http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php ArcherySite.net The best archery forum powered by v Bulletin en Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:50:19 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=45 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 03:59:11 GMT Today was a bad day. I haven't been out hunting in a couple weeks. Work and lagging cough have kept me off the routine. Today, I got bad news. I have one site I can bow hunt just outside town. Another friend also has permission to hunt there.

Anyway, this friend was wanting to go out today and I offered him to use my ladder stand. He was excited. I gave him easy to follow explicit directions to the ladder stand and offered to take him there if needed. He felt confident he would find it.

Anyway, he called me after searching for half an hour. So, I hurried out there so he wouldn't lose any more hunting time. We walked straight to the tree. No stand. My harness strap was laying on the ground ladder stand gone. So I looked for my hang on stand. It too was gone and the strap still way up in the tree. Will have to take a ladder and try to get it down.

It appears a climber stand on neighbor property also disappeared but that has not been confirmed yet as the owner was working and we have not heard from him.

Very disappointed and frustrated. Although, it was merely stuff. Just the frustration that this happened. Guess my new policy will involve buying chains and locks for all my stands. Hate that it has come to this.

Troubling. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=45 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=44 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:06:52 GMT Well today I was able to test my ethics - again. For the second time in about 6 years, I have either had in range or close a really big deer only to... Well today I was able to test my ethics - again. For the second time in about 6 years, I have either had in range or close a really big deer only to have an injured (broken leg both times) lesser deer immediately in my range.

Both times, I will say I made the right choice. I chose to harvest the damaged deer to ensure that it did not die or get taken by coyotes.

Makes a person think about ethical hunting and the difference between Hunters and Killers.

A true hunter hunts ethically, making sure to harvest what they kill and not "leave it to feed song dogs" so they can tag a big one. Ethical hunters also only shoot what they have tags for...in both instances, I had an opportunity to put an arrow in the bigger buck also but did not have another tag at that time.

I am thankful for parents that taught me ethics and moral decency in all things. I am thankful for friends who support my choices and live accordingly.

Thanks for sharing. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=44 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=43 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:30:54 GMT Hope you enjoyed the last blog. "What a rush." Of course, that is what keeps me going after the last three times out and only seeing one doe and several turkeys. (I did see the cows on the property I hunt. That hasn't helped matters with the deer.)

In my 2011-2012 Archery Hunting Blog this year, I listed the 5 goals for the year:
1) - Help wife get her first deer
2) - Son Lance to get a really nice buck with his bow
3) - Have a great experience black bear hunting (Done – no harvest but great experience.)
4) - Help my “niece” (not really my niece, but a good friend's daughter) get set up and ready to try archery hunting. (Done soft of. She loves the experience - read prior blog post. She is hunting on her own at a property her family has hunting privileges. I helped her dad locate a stand location and get it set up. She had two does close the first evening but never offered a broadside shot. She wasn't comfortable with the quartering shot one offered. She is still very excited and thankful to get into archery.)
5) - Successfully get the freezer stocked with venison for upcoming year. (One doe down with more to go.)

Two and a half down - two and a half to go. Stay tuned. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=43 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=42 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:00:32 GMT What a rush! That is a real interesting phrase. It can mean so many things and unless you had the same experience or “were there” you often do not... What a rush!
That is a real interesting phrase. It can mean so many things and unless you had the same experience or “were there” you often do not get the meaning. I will attempt to bring you into the situation and hope to help you understand the meaning.
In my 2011-2012 Archery Hunting Blog this year, I listed the 5 goals for the year:
1) - Help wife get her first deer
2) - Son Lance to get a really nice buck with his bow
3) - Have a great experience black bear hunting (Done – no harvest but great experience.)
4) - Help my “niece” (not really my niece, but a good friend's daughter) get set up and ready to try archery hunting.
5) - Successfully get the freezer stocked with venison for upcoming year. (One doe down with more to go.)
Number 4:
My “niece” Haley – she is my oldest sister’s niece, but Haley’s dad and I are good friends – well she finally got a bow. She had won one from the National Wild Turkey Foundation. The problem was she was given a beginner, young kid youth bow. It was undersized for her. Anyway, a year after winning the award, her dad was able to work with the donor to get a bow that was suitable for a 16 year old athletic young lady.
Once it arrived, I took her to my favorite archery shop to get her all set up. I had a few extra items to get her started: rest, sight, quiver, release, bow case and arrows her length. After getting her set up, we went to the range to work on sighting her in. I also had an extra target for her to practice up. She took to it wonderfully. In fact, she eagerly wanted to get out into the woods and archery deer hunt.
Haley has been deer and turkey hunting with her father for several years but never tried hunting with a bow. I have had the distinct pleasure of getting her into archery. Well this past Friday evening, my wife and I took her out to the woods. My wife settled into one stand just in the woods on the west side of large meadow. I took Haley to a double stand setup on the southwest corner of this meadow (the only double stand within quite of distance of my wife’s location.)
The first two hours was, as hunting often can be, very unexciting. Nothing was moving besides a few squirrels and birds. I was facing into the woods and Haley was overlooking the meadow. My wife texted me at 5:20pm that there were two does on the far side of the meadow. I turned and spotted them and made sure Haley also saw them.
The deer were headed toward our stand setups. As deer often do, their meandering made it look as though they were headed toward Kim. Then they would turn and be coming straight at Haley. Haley went ahead and stood up and got her bow in hand. At 200 yards, she whispers, “Should I draw now.”
I almost lost it. “No,” I said hiding a laugh “you won’t draw until they are just about in range.” She is really hyped.
“Will you let me know when?”
“Yes. I will have you draw when they go behind a tree or bunch of leaves. No worries.”
The deer are now on a beeline toward us. They are at 80 yards and Haley is starting to draw. “Not yet I whisper.”
Haley turns, “will you be upset if I don’t shoot.”
“No, not at all. You only shoot if you want to shoot.”
The deer are feeding in a “z” fashion. One doe is extremely small – guessing only a year old. I whisper don’t shoot the little one – way too small. The other one is okay – would be fine for a first archery deer.” The second doe was probably 2 years old and (again guestimating) would have field dressed around 100 pounds, not tiny but not an older doe either.
The little doe moves away to about 70 yards along the field edge. The larger doe moves across in front of us at 35 yards. As she passes behind a big tree, I have Haley draw. She does and gets ready as the deer appeared to moving to our right. I see the doe is stopping and starting to turn back to the west. So I gently guide Haley to turn back left. She does and the doe walks straight across at 23 yards. As the doe clears a few little branches. I give a small mouth bleat to stop the doe. She stops. Front leg forward, absolute broadside – perfect opening.
After what seems like a minute still no shot (actually only 5 seconds). I see Haley with a little wobble but settling in. The doe looks around, finally looks up but not right at us. I can tell she doesn’t see us but she isn’t comfortable and she turns to walk away. The little doe didn’t like something so she prances away and the big doe follows suit. Right along the west edge of field to the north. Never entering the woods by Kim.
Haley lets down her draw and then turns to me. Her eyes are wide open and suddenly she begins to shake but she is smiling hugely. I get her to hang her bow back on hangar. I tried to get her to sit down but she says she cannot. Still smiling like crazy and physically shaking. I am instantly aware and so glad I insist on wearing harnesses. No stumble but it wouldn’t be out of the question.
After several minutes she says “you don’t mind I didn’t shoot?”
“Not at all. Your expression makes is all worthwhile.”
Haley, “I was so scared. You have to text my dad. Tell him I almost peed my pants. Seriously.”
She sits down. So do I and I text her dad.
She turns – eyes still wide, huge smile and still shaking…”WHAT A RUSH!” ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=42 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=39 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:23:09 GMT Arrived home Sunday (Oct 2) after a terrific black bear hunt despite not harvesting. Our whitetail archery season opened on Saturday and I am itching... Arrived home Sunday (Oct 2) after a terrific black bear hunt despite not harvesting. Our whitetail archery season opened on Saturday and I am itching to get out in the woods and let an arrow fly at a live target. I actually eagerly went to bed a little early for me (11pm).

