Post by: JC on October 05, 2007, 01:29:00 PM
Thurs 10/4/07 - Fred's flight got in fine, he road the MARTA rapid transit up to near my office where I picked him up around 2pm. We went had a bite of Mama Fu's excellent Chinese and started telling war stories....Man has Fred been on some exciting hunts! I knew I was going to have a lot to live up to...but thankfully, Fred is a genuinely easy going as anyone could ever be, especially for a guy from NJ (no offense to my fine yangese bretheren above the Mason/Dixon Line) :goldtooth:
We went to walmart where Fred proceeded to sign away his children's inheritance for a yearly out of state....I of course consoled him that he was not only going on Terry's hunt in a few weeks but he could return to help chase hogs or turkey in the spring. I thought he would sprain his wrist swiping the card so fast...
Long drive back to the Coots house gave us more time to talk, and of course the more I heard him the more I liked him. Introductions to Miss Kim, Chase & Connor were made and we wasted no time changing and into the woods.
I put Fred on the Ridge stand, it's done very well the last 2 years on evening sits, I had hopes the one tree that had been dropping acorns would get some deer movement. Sadly, the weather was abysmal for this time of year....80 degrees is at least 10-15 too many for this time of year. But we were optimistic as Fred suited up
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture036-1.jpg)
Fred confided he often did not wear a harness when in the stand....and hearing of the thickly branched pine trees he often sits in, I can understand why. But 10 seconds on a GA platform and he was pretty happy to have the belt. I left him to what we hoped was an eventful evening
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture037.jpg)
I slipped back down the hill back towards our entry point where I had a climber waiting.
Up the tree, I had a good view of the (now dry) creek bottom that I had seen 2 deer in this year, feeding on a red oak dropping acorns.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture042.jpg)
I knew it was not the best bet, but with our limited time that evening it was a good option. Our drought coupled with a late frost has really damaged our acorn crop in my area. Trees that were reliable producers are bare, no white oaks that I can find on my place have acorns so my usual feeding areas did not look hopeful.
Got to go nap before tonights hunt....I'll try to catch ya'll up when we get back....
Post by: Marvin M. on October 05, 2007, 01:35:00 PM
Post by: IB on October 05, 2007, 04:08:00 PM
Whatcha gonna feed him :jumper: :jumper:
Post by: Whip on October 05, 2007, 06:46:00 PM
Thanks for taking the time to bring us all along with you fellas :thumbsup:
Post by: Terry Green on October 05, 2007, 06:59:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on October 05, 2007, 07:17:00 PM
Post by: bohuntr on October 05, 2007, 07:25:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on October 05, 2007, 08:13:00 PM
Where's the report????????
Post by: IB on October 05, 2007, 08:34:00 PM
Post by: sticshooter on October 05, 2007, 08:42:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on October 05, 2007, 09:34:00 PM
Post by: robslifts on October 05, 2007, 10:00:00 PM
Post by: JC on October 05, 2007, 10:16:00 PM
OK, where I left off....
My sit Thurs night was uneventful. No deer at all, but I did see 4 turkeys that met up with another group on the ridge behind me. They spent an hour trying to tear down the timber finding a roosting spot. Otherwise, nada. At dark I met Fred on the trail....my high hopes were dashed as he saw nothing either. Could only be this hot dry weather.
Friday 10/5/07: We left at 4:30 this morning to get to McGraw Ford early and meet Ken Hardee, scoutman, to hunt an area that had some water. When we left it was a chilly 73 degrees with 90%+ humidity :eek: Thankfully, it was misting rain. McGraw is a bowhunting only WMA about 40 minutes from me, Ken and I have done very well here and usually have 10 or stands hung in various areas. Our motto is walk till you get tired, then walk some more...it's always worked in keeping away from the crowds.
All three of us walked in together to about the halfway point where Ken took Fred to the Hotspot stand. This stand has consistently produced deer every year, situated on the edge of an old grown up clear cut, 5-6 trails converging.
