08MSDHC Team #7 - Live Free-Hunt hard

[theredmission]

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

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

Good luck to ya!

[Pick Daddy]

anyone get out yesterday. I heard it was lsow going. I am heading out tonight...

[Kelly Johnson]

Buddy took a small one at about 9am.
I saw a few but not shot ops...I got down to congratulate him and help.

I'll be out tomorrow morning.

[davidshane]

I just got back from bear hunting in Roscommon. I was able to give a nice 215lb sow a ride in the back of the truck!:lol:

Time to start thinking about bucks now!

[deathfromabove]

[

Time to start thinking about bucks now![/quote]

And Doesss......you got one day left and we need the points!!!!!!

I have been out twice with the daughter and the doe gods have not smiled on us yet.......tonight will be the nite :D

[Pick Daddy]

Sorry Boys, all I saw was horns. 3 8 points, a 4 point and a spike. ALos a fawn. I can't freaking beleive it!!!

[Gilbey]

Sure are some nice looking bucks out there.....

I've got a pattern on one, we'll see if it continues on through hopefully the first.

6 days in a row on cam, nice 4 1/2 yr old, same spot broadside at 17 yards from one of my stands. He's in for some trouble if he doesn't figure me out figuring him out:dizzy:

[Kelly Johnson]

Congrats on the bear David.
Pics up somewhere?
I'll go snoopin' in a minute;)

[davidshane]

Congrats on the bear David.
Pics up somewhere?
I'll go snoopin' in a minute;)

Sorry..I should have posted one.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSCF01301.JPG

[deathfromabove]

Looks like a block head to me David.......:coolgleam

[Pick Daddy]

Congrats

[Gilbey]

Congrats on filling your tag! Jealous of ya being in the woods with a weapon, that's for sure! Already a successful year and it's just beginning.

[davidshane]

Congrats on filling your tag! Jealous of ya being in the woods with a weapon, that's for sure! Already a successful year and it's just beginning.

A little story:

Some friends and I built a sweet 6' x 8' enclosed stand on 12' legs in the spring of last year at a great location in the swamp on my old property. Last year my brother was the first person to hunt out of it and killed a real nice bear in September. I followed that up with my 8 point in November. Then this year I get to anchor a nice bear myself out of the same stand. Well, now someone else owns the property and the stand. After all the work we put in to build that stand and after seeing the great hunts that came shortly afterwards; I'm sure going to miss it. I hope the new owner keeps up the momentum that the stand has going.

[Pick Daddy]

Get Fired up,

last weekend to scout and then the quest begins...

Getting lots of bucks on the deer cam, and have seen lots of bucks in the beans.

even seen some gobblers,

[Gilbey]

Lot's and lot's of bucks on film over the past week. They are definately moving more. I believe that I have pics from over a dozen different 8 to 10 pointers. Nothing monstrous, but probably 6 different ones are in severe danger if they move before dark.:evilsmile:help:<---- their last fleeting thoughts............:coolgleam

[davidshane]

This year has been the most wacked season (talking about the beginning of a season) I've ever had. Normally I'm like any other freak deer hunter that thinks about deer hunting all year long. By the time a season opens, I can't wait to sit one of many stands; just let the winds blow me to the right stand! However, this year was not normal. Selling the property, a bear tag, my one brother couldn't head up, another re-opened his real estate office (and will work all day), a friend wasn't hunting; it was all leading to less excitment than normal. However, this morning I woke up and it smacked me in the face. I stopped thinking about how this opener was going to be different from all the the rest due to these unfortunate situations. Instead, I decided to pack up a tent and the rest of my gear and head to Drummond Island for 5 days of hunting by myself. All the sudden I didn't care about that other stuff, the love of setting a stand took back over. To top it off (and make it even better) a friend/customer called me and wanted to go along. Now I will have the companion at the nightly campfire to go along with the hunt.

I've done no scouting and havn't been on the island in 8 years, but I'm pumped to be headed to a place that I have had a lot of fun in past yeasr. I might not touch off the release from the 1st through the 5th, but I bet I'll see a few dder and just maybe a fine UP buck will provide a moment of excitement!

Good luck team and have fun!

[Gilbey]

The excitement certainly took over this morning. I woke up and realized that at this time tomorrow morning. I will be overlooking a great spot. A new perch to look over a great rub line. I'm doing an all dayer at one stand tomorrow and an all day at another stand on Thursday. Taking Friday to spend with my kids, then back to camp Friday night for the hunt and staying up there not til just Sunday, but the Sunday after Sunday.

Pass through! Can't wait to see it!:xzicon_sm

[deathfromabove]

I love the sense of adventure david....I can smell the coffee from here:p

[Pick Daddy]

Alright boys, tomorrow is the day. Let's all put our hands in and on the count of three, 1, 2, 3, LIVE FREE, HUNT HARD!!!