Alarm goes off at 5am. Didn't really matter, I have been laying awake for the last 20 minutes trying to "snooze" until the alarm. Get up quickly and quietly to start my morning. Dreading the fact that I only have until 8:00am to hunt since I have to work from home and have conference calls throughout the morning and early afternoon. Get through my shower and bathroom routine.

A quick trip downstairs to get my hunting stuff ready. Clothes were laid out last evening before bed, bow in case already locked in truck, arrows set and ready, headlamp batteries checked/changed and backpack loaded with field dress gloves, knives and bow holder. Take a little extra time to be sure I am not over dressed as it is cool (not cold) but supposed to warm up fairly quickly.

Finish my toast and Mt Dew (coffee) as I get into the truck and start the engine. Feels so good to be heading out, I truly have a very good feeling about today.

Arrive at my hunting location about 25 minutes before legal hunting hour...just enough time to get to stand, get settled in and relaxed by shooting time. Beautiful morning, cool and crisp, clear sky, no wind to speak of and excessively silent. I am ready. Sunrise is 6:54am, legal time is half hour before. I check watch and it is now 6:15. At 6:30, I see a doe pop through the brush at about 90 yards to my north. She is browsing and not moving much for about 5 minutes. Then things changed. She starts walking directly toward me. I am excited. Get my bow in hand and ready myself. I now see two other does with her.

As she nears, now approximately 50 yards but coming straight at me, I notice to my right (east) more movement. As slow twist of the eyes and I spot 4 more deer coming my way.

Oh my, suddenly I have 8 deer and all 16 eyes moving around randomly. Some eating while others look around, then the switch. They are all within 10-20 yards directly in front of me. Two of the larger does come almost directly beneath me.

My mind is racing, they are all together and I start to think "am I going to not get a shot with all these eyes?" I no sooner get that thought out of my mind and I spot my opening. I draw, aim, slow breath, and release. THWOP. She drops immediately. I realize that being so anxious to shoot I forgot my new (used) bow is sighted differently than last bow. I also forgot to aim low for the steep angle and short shot. I had spined her. I can tell I may have gotten into the top of one lung also but not wanting the doe to suffer, I re-load and send another arrow through her heart. A quick ending. I glance at my watch. 7:03am. I re-check it. Yes, it is only 7:03.

Even though I see her expire and know she is dead, I wait another 25 minutes before leaving my stand. The other deer had only walked off about 30 yards. I wait a little longer as the deer slowly work away from me.

Quickly down out of the stand, drag the deer to an area to access easier for loading, tag her and then quickly field dress. A calm process and then get her loaded to head home. I arrive at home at 8:00am. Enough time to log on and check in my harvest, clean up and dial in for my first conference call.

Amazingly, today's call only lasted 15 minutes. (This call usually runs and hour to hour and a half.) So I get in truck and quickly run to the butcher to drop deer for processing. I am home in time for second call.

What a terrific morning.

Wow, I realize how thrilling the first three hours of my day have been and know that feeling is exactly why I so eagerly anticipate and not so patiently wait for the archery season to begin.

Too bad, I didn't get a chance to shoot at a black bear but what a great start to my archery whitetail season.

Oh yeah - I also got my first 50 pts in the ASN Archery contest. (Still chance for others to sign up.) Now need to find that buck for second of two scoring deer in the contest. Will probably try to harvest at least one more (maybe two) does for freezer and sharing with people in our church.

Probably won't get back in the woods until around the 14th/15th. But already getting excited thinking about it. What a rush. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=39 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=37 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:21:48 GMT Well I must say that I had an incredible experience in late September. Through an acquaintence made through archery, an opportunity to hunt black... Well I must say that I had an incredible experience in late September. Through an acquaintence made through archery, an opportunity to hunt black bear with my bow was arranged. I had to apply for a permit which was a relatively simple process in Michigan. I then awaited the drawing results. Much to my surprise, I drew a tag in my first year of application.

This was the easy part. Next, I had to schedule time off from my work to make the trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan for my hunt. I was meeting someone I only knew through archery. We had never met in person. This was actually a little anxious experience for both of us.

On Saturday, Sep 25th, my wife and I headed up to Madison, WI. My son was starting a new job and they needed a week for arranging childcare, so my wife went to be "baby sitter" for the week. I left Sunday morning early to drive the remainder of trip up north.

Upon arrival, I found and met up with Don. He is a terrific guy. We hit it off immediately. We drove out to their cabin new Newberry, MI. After settling in and taking a few practice shots to confirm nothing changed during transport, we loaded up in a little 14 foot boat for a 40 minute boat ride up the river and creeks to hunting sites. All four of the bait sites had been getting hit. Trail cameras showed two of the sites were mainly being utilized by sows and their cubs. Since those are a no shoot, we opted for stand #4 which has been hit by a very large bear with a big white "V" on the chest. This bear appears (from pictures and using landmarks for sizing) to run in the 300+ pounds.

The first night just at dark, we could hear something moving in the thick brush approx 50 yards but ran out of light and had to head in.

