Magic Bucks 2018

Magicman · July 21, 2018, 08:10:14 PM

Yup, it's time to start thinking about this Fall/Winter's hunt. Marty, Grandson Luke, and I went to the Cabin this morning to start the initial preparations.

I did a bit of herbicide spraying to kill the grasses and weeds in the plots that will be seeded with Oats and Wheat.

I do not provide any corn or other supplemental feed but obviously my neighboring landowners do. It seems that deer have eaten corn somewhere and then "planted" it here in my food plot, probably will some "fertilizer" too.

After this vegetation dies I will bushhog it to the ground before subsoiling, disking, and planting.

samandothers · July 21, 2018, 10:53:42 PM

Wow that is a big area to spray! Good equipment to ease the burden but that is a big area to spray!

Southside · July 22, 2018, 12:04:10 AM

You sure that's corn Lynn? At first I thought Milo, but then the seed head in the middle of the second photo said Johnson Grass.

Magicman · July 22, 2018, 08:01:27 AM

Yes there is Johnson Grass which is primarily what I was spraying for.

Milo, I think that you hit upon something because I did see a seed head that I wondered about. Actually a couple of seed heads are visible in the picture. This makes sense that a few Milo seed were mixed in with either the Oat or Wheat seed when I planted. I saw the wide leaves and thought Corn without really examining the stalks very closely. Thanks for the sharp eye.

Magicman · September 15, 2018, 10:04:04 PM

I will spend several days at the Cabin next week getting the food plots subsoiled, disc, and planted.

Only one month and Marty and I will be leaving on our Colorado Elk Hunt. No time to waste.

Magicman · September 20, 2018, 08:09:54 PM

Got a kinda late start this morning but I should be able to finish tomorrow. I sprayed herbicide on July 21st so the grass was already dead.

First I bushhogged the dead grass to sorta tear it up.

The single tooth subsoiler does a good job on the initial breaking before discing. I have one more small patch to subsoil in the morning before I start discing.

PatD had a Prime Strip medium rare with the fixin's ready when I quit for the day.

Magicman · September 21, 2018, 09:22:28 PM

Subsoiling finished so this morning it was a simple matter to disc all of the food plots.

A hopper full of Bob Oats and Wheat, covered and done. Well that was until a Grandson decided that he wanted to plant an opening in the woods.

Unfortunately it had not been sprayed but I still did the bushhog, subsoil, and discing. He hand planted, I covered, and then we called it finished. Now we need a Magic Buck to show up.

I'll check my rifles' zero and do some shooting tomorrow getting ready for Colorado in October.

LaneC · September 22, 2018, 09:13:39 PM

Good thing you do not have any Cogongrass. That stuff is miserably bad down here. It is so invasive, it is unreal. I hope you do not get that anywhere up there. The plots look great.

Magicman · October 04, 2018, 02:42:12 PM

I planted on September 21, and this is the first time that I have seen it since then.

This looks good!! Happy Happy Happy!!

Magicman · October 05, 2018, 01:14:22 PM

I should finish bushhogging this evening since I only have about 15 more acres left. So far it's Bushhog 1 and rattlesnake 0.

Magicman · October 05, 2018, 09:21:36 PM

I did finish the bushhogging and this is in the Strawfield looking toward the food plot. The Strawhouse is directly behind me.

The final snake count was Bushhog 1, Rattleshake 0, and Cottonmouth 1. Yup, when the Cottonmouth realized that it was going to be a battle with the tractor/bushhog, it checked out.

My "Sweetie" did bring me some refreshments. Now for you tree guys, what are the saplings that I am bushhogging? Some are over 6' tall and that is this year's growth. I am gonna have to give them a shot of 2,4-D Amine next year.

Jeff · October 06, 2018, 07:41:36 PM

Now you need just the perfect amounts of rain this year.

Magicman · October 06, 2018, 08:02:50 PM

It's raining now so I just might make a trip over about Tuesday and top dress with Ammonia.