[davidshane]

God I love deer season!

[Kelly Johnson]

Atta boy David...life IS what ya make it partner;)

I took the day off. I'll be out there dark and early.

Good luck and be safe gents.

[Pick Daddy]

David is proof... the American Dream still exists!!!

GOD I love this Country

[Kelly Johnson]

Yesterday, Oct 1.

8:35am
7 point cam thru the swale, I was in the wrong tree. No high enough and a little too close to the trail. He stood at about 10 yards thrashing a small bush...he's 1.5 and I'm still holding out.

I backed into the woods 15 yards as soon as he left.

9:45am
2 more bucks down the same path. Solid little basket 8 and a tall tined forky...both 1.5 again. They pushed each other around for a bit and made their way through...kept looking back and I was hoping for the best...no dice. Turkeys..about 7 or 8 of them was all.

Went to grab some food and catch a few fish and back at 1:30

3pm.
I'd fallen asleep and was very groggy. Woke up and was sore, tired and was ready to get down...I went for myt cell to check the time and the Doe and 1 of the 2 fawns directly under me bolted....the second hung out for a a few minutes and while I had shot opps I was too lazy to draw the bow:lol:

I'll try again on Sat hoping for a bigger buck.

[QDMAMAN]

Yesterday, Oct 1. 3pm. I'd fallen asleep and was very groggy. Woke up and was sore, tired and was ready to get down...I went for myt cell to check the time and the Doe and 1 of the 2 fawns directly under me bolted....the second hung out for a a few minutes and while I had shot opps I was too lazy to draw the bow:lol:


Hey Team 7!
You might as well get used to this stuff. Kelly was on my team last year and he might as well have cut and paste this tid bit of info.

Big T

[Kelly Johnson]

Hey Team 7!
You might as well get used to this stuff. Kelly was on my team last year and he might as well have cut and paste this tid bit of info.

Big T

Are you kiddin' Me Tiny T:lol:
My back's still sore form carrying your ass last year partner;)

Well...I wasn't going to shoot a doe this early but since Lil' T's smack talkin...this one's for you T:D
Took her tonight about 6:45.
Totally missed with the first arrow:chillin:
Quiet bow...she took 3 steps and looked back. Mistake:D
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=9&pictureid=2493

[srconnell22]

congrats on the doe Kelly!

[deathfromabove]

cha-ching.........way to deliver kelly....:coolgleam

[QDMAMAN]

Congrats Kelly! Did you haul her out of the woods in that Benz?:cool:
Don't forget to buy more arrows today when you go to Wal-Mart.:lol:
Amazing that you found the ambition to draw the bow...not once...but twice.

Big T

[SPITFIRE]

Congrats kelly nice doe.

[funebonz880]

congrats on the doe kelly. as for me, got out wednesday afternoon and murdered a nice doe. she ran probly 15 yards and died. Went out tonight and shot another doe, this one smaller. She took one between the shoulder blades and ran maybe 8 yards. I ain't gonna submit these ones though but i can promise plenty more bloodshed.

[davidshane]

Good job guys!

I just got back from up north and what an opener! A couple of days I woke up and found ice in our wash bowl and on the puddles in the road. We had cold weather all week with high wind (unfortunate). It was nice to not sweat, but sleeping in a tent in below freezing temps is...well you know.:rolleyes:

I did manage to take a respectable stateland 6 pt; he could of been an eight but nature programed him to not have eye guards. I'll have to get the picture uploaded tomorrow at my work computer. My home puter doesn't have the right software to download from the camera I used.

Do the rules still allow you to better a buck?

[Kelly Johnson]

Good job guys!

I just got back from up north and what an opener! A couple of days I woke up and found ice in our wash bowl and on the puddles in the road. We had cold weather all week with high wind (unfortunate). It was nice to not sweat, but sleeping in a tent in below freezing temps is...well you know.:rolleyes:

I did manage to take a respectable stateland 6 pt; he could of been an eight but nature programed him to not have eye guards. I'll have to get the picture uploaded tomorrow at my work computer. My home puter doesn't have the right software to download from the camera I used.

Do the rules still allow you to better a buck?
Congrats David!
Yes, you can "upgrade" if you shoot a better deer later.;)
Meanwhile...I bet it's nice to sleep inside where it's warm about now huh?:D

[davidshane]

Absolutely!

I unpacked, took a long hot shower (boy I needed that), played with the kids and put them to bed, had a little quality time with Mrs Hodnett, and now I get to sleep on the pillow top.