Remember, I said it was a 40 minute boat ride..well, it is now dark and we are traveling down these creeks and rivers at incredibly high rate of speed. Don really knows the territory and by using the reflections of star- and moon-light, he can see the route without issue. (Of course, a little bit of nerves for the passenger.)

We slept in a bit as Don had a nasty encounter both the last two years when going to stands in the morning and running into sows with cubs. Both times he ended up having to shoot a bear with "his back-up" gun. So, since he did not get a tag this year, he did not want us to have to tag a bear that way. I was okay with that.

As it turned out a handicap friend of Don and his wife has a cabin nearby and had discovered several things that needed fixing. Don apologized, which I said it was not an issue. That is kind of who I am also. So we went over and helped fix up the items. (Besides, gave us stuff to do when not hunting.)

Night number two was a repeat of night one. No sightings. The next morning, Don's wife Stacey came to the cabin. She is trying to get a bear with her bow (she has a couple harvests by gun) that would qualify for the Michigan record book. With that being said, I let her decide which stand she wanted to hunt from.

Yes, you guessed it, she chose the stand I had hunted the first two nights. I went to the #2 stand which we had a seen a nice boar in the mid 250 pound estimates.

Well, Tuesday was the day. Stacey had the large bear come in with about 15 minutes of possible shooting light left. She just could not decide if she thought it was big enough (Don is trying to quietly and without notice tell her YES - SHOOT). After watching the bear for a while, she finally decided to draw (after 12 minutes) but at that point trying to find her pin against the solid black outline, she did not feel comfortable and passed. Of course, now they have to wait for a while until the bear leaves.

Meanwhile, at stand #2, darkness has now settled in. It has actually been 30 minutes later than I expected, but I can finally hear in the distance the motor of the little boat (about 2 miles away) starting up for their trip to pick me up. I decide, I can get a few things ready and wait in stand until they arrive. So, I get bow put away and lower it to the ground. Suddenly, I hear movement. It sounds fairly close. I can hear crunching of leaves and small branches (definitely not the squirrels I had seen during the light.) Not sure if I hear breathing or not. But a sense of something fairly big close by was intense.

As the motorboat arrives at shore (about 60 yards away), Don makes his notification whistle. If there are no animals around, I am to whistle back and let him know things are okay. If no return, he will come spot light, shotgun and making lots of noise. I do not reply. He waits and whistles again making sure I heard him. I still do not respond. Now everything is dead silence except for breathing - I think it is mine though. I can hear Don preparing the shotgun. As he chambers a round, the metalic click triggers a bone chilling experience. Sounding as though it is merely 5 yards or less from the tree I am in, I hear a low growl. Every hair on my body must have nearly shot out of my skin. My chest tightened and my knees actually got weak and I was sitting.

Don approached making lots of noise and waving light as he got to about 30 yards, I heard the creature run through the brush away from us. Needless to say IT WAS A RUSH.

Of course tonight the fog has now come in and the 40 minute boat ride is much slower probably closer to 60-70 minutes. But the fog is due to warming weather - not good for daylight bear hunting.

Well, that evening and the next day, Don teased his wife about not shooting and said, if it were Jim, we would have a bear. Mainly because I have never shot one and it would have been an obvious shooter to me, so there would not have been the same hesitation.

Such is life. I kind of felt bad for her but she has through the 25th of October for her season. I was only able to work out one week.

Well, the warmer weather was not our friend, we saw nothing on Thursday and none of the baits were hit that evening either. Friday Stacey had to go home for work and so Don put me back in stand #4. This is my last night to hunt.

Once again like first two nights, we had creatures moving in the dark/thick brush but not coming into view during shooting light. So, it appeared my trip was a complete bust.

Nope, on our boat ride out as we came around one of the tight turns on the narrow creek, about 5 yards from our boat, a cow moose scrambled out of the water onto the bank. So very cool and so very close.

After a couple hours rest, I headed off to Madison. No bear, but a great experience and new friends. What an absolutely successful hunting opportunity.



Footnote, I get an email from Don on Sunday, he checked the trail cameras. Friday night (last night) the big boar (mid 200's) had hit the #2 bait at 7:00pm (well within shooting light) and there were several pictures through 8:30pm (about the time we rode by in the boat.) Guess a bear was not in my hunting fortunes this year. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=37 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=36 Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:57:54 GMT Well the 2011-2012 archery season is under way.

As mentioned before I have set 5 major goals for this year's season.

In review - My hopes for this year:

1) - Help wife get her first deer
2) - Son Lance to get a really nice buck with his bow
3) - Have a great experience black bear hunting
4) - Help my good friend's daughter get set up and ready to try archery hunting (she was first runner up in a NWTF program and was awarded a bow.) Lots of drama around getting a bow, finally came and it was a very young kids youth model. She is a 16 year old girl, very athletic and eager to try her hand at archery. The bow maxed out well below her current draw ability and not legal for hunting. So with some letter writing and phone calls, we have worked a deal with manufacture to trade (pay part of the difference) to get the proper sized bow. The bow is supposed to arrive this week. I already commited to helping her get it set up for hunting (will take her to professionals for some things) and we will practice. I have three MacKenzie targets. Then, I hope to take her with me a couple times to see if we can get an opportunity.
5) - Successfully get the freezer stocked with venison for upcoming year.

As several of you may know, this year I was able to participate in my first ever black bear hunt (#3). It is was an absolutely terrific time. The only thing that could have improved it was to actually see a bear in person, have an opportunity to shoot and harvest a black bear. - Maybe next time. It was a great experience - of which I will write a more detailed blog specifically soon.

Took my wife out this morning for whitetail but all we saw were horses and a couple coyotes. OF course, we only had a couple hours so we came in a bit earlier than normal. So, we are still working on item number 1.

Not sure if son Lance will get much opportunity to hunt this year. Actually, due to good news. He recently got hired doing Web Design for a company in Madison, WI where he and his family moved in June due to an employment opportunity for his wife. (#2 still pending)

My friend's daughter is still awaiting her bow (it is "supposed" to arrive later this week) so we can go get it set up and start her on the road to joining the world of archery hunters.(Number 4)

And finally number 5 - filling the freezer. After my fantastic (albeit unsuccessful) bear hunt, I was eager to start my year's whitetail hunting. Getting to work from home this week, I took out Monday morning for a 2 hour pre-work hunt. I arrived in the tree stand at 6:00am. Legal shooting at 6:30. At 6:35, I spot a doe working my way. Over the next 10 minutes, she is joined by 7 other deer. No shooter bucks though. After being stuck with 8 pairs of eyes right under me for another 10 minutes, I finally got the opportunity and made it count. First doe down and off for butchering. Starting the freezer filling process off on a good foot.

