Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Bud B. on April 18, 2013, 11:43:00 PM
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I'm already looking towards opening day.
I built a stand last month and put it up. I thought the trail I placed it near was a well used trail.
The stand.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/stand.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/stand.jpg.html)
I have more work to do. I'm going to paint it black/gray/green to match the area trees and greenery. It's attached to a Willow Oak.
This is about 15 yards away.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/tracks.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/tracks.jpg.html)
Sorry for the poor pics, but my flip phone still works and I'll keep using it until it poots out.
How 'bout it fellow NCers. What are you doing for the Sept opener?
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Looking for a new and better place to hunt deer is what's on my agenda for 2013. The deer in the little patch of woods I have hunted for the past few years have become scarce because coyotes moved in. Smart deer.
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Thats some thick cover you got there! Looks like you have the same problem as me. Deer on the brain with quite a few months to go yet. :banghead:
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Bud B. I like the way you think! (You too Izzy)!
Already been out picking out ground blind spots on the 400 acres that I hunt in Stokes Co., NC. The area took a major beating from H. Fever last season, but it looks like the deer herd is rebounding.
Deer season can't get here early enough!! :pray:
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The land is a 21 acre tract that was clear cut about 11 years ago. The only trees of size they left were along a drain wash from the nearby road (where this stand is located) and a creek that runs on the west edge. There are a few Willow Oaks big enough for tree stands. I built one of wood to prevent theft. And I wanted to slip in quietly and climb with as little noise as possible. Climbers just make too much noise no matter what.
I placed a mineral block nearby to hopefully help with mineral needs and antler growth. There are two nearby cattle farms that use mineral licks already.
Another reason to want to slip in is this is their bedding area. The whole 21 acres is thick and places are so thick even crawling wouldn't get you through. There's lots of low vegetation and honeysuckle for them to munch on for eats.
If we get a long enough dry spell I'll go back and paint it with some water based paint and thin it enough to make it act more like a stain.
Be careful with ticks and chigger guys and gals. I pulled three deer ticks off me last night...two already attached. Come on winter...I'm not a hot weather person.
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Bud,
That looks and sounds like a great set up to hunt. And it sounds like you are thinking of everything. I suppose that you will see many good deer from that stand.
I'm not a hot weather guy either, I know what you mean. Please post photos of the progress as you get it painted and see more deer sign, etc.
joe
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Revisited today. Removed three ticks so far.
My how a month has changed everything. I climbed the stand and visibility was near zero. I took some pruners, a machete, and my son-in-law and got some shooting holes cut through for the early Sept. season opener. Honeysuckle is in full bloom. Poison Ivy is all over. I'm already looking forward to late November. I hate ticks, chiggers, poison ivy, and hot sweaty days.
Going back tomorrow for a painting session and will not forget the bug spray/permethrin.
I'll try to remember to take the camera.
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Looks like a solid stand. You might try to brush in behind you to break up your outline up in the stand. Oak branches cut in mid summer will hold their leaves for a couple years.
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Send directions to stand and I'll test it out for you :bigsmyl:
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The willow oak is now in full leaf and back cover is not an issue. After fall leaf drop it may be. And the cutting of leafed oaks is a good idea. I had an oak tree at my house get hit by lightning and it died while fully leafed out. The leaves hung on for two more years after it died.
Headin' back out this morning. I'll take some more pics.
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Looks like everyone already is developing bad intentions. Im with ya! As soon as i get this hog hunt out of the way, itl be alll deer mode.
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Usually when the first week of August rolls around I start getting excited about deer season.
Me and my son will be putting trail cams out in a few weeks, and all through the summer, to see if we can pick out a few good bucks to hunt hard during bow season. We have access to a lot of different tracts and hope our trail cam 'homework' before season will pay off for us. Never used trail cams much but looking forward to what they show us.
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Thanks Bud. Reminds me I need to get off my butt and get some cameras out. I got 2500 acres to hunt right by myself this year. Made a deal with the land owner that I'd not shoot a buck that I wouldn't have mounted. I shot 3 does last year and had a blast filming and watching small 8's and 6's play. Did see two shooters but no shots. Bow only which is fine with me.
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Looks like a great place Bud!
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Just got back. Got a few pics to post. But a shower first...
Did I say I hate hot weather?!?!?!
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My tree stand camoing kit...