I went on to a stand on the creek. Thank GOD! running water! First running water I've seen since April around here. Things were looking up.
It was hot, but the rain cooled things off a bit and as the sun came up a breeze picked up, making it almost comfortable. My stand was situated on a 3 trail convergence on a creek bottom, 75 yards down hill from another old clear cut. The view looked promising...
Trail #1 was 10 yards away to my right
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture045.jpg)
Trail #2 forked 15-18 yards to my left
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture047.jpg)
Trail #3 came out of the clear cut directly behind me
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture048.jpg)
And of course there was water just below me (insert crazy giggle here)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture051.jpg)
Post by: JC on October 05, 2007, 10:26:00 PM
Around 8am I saw a doe and fawn slipping down the trail across the creek some 50 or so yards away. They crossed the creek once, crossed back further on and continued down their trail, never offering a shot (though I wouldn't have taken either). I was relieved just to see deer finally...it's been really tough this season. Thanking the Lord for the water, I just knew something was going to happen.
2 hours later I had seen nothing else. Oh well, it has to get better. Time to meet up with the other fellers and see what they killed.
The spot were the doe crossed the second time was obviously well used.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture054.jpg)
As I slipped down the creek I was amazed at how different it looked here than just 30 miles away at my place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture055.jpg)
The rain had brought out flowers that a few weeks ago had not been here.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture062.jpg)
Lichens grew green and vibrant in the fresh moisture.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture060.jpg)
The water had even renewed the "vigor" of some of God's creatures....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture063.jpg)
But also came too late for others...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture058.jpg)
Post by: JC on October 05, 2007, 10:31:00 PM
Ken saw nothing else and was a bit bewildered at our low activity.
We met up with Fred who gave us his bad news...no sightings whatsoever. But Fred was a trooper, taking it with a smile...and much sweat. He did like the stand though and said "that looks like a hot spot." Ken and I laughed aloud....we hadn't told Fred the name but it was obviously given the correct one.
Long sweaty walk back to the truck, we ate a few sandwiches and planned to meet back up around 3 to walk in to 3 different stands that also had not been hunted since we hung them.
Fred and I went back home where we caught a quick nap, posted here, and headed back out to McGraw for the evening hunt.
Post by: vermonster13 on October 05, 2007, 10:54:00 PM
Post by: IB on October 05, 2007, 11:09:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on October 05, 2007, 11:12:00 PM
Post by: cjones on October 06, 2007, 12:06:00 AM
Post by: Guru on October 06, 2007, 04:47:00 AM
Post by: CheapShot on October 06, 2007, 05:04:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on October 06, 2007, 05:14:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 06, 2007, 07:25:00 AM
:thumbsup:
Post by: robtattoo on October 06, 2007, 07:36:00 AM
I knew I should 'a bid a little higher for this!
Post by: Tique on October 06, 2007, 07:47:00 AM
Post by: Huntrdfk on October 06, 2007, 08:31:00 AM
David
Post by: Littlefeather on October 06, 2007, 08:45:00 AM
Post by: Whip on October 06, 2007, 10:24:00 AM
Post by: JC on October 06, 2007, 10:32:00 AM
Post by: IB on October 06, 2007, 10:42:00 AM
Post by: geno on October 06, 2007, 05:05:00 PM
Dang. I'll be thinking of this menue all night..I would be walking away from the table in pain. a good pain.
Post by: Miss Kim on October 06, 2007, 07:47:00 PM
Terriaki Steaks (ribeyes)
Au Gratin Potatoes
Green Salad
Yeast Rolls
Iced Tea/Wine
They had to eat the pork leftovers last night so I thought I had better trot out some good eating tonight.
The boys had team night last night during the high school football game and got to run on the field with the big boys. How could I say no to that? Anyway, it ran much later than I imagined and the hungry hunters got home way before I did. It was leftover city.