Stay tuned for more. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=36 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=33 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:13:08 GMT Oh my - it is Sept 10, 2011. Tomorrow, the 10th anniversary of the tragedy in our country, I will definitely be remembering those families impacted... Oh my - it is Sept 10, 2011. Tomorrow, the 10th anniversary of the tragedy in our country, I will definitely be remembering those families impacted then and to date. This is due to the patriotism taught me by my family and due to my having to travel (a routine experience in my profession.)

Anyway, my Missouri hunting friends are gearing up for the start of their whitetail season in less than one week. I, on the other hand, have two weeks before I will have my first opportunity to hunt black bear with my bow in northern Michigan. I will get home for the start of Illinois whitetail season.

I am eagerly and impatiently watching the calendar turn toward my upcoming adventure.

My wife and I have been shooting and are both doing very well. I am so excited to try and help her harvest her first deer.

My hopes for this year:

1) - Help wife get her first deer
2) - Son Lance to get a really nice buck with his bow
3) - Have a great experience black bear hunting
4) - Help my good friend's daughter get set up and ready to try archery hunting (she was first runner up in a NWTF program and was awarded a bow.) Lots of drama around getting a bow, finally came and it was a very young kids youth model. She is a 16 year old girl, very athletic and eager to try her hand at archery. The bow maxed out well below her current draw ability and not legal for hunting. So with some letter writing and phone calls, we have worked a deal with manufacture to trade (pay part of the difference) to get the proper sized bow. The bow is supposed to arrive this week. I already commited to helping her get it set up for hunting (will take her to professionals for some things) and we will practice. I have three MacKenzie targets. Then, I hope to take her with me a couple times to see if we can get an opportunity.
5) - Successfully get the freezer stocked with venison for upcoming year.

Mostly, I just want everyone to be safe, sane, and successful (which does not mean killing - but rather - enjoying and experiencing the pleasure.)

Good luck everyone. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=33 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=24 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:55:42 GMT Well the two main shotgun season weekends and the muzzleloader season weekend are over. Now I can focus again on getting out in the woods with my... Well the two main shotgun season weekends and the muzzleloader season weekend are over. Now I can focus again on getting out in the woods with my bow.

I must say I am not a very good cold weather hunter. Being on blood thinners for medical reasons, I am not a huge fan of real low temperatures so I haven't been out these last couple days. Too cold for my thin bloood.

The archery season has been good, bad and ugly. I have harvested a couple of antlerless deer earlier and have thoroughly enjoyed getting my wife into the sport of archery and teaching her about hunting. That has all been very good.

Having my wife get an opportunity but missing (due to delected arrow) and then many days only seeing squirrels, nothing, cows and/or coyotes only has been bad.

Now the ugly. Some of you have heard the story but this year I experienced the real ugly of hunting. On the Thursday before first gun season here in Illinois, I had my ugliest huntinge experience ever.

The morning was cool and crisp. Not hot nor cold with a little bit of fog that cleared around 6:45am. It was still a bit hazy and almost no breeze what-so-ever. I had been kind of lulled into a calm sitting in my ladder stand. I spot a couple deer off in the woods but not heading in my direction but kind of watching them anyway. I had a sudden realization I should check the other direction. As I turned and scanned the edge of the meadow to my north I spot him...yes a definite shooter buck. I real wall hanger. He is approaching and initially looks as though he is going to enter the woods directly beneath me. As he nears he is behind a small tree I cannot shoot through. He stops and looks around. I can see he is massive. At least an 8 pt but pretty sure he is 10. The bases are very thick.

He keeps turning and moving (definitely in rut) smelling, moving, looking. He turns and moves slightly away from me giving me a quartering away shot at 30 yards. I draw, aim, bleat to get him to stop. He stops. Steady - breathe - gentle squeeze - THWOP. Incredible sound. I hear the buck grunt and snort and then watch him bolt.

He takes off running and then turns to the woods and fence line. I think - don't jump the fence. He does and keeps running. I watch him stagger as he runs and then he disappears over a ridge. I hear the rustle of thicket and know I have made a good hit.

Shaking, I cannot even get myself to sit down. My mind is racing - trying to review the whole sequence, the shot, etc. It is still a bit overcast so I didn't actually see where the arrow hit but know it was on line - saw it disappear into the darkness of his body. Exact location unknown but feel extremely confident. Re-living the shot and hearing his gurnt echo in my head over and over - I am confident.

But that confident is a bit shaken. The buck ran farther than any deer I have ever shot. I know he ran over 100 yards before he disappeared from my sight. Maybe 150 plus. Now I am questioning myself. I wait about 20 minutes. (never sitting down - cannot get myself to actually sit). I finally calm down enough to gather myself and disconnect my Hunter Safety Harness and climb down. I walk to spot of contact and look for my arrow - no arrow. Hmmm - must not have been a pass through - that is okay - I was aiming at far front shoulder so that may be a good sign. Although I don't see any blood either. So I replay the shot again in my mind. I walk along the path I believe he was running - still no blood. I go directly to edge of meadow where he cut back into the woods. Blood! Woohoo. Good looking blood also. And it is a good trail. I follow it to the fence line. It has not been 30 minutes - I call my older son to see if he can come help me. I know I will need help to drag him from neighbors property to where we can get the 4 wheeler to load him.

During the 30 minute wait for my son, I cross fence line to see the blood trail. I only follow it to where the buck disappeared and mark the trail for when Lance arrives to help the search. Lance arrives and I am so excited and anxious. We pick up the trail and follow it. Through some briars and woods - still a good trail. We actually came out of the woods at the gravel road leading back into the neighbor hunting property. Across the road is a CRP field. We know the trail led into the CRP. We look for bit and don't see a blood trail initially.

We finally decide to go back get our vehicles and drive around to the gravel road and then pick up the search again. On our trip around, we pass a truck coming up out of the bottoms, I explain we are just coming back to recover a buck. The guy makes some comment and pulls away. (Being the person I am - I didn't even think to check back end of his vehicle.)

Lance and I find trail into CRP. We follow it and find the back 20" of my arrow. It would be approx 30" with broadhead included. the blood indications on it show that it had penetrated to the fletchings (at least 26") - the last 4" covered in draining blood also. A large pool of blood and flattened CRP grasses indicate the buck had laid down here. We then find a little more blood leading further into the CRP and another pool and flattened grass. No buck. HUH? It has been almost 2 hours. We searched for approx 2 more hours and no more blood trail. We walked through the CRP and still nothing. Walked the edge of the CRP to see if we can find where he exited. Just disappeared. I cannot imagine. I am so discouraged. A lost deer. A lost monster. Knowing tomorrow is shotgun season and knowing the neighbors would definitley be hunting I cannot come back for at least three days to continue the search. I am heart-broken. UGLINESS enters my mind.