OntarioAl · October 06, 2018, 10:32:03 PM

I see that a rattlesnake with an aggressive nature has been removed from the gene pool, too bad the cottonmouth was a wus and ran. ;D
cheers
Al

Jeff · October 06, 2018, 11:02:33 PM

Speaking of magic bucks...
The Forestry Forum Buck. - YouTube

Bricklayer51 · October 07, 2018, 08:02:04 AM

Now that there is funny I don't care you are.

Magicman · October 07, 2018, 09:14:33 AM

Yup and oftentimes "Magic Bucks" get the last laugh. :D

Jeff · October 07, 2018, 09:34:44 AM

Many times!

Magicman · October 09, 2018, 08:05:15 PM

I top dressed the food plots with ammonia today.

If you scrolled back you would see that all of the food plot prep pictures have been taken from this same spot with one exception when the Grandson was planting.

The Strawhouse even said that it was ready for Deer Season. ;D

Magicman · November 01, 2018, 07:08:39 PM

I am not happy with what I found today because Army Worms have wrecked havoc with my food plots.

Here is my Strawfield food plot on October 4th. The young Oats and Wheat are 4"-6" tall.

And here is the same food plot today. I top dressed it with Ammonia on October 9th so it should have been thick and close to 10" tall.

The only thing that is green is junk weeds that have sprouted after I planted. I found no Oats nor Wheat. :-\

Jeff · November 01, 2018, 07:15:00 PM

Well that ain't good!

Magicman · November 01, 2018, 07:56:43 PM

They did it quick. The trail camera pictures show that there was grass on the 12th and gone on the 17th. :-\

Thankfully both the Strawfield and the Back plots naturally have a good stand of Fescue which will serve until whatever else may still come up. I may hand seed Rye which will sprout without being tilled/covered.

Southside · November 01, 2018, 08:31:07 PM

Can you get some crimson clover and toss that in too?

Magicman · November 01, 2018, 09:19:15 PM

Probably but it would not come up until Spring.

Southside · November 01, 2018, 09:55:26 PM

Around here if I plant Crimson until early October it will come up the same year, and leaf out, then come spring it will take off.

Magicman · November 01, 2018, 10:35:42 PM

Didn't know that. It's amazing what you can learn here on the FF that has nothing to do with forests. I'll throw some in my mix next year. ;D

Bad thing about Army Worms is that you are not safe until the first killing frost and for us that might not happen until December. :-\

Magicman · November 06, 2018, 07:37:39 PM

I went to the Cabin today and broadcast another 150 lbs of Ammonia on the two food plots. There is still some late germinating happening plus the worms did not get everything. I believe that the partially salvaged plots plus the Fescue will still be enough draw for the deer. The plots are in a bottom bordering the creek and has always been an evening gathering place anyway.

Our rifle season opens on Nov, 17th and continues through January 31st. The rifle bag limit is 3 bucks (10" inside spread or 13" main beam) and three does. I have a self imposed limit and have not killed 3 bucks since the 1996-97 season. I doubt that I have ever killed 3 does during any season year. I just love to go and sit.

This has been my opening morning view for many years.

Southside · November 06, 2018, 07:47:47 PM

I like that minimum size requirement. It sure would help around here, hardly anything makes it past 2.5 years old, 150 lbs live weigh is considered big, we could have some really nice deer in these parts with a little more management and a little less "if it's brown it's down" approach.

Texas Ranger · November 07, 2018, 02:21:30 PM

Polk County, Texas. We catch these on well fertilized pasture and game management areas that feed minerals year round.

Magicman · November 07, 2018, 03:39:11 PM

I got his brother last year.

:D

mike_belben · November 13, 2018, 08:50:26 AM

Too bad about the food plot. Whats the ammonia supposed to do?

Im curious, would it not be better to turn the initial grass under with a light rototil for soil building? Thats a lot of free nitrogen. Or maybe roll crimp it and seed into it as a cover crop? That bare dirt dries out real fast and growth rates get stunted for lack of moisture retention.