Tonight life is very good!;)

[TVCEAST05]

congrats. Got any pics :)

[deathfromabove]

well were stackin em up now boys........
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn292/tellnotails/HPIM0674_004.jpg
shot this mature doe with my huntin buddy(9 yr. daughter)......6:15pm sunday night..gotta change the date on the camera..

got the shot on video with my new yukon camera bracket;)

[Kelly Johnson]

Damn Sexy DFA:xzicon_sm
Only made more sweet by the hunting partner being along as well!!

She looks big...

[Pick Daddy]

Saw five last night, none close enough. My place is good for bow, but great for muzzle. I will be the 8 th inning closer. I will get one with bow, but can get picky come nov 15th.

[davidshane]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMG_07361.JPG

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMG_0745.JPG

[deathfromabove]

awesome david......

lets here the specifics.....take us through the shot...what kind of tackle ya using..:)

[davidshane]

awesome david......

lets here the specifics.....take us through the shot...what kind of tackle ya using..:)

Well I have a Zebco True Cast with 14lb test line and was throughing a spinner bait. Oh wait....that ain't right.

Evening hunt on Drummond Island last Saturday. Got in the stand a little late at 4pm. At 4:45 I had three bucks come down a trail to my left. The first was a small fork horn, the second was this buck, and the last was a very mature 4 point. The older buck was very large and looked to be no less than a 3.5 year old. It had big solid antlers that lacked nothing but points. He was a big island deer with poor genes. While he was by far the oldest of the three, I could only shot a buck with atleast three points on one side.

I hunt mostly over bait and was on the island. The small buck moved to the bait first and ate for 5 minutes while the other two hung back. Then the 6pt moved in and chased him off and begain to eat. While the 6 was in the bait I had only to wait out the caution of the older buck that stood between us and was facing me. After a few minutes that deer walked about 10 yards away facing away from me. The 6pt was 1/4 away and had no ideal I had come to full draw on him. With no reason to hurry I took good aim and sent an arrow through his vitals; solid hit and pass through. He ran down a hill into a thicket and fell not 50 yards from the shot. Though I could not see him go down, I saw the tree that he ran into shake when he hit it. It continued to shake as he made his final kicks. Tracking was easy as there was blodd everywhere. The side of all the small aspens were covered in his blood.

The best thing about the entire hunt was that I had the tenderloins tonight for dinner. Seered in olive oil after being coated with seasoning and pepper. Dadgum it was good.

One bad thing. I didn't get a picture with my bow in it. Maybe Kelly can tell me if I can still register it for our team?

Bow = Fred Bear Epic Extreme
Arroms = Easton Carbon Hunter Extreme (I think thats what they are called)
Heads = Tekan 125 Expanables
Release = Gator Jaws
Camo = Nothing special, I believe more in hunting smart and playing the wind than I do scent control clothing.

[deathfromabove]

Sweeeeeeet........nice tackle box....;)

How do you like the tekans.???????????????????

[davidshane]

I like them a lot. I've jump around a little with broadheads looking for that right fit. The Tekans shoot extremely close to field points and do a good job of opening up wounds. During MUCC's field test done using machinery for shooting and using the same equipment as far as bow and arrows, the Tekan was either first best or second best of numerous heads tested.

They are a little pricey right now, but I think the old saying holds true with most topics - "you get what you pay for".

Take em for a ride and see how you like them.

[deathfromabove]

I like the new style tekans.......I think they had problems with the old ones deploying properly...

I shoot 2 blade rage for turkeys..........slick tricks 100gr. standard for mule deer and whitetails....I have shot numerous heads....

satelite
thunderheads
Muzzy
NAP Nitron
Slicktricks

I try not to fall in love with anyone BH......but the ST are my favorite at the present...:evil:

[davidshane]

I like the new style tekans.......I think they had problems with the old ones deploying properly...

I shoot 2 blade rage for turkeys..........slick tricks 100gr. standard for mule deer and whitetails....I have shot numerous heads....

satelite
thunderheads
Muzzy
NAP Nitron
Slicktricks

I try not to fall in love with anyone BH......but the ST are my favorite at the present...:evil:

I think everyone has shot satelites, thunderheads, and muzzy's at some point.:lol:

[deathfromabove]

right:lol:......all shot purdy darn good too....but these compact fixed blades really shoot tight groups......that nitron flys great....but I was never impressed with blood trails........tried the ST out and have never looked back......:yikes:

I remember stalking a deer in the 80's with satelite BH and after the 100yard stalk 2 of the blades fell out of the head....lol

[davidshane]

I hear you. I bet I've killed over 50 deer with my bow and the vast majority were taken with Satelites and thunderheads...mostly satelites.

