Whether I see a deer tonight is irrelevant. It was worth the walk out in the start of this first major snow just for the scenery. It is just flat out beautiful. Now it's time to sit down and settle back and hope there is a bonus to the walk out. I either just heard snow thunder or Blasting from the dolomite quarry.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141110_153924.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141110_154027.jpg)
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I LOVE being in the woods when it's like that. It's just awesome, beautiful.
You're right, whether you see anything or not, it's irrelevant.
I like it when it's snowing hard too. Sit long enough and you get natural camouflage :)
Bonus.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141110_170506.jpg)
Those are some well fed does!
AHHH!
Makes me want to be out hunting!
Our rifle season starts Saturday 8)
You are lucky Jeff. No snow here. And turning colder (20° below average for a few days).
Snow is a treat for us here in Mississippi, and hunting in the snow would be over the top. :snowball1:
Quote from: celliott on November 10, 2014, 05:54:25 PM
AHHH!
Makes me want to be out hunting!
Our rifle season starts Saturday 8)
Our rifle opener is Saturday too.
Those does look like their wearing their winter coats already.
That's beautiful Jeff, that's on your new property right? Those deer look to be in very good condition too, have you been seeing any bucks?
the only time i like snow is for hunting but not the first few days it makes it to easy for the city slickers to see them :D ours starts Saturday to witch reminds me i need to get my motorized tree stand running again ;) nice pic boss
Nice deer condo! 8) what's in the thermos?
I love walking in a light snow. Everything sounds different almost like I'm wearing earmuffs.
Are you going to take a doe this year Jeff?
I've had every chance to take a doe, but so far opted out. I know there are some bucks out there. A couple decent ones. I'd just as soon leave the breeding stock be this year. :)
Some photos shop rendering of a picture I took last night from my walk out to hunt.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/2014-11-11_15_11_41.jpg)
Quote from: Jeff on November 11, 2014, 01:37:42 PM
I've had every chance to take a doe, but so far opted out. I know there are some bucks out there. A couple decent ones. I'd just as soon leave the breeding stock be this year. :)
Around here, unfortunately, most all hunters [bow & rifle] will not kill a doe in season. Nowadays, most all the hunters have their cameras, they have their salad green to hard feed food plots, and their feeders. The doe are swarming, but the hunters are waiting on that super trophy buck they've watched now for three months on camera. they're not gonna shoot that old lead doe and mess up the plot area, no sir.
But at some point in the future when doe-buck ratios begin affecting trophy quality... will they begin shooting does?
Interesting the thought on shooting a doe, and I've filled a few doe tags. Here in Oregon, archery hunters are allowed the choice (in almost all areas) in regular season. Rifle hunters not so, a separate doe tag is needed in a separate season (later). The idea is to cull the does to a "manageable" level, whatever that might be. But the practice has mostly ended in eastern Oregon, where there used to be tons of doe tags available, until one severe winter wiped out close to 80% of the herds in certain areas. Uh, maybe not such a good idea to shoot the reproducers. Nowadays, IMO, doe tags are a revenue vehicle for the Fish and Game. After just checking the synopsis, there are roughly 10 applicants for every doe tag issued. Each applicant pays a fee, it is not refunded if you don't get the tag.
Ive no problem killing a doe, but when perhaps you only have 4 does left in a section due to predation and winter kill, its a different mind set than when you have lots of deer. I wish we did have lots so I could shoot one with good conscience. There are NO doe permits available in the U.P. and the only way you can take one is during archery season.
Nice,my friend John who lives over in Boon,Mi.got 2 bucks ad one doe so far with his bow ,but hes been hunting steady for over 3 weeks. Rifle season starts here tomorrow,but we dont have many deer this year due to lots of snow last winter.i really dont care if i get one or not ,but its nice to get out in the woods again. We have no snow here yet!! Don
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/snow.jpg)
What's in the thermos? I was wondering what you had for lunch while enjoying the scenery, we always enjoyed some bean soup in one thermos, and good ole black coffee in the other. On a different subject, although does are a good harvest, I like Jeff, have to agree on leaving the home does alone, they will at some time drag in a good buck. One doe equals three deer next spring, on average.