I want to think positively but after talking with brother to my land owner and neighbor, I re-told the story. One person kind of makes an odd "humph" sound. I ask him about it. He says based on my description of the truck, he states there is a guy who hunts a little and has also taken other deer (all without license) to his property and butchers them himself. He asks if I checked his truck - I hadn't. While we have no proof, I am now wondering if my deer ended up in someone else's truck.

Very ugly thoughts. I am hoping that he did take the deer and that he will use the meat. I would prefer that over the deer dying and feeding coyotes or going to waste. While I would really like to have had the deer for myself (the meat especially), I also selfishly would like to have the trophy in the freezer to be mounted at a later date. So with all of that and the cold weather - I haven't been out in the woods with my bow since.

I think I am over it enough now to get back out and try. My wife is eager to hunt again but she says it has to warm up significantly for her. She is not going out in single digits or the teens. Of course she smiles and says she wants snow for Christmas but would like some warmer weather so she can try her luck in the woods again.

so for now....on hold in the cold ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=24 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=23 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:35:36 GMT The last two Mondays, I have had the opportunity to get my wife out bow hunting. She is a first year archer and with her schedule for watching our... The last two Mondays, I have had the opportunity to get my wife out bow hunting. She is a first year archer and with her schedule for watching our grandson along with volunteer work she does, Mondays are the only routine day she has to try and get out. Even weekends are iffy depending on other commitments.

And while I am not happy being unemployed right now - actually struggling with it - I have had the opportunity to get her more into this activity I thoroughly enjoy.

A week ago, we went out to a two person stand and it was a terrific day. While we only saw one deer up close it was a very nice 8 pt buck which came from the back side of our tree stand on the opposite side of the tree from me. When she saw him (he was merely 35 yards from us and she didn't react in time to get ready. No problem, the sight and proximity helps get her hunting juices flowing.

Yesterday, we were in the stand, it was a very cool morning until the breeze kicked in and the coolness became a bit chilly. Not a lot of movement but still a great day.

At approx 7:15am, a 3 pt (long spike with kicker) comes by from my side of the stand, my wife sees him and asked if she can shoot and I agreed to let her - First deer and all.

She gets to a standing position, has bow in hand and readies herself. The young buck moved behind some trees and hits an opening at about 22 yards. I make a small bleat to stop him. He stops but my wife was quite ready. The bucks moves behind some trees as she draws her bow. As the buck moves toward another opening, I bleat again. He doesn't stop immediately but stakes three more steps. I am not sure she has an open shot at the deer. I ask her if she has an open shot, she says yes and then squeezes the release. Unfortunately, she had forgotten her arm guard (she is wearing a puffy warm jacket). The string slap causes a little pull and then her arrow glances off a small branch that was a little off her intended target. The arrow hits the ground beneath the deer. He jumps forward and prances up the hill about 20 yards. He stops, looking intently at us trying to see us. My wife does a great job of holding perfectly still. The buck turns and walks back toward us a couple steps and then turns to continue his path. Never snorting, stomping or bolting.

My wife is hooked. She says "I have to get another chance." I am beaming inside from ear to ear.

Not much movement though, at 9:00am, she startles, slowly stands and grabs her bow. Here comes a beautiful 6 pt. Wide, thick and large bodied. He is walking north but in the neighboring property. He approaches a split in a trail and begins to turn toward us. I can see my wife is readying herself for him to jump the fence and continue into a shooting lane. The buck makes two strides toward us and then (as deer often do) meanders in a little circle and then walks away from us. I give him a little bleat - he hears it. Stops. Looks like he might turn and come back but instead takes one more step - stops and looks across the fence in front of us again. We are holding still and being very quite. He slowly walks away. I bleat again. He stops listens but never made the turn. We hoped he might try to cirlce behind and down wind but he continued to walk across the wind away from us.

My wife is definitely hooked. She is trying to open her schedule to go out Friday morning but just not sure it will happen. She says she can and plans to go Saturday this week.

It is so neat to watch and help her. I am looking forward to her first harvest and seeing the expression of success. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=23 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=22 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:25:24 GMT Additional stories from the season thus far. Several of the limited morning or evening "hunts" have resulted in nothing. The time out is the best part. I truly enjoy sharing these times with my family. Below are two instances of gettign to hunt with my oldest child Lance.

One Sunday morning we had gone out knowing that Lance had to be back in town by 9:30 and ready to go to a family event with his wife's family. Our plan was to leave the woods around 8:30-8:45 as we hunt about 25 minutes from home and a bit of a walk out of the woods. Okay - no problem the only movement we had been seeing was early anyway. (Lance did have a "you can only be late if you have a deer on the ground" moratorium also.)

We were in stands about 100 yards apart but with a large ridge between us. The sun came up and about the only thing we had seen were squirrels, raccoons, squirrels, woodpeckers - oh yeah and squirrels.

Thanks to the benefits of modern technology we were conversing via text messages about whether we would leave a little earlier, etc. Then it happened. A good bodied deer came up out of a drawer opposite direction of my son and slightly behind me. He was moving around nibbling at around 60 yards. I slowly stand, position myself, get my bow and ready myself for the deer to move into position.

Of course we have all heard the famous line "the based laid plans of mice and men." Of course that is the preface to what happens next. The buck begins to move toward me. Closing 10 yards off the distance quickly. He appears to moving directly into a perfect shooting lane and will be broadside at 30 yards. Anticipation rising, heart rate increasing slightly, breathing very steady and quiet....in the "zone" (you bow hunters will know what I am trying to describe).

WAIT! What happened? The buck had his own plans. He beds down at 44 yards. Nose facing due north and he is directly east of me. Unbelievable. He never sees me. My cell phone vibrates with a text from my son about leaving in about 15 minutes as he isn't seeing anything. I respond - cannot move now - buck bedded at 45 yards. He doesn't reply. Five minutes go by, I have tried bleating to see if he moves - no. Ten minutes pass, I give him a snort/wheeze still no movement. Then a small 4 pt buck walks up from the northeast and begins to sniff the 6 pt and move around. I have been texting Lance during this whole event. We are struggling - needing to get ready to go or get a deer on the ground - but I don't want to completely ruin this stand. So I text Lance to try getting around behind them and maybe they would move into range for me. As Lance begins his movements the bucks both begin to move into the opening previously mentioned. First the small 4 pt. I am waiting for the bigger deer. Lance is having to walk a long way around to get back behind the deer. Suddenly, both deer ears perk up and they look behind them - I know it isn't Lance yet. They both then turn and walk directly away from me. It turns out a cow had come up from behind them and moved them off. I quickly undid my harness and gathered my stuff and then headed down to meet Lance.