I dont know if deer like it but my collards and buttercrunch lettuce took right off when the temps dropped, still growing fine. Im told turnip and potato greens is the magic deer crop. Next year.

maple flats · November 13, 2018, 11:09:12 AM

I've shot plenty of both, but prefer a doe for the best eating. I'm not into looking for a big rack, but I will shoot one if I get a chance. 3 years ago, my grandson shot a 7 point buck from my shooting house in the blueberries. It weighed 235# hanging weight. That is unusual for around here. The heaviest buck I ever got was only 185# and I actually got 1 doe that was 175#, most are 120-150 and most busks here are 135-160. We have no minimum size for bucks, thus most shot are 1.5 or 2.5 years old. I however once got an old timer, well past prime at 9 or 10 yrs old, almost no teeth left and his 7 point rack was very small.
In my blueberries I allow many others to hunt there, but only by permission. I only want 1 in there at any time except a party of 2 can hunt, usually one on drive while one sits in the shooting house. The shooting house is between 2 blueberry fields, that way the driver can walk towards the shooting house with the wind at their back. Our normal wind is from the north or north west, or from the south east or south. Either direction works at this location. With just a shooter in the house, with the house essentially in the middle they can look out any window where the wind is blowing into it. I have even seen plenty of deer when the wind is going towards the deer in this location too. Likely because there are people in the fields so often, because workers are there every few days up until the snow gets too deep and then again as the snow starts to melt.

Magicman · November 13, 2018, 12:21:54 PM

Mike, everything was not totally destroyed. The Army Worms missed some plus there is volunteer and late germinating seed still sprouting. To till would kill and eliminate this growth thus putting any new growth weeks away. I considered broadcasting Rye (which does not require covering) but I felt that the new growth that I saw would be sufficient. Also as I previously mentioned, both plots are surrounded by Fescue. I bushhogged it forcing new growth which will make it more attractive.

The Ammonia Nitrate (Urea) that I broadcast will give the volunteer and late germinating sprouts a jump start. Even though I was sorta ripped about the Army Worm damage, I will be OK.

mike_belben · November 14, 2018, 09:49:11 AM

Sorry lynn i wasnt clear enough in my question, i was referring to the initial grass you had to spray. Id have thought tilling it in a few inches would have helped richen the topsoil and save on spray cost. It looks to be a big patch!

Magicman · November 14, 2018, 11:41:09 AM

For several years I tried just subsoiling and discing but the root clumps refused to die. This next year I plan to spray very early and kill such as Bahia and Johnson grass before it seeds. If I can get ahead of the curve maybe I can eliminate all spraying.

mike_belben · November 14, 2018, 12:37:53 PM

Southside · November 14, 2018, 02:34:50 PM

Magicman - Johnson grass spreads by seed and rhyzome, so by discing it you will actually help it to spread. The only effective way to kill both Johnson grass and K31 Fescue is what they call "spray, smother, spray" where you apply an early burn down, followed by a heavy planting of a nurse crop - sugar cane would work well in your area, maybe even mix in some cow peas for nitrogen that is then terminated - rolling works better I find, and no tilling in your target crop.

Magicman · November 15, 2018, 07:44:55 PM

I sat in the Strawhouse this evening and saw 11 deer before the wind got me. Also 13 turkeys.

An 8 and a 6.

Same two bucks. Neither were shooters but it was nice to see them. Our season opens Saturday.

Magicman · November 16, 2018, 07:19:21 PM

Pat went with me this evening to the Strawhouse. We saw 22 deer which included 6 branch antlered Bucks, nothing outstanding.

I will be sitting on my normal opening day perch tomorrow morning.

Magicman · November 17, 2018, 09:42:45 PM

We saw 16 deer this evening, 4 of which were probably some of the same bucks that we have previously seen. I had a real show this morning with a spotted fawn rubbing his head on a Black Locust sapling. I had forgotten to carry the video camera with me.

Southside · November 17, 2018, 11:04:59 PM

That sure is a lot of deer to see, very nice indeed. It was opening ~~headache~~ day here today too. Usually there is no traffic out our way - since there really is no population, but today it was a constant stream of pickups racing by with a GPS in hand trying to get ahead of the dogs. I laughed this evening walking back from moving cows as I passed through the log yard and could see that the mud I cut tracks in yesterday with the skidder was absolutely polluted with deer tracks.