Quote from: Jeff on November 11, 2014, 06:37:58 PM
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/snow.jpg)
They say a photo[picture] is worth a thousand words....you certainly have captured the one and only artist of the outdoors...Mother Nature!
I was just figuring up of the only two does I've taken over the past six years both were lactating, rifle season, middle of November, southern Missouri. And, that's a big turn-off for me.
Quote from: chain on November 11, 2014, 04:56:42 PM
Around here, unfortunately, most all hunters [bow & rifle] will not kill a doe in season. Nowadays, most all the hunters have their cameras, they have their salad green to hard feed food plots, and their feeders. The doe are swarming, but the hunters are waiting on that super trophy buck they've watched now for three months on camera. they're not gonna shoot that old lead doe and mess up the plot area, no sir.
But at some point in the future when doe-buck ratios begin affecting trophy quality... will they begin shooting does?
The UP deer herd took a very hard licking last Winter... most of Northern Michigan too, for that matter. We've watched the same 5 Deer on our cams since the first of September. Two Does and three Bucks. I don't bow hunt, but my Dad does. Usually, he and his friend each take a Doe during archery season. I told him last month he probably ought to pass on the Does this year. He agreed.
I think that a conscientious hunter hunting on their own land, or land they are emotionally connected to, is the very best judge on management of the deer within their "domain".
Here are a few more photos from up here at the cabin from the last couple days.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin1.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin2.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin3.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin4.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin5.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin6.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin7.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin8.jpg)
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(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/cabin12.jpg)
Getting some hints from Rodney??
https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,77614.0.html
I saw a Sasquatch.
Thats the Gorton Fisherman I think.
:)
I think their all nice enough for framing... even that fisherman guy. ;)
Very nice pix Jeff. I always follow your hunting threads with interest.
Last pic looks to me like Hemingway
Jon
This is my oldest personal possession. It is a knit hat I have had since at least before I was 12. It has been repaired many times, but it is still very wearable. I decided to bring it along this year. I usually don't wear it hunting, but this year I will. The foam decoy is home made after seeing one a friend had. A little foam, paint and some cardboard paint templates and ya got a decoy! you can roll it up and stick it in your pocket.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/2014-11-13_21_12_02.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141103_142826-1.jpg)
:) :) :) Pretty cool decoy. Wearing the hat this year may bring good luck....ya never know. :)
It's snowing here in Vermont 8) Ground is white, shaping up to be a good opening day tomorrow :)
How's the hunting going Jeff? Loving the pictures, our rifle season started today but we're so far behind with harvest and cattle stuff I didn't get a permit, might have to get an archery permit later, I miss jerky ;D.
Photo update from the deer blind half way through opening day of rifle season.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141115_122141.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141115_102724.jpg)
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The Old Cap put the Old Man to sleep. :)
I did see a sasquatch.
I love a good nap after a 'Grand Slam Breakfast' too! ;)
Sorry, poor grammar.
I should have said, "I did saw a sasquatch."
Speaking of seeing things, does anyone else see the winking face in the cookie?
Yep,saw it too.
Its a deer cookie.
Maybe da OP was thinking about deer when he ate it just before he took ah snooze. smiley_sleeping
I spent the morning clearing downed trees from our trails, then decided to try something new. Drag an old pair of underwear through the trails. ( clean and saturated with synthetic doe urine.) I'm ready to go home so if dragging underwear through the woods helps, I'm in! :D I am now in the blind for the rest of the day hoping to see some fruits (of the loom?) Of my labor.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141117_134030.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141117_121218.jpg)
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picture from last evening. Most deer we have ever saw in the field at one time in 20 years here. All bald though.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141116_170938-1.jpg)
QuoteI'm ready to go home so
Yup, when you're out of underwear, time to go.