We made it home barely in time for Lance to change and make his family event. Whew...crisis averted.:D

Approximately a week later, Lance and I are in opposite stands on this occasion and we had both seen one deer each but nothing in range. Lance, however, had a group of 8 or so turkeys come off roost and mill around on a ridge behind him at 75 yards. They would begin to move and then roun back up on the same location. He would send me updates every couple minutes or so - but they wouldn't move any closer. So I asked if he wanted me to try the old "sneak around behind" trick to see if it moved them toward him. We agreed. I climb down and begin my trek - being very quiet and taking a long round about path to get well behind the turkeys. I have to cut a little closer than I desired due to an old partial fence line (barbed wire) but then skirted along this to get to about 100 yards behind the birds and well below the ridge they are on. I still haven't seen them. I begin moving up the back side of the ridge and along the fence so if I spook them - they would move toward Lance.

Unbeknown to me the birds had actually begun to move north - which would be to Lance's east. I am slowly trying to peek ahead and move up when I hear the birds moving (quickly it sounded), then a faint sound of bow shooting and a thud. My heart races as I think he has hit a bird. I move over the rise quickly and see the birds roughly 50 yards ahead of me and running and then taking flight to get away. I look at Lance and he is climbing out of his stand. I am excitedly looking for a flopping or dead bird. Nothing. Lance comes over and is laughing.

As the birds began to move, he didn't have time to text me and tell me to stop. One bird came into open and he drew reading for the shot. It hung up behind a tree as the others moved passed just out of range. The bird he was waiting on finally began to move and he was moving his aim with it and then the bird started to pick up speed so he matched bird and hit the release. Approx 5 yards between Lance and the bird, his arrow hit a "wooden leg." He was shaking as he had been at full draw for about 5 minutes and then trying to move with the turkey(to his left) which Lance being right handed would be his "blind side." We laughed and talked about it. Great time. One dead limb down. Little spoiled so we left it. Ha ha. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=22 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=21 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 02:39:53 GMT Well, my son did a blog last year and I thought it was good. However, I really wish he had a successfully bagged a big one - hopefully this year. ... Well, my son did a blog last year and I thought it was good. However, I really wish he had a successfully bagged a big one - hopefully this year.

Anyway, I thought I would give it a try. (wonder if I will keep it up more than he did.:D)

This year started out very warm. I got out a few times for a couple hours at a time.

We hunt on a personal friends cattle farm. Rolling hills, brushy feeding areas and some bottoms. We do not have any farm fields neighboring so we are a bit land locked. Surrounded by other people who hunt and have properties that edge farm fields (food plots.)

We had been informed we would try to plant some food plot in the brushy field areas (knowing that the cattle would also have free reign to this area as well), we were set to try. Unfortunately, the owner had some mechanical issues and time constraints that prevented us from getting fields disc-ed and prepped for us to plant - "Maybe next year" (too familiar sounding).

The first few times out, the only sights have been cows, horses and several squirrels and woodpeckers. Then my third evening out, I had the thrill of having four turkeys come into range. Both my older son and I have fall archery turkey tags this year. Trying to get a draw on a turkey with four of them milling around was unique but finally occurred. The birds were coming under and around a tree and would soon step out at 13 yards. But - as noted previously - I had been seeing lots of cows. This night was no different. However, one unseen cow came out from behind me and spooked the birds as they were about to become true targets. They reversed course and ran out away from me - not appearing available for a shot until at an estimated 35 yards. I quickly adjusted my aim and hit the release.

Of course, I forgot I was shooting directly into a strong wind (15-25 mph). My arrow was right on target - only problem - one tail feather won't down a large Tom. Drats.

This year is also a special year. Both my wife and daughter-in-law began shooting archery and shot a couple 3d tournaments with my son and I. And surprisingly, I persuaded my wife to try deer hunting. This also helped sway my daughter-in-law to agree as well.

I was able to get my wife out to a ladder stand, harnessed up and practice shooting at targets in different locations, angles, etc. She practice twice this way and said her only concern was remembering that the harness is there so she doesn't have to lean in towards the tree as much as she did first time.

Anyway, I have gotten my wife out a couple of times. The first two times we went to single ladder stands approximately 100 yards apart. I saw a couple deer (too far for shots) but all my wife saw were cows. And one time she swears one of the young steers was trying to hold her in a staring contest...the steer won. :D

This past Monday we tried a two person stand I have set up. It really is a bit snug for two adults but it was okay. We had a coyote sneak up on my wife's side of the stand at approx 7:30 and she hadn't seen it - but was excited to see something other than cows and squirrels. By the time I got my bow and ready - the coyote had moved out of open and then out of range. Oh well. I explained to my wife that our friend would like us to harvest the coyotes as they attack and kill several calves a year and our state allows this as long as you have a valid deer tag so you are "legally" hunting. [We don't have to use our tags but have to have one.] So she said she would try if in her range (she feels confident to 25 yards and okay to 30 max).

Approx 45 minutes later, my wife nudges me. I figure she has a question or is getting ready to shoot. But as I turn to see what is up I notice a very nice 8 pt (chocolate antlered) buck cruising up from her side of the stand. She had mentioned once prior that she might have me shoot the big deer so we didn't risk missing out. I had said - if the situation is right but failed to detail how that would work. The deer approached and was at 24 yards when I saw him. She said get your bow. So I did and readied for him to step into an open lane (a mere 22 yards). But the buck had a different plan. Behind the tree he turned away from us walked forward, leaped a fence and walked away....never got our scent or spooked - thankfully. But my wife got to see a live deer up close and personal. She is eager for another opportunity. She even realized she should have gone ahead and gotten ready due to the direction the deer approached and I wouldn't have had the right situation to take the shot better than she.

Another hour later we spot another coyote (bigger) but well out of archery range for us amateurs.

Due to scheduling of grandson watching, we needed to head in around 10am. As we walked out of the woods we came acros three more deer and got to see them move away from us (out of range) but still once again seeing them and not cows.

Oh - forget to mention on the Saturday prior, I was able to bag my first deer of the year. A nice 95 pound field dressed freezer filling deer. (Posted on this year's scoring thread.) Not my best shot but very successful.