Magicman · November 18, 2018, 07:40:35 AM

Our deer sighting numbers are running normal. I saw 5 yesterday morning which was also normal for a morning hunt. I was in the woods and our leaves have not fallen yet so you may not get more than a glance as they move through. We seem to have a massive crop of acorns.

Deer are coming to the food plots even though the Oats/Wheat is sparse but they are also spending more time in the Fescue as I predicted that they would do.

I have gotten a better look at the 6 & 8 pointers that I first saw Thursday evening. They are much older than I thought so they may get taken out.

goose63 · November 18, 2018, 09:42:41 AM

Wish I had a picture but don't the game wordens cought a pocher up by Killdeer N.D. with what thy will be a state record Mule deer record.

Yes I did not get mine.

Magicman · November 22, 2018, 09:47:13 AM

We finally got a "Magic Buck" on the meat pole.

A Grandson got this 17" inside spread 8 point yesterday evening.

Jeff · November 22, 2018, 02:12:21 PM

Nice!

Magicman · November 22, 2018, 07:07:41 PM

The same Grandson has gotten two more......with his truck. One last night and another tonight. Instead of going to the butcher shop he will be going to the body shop.

He is sick. He just bought the 2017 Toyota Tacoma last week.

Southside · November 22, 2018, 08:52:47 PM

Well - the one in the photo is a nice buck. What did he weigh?

Magicman · November 22, 2018, 08:58:29 PM

Not weighed but our bucks normally run 150-175 lbs.

GAB · November 23, 2018, 09:35:52 AM

Quote from: Magicman on November 22, 2018, 07:07:41 PM
The same Grandson has gotten two more......with his truck. One last night and another tonight. Instead of going to the butcher shop he will be going to the body shop.

He is sick. He just bought the 2017 Toyota Tacoma last week.

He's not wasting any time breaking that truck in is he?
Gerald

Magicman · November 23, 2018, 07:19:42 PM

I saw 3 this evening. Doe, 6, & an 8. It was raining and they came in late. I'll hunt tomorrow and then plan to be back next week. I hope to skid that big Red Oak out.

Magicman · November 24, 2018, 10:38:44 AM

I saw 10-12 this morning with a small 8 point. Some were being chased by 2 dogs. Legal but still makes me angry. There has been no dog hunting in many years. These were "porch" dogs out on their own.

Texas Ranger · November 24, 2018, 11:21:29 AM

I do not hunt anymore, so, this morning at 6:30, 6 does paraded across my back lawn, beautiful.

Magicman · November 24, 2018, 12:31:12 PM

I hope that the day never comes when I have to shoot to enjoy hunting.

Magicman · November 24, 2018, 10:04:13 PM

I saw nothing this evening.....as in zero.

Magicman · December 04, 2018, 08:08:40 PM

I saw 19 deer this evening, 5 of which were bucks, 2 of which were 8 pointers, 1 of which was nice. Nope I did not shoot and I had no intention of shooting when I went. I went to enjoy and I did.

Magicman · December 06, 2018, 09:57:47 PM

Looks like the Grandson has moved from Bucks to Ducks.

Very few young people enjoy the outdoors like he does and it doesn't matter whether it is hunting or fishing. Deer, ducks, turkeys, or doves. Archery or gun. He is "all in".

WV Sawmiller · December 07, 2018, 08:40:14 AM

I declare fowl. :D I came to this site to see big dead deer not Daffy and Daisy's cousins. For shame! >:( >:(

I bet the dog had a good time.

Dakota · December 07, 2018, 09:38:41 AM

I love labs.

samandothers · December 07, 2018, 11:52:20 AM

Looks like the grandson is is quite good at ducks. Beautiful Lab.

mike_belben · December 09, 2018, 08:01:41 PM

think im getting warmer on one of those "magic bucks."