If'n we'd known earlier, could'a sent you some up. ;D
Sorry to hear you are not seeing the bucks.
I was out Friday, not seeing anything. So decided to do some grunt tube effort. About 15 minute intervals in an hour.
Don't know if that caused the yearling 8 pt to show up, but one did. Easy shot with the xbow.
I got lots of underwear. That was a sparepair
I'd stay up here forever, but this year I'm all by myself, so, it's not the same.
I just put this together and was able to upload it via my phone from right here in my deer blind.Hunting 2014: http://youtu.be/fsQggWX49js
Pat and I enjoyed your clip. It's so neat knowing that we have been there. :)
Is that a feeder with all the deer in the pic?
yup. spin feeder.
If I had a place like that you would never see me in town.
Boss you got the life 8)
Watch out for all those illegal liberals immigrating to Canada.
Appears too many does, the bucks are all laid up. You need the bucket feeder that dials up "Bucks Only" be sure to shoot only when his head is in the bucket........... :)
{old Ozark joke}
I think it's white beard weather again today.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141118_143120.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/2014-11-18_14_56_28.jpg)
I wanna see some RED snow. :)
They say bucks will move when it snows. It's only snowing because the wind is bad. Lake effect. They say deer don't like to move in the wind. So, I'm here waiting for a dislexic buck that doesnt read.
I have spent many hours and days deer hunting without shooting, or even seeing a buck. I do not feel that any of them were wasted because just giving your mind the opportunity to think without thinking is a wonderful thing. smiley_dizzy Kinda excites the creative juices. :)
Quote from: Magicman on November 18, 2014, 04:52:01 PM
I have spent many hours and days deer hunting without shooting, or even seeing a buck. I do not feel that any of them were wasted because just giving your mind the opportunity to think without thinking is a wonderful thing. smiley_dizzy Kinda excites the creative juices. :)
You tipped the hat MM.....{creative juices} I'll give you a tip from an old trapper who passed it to me and you can pass it on to only your most trusted hunting friends, OK?
'Beaver castor gland lure,' just hang it and bag it. Interestingly, most all wild animals are attracted to beaver lure, even the wily and shrewdest of old bucks. Even human bucks, after all it was the base for many perfumes. Now you know!
Tonight was the most fun I have had in a deer blind in years. No shooter buck, but a nice sized spike horn was making it really interesting trying to round up a doe that didn't want to have anything to do with him. Lots of chasing and deer going every which way. I kept hoping I'd see a keeper come creeping in along the woodline, but it got dark on me and they were still playing their snowdeer games tonight! What fun when You have no idea how many deer you saw in an evening.
Quote from: Jeff on November 18, 2014, 03:53:59 PM
They say bucks will move when it snows. It's only snowing because the wind is bad. Lake effect. They say deer don't like to move in the wind. So, I'm here waiting for a dislexic buck that doesnt read.
:D :D :D :D :D
Hoping for an illiterate buck to come your way.
the differance between beer nut and deer nuts... beer nuts are 1.25 and deer nuts are under a buck. :D okay i'll go sticker wood now or something :)
Just be sure to keep those stickers lined up, even though your hands are froze ;D.
Quote from: Jeff on November 18, 2014, 06:21:23 PM
Tonight was the most fun I have had in a deer blind in years. No shooter buck, but a nice sized spike horn was making it really interesting trying to round up a doe that didn't want to have anything to do with him. Lots of chasing and deer going every which way. I kept hoping I'd see a keeper come creeping in along the woodline, but it got dark on me and they were still playing their snowdeer games tonight! What fun when You have no idea how many deer you saw in an evening.
If I didn't know better, I'd think you's hunting our place Boss. The snow came so hard all week, along with the cold (13°f as I'm typing), that the deer have begun yarding up here. Up till last week, we had the same couple Does visiting. Since the weather hit, the deer have been coming in up to nine at a time. No Bucks though. Not even on the trail cams at night.
Had a good laugh on my youngest brother Monday morning though.