This morning I went out on my own - my wife had a prior commitment and couldn't go. What a gloriously chilly morning. I saw a very nice 8pt (white antlered) buck walking along the creek in bottoms about 100 yards from my ladder stand and only 25-30 yards from a tent blind set for shotgun season which typically has weather not suited for sitting in a tree. 30 minutes later I am surprised by three deer (two does and a young 4 pt buck) appeared out of a draw that I didn't see them until they were at 45 yards. They walked calmly behind some trees and then move around my side through openings but staying roughly 45-50 yards away - not my comfort level for a sure shot. Only later did I realize at one point the larger doe had stepped into a spot that was actually only 40 yards away but I had not pre-ranged that particular location. So despite the cold I was staying warm suddenly by activity.

Fifteen minutes later a nice size bodied (probably 2-3 year old) buck came by. The dilemna was he had a scrawny 6 pt rack. Fortunately, I didn't have to make a decision as we stayed just about 60 yards, began to close the distance the then walked directly into the wind - away from me.

Shortly thereafter, I spotted another nice deer but at least 150 yards away just walking through the woods.

I have realized that while I truly enjoy the harvest and am thankful for the bounty I am provided by my maker. I enjoyed the time spent in the woods, watching the animals, anticipating their movements, anxiously preparing for the right moment, feeling the rush, standing and moving as to be inconspicuous and even relaxing as opportunites passed. It also occurred to me that I may actually be a hunter. Not just someone who kills/harvests deer but a hunter....someone who is thrilled by the process as much as the success. Today was a fantastically successful morning and I brought home nothing more than I took to the woods with me...except that newfound understanding. ]]> glteach http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=21 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=17 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:07:42 GMT Well I sure was excited for the start of archery season. Set up my new stand right next to the swamp. I was debating my selection in broadhead... Well I sure was excited for the start of archery season. Set up my new stand right next to the swamp. I was debating my selection in broadhead choice. Went with the rage 3 blade. Practice with them didn't go very well and I chalked it up to form. I took a little time and the practice rage's I got were dead on.

Anyways opening weekend didn't quite go as planned. I have been a laid off union electrician for almost 8 months and that sure makes it hard to get up early. Well both mornings (sat/sun) I didn't even get out to my stand while it was still pitch black dark. I feel that if I don't get there early enough there is no point in sitting. Well to shorten this up a bit I didn't even hear any deer where I was set up.

The land I'm hunting on belongs to my brother. He owns almost 90 acres in Barnum MN. Well there is a motocross practice track on a piece of land about a mile away. What a waste of great land. I swear they were riding all freaking weekend. It seemed to be very warm this last weekend also. Made it hard to sit as long as I would have liked to.

Well I'm taking this weekend off from hunting and gonna set up where I shot a deer last year. Tracks galore in that area.

I post hunting blogs so I have a reference for next year. I hope to be able to get some sort of useful info out of this. Anyways if anyone bothers to read this I hope you get a laugh from my inexperience. ]]> uno http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=17 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=16 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:53:03 GMT Sept. 30th morning hunt sorry it’s long Man it has been cold up here!... Sept. 30th morning hunt sorry it’s long

Man it has been cold up here! Makes it hard to get up at 5am to get out in the woods. I managed to drag my ass out of bed and get ready to hunt around 530. It seemed like it took a long time to get to my tree stand but I suppose it was because I was tired, and it was dark. I sat motionless for about an hour, bored, waiting to see or at least hear something. I and this "doe bleat in a can" that I had purchased and decided to give it a try. Used it once and within 3 min a doe was walking towards me. From what I understand deer are curious and want to see the deer that made the bleat. I didn't move when I saw the doe but looked with my eyes and right at that moment the deer caught my scent and ran off. So naturally I was discouraged and thought that was the only deer I was going to see. I waited about 45 min and used the can again and within 15 min this doe comes walking in. It was taking its time walking slow so I waited until I had a good shot. She ended up standing behind a few trees broadside to me. I drew my bow back, ready to shoot. I had to hold back a little longer thatn I liked but was able to take good aim and release the arrow. The arrow impacted with a loud thwack. Now you would think that she would have bolted but she only ran a short distance and stood there. She acted like nothing had happened and walked out into the open. So I'm thinkng shit, did I miss and hit a tree. I decided to take another shot at her, but she was close to forty yards away and my arrow sailed right under her chest. I was pissed, but waited for about 15 min to get out of the tree.
I went over to where she was standing when I took my first shot. No blood! I'm like what the fuck I know I hit her. I watched the arrow make impact, but at the same time wasn't sure because she acted so weird. Also I couldn't find the arrow I shot her with, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but with that knew that the arrow didn't pass completely thru. Anyways I went over to where she was standing when I shot a second time, looked around for the arrow and I find a good amount of blood on the ground. A few of you got a picture of that. There wasn't as much blood as I expected there to be which made me dought the location where my arrow hit. I start wondering if I hit her in the shoulder. So, I'm tracking this doe by following it's blood trail and the blood becomse very sparse. I would find a drop every 20ft or so. Tracking was becoming difficult and I"m wondering if finding her is possible.
I shoot her just before 8am and it was now 10:30am. I had a guy that I rifle hunt with come out and help me look. We tracked her to the edge of the woods and he gave up, but not before reinforcing that I might have hit her in the shoulder. Anyways he left and I continued to look for blood. I found a tiny amount of blood on a fern and that was it. I searched the area in all directions around that last drop of blood and could not find anything. I searched for another hour and made it back to the house at noon.
Maybe I didn't practice enough or should have had more patience and let them get closer, but I was confidant in my shots. Chances are that a hit in the shoulder might not kill her, but it will make life difficult for her. I decided that I am done bow hunting for the year. Two chances and I come up with nothing but injured deer. I'm not upset about loosing deer, but upset that I hit both of them and they had to suffer. If we hunters can't make clean kills then we shouldn't be hunting. With that said if my arrow should have struck home then I would be telling you a completely different story.
This was my first year hunting with a bow and I expected to make mistakes. I just didn't expect to make two big mistakes. It's hard teaching yourself and every one has their own way of hunting and they like to share their ideas. A lot of the time one person will say one thing and another will say something completely different. Luckily for me the deer population in MN is supposed to be like 1.3 million. Now I don't know if that's true but I like to think so. With more practice and hopefully no broken ribs I will be ready for next season. I should be leaving with a cooler full of meat but experience is just as good, but not as tasty. Those damn vegetarians are missing out. ]]> uno http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=16 http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=15 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:52:08 GMT Tuesday, September 30, 2008 back to hunt but.... So the 26th came... Tuesday, September 30, 2008
back to hunt but....