Magicman · December 09, 2018, 10:35:12 PM

He went thataway. Now what rifle is that?

mike_belben · December 09, 2018, 10:49:01 PM

Thompson center, think its a venture in "weathershield" finish. .270 winchester.

Texas Ranger · December 11, 2018, 04:39:01 PM

Getting some weird racks in Polk County.

Texas Ranger · December 12, 2018, 03:12:21 PM

The girls do well in Polk County, as well, notice mom in the background wonder what dad has got himself into now

Chuck White · December 12, 2018, 07:00:59 PM

Really nice pair of bucks!

Jeff · December 12, 2018, 07:39:16 PM

Where is the big fence?

mike_belben · December 13, 2018, 09:23:25 PM

Right!?

You can put a lotta hours in the woods here over rubs, tracks, scrapes, fresh pellets etc and not see a thing. When you do, one leaf crackle or wrong gust and poof, gone.

Texas Ranger · December 13, 2018, 09:34:55 PM

Jeff, probably high fence, but not for sure, we have produced some of these in open range.

bags · December 14, 2018, 08:26:29 AM

Hmmm--- mom looks like a cow elk.

Magicman · December 14, 2018, 08:57:02 AM

I was wondering who else would catch that. Not surprised that it was you. :D

WV Sawmiller · December 14, 2018, 09:42:40 AM

At least she's not a duck. :D

I think we need more pictures of pretty ladies with big bucks on the FF.

Texas Ranger · December 14, 2018, 04:04:15 PM

Not to many cow elk in east Texas, but would make a shorter trip for Magic. 8)

Texas Ranger · December 14, 2018, 04:11:14 PM

Quote from: WV Sawmiller on December 14, 2018, 09:42:40 AM
At least she's not a duck. :D

I think we need more pictures of pretty ladies with big bucks on the FF.

Your wish,,,,,

Texas Ranger · December 14, 2018, 04:11:56 PM

Texas Ranger · December 14, 2018, 04:12:31 PM

Magicman · December 21, 2018, 09:54:14 PM

No Bucks but more Ducks.

He and his buddies are doing quite well. The good thing is they don't eat Duck but the Grandson does. ;D

Magicman · December 23, 2018, 08:38:10 PM

Granddaughter got a big old 8 point buck last night.

Ouch !!! She is OK, but the deer and her car didn't fair too well.

WV Sawmiller · December 23, 2018, 09:46:16 PM

Lynn,

For Christmas be sure and stop at your nearest truck stop and get her a stick on deer decal like the truckers use to put on their trucks like airplane pilots used to paint plane or tanks or other "kills" on their planes. :D :D :D

Southside · December 23, 2018, 10:58:10 PM

Get her a green star - combat aviators will know the significance that WV is talking about. :D

Jeff · December 23, 2018, 11:31:24 PM

WATCH: Police car hits deer sending it flying through air, the animal escapes, Kenton County Police - YouTube

Dakota · December 24, 2018, 08:26:30 AM

It looked like he scrambled to his feet and ran off? Nice recovery.

Magicman · December 25, 2018, 08:58:07 AM

This one didn't scramble and run off.

Grandson got this 8 point this morning.

Bandmill Bandit · December 25, 2018, 12:50:38 PM

Very nice Buck BUT in this country we'd call that a 4 point Buck.

I've only ever seen one 7 point and heard of one 8 point in this country. The 7 Pointer was an old buck that was in still nice shape but you could tell he was starting to fade as he had a definite limp on his rather stiff right front leg. I couldn't even bring my rifle to my shoulder to take aim he was so magnificent. I just let him walk away.

Shot a 6 point that year about a week later. That was november 1978.

Magicman · December 25, 2018, 01:49:55 PM

Quote from: Bandmill Bandit on December 25, 2018, 12:50:38 PMBUT in this country we'd call that a 4 point Buck.

BUT he ain't in your country. ;D Yes, I am very familiar with the "Western count" which counts the single antler with the most points and is mostly done with Elk, Mule and Blacktail Deer. In some areas in Western states the count is now stated as a 4X4, 5X4, 6X6, etc. which gives credit for all of the points that a buck/bull is carrying.