My $2 yard sale garland to cover the legs of the ladder and sides.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8427.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8427.jpg.html)
From left to right in this series of pics as viewed from the stand:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8428.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8429.jpg)
Back quiver can be seen on the ground.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8430.jpg)
Back quiver seen again on left side.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8431.jpg)
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Shooting hole on the right. I took a few shots with the HH Big Five at a 9" foam disc.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8436.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8437.jpg)
Funny thing. I hit the foam with all the shots except one. The one pink fletched arrow I arched my back and bent at the waist like I've heard and read, rather than just draw and shoot like the rest of the arrows, which were done in a leaning body with canted bow. I think I'm gonna go with the natural feel of the Hill style from this stand and not over think it.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8440.jpg)
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I tried some on the left shooting hole too.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8441.jpg)
The second pic in my first post with the deer tracks is where the foam disc lies for these shots.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8442.jpg)
First shot low. Second high. All the rest in foam. All while seated and wearing the back quiver. Sorry for the blurry pic.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8446.jpg)
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How the stand looks now.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8432.jpg) (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8433.jpg)
I'll cut some oak as Fletcher suggested to broaden and darken the background. This is at about 2:30pm. I think this'll be a good morning and evening stand when shadows are longer and the sun is lower. This is a straight up sun.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/2013%20NC%20Deer%20Season/100_8444.jpg)
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Bud I'm gettin a little excited too. Day after turkey season I hit all my regular hunting buddies and we are all strategizing NOW. This spring has had perfect conditions for acorn growth factoring water supply and temps. Chatham and Lee counties. Two stingray bowhunts then a Catfish/Dove opener before starting deer hunting but we are moving now on plans I already know where they will be during the season, :)
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Well done! :clapper: Boy it sure looks like a ground hunter's paradise where you are. No blind building necessary with that thick cover. You ever hunt from the ground in that area?
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From the ground it's almost too thick. There are a few places though. I have not started on the ground blind yet.
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I would worry about some back cover for sure, deer here would pick ya everytime. Shawn
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Way to go Bud. That place reminds me of where we hunted. Ticks have been bad here to.
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Same place Dwight. Come on back. I have a tree waiting for you and your climbing sticks ;) It's on my list of to-do's to check that tree for shooting lanes next, or very soon.
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Originally posted by Don Batten:
Thanks Bud. Reminds me I need to get off my butt and get some cameras out. I got 2500 acres to hunt right by myself this year. Made a deal with the land owner that I'd not shoot a buck that I wouldn't have mounted. I shot 3 does last year and had a blast filming and watching small 8's and 6's play. Did see two shooters but no shots. Bow only which is fine with me.
Don, that is the way I hunt on my areas also! I can legally shoot a bunch of nanny's so I let the boys walk unless he is big!
Good looking spot! I would look into some back cover from that one angle. Great job!
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OK fellow tarheels....it's getting close.....
Where will you be opening day?
I'm gonna take the opener on my Dad's place. I have had opening day good fortune the last two years. Lord willing I'll make it three.
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Looks great Bud!
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Im pumped. I got a few stand sites fixed up that i didnt move from late season last year.
BUT, i have done some scouting and will be prepping some trees next weekend for my tree saddle and a couple lock ons.
Also have a ground set to prune up. Its a little later in the game than normally for me but School and Military has kept me busy. Add Bowfishing a couple times a week to that and i hadnt had as much time as in past seasons. ;)
Definetly looking forward to it tho. Slinging sticks everyday as usual. waiting ever so IMPATIENTLY.
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I noted today that deer movement was heavy before sunset. Gotta check the moon phase. Hopefully this activity will be the same come opening day.
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Going to miss the opener, but have a good excuse for that.
Wyoming elk hunt
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Originally posted by Bud B.:
I noted today that deer movement was heavy before sunset. Gotta check the moon phase. Hopefully this activity will be the same come opening day.
Calendar shows identical moon phase for the Sept 7th opener.
It's getting close :)
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Back up fellers! Getting close! This ol' boy is ready too lay something in the shade, heres my set-up this year:
#40 Omega Shortbow
Carbon Express Pile Drivers
Vast assortment of 125gr Bheads up front, lol.
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/b2e2583b-77db-47fd-b199-7d4c9a670bed_zps72848787.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/b2e2583b-77db-47fd-b199-7d4c9a670bed_zps72848787.jpg.html)
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I'm stoked. I made some venison jerkey last night for taking to the woods :)
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Wow, you're a better man than me Bud, if I made some it wouldnt make it too this weekend lol
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The 7th ain't here yet. And it tastes to be a good batch. It was from my first trad deer two years ago opening day. Good Lord willing I'll have another successful opening day.
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Yessir! Got too be good juju!
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I have a ladder stand I need to put up. A store bought one...but I just camo painted it and don't want to put it up while still stinking of new paint. Might wait until later in the season.
And gotta permethrin the outer clothes too.
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Good prep. Bud, I like your wood ladder stand and it's aged in now so" get er done". Best of luck to you and I'll see you latter in the season. :thumbsup:
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Looking forward to it Dave :archer2:
Thanks
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Hey Bud. Don't know if I will be down that way again soon but maybe in Nov around Thanksgiving. We have a farm now and you are welcome to come anytime. I have been working on some food plots. Hope we can get together again soon.
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Going to try public land here in WNC (Etowah, NC) have not been able to find a lease or property available that I can afford in this area. Also hoping to sneak down to GA and hunt with the brother-in-law a bit as well.
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Let me know Dwight. I am off Mon-Thurs Thanksgiving week. The stand on page one is yours unless you prefer your sticks and stand. I'll be hunting some of those days.
NCAf,
The Central season is longer than the Western season. Uwharrie is a big place and there are some good deer in there.