So the 26th came and I was on my way up north. I found out that my mom and brother Chad would also be there. Shit. Not that I don't like seeing my family but I knew that I wouldn't be hunting until they left. See, my mom just served my dad with divorce papers (again) and Chad came home from Afganistan to divorce his wife. So I knew that I would be hanging out with family instead of trees. No big deal really because I have today and the next two off from work so I can hunt then. Well I was watching the bears n eagles last night and it started raining. If you remember one of my last blogs about hunting in the rain then you know I wasn't going to hunt in the rain. Bears beat the eagles and I went to bed. Woke up in the night and it was still raining like crazy, so I decided that it would be to wet to hunt today. Bummer. I could have hunted this evening but I went to Jacobs football game in Carlton, which they won 30-0.
So I have been here since Friday and haven't hunted once but will get out tomorrow and Wednesday. Oh I saw a nice 4 pointer today that I would like to see again. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008
sept 15th evening hunt

Weather was perfect yesterday, a drastic change from the freezing morning. I was actually sweating a little as I walked through the woods. As I walked I was really trying to pay attention to my footsteps, making sure that I was quiet. Well not quiet enough I guess or they had caught scent of me. About twenty yards from my stand I kicked up three deer. They were to far away to shoot, but they were in the area. I didn't see a deer the rest of the night. The three deer I saw looked like it was a family, momma with a little fawn and big sister.
It would have been nice if they would have stayed in the area. My chances would have increased greatly. The middle doe was good sized and would have been a good choice. Shooting her wouldn't have had an impact on the other to. Momma runs of with the fawn to continue eating and pooping, and I would have had meat in the freeezer....lol well maybe. I don't claim to know what I'm talking about. This was my first time hunting with a bow. Could have done better, but couldn't really have done worse. I suppose that I could have been eaten by something of fallen out of the tree stand. I enjoyed my time in the woods, and will be back to try again the 26th of this month.

Monday, September 15,
Sept 15th morning
Ok I'm caught up. It was supposed to be a nice day and I guess it is but it was 36 this morning. I don't think that it warmed up until I got out of the woods. I woke up earllier than normal today to get out to the stand early. It was dark enoght that I had to wear a miners light to find my way. Made it to the stand at 615am or a little later. The sun was just starting to rise when I climbed up. I took my seat and tried to be quitt and still for an hour. I could hear movement behind me but it didn't seem to get close for another 15 to 20min. I slowely looked left and a little behind me and there she is. This doe walked right next to the tree stand. I could have hit her with a rock. Good sized doe, not a record or anyhting but meat in the freezer. I was thinking about raising my bow to shoot when, from the direction this doe had came from, its little fawn came into view. Damn, but at least I saw something. It was about 730am when I saw momma and her fawn. They munched on some stuff about forty yards east, infront of me, then made their way north. It was quiet for about an hour. Heard some russling north of me and close. I looked left and a doe was standing there broadside to me. It didn't seem like it had a fawn with it, tt looked like my next chance. Then right when my heart is pumping hard and the adrenilin is rushing in I see the damn little fawn. Same two deer that I had seen an hour or so befor. The doe didn't look like the other one but it was. What really sucked is that they were walking across in front of me about 15 yards away. I kept frozen while I watched them take there time getting to where ever they were going. Momma tried sniffing me out, raising her nose in the air and sampling. I was shaking just trying not to get caught. She never found me and I was able to just watch them eat. Momma pooped and then they left.
I didn't see anything else this morning and walked out of the woods around 10. The stand I sat in this morning was the one that I was tring to get to when I shot that deer on saturday. It seems like it might be a good spot. Hopfully it will produce more this evening. I plan on going back out around 430 or

Monday, September 15,
Sept. 13th evening hunt
So, after I got out of the woods on saturday morning it decided to rain off and on the rest of the day. I had to decide if I wanted to hunt that evening and get wet or stay indoors and dry. Well I kind of made a compromise: I decided to bring my little chair to a different tree stand. So off I went into the woods in the rain. I think it was about 5pm when I decided to go. My plan was to just bring the chair to the stand and then come back the following morning. I figured that if I left any scent behind that the rain would wash it away. The tree stand I as tring to get to is about a 30min walk (because your walking slow and trying not to make noise. I brought my bow with me just in case. Sure enough I get just about ten min in and I notice off to my left two doe's standing broadside to me about 20-30 yards away. I was able to pick out the larger of the two, drew my bow back, put my sights right behind her front shoulder. I had this deer lined up perfect...and that is all that was perfect with it. When I released my string it hit my jacket sleeve and sent my arrow left of my target. I watched my arrow strike the doe in the stomach....nooooooooo. The two doe's jumped, ran parallel to me for maybe ten feet, and then straight away from me. So here I am maybe 15min into the evening hunt on the opening day of the season and I had my first shot with a bow. Exciting right? I was shaking after the shot. I gave it about ten more min then walked to where the doe's were standing and stuck an arrow in the ground to mark the spot. I knew that if I had hit the deer that my arrow wouldn't be far and I would be able to find it and I did so about 15 yard past "the spot". I knew that I had gut shot this deer and conformation came when I could see shit, literally, all over my arrow. At this point I went back to the spot and looked for blood in the dierection they ran, but could never find any. My search went on for just over an hour and I found nothing.
If there was any blood the rain and the fact that I shot it in the stomach, made it very difficult if not impossible to find. I gave up my search and headed out of the woods. time to make sure that your form is perfect so that your aim is true, and don't shoot in the rain.

Sept. 13th morning hunt

This morning kicked off the first day of the archery deer season. My morning didn't go well and I was planning on getting out to my stand at about 630 but didn't make it there until almost 730. It was a long 4 hours in that stand. I could hear some thing moving about behind me but never could tell what it was. It almost sounded like a buck rubbing his antlers on stuff, but I guess it could have been a squirrel as I never saw it. The weather was dreary and very foggy and every now and then the wind would pick up sending droplets of water from the tree on me. So being cold and a little wet I decided to get out of my tree stand and get some lunch around 11. I walked as quiet as I could back to civilization hoping to see a deer on my way out. Well no dice, and worst part is that deer are thick up here and I'm sure there were deer there watching me. Although I didn't get to shoot or see any deer it was still a good feeling to get in the woods. It's fun if you like the isolaton and sitting on your ass for long periods of time with only your thought to entertain you. I will post about the evening hunt later. It's just after 2pm now and I will be going back out around 5pm. so, happy hunting to me. ]]> uno http://www.archerysite.net/vb/blog.php?b=15