[Kelly Johnson]

I remember stalking a deer in the 80's with satelite BH and after the 100yard stalk 2 of the blades fell out of the head....lol

:lol:Bingo!
I had my first "hand to hand" combat with a forky after first missing, second shot spined him way back (second deer...cut me some slack:() and than the last one just plain old falling apart as I took it out of the quiver.:yikes::lol:

I must have looked like Steve Irwin on a gator trying to do the right thing with the knife:dizzy:

[Gilbey]

Sorry all for not checking in lately. Out of cell ph. range and internet range. Gawd I love deer camp. No contact from the outside world.

So, here's how my last week went. Wednesday was opener. I was camp beotch after Wed, and here's why.

Every year we have 3 camps at our camp. Bow, Rifle, and Muzzle. Muzzle is only 3 days, Rifle is a week to week and a half, and bow camp for a week. So, I was out to camp Tuesday night, and I was all by myself. Nobody was getting up to camp until Noon on opener. So......I had around 1000 acres to myself to decide where I was going to hunt. But the choice was obvious, it was my primary, over a dozen different 8's and better, most obviously coming in after dark (especially a beauty of a 240lber, but only at 1am every so often passing by).

Everybody was due up at camp by Wed evening.

I awoke at 3 am ready to go, wide awake. Dang. Gotta go back to bed. 4 am. Dang. Gotta go back to bed. 4:13. Hmm..:cwm27: Might as well get the coffee going.

6 am I am sitting in the tree (I know from the camera, traffic starts between 6:20 and 6:35am). Sun comes up and watch 4 does work by. Then a spike and a 4. Then another spike, and an 8 point ambushes them and pushes and chases them. This is all within 25 min. of daybreak mind you. All of a suddenl, the non-typical 8 stops pushing them around, looks up and a little bit bigger 8 comes in, I draw back and they tear off a hundred yards. They run through again, I draw back, no shot.

They run off and are gone for 15 min. At 8:20, the 8 comes back, looking straight at me. I had already drawn as I had caught antler coming in through the tag alders. For minutes he looks beyond me, and starts to walk forward, quartering towards me. I couldn't hold any longer. It was shoot or get off the pot. I placed the pin behind his left shoulder and let go. That stand is 35 ft in the air. So the angle certainly wasn't a favorite, but I do have confidence in how I shoot. I shot him at 18 yards and watched the tracer nock go through him.

Waited 5 minutes, got down off stand to check blood, it was good. Went back to camp to sit and relax a while. Went back in an hour, and went back out. Good blood, every 6-18", and followed it for 60 yards where he laid piled up.

Back at camp by 11 and he was hung.

I don't know how to upload pics here. Bummer. Anyone willing to help? I can email him to ya!

gilbertveneer@sbcglobal.net is my email address.

[davidshane]

Hot damn Gilbey, let me be the first to congratulate you on a great hunt. The story alone was worth the price of admission. I can't wait to see the pictures of this old boy. Here is the link to the instructions. It's easier than it looks.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163653

Again congrats.


Rest of the team,

Whats been going on?

[deathfromabove]

great story gilbey...........gotta have pics........:D

I had agreat hunt with my daughter again tonight...no shots but we videoed a nice 2.5 9pt......hes got some potential.....:)

[TVCEAST05]

Nice job. We're off to a nice start so far eh.

[Gilbey]

I haven't been able to figure out as my "disk space" is all used up is how to delete a few off of my profile so I'm able to upload a new pic.

I emailed my pic over to Kelly and he said he'd throw it up for me.

Any new stories? Man, wish I was in the woods again today. I've now passed on two other 8's, well one I actually thought about ending my season, but like I told hte guys at camp, gotta get the big un, can't end my season this way.

[Pick Daddy]

Three cheers to Gilbey. It has been slow going in Genesee county. See lots of deer, but nothing close. The Beans are still in. Will back at it Thursday night.

[deathfromabove]

Yeah PD....In my area the corn and beans are still in....I spoke with a very efficient farmer that usually is first to have his crops in.....he said with the drop in crop prices and high propane and natural gas prices.....most farmers are leaving their crops to dry in the feild instead of the dryer....:(

[Kelly Johnson]

Corn and beans are all cut at one location.
70% on the 600+ I picked up yesterday:woohoo1:
Went to see a farmer that used to grow vegetables for my restaurant...I had no idea he had a full on farm and nearly 1200 acres:yikes:

He told me the 600 on the back he and a buddy hunted but the 600 down the road was all me:D

I scouted and saw rub on telephone pole...I'm feelin' pretty happy:)
I didn't have much time and it was raining but I'll be out there Sat am dark and early.