Vance since I know this is important to you I will tell you what they came home to find after the morning hunt.
Breakfast Casserole (eggs, hashbrowns, shredded cheese, sausage & cream of mushroom)
Bacon
Sausage
Sausage Gravy
Pancakes
JC and I are just sick that Fred has not seen anything, but you guys know how hunting goes.
Anyway, I hope they come back with smiles on their faces and something in the back of the truck!
We will update you after they eat steak!
:saywhat:
Post by: fflintlock on October 06, 2007, 07:58:00 PM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on October 06, 2007, 08:02:00 PM
Post by: Huntrdfk on October 06, 2007, 08:19:00 PM
David
Post by: Shaun on October 06, 2007, 09:21:00 PM
Post by: JC on October 06, 2007, 10:08:00 PM
I took Fred to "deep stand 1"....the stand I only hunt usually 1-2x a year, across the power line nearing the back edge of my property...well into the living room of the local white tails. When I left him at the trail of brite eyes, I thought "this just has to work, he'll be right on top of em". I went back to "far ridge stand" to hunt a place I hadn't since last year...in the hopes of seeing a deer...ANY deer.
The temp was still crazy warm, 73 this morning when we left before sun-up...should have been 50 at best, typically in the 40's. By the time I got to my stand, I was soaked.
The morning passed uneventfully and I went back to the house to take care of a few work phone calls that popped up...leaving Fred to come down when he wanted. Course, you guys already know the great breakfast my wonderful wife had as a consolation prize :readit:
Kim and the boys soon left for their football games and I updated you while waiting for Fred. Sadly, he came back soaked too....but from just stumpin his way back instead of draggin. But a cool shower and hot breakfast seemed to perk him right up!
Time for a change of plans....we were gettin no-where. It was either Cohutta for bear/hogs or Pine Log for hogs. I knew Terry and his bud Dave were already there, his call confirmed they were on hot trails but the temps were just as hot up there too. We decided to leave Cohutta to Terry (like 96,000 acres wasn't enough room to roam) and thought we'd head to Pine log.
A few hours nap really helped, we loaded up some snacks and cold water and headed out....the thermometer read 88 degrees
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: vermonster13 on October 06, 2007, 10:13:00 PM
Post by: JC on October 06, 2007, 10:32:00 PM
A long, rough dirt road ride in, we stopped at the trail entrance to the "hog crater"....we call it that cause it usually looks like a bomb went off there. We made our way down the trail to the creek....which was bone dry :banghead: OK, calm down, there's a lot of land to cover yet.
75 yards further down I peeked over the edge again....this time....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture073.jpg)
SIGN! Finally...a glimmer of hope. Both Fred and I immediately felt the tension ease. You could see the trail going from the cut down into the crater, with the wallow on the way. The water was good and muddy, it had been used relatively recently.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture074.jpg)
The mud was soft and squishy, the trail was beaten smooth...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture075.jpg)
We talked in hurried whispers...excited to finally see something for all the hours we had put in. Quietly, we slipped away from the creek bed and up the burm of "the crater"...cautiously peeking over the edge.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture076.jpg)
YES! More sign..and by the looks of the dirt, very fresh.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture079.jpg)
The rooted dirt was so fresh it was dark in comparison to the surrounding dirt...it was moist and smelled like a newly turned field. Now we're talking. Now I wasn't sure if the sweat was from the heat or increased anticipation...
Post by: MW on October 06, 2007, 10:37:00 PM
Looks like fun.
Post by: JC on October 06, 2007, 10:46:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture080.jpg)
We still hunted through the area, sign was everywhere. Within 100 yards the fresh sign diwndled, but there was mud on most trees and any log near the well worn trail. We continued down stream just to make sure the hogs weren't waiting somewhere up ahead.