He came in for breakfast about 10:00, grabbed a coffee and sits down with me at the table. "Nuttin,'' I asked?
"Nope,'' he answers. ''Just three black squirrels on the corn feeder... oh, and a wild cat.''
''Wait a minute. A wild cat?''
''Yea, you know... a wild house cat. It came creaping in on its belly like it was stalking them squirrells. But, the squirrels seen it, ran up to the very tops of the trees and started chirping up a storm. Then the cat took off running. Funny though...''
''What's that?''
''His tail was cut off. It was only this long.'' (He holds his thumb and forefinger apart to show me.)
''You Goofball, that was a Bobcat. You didn't take a picture?''
''Why would I take a picture of a house cat? Bobcats are bigger.''
''Well, do you think a foot of snow may hide some of his height?''
Deep thought for a second and then; ''oh yea... I didn't think of that!''
I pulled a picture off Google and he lit right up. ''That's it! That's the same cat!''
Some people belong back in the city. ;D ;D
Not in the snow, but I watched a bobcat stalk and catch a squirrel one morning. Many exciting things that we see while deer hunting has nothing to do with deer.
I've probably said this before but more times than not I wished I had a camera instead of a gun, it's fun watching nature when nature may or may not know you're there.
I had a pair of bald eagles flying over me at tree top level last Saturday morning.One of them landed in a nearby tree while the one flew around. I watched them for awhile until they left and flew around the nearby lake which they must have been hunting on. Hopefully they have a nest nearby and I will be seeing them some more.
They were very colorful among the snowy tree tops and freezing lake.
A new adventure this morning. Can you tell what it was?
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/badluck.jpg)
At first I was going to say changing the door pins and bushings but probably not at the camp, a better guess would be your doors froze shut or you locked your keys inside the truck.
Quote from: Hilltop366 on November 19, 2014, 11:33:59 AM
you locked your keys inside the truck.
with it running and the cabin locked. I had a hidden cabin key, but a spare truck key is a couple hundred miles away,
How did you get in? say_what
See that flatbar and block of wood on top above the door? 8)
Don't ask Burlkraft and Gary_C how I know.. :o
Yep....I see it now. WOW!
A few pics from today and a real short video clip. I missed a chance to video two does standing straight up on their hind feet kick boxing.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/nov-19-4.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/nov-19-1.jpg)
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I'll have to add the vid later. it's not wanting to upload through all this snow. :)
Very tranquil scenes in those pics. The path to the outhouse doesn't look very well used. ;D
I watched several deer this past two days. A friend of mine put up a tripod stand yesterday, I furnished the camo netting and hunted the stand this afternoon. About sunset a four point entered the harvested soybean field from a large tall grass and weed field. A few minutes later , three doe came out feeding as well. Then, a little later a larger, wide racked, 8 point came out. Not over 50' from my stand the bucks began to examine each other as how dogs do, smelling their back-ends and turning complete circles. The large buck became disinterested an again began feeding. Finally, the small buck put his head down and came over to the big buck which then lowered his rack down and pushed the small buck. That was all the smaller buck wanted, he went over 100' away and began feeding. I let them both go...too small..I only go ten pointers plus. ???
Actually, the reason I didn't shoot was, there is a monster buck in the area, my friend has the deer on camera and saw the animal at dark yesterday at 600 yds, but thought it to late to take a shot. The buck is a non-typical drop-point 20 plus points, my friend says this deer has it all.
Quote from: beenthere on November 19, 2014, 08:05:05 PM
The path to the outhouse doesn't look very well used. ;D
:D :D :D
http://youtu.be/1eqb9-EKOzk
Very good Vid....I like the color....blue and white.....looks VERY COLD!
You need to like those colors, as its all there will be for the next 5 months
Well, my trail cam says there is at least one big bodied legal buck here. I'd like to see him.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/PICT0029.JPG)
Hope he shows up during hunting hours for you. Nice size.
Night time seems to be when they are being caught by the trail cams here too.
Open of gun season Sat. and a warming trend to bring wintry mix and rain with 15 mph south wind.