Here's Gilly's Buck too!!
Nice one brother....make sure ya get a pic of the tag though. Can't score until we do. Even with the antlers like you said will be cool.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=9&pictureid=2765

[Gilbey]

I was gonna wait to go fill the other half of my combo later this month. But I can't stand it. I'm going out this weekend again. Can't wait for the big un to show himself!!!!!1

[Gilbey]

Thanks for posting that Kelly! I didn't even think of the contest when I took the pics. This was when I first came up on him and there was a nice moss covered stump to set the camera on, took a pic and then proceeded with the cleanup. But I'll get a pic with the antlers and the tag together to you if you don't mind, then you can post both of them on the scoreboard for me if you could.

[deathfromabove]

great pic gilbey........now we just got ta get kelly shooting a hoyt...:lol:

[Kelly Johnson]

great pic gilbey........now we just got ta get kelly shooting a hoyt...:lol:

As many bows as I have had (50+) I've never had a Hoyt or Mathews that I setup, liked and kept for more than a few days.

Nothin' wrong with them...just don't feel right:confused:

Seem to work OK for you 2 though;)

[funebonz880]

congrats gilbey. love that chocolate rack. i laid the smackdown on yet another doe tonight, i'm reluctant to submit the does though. i have a feeling i'm due for a decent buck.

[Kelly Johnson]

NICE! Congrats!
You can score both Fune;)

[funebonz880]

lol. i forgot the rules this year were one buck and one doe not just 2 deer. my bad. i didn't get any good pictures from the previous deer so i'll be sure to take pics from now on.

[Gilbey]

How about it guys? Any success stories over the weekend? I went out once which was the first time in a week and a half. But, it was fun to get out. Went out on one of those "explorer hunts". I drove about an hour to a friend's camp from Wisconsin but up for the weekend, and he pointed me in the direction of a beaver dam 3 miles of off roading away. Loaded up the Summit climber and my bow and took a drive. Set up on a criss cross of trails located adjacent to this beaver pond, heard action but nothing serious until dark...........

Fun hunt, but not very successful.

[omega58]

A couple nice looking deer everyone. . .spent the weekend after waterfowl/upland, mostly waterfowl. Had my 4 year old join us Saturday morning and had fun shooting some wood ducks.

I did notice a nice 1 1/2 8 point that I must have scared the crap out of as he was right near the pond when I jump shot some woodies last night.:lol:

[Kelly Johnson]

Sat am first hunt at the newly aqcuired farmland. Nothing but did a little scouting and it'll be hot and heavy when the corn comes down in a few weeks. Lots of rubs, scrapes and tracks but I'm betting it's all in the dark.

Sunday had a basket 8 and 6 does around 9. Shot ops on nearly all of them them but I'm done with the antlerless at that spot and it's just the waiting game till the chase phase gets warmed up proper.

Heading to Higgin's Lake this weekend for a little R&R...fishing and chill but I'll bring a stand, blind and a bow cause...well...ya never know;)

[davidshane]

I haven't hunted since October 5th. However, I'm heading up to the U.P. for a 4 day hunt on Thursday morning; I'll stay through Sunday.

After that I will come back and work the week; and do Halloween with the family. I'll leave Saturday 11/1 for a week in the U.P. and then come back and work another 4 days. I'll do one more trip up for rifle from the 14th to the 18th. I'll hope to better a buck and will look to fill an antlerless tag with my rifle.

After that I hope to be tagged out with the tags I have now. I plan to silicit (sp) my services to any land manager who will let me come out to their property for a doe hunt in the late rifle season. I do not have any access to SLP land where permits are still available and the area is private. I hope someone just wants to take some does off and will let a relatively good man;) come and help thin the heard.

[Gilbey]

Where in the UP are you hunting David?

[davidshane]

Where in the UP are you hunting David?

Drummond Island unless you tell me about a much better area that I should be headed towards. It's really the only area I know up there. I've done most all my hunting in the L.P. over the past 8-10 years. I wanted to go towards the Keewanaw peninsula (sp) but my brother and friend didn't want to go that far and wanted better chances at a deer. I wanted better chances at big bucks and didn't mind seeing fewer deer if it up'd the odds of taking something special.

[deathfromabove]

I like it david......I like it......I'm not very fond of antler pt. AR....but I am curious as to how the management has effected DI over the years....keep us posted.....;)

[davidshane]

Done Done Done Done Done

I'm done with work, done with customers, done with my boss (who is actually a great boss, but for the purposes of this message...you know), done with home and done with it all!

I'm headed north tomorrow if only for a few days. A few days to set up for the coming weeks. A few days to scout. A few days to hunt. A few day to enjoys Michigan's U.P and what it offers. Good luck to you my friends and team mates and I will look forward to our posts on our hunts over the next few days.

Knock down a big one!