Following the creek the water soon disappeared. This hole is typically 6'+ with flowing water....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture072.jpg)
We followed the dry stream down to another feeder creek that flowed in and actually had running water. Besides the well worn trail, the hog sign was minor....and old. Continuing on, we met up with a side trail that took us back to the road....we would circle back up to the truck and hit the fresh sign for the last few hours of light.
Back at the truck it was still a bit early so we broke out the snacks and water....talking more about hunting and life on the tailgate of my truck. Some things, a feller just can't put a price on. :bigsmyl:
Tomorrow is another day...and another chance at the hogs!
Post by: vermonster13 on October 06, 2007, 10:49:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on October 06, 2007, 10:55:00 PM
Post by: Slasher on October 07, 2007, 12:39:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by JC:AMEN!!! I sometimes forget that, even though I have great access till muzzleloader season starts... just wish they would move every season back about a month... I have hunted a dozen times this season and only not worn shorts once (okay I put on the ASAT leafy wear over it once I get on stand...) ... and the one time I didn't I wish I would've.. and of the times I wore shorts, only once did I feel chilled... deer sightings total 5- way low, as last season I'd see that per hunt in October...
On the way Fred and I talked about our plethora of public hunting land. GA hunters are very fortunate as we have a perponderance of hunting areas available for a very reasonable fee. Seems we sometimes take for granted the sheer amount of land that's purchased and/or leased solely from our hunting/fishing license dollars.
Between the drought, the late freeze last spring (hence, a wierd mast crop this year...) and the dog days of summer going into the heart of October... I understand your frustration as it should be a great time to hunt, however this year, everyone is getting blanked unless its in the last 5 minutes... I am frustrated as are about every other bowhunter I know (even the crossbowers are complaining... :readit: )
Keep at it, we're pulling for ya... :notworthy:
Post by: cjones on October 07, 2007, 12:43:00 AM
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on October 07, 2007, 06:27:00 AM
Post by: Miss Kim on October 07, 2007, 08:33:00 AM
Unfortunatly we had a little problem.....I pried their camo pants, shirts and sweat rags from their hands to wash last night. Both were reluctant to hand them over. JC said "are you sure they will be ready by morning?" Granted it was about 10:30 and they were headed to bed. I assured them I could handle it.....Well, I washed them and asked Chase to put them in the dryer. I even stayed awake and HEARD him put them in and start it. However, I am not sure what setting he put them on. It ran the usual 40 minutes as I dozed, I could hear it and felt like all was fine with the world. Nothing to worry about, right?
The shock came at 6 am when JC came flying in the room saying their clothes were still soaked! :scared:
So, say some extra prayers as they had to go in camo T-shirts and jeans. They were good sports about it....mostly. :rolleyes:
Post by: IB on October 07, 2007, 11:15:00 AM
OH MY :pray: :pray:
Post by: MW on October 07, 2007, 11:54:00 AM
Reading this makes me think traing for a hunt should include a prehunt diet!
What do you think one would need to enter the hunt 10 pounds light?
Vance any advice?
Post by: JC on October 07, 2007, 12:09:00 PM
Biggie, naps are an essential when up early and out late...besides, nothing but walking is bad for digestion :bigsmyl:
Sunday 10/7 - Up and at em...breakfast casserole and 66 degree air temps were both good to see this morning. The cooler air pushed us quickly, we actually walked to the truck without breaking a sweat. We got to the woods while it was still dark this morning so we waited until it was light enough to see without flashlights. Checking the wind, it wasn't very favorable to our approach. It would be a roll of the dice, a 1/4ing breeze that swirled. If we went down the road and came in from the bottom, I don't think we could have made it upstream without making a racket like a heard of buffalo. I chose to play the odds with the wind....
We didn't see anything in the crater so we moved down into the bottom...again, the wind 1/4rd and swirled. We saw 2 black forms move off quickly but decided they were turkeys that saw us moving instead of hogs...they made absolutely no sound running off and looked a bit too slender in the early morning light. We set up for 45min/1hr but the swirling wind finally convinced us to pull up and head out downstream by the road to come up from the bottom.