Have a doe and a couple buck tags to fill if the occasion arises.
Good luck to you.
That body looks huge. :o
Quote from: Jeff on November 19, 2014, 12:15:19 PM
Quote from: Hilltop366 on November 19, 2014, 11:33:59 AM
you locked your keys inside the truck.
with it running and the cabin locked. I had a hidden cabin key, but a spare truck key is a couple hundred miles away,
I bet you never lock your keys in the truck at home.
Ive had my keys locked in my truck twice, and you are right. The first time I had it done, was by my friend Joe wade. We were back at a private lake to ice fish, given permission by a friend that had a cabin on the lake. They were gone, it was three miles back in, there were no other neighbors. Luckily thier pole barn was open and I found a coat hanger and a prybar. This wasn't as scary this time. I knew I could get in as I already had to do it once,
Quote from: Jeff on November 20, 2014, 11:01:00 AM
Well, my trail cam says there is at least one big bodied legal buck here. I'd like to see him.
My Dad and I saw a nice, large bodied buck around our place before hunting season. I've yet to see him again. Still trying though!
So do you think it was snowing hard here near Detour Village last night?
http://youtu.be/lk1bj9X_5Uw
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/PICT0017.JPG)
If that keeps up, your going to need Sprucebunny to pull her track drives off her quad and UPS them to you!
It was doing it again tonight when I came up. I've not looked back outside to see if it let up. If it doesn't that means getting dressed and cruising and breaking the trails again with the quad to make sure I can continue to get around with it.
You could always bust out the snowshoes, but they won't help you drag that Big Daddy out. ;D
You have to feel sorry for those bucks, for their body size their racks appear puny. Of course this leads to deer yard management. Prescription : Push out snow and ice to where at least 50% of feeding area has some bare or stubble covered soil. Mix some 'crazy-buck' stuff [could use dried ground castor gland and doe urine, just a pinch] in your corn or feed. That should kick-start the rut again. Poor bucks, no where to scrape. :'(
Quote from: Jeff on November 14, 2014, 10:16:56 AM
This is my oldest personal possession. It is a knit hat I have had since at least before I was 12. It has been repaired many times, but it is still very wearable. I decided to bring it along this year. I usually don't wear it hunting, but this year I will. The foam decoy is home made after seeing one a friend had. A little foam, paint and some cardboard paint templates and ya got a decoy! you can roll it up and stick it in your pocket.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/2014-11-13_21_12_02.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/20141103_142826-1.jpg)
cool decoy
I just started using a pair of Montana decoys this year, have been very impressed with the reactions
of the deer that have walked by. two times the deer came dead down wind of me, smelled me, yet they were looking at deer, the deer were very confused LOL
then each time they would circle around, and look at the decoys. forgetting about winding me and
wondering why the decoys were just standing there, the deer were paying no attention to me in the stand, made for some very cool encounters
I've been trying to put some of the photos I've been taking this year deer hunting together in a video, and this is what I came up with after battling learning a new process the last two days. Not sure if this link gives you full screen, but it is best if you change it to full screen. Hope you enjoy. :)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/TGiUVbxfTow
Enjoyed the show. Thanks.
Great show. Well done!
I enjoyed. It was fun taking an extended look at your snowy world.
Wonderful! ...a collectors edition, holiday card potential. Thanks Jeff, and Mother Nature!
Beautiful! I've never seen anything like it.
I think the photograph with the tall spruce is my favorite.
That was really nice Jeff. I'm just glad I had a fire going and a cup of hot coffee while I watched it. :)
It don't look like that as of this morning. We had two inches of rain over the night, it continues to rain today. My winter wonderland has turned into a mud and water wasteland.
Our Snow has almost completely disappeared a/o this morning!
68° here in Russell. smiley_sun smiley_sweat_drop
Hunting in a snowstorm is a cool experience in more ways than one, I'm just glad I got my deer before it snowed boy am I glad that 181 pound 8 pointer decided to try his luck in the field.