[Gilbey]

If you haven't left yet, good luck to ya. I do have a lot of spots over this way, but you're talking hours. If you ever make it over to Delta County, I'd be glad to point you in a few good directions!

[Gilbey]

:yikes:Had a 140 class walk through at the feigning moments of evening yesterday. He had a gorgeous white rack, nice 8, tall brows....maybe 6-7", and before I could draw back, he tore off.

Almost had to plan a road trip to another state.

[Pick Daddy]

sorry boys, nothing yet, that swirling wind in Genesee County yesterday kept me out of the woods. Will be up north this weekend, so hopefully...but seeing lots of deer far out in field, just can't convince em that the grass is greener closer to me...

[deathfromabove]

A very unique year to say the least for me.........

lots of corn still in all around me.....pray for dry conditions the next 2 weeks.......it can only get better from here on out.....;)

[funebonz880]

well boys i shot an 8 point and a doe this evening. the 8 snuck in at 6:15, shot him at 35 yards and he piled up 25 yards after the shot. doe came in at 6:45. shot her in the spine unfortunately and then a follow up shot through the heart. will post pics when i get them

[deathfromabove]

congrats on the double fune......:D

lets see em.............

[Gilbey]

Sweet !!!!! Nice job! Looking forward to pics and a story!

[davidshane]

Well boys, Drummond was a washout this weekend. If I tried to do something (scout, hang a stand or hunt), the sky went black and started to dump the rain. If I sat back to rest (at camp), it would be sunny. At one point I ask my brother if it was blastfamess (sp) to say that the Lord might be messing with me.:lol:He said he didn't think so.

In the end, I hung three stands for me to hunt and I like them all, especially two of them. One over looks a 150 drop-off down to the beach and is on a shelf just below the table top of the island. It was loaded with rubs and a few scrapes. Another sets up on an area full of rubs that leads out of a small ravine. This area is full of runs and droppings. Though this is all public land and there are several large camps up there, I didn't see any sign of other hunters and hope to have this area to myself. Anyways, both look good and I can't wait for the first set on them. The third stand sets up one a large thicket / funnel in between two pieces of high ground. It has a large open field that was once a beaver pond on the down wind side (for a North wind). There were little to no tracks in the fielf it so I have little fear of being winded. This is however right off the main road and easy to access. While it is not my favorite, it will be great for morning hunts when a long quad ride to the other stands doesn't sound good - or if I just want to shoot a doe. Who knows, sometime those close, easy access areas are just over looked because guys don't want to hunt where other might be around them.;)

I'm headed back up on Saturday and hope to stay through the following weekend. After that I will come home for a few days and then head back up for three days of rifle. After that my season may be done; taged out or not.

Congrats to the deer shooters. It looks like we are hanging in there around the top. Sure would be cool to win this thing but the most important thing to remember is that hunting is all about our love of the sport and not a competition. This is just for kicks.

[funebonz880]

There's really not much of a story. I got in my stand around 3 PM. I'm in NW jackson county. The wind was howling and it was snowing and with the leaves rustling you couldn't hear any deer. I was looking towards my left and when i looked back right the 8 point was standing 8 yards away. So i stood up slowly grabbed my bow and pulled back. I was shootin towards my weak side (right) and for some reason had trouble pullin back. I made a noise and he spooked and stopped around 30-35 yards away. I had to crouch to see under a limb and fired. It hit back of where i wanted it too and i was a little worried when i saw him running right towards the neighbors property and thick cover. About 25 yards after the hit he stopped, looked around and tipped on over. So i sat and nocked another arrow and half an hour later a doe and fawn are tip toeing behind me and i draw on the doe, who half spooks and stops and i proceeded to slay her from about 10 yards. No trackin necessary and plenty of venison. I'd consider that a successful night.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/fix.jpg

[Gilbey]

Dang right that's a successful day............

Congrats again! Can't wait to get back out in the field. Going out all day tomorrow.

[davidshane]

I'm going frickin crazy waiting on Saturday. Once I leave I will be hunting 13 of the next 17 days. I feel like a junkie standing out side the crack house. Come on clock.....mmmooooovvveee!

[Kelly Johnson]

Way to lay the smack Fune!

It's getting more gooder out there boys...

I'm off a few days next week to try and connect.

I've yet to see a shooter but I know they'll be coming through in the next couple weeks looking for love.

[Pick Daddy]

Way to go. I am seeing nothing right now. I was in my stand the other day and it was the first time in 5 years that I did not see a deer.

hope it gets better

[davidshane]

I just got back from the U.P. Good and bad news, I upgraded my buck from a 6 to a 9 which gets us 3 more points. However, I couldn't bring myself to shooting a doe with so much rutting action going on. I was scared to screw up a stand. I had two does that were in season and were being chased by young bucks. It was only a matter of time until one of the better bucks showed up. I had lots of pictures a few respectable bucks.

