Big Guy Acts, congrads on the does .