Hoofing it to the downstream location, we were already soaked through...temps had already risen into the high seventies in the short time the sun was up.
We still hunted up stream, convinced we would intercept hogs at some point. As luck would have it, the wind was swirling again...but now in the opposite direction. Oh well....what do you do? Hunt of course :thumbsup:
The further we went towards the crater, the more we were convinced again this was the spot to spend the rest of our time hunting.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture084.jpg)
And we knew not all the pigs were lil sissy pigs too...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture085.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v701/recurvhuntr/2007%20Season/07%20St%20Judes%20Hunt/Picture086.jpg)
Eventually, we made our way to the end...no sights, sounds or smells of pig. Still soaked and wind swirling, we decided to get out of there and let things settle down without our scent continuing to mess things up. Switch gears....back to the house for refueling (mostly water) and wait for the heat to get up/wind to steady.
We'll be back down there in about an hour and stay till good dark. Hopefully, the heat will bring em in.... :pray:
Post by: J-dog on October 07, 2007, 01:36:00 PM
J
Post by: pine nut on October 07, 2007, 02:31:00 PM
Bill
Post by: Miss Kim on October 07, 2007, 06:40:00 PM
All the good food and hospitality can't compare to letting an arrow fly to a hunter. Even I know that!
Since donating this hunt the last two years,we have been blessed to get to know two wonderful men. Brian last year and Fred this year. Fred has been a wonderful guest and has made himself right at home. From my understanding he doesn't post much, but is a serious hunter and knows his stuff. He is a jovial man who really loves to laugh and finds humor in most everything....I have really enjoyed that. It's a good thing since he hasn't seen anything but squirrels and turkeys!
Boy I hope that changes tonight. I will keep you updated...
Post by: Guru on October 07, 2007, 06:54:00 PM
I think we're all hoping the boys will get into something soon...I know I am! :pray:
Post by: Miss Kim on October 07, 2007, 07:17:00 PM
Oh and for those interested in the food I have prepared Chicken Fajitas with all the trimmings for tonight. Got to help them keep their strength up. ;)
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on October 07, 2007, 07:20:00 PM
Post by: Osagetree on October 07, 2007, 07:36:00 PM
Post by: fflintlock on October 07, 2007, 08:19:00 PM
I do hope they score though !
Post by: Littlefeather on October 07, 2007, 08:48:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on October 07, 2007, 09:24:00 PM
And Fred was generous enough to win 2 hunts on the St Judes Auction....so he'll 'Be Back'!
Post by: IB on October 08, 2007, 09:48:00 AM
Are they or are they NOT....Out after them this morning :readit: :readit:
What be happenin on the "Coot's Plantation" This Day? We so want to know :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
Post by: JC on October 08, 2007, 12:20:00 PM
We hunted hard...I pulled every trick out of my bag that I had...I took him to every honey hole we had time too, and only the hottest spots...but the temps, drought, whatever were just too much for us. It's been very, very few times that I have put in that many hard hours and not at least had shot ops.
But, we did have a great time hunting, talking, and eating with each other...Fred is truly a fine fellow that I would be honored to have as a camp-mate on any trip, any where. I just wish we had seen the critters. It just wasn't in God's plan, I only hope he sees our hard work on this one as a "deposit" and soon we will both be able to make a "withdrawal"! :D
Thanks for following along, I'm sorry we couldn't provide any hero pics at the end. Hopefully you were entertained some with the pics and story.
Thanks for bidding on the hunt for the kid's Fred. Thanks even more for being such a fine Christian man who I now can call a friend. Hopefully you'll be able to come down again before your year's license runs out: I can't promise the hunting will be any better...but it sure couldn't get worse :rolleyes: And of course, there will always be a consolation prize of one of Kim's good meals at the end of the day. :thumbsup: :campfire:
Post by: Greyfox54 on October 09, 2007, 12:05:00 AM