Since I'm tagged out (with the exception of the antlerless permit), I'm having to call it quits. I just can't spend the money to head to the U.P. for a doe only hunt when I have a freezer full of bear and deer. Sorry for missing the 5 points.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/MDGC0122C.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/MDGC0130C.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMG_0928C.jpg

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/IMG_0923C.jpg

[TVCEAST05]

Nice deer. I made it out for the first time last weekend and had a 4 pt. and spike pretty much under me but no shooters. I am going back down state for opening day and i'm really looking forward to it.

[Kelly Johnson]

I took lil one on Friday.
Amazing morning...I saw 3 bucks, all shooters and one was a solid 130+ 8 but all were doing mach 5 chasing.
I was covered up in deer from 5 minutes in the stand till...

About 9:45 I hear car tires screeching, a thump and crunch.
The stand is maybe 100 yards off a 55mph road...seconds later this guy came in from the same direction hurt pretty badly. Broken front shoulder and a few ribs cracked. Broke the right side of his antlers off...He layed down at 8 yards and I put him out of his misery. Nearly straight down but I hit the heart...30 seconds and he was done.
Kinda bummed the hunt ended that way but what could I do?
Hindsight I should have let him lay for a bit and kept hunting maybe:confused:
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=9&pictureid=3426

Here's another pic of a button lookin' lonely...I only assume his mom was one of the does getting sexually harassed.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=9&pictureid=3424

Saw another good buck on Saturday am but every time I'd grunt him to a stop (3x) he'd take 2-3 more steps and get his vitals covered by a dang tree:lol:

[deathfromabove]

I took lil one on Friday.
Amazing morning...I saw 3 bucks, all shooters and one was a solid 130+ 8 but all were doing mach 5 chasing.
I was covered up in deer from 5 minutes in the stand till...

About 9:45 I hear car tires screeching, a thump and crunch.
The stand is maybe 100 yards off a 55mph road...seconds later this guy came in from the same direction hurt pretty badly. Broken front shoulder and a few ribs cracked. Broke the right side of his antlers off...He layed down at 8 yards and I put him out of his misery. Nearly straight down but I hit the heart...30 seconds and he was done.
Kinda bummed the hunt ended that way but what could I do?
Hindsight I should have let him lay for a bit and kept hunting maybe:confused:
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=9&pictureid=3426

Here's another pic of a button lookin' lonely...I only assume his mom was one of the does getting sexually harassed.
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=9&pictureid=3424

Saw another good buck on Saturday am but every time I'd grunt him to a stop (3x) he'd take 2-3 more steps and get his vitals covered by a dang tree:lol:

That is crazy stuff right there.........well done......

[davidshane]

That's unreal! I'm glad you were able to put the guy out of comission. While I'm a hunter and have killed a lot of deer, I hate to see any animal suffer.

Was the insides too damaged for eating or are you able to use some for table fare?

[Kelly Johnson]

That's unreal! I'm glad you were able to put the guy out of comission. While I'm a hunter and have killed a lot of deer, I hate to see any animal suffer.

Was the insides too damaged for eating or are you able to use some for table fare?

Front shoulder and neck were lost...the rest was in fair to good shape. He was quartered and hanging to age in my fridge 2 hrs after his last breath...that and the fact that the injury was so fresh made it pretty worthwhile meat wise but damn, I have plenty already.

Next one's going to the Sportsman Against Hunger.

[Slice]

You did the right thing Kelly. I had the same thing happen a couple years ago on opening of gun. But mine was only a spike and my only tag.

[Gilbey]

Fine job guys. Sliced my left pointer finger this weekend on an accident. Looks like the bow is not going to be picked up the rest of the year. But like the wife said....at least it's not the ole trigger finger! a nice 8 was taken out at camp on friday. grunting right up a doe's rear end.......:evil:

[Pick Daddy]

Heading north FRiday morning, til Monday night. Hopefully. I can't remember a season so slow for me. I have tried everything, cover scent, doe in heat scent, rattling, apple cider sprayed in trees, still nothing. I know I will see deer north, but golly, I need one hanging

[omega58]

Well, we had some roadkill Friday night as well. While we were unpacking, my buddy says, "I think somebody just hit a deer". . .we start walking out to the road and "BOOM". . .we stop, look at each other, both wondering. . . .turns out a deputy hit the deer and as he put it "put one in the brainstem." So, we had venison roadkill along with our ducks for dinner the next night.

I'll be heading up on Friday. . .hopefully, I pick the right blind.;) Will be a nice switch from bird hunting for a little bit. . .at least I'll try to put in some time for the team.

[davidshane]

Whats going on boys? Our team has gone into silent mode.

[omega58]

Whats going on boys? Our team has gone into silent mode.

Well, I plan on filling my doe tag this weekend sometime. . .passed on a 1 1/2 yo 7 point on the 15th, only buck I've seen. I don't think the full moon helped out at all. Hopefully the bucks cooperate this weekend as well, but I am guessing muzzleloader season will be buck time.

[TVCEAST05]

Opening weekend I saw a couple yearling bucks but no shooters. There was hardly any shots by my place so i'm still hopefull. I'm heading back this wednesday thru sunday...I should have a doe down at the very least by saturday.

[funebonz880]

no shooters during gun season for me yet.

[Gilbey]

No shooters either. Saw some chasing, heard some chasing, saw some racks, but no shots. One chasing was a shooter but I only saw him for an instant as he charged several does into thick cover:(

[Pick Daddy]

This is by far the most frustarting season I can remember. I saw two little ones opening weekend. Nothing since. Even my honey hole has dried up. Heading up for Turkey day, so hopefully something will happen.

[deathfromabove]

i'm huntin hard.....but the big fella is winning....we need some super cold weather to bring the big guys out to feed during daylight hours.....;)

could be the makin of a great muzzle loader season......

[Kelly Johnson]

Well I've blown more shots on good bucks this season than I've had shots at good bucks EVER:rolleyes:

I won't bore with details but suffice to say that Muzzleloaders in the rain aren't the best combination.

I've been sick as a dog the past week and may just take a break till ML season myself.

[davidshane]

Well I've blown more shots on good bucks this season than I've had shots at good bucks EVER:rolleyes:

I won't bore with details but suffice to say that Muzzleloaders in the rain aren't the best combination.

I've been sick as a dog the past week and may just take a break till ML season myself.

I hope you get feeling better Kelly.

Remember, on any given day you could be bleassed with a monster buck! Just keep getting out there and putting in the work.;)

[Pick Daddy]

This has been the worst deer season in memoery. Having the state clear cut 2 of the 4 sides outside or 92 avres probably didn't help. I have been to my secret honey hole in Davison the last times and have only seen a few squirrels.

IT SUCKS!!! I need venison.

[funebonz880]

Well guys, things have been pretty slow over at my deer stand. No bucks seen since Nov 16th. I did take a doe last wednesday, but other than the cue balls there aint nothin.

[omega58]

Well, on to ML season for me. . .I promise not to pass up a doe then like this past weekend.

[QDMAMAN]

Well I've blown more shots on good bucks this season than I've had shots at good bucks EVER:rolleyes:

I won't bore with details but suffice to say that Muzzleloaders in the rain aren't the best combination.

I've been sick as a dog the past week and may just take a break till ML season myself.



:sick::gaga: boo hoo.

These reasons or excuses?:D:lol::lol:

Big T

[Gilbey]

Hunted hard opening week to no avail. Biggest seen was a basket 8 and a brief glimpse of a nice one chasing. Didn't even have time to reach towards my gun.

Well, muzzle season is upon us. The Encore is loaded and ready to rock. I still have doe and buck tag. Should get out Friday day, but then won't be able to hunt until Monday.

Work always seems to get in the way:dizzy:

[Gilbey]

Well, looks pretty quiet here...............

Anyways, thought I'd throw a post up. I shot at a buck the other night. Running after a doe. All i know is that he had an impressive rack but didn't offer me a good shot, 99% sure that it was a non hit. But with the snow conditions.............He was chasing 3 does to be exact looking for some love, and I tried to pound a sabot through 60 yards of cedar followed by 20 yards of tag alders.........while trotting at a good pace.

Don't ever think I will know 100%.:(

Doe harvest day is thursday.

[Kelly Johnson]

:sick::gaga: boo hoo.

These reasons or excuses?:D:lol::lol:

Big T

Take your pick T...the result is the same:(:lol:

[Gilbey]

Well.......pounded a doe like I said, is it worth posting it? Haven't seen anything more than a 6 point since the nice racker last week.

Not going to late season bow hunt, so wrapping it up and washing my gear, putting it away in the storage bins til next October, clearning up the guns and oiling them. Still have some treestands in the woods, but with all the snow.....may be til next spring.

Fun year, to sum it up, would say a lot of 2 1/2 yr old bucks overall, with not much in terms of the older bucks.......

Overall population in the UP from first hand sightings on my land and at camp, probably looking at 40%ish off........

And with the way this winter is starting off.......

We're going to see huge winter kill this year. Mark my words.

[Pick Daddy]

The worse season for me in 25 years bar none!!!