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Bud,
I hunt a private piece of property in Stokes County (nearly 400 acres) that is exclusively managed for wildlife. Have 5 blinds, two hang-ons and my climber ready for Saturday the 7th!
Been lucky to have taken hogs with my trad gear, but this is the year to arrow my first deer!!
Good luck and let me know how your season goes!
Bob C
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Sounds like a great place Bob. I'm heading to Stokes Co (NC) later today to take my Dad to the family grave plots in a crossroads place called Northview, not far from Priddy's Store. My great and great-great grandparents are buried there. He hasn't been in years due to health. (Oakley, Sands, Taylor markers)
Stokes is a beautiful area.
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I hung a couple sets last Sunday, and I've got two more to hang this Saturday. It's that time where you can feel a little difference in the morning air. I'm ready!!!
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Got the second metal ladder stand up today. The woods were torn apart. Leaves scattered everywhere and turkey feathers around mixed in. After nearly killing myself putting the stand up by myself I walked to my wood stand I built three years ago. It's about 50 yards away. I came up on the turkey that had torn apart the wood while feeding. They kinda ran off but really paid me little attention. I hope the upcoming season keeps going like this :)
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Anyone seeing acorns dropping? The torn up woods mentioned above were being searched by the turkey for acorns. I saw numerous fresh acorn caps and a few green acorns on the ground. Seems way too early for acorns to be dropping.
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Man up here in the mountains we arent going too have muuch of a crop this year. Blight has taken his toll on everything from tomatoes too aacorns. Red Oaks are dropping here a little,but definatley spotty.
I plan on concentrating on funnels, but im not gonna lie, 'yellow' acorns work great for years like this :cool:
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Dalton, too much rain. I fertilized my white oaks back in the spring. I think it was a waste of time. I have one more stand to hang but it is so humid. Made a bow holder and some brush holders today.
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My Deer season is not for another month yet and you guys are getting me all pumped up. BEST OF EVERYTHING INCLUDING LUCK for all you NC boys and gals. Have a great season and be safe! :archer:
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I never go until it cools off some which is usually the third week.
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I have trail cam photos of deer in the woods I hunt. A nice 8-point that I saw last November was not killed last year, so I wonder when and if he will show up. I put out a couple of "wicked wicks" and my pop up blind. I won't be able to hunt much in September, but the thought of October and November has me excited. Lots of does and younger bucks around too. NC deer season is Awesome!
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Wayy too much rain! It seems too be starting a week early this year, I bet that will get alot of bucks killed early.
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Unless it is a monster, I will not shoot it. I would rather shoot long nose does. I have not seen a good deer in three years. To many road hunters.
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I have several sets ready to go. Running bait at a hand full of them for a month now. have several deer on camera. Most of my better stands i wont chance with a camera so im curious to see how they turn out. Im pumped for the opener. I have stand by all weekend so unfortunately ill be in uniform but will be in the woods each evening.
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Amen to that brother!! We had 2 stans stolen by two idiots we saw roadhunting almost everyday in gun season. We infoemed game wardens and now the GW stays on that road. Maybe that will at least help something
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FInally got my first clean antler pics, blood all in fron of the camera, 3 shooters (1 biggern) lost their velvet yesterday morning at about 830am, at about 8 yds from my tree... :banghead:
Needless too say, im having trouble sleeping at night LOL.
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Already?!?!
Last year's opener I shot a velvet buck, but he was on the verge of shedding the velvet. Only bad thing about an opening day deer here is ticks and chiggers on the hide. Plus the transition from summer coat to winter coat makes the hide look less than desirable.
My camera's been out at a new spot for over a week. I set it near a place where I thought they were coming through in an open wooded spot. It's about 30 yards from my closest stand. Hopefully I'll have something on it when I pull the card.
I get off work tonight at 1815 and will not have to go back until Tues.
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Oh yes Bud, slick as whistle. Ive also notices that most of my deer have already transitioned to the "grey" look and lost all that red. Granted its definitley cooler up here, that may be the difference.
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Yeah, you're 2500-3000 feet higher than me. Elevation here is about 700-900. I miss hunting Laurel Springs and Dean Pruitt's dairy farm as it butted up to the Parkway. There was a place we called the "ice box". Just south of Bluff's Coffee Shop there is a rock wall and down in the bottom can be seen a small pond. That place never sees direct sunlight in the heart of winter. The water coming from the rocks formed huge ice hangings and it is a cooooold place come winter. The club was called Elk Knob Hunt Club. Oh the memories. And of Carson Woods, too.
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It was cool this morning walking in work, still no decent bucks on camera. I spend to much time in the woods. I will set up and let everything calm down for a couple of weeks then slip into my stands. I need to take out about 3-4 does. That is my goal.
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Mature does are my goal on my father's land. It will be hard to pass on a buck though.
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Alright fellas (and ladies too ;) )! Only approx. 58 hours 'til I'm heading out to my first NC set for the season. Something is gonna have an up-close and personal encounter with a very sharp Centaur Battle Axe opening weekend. I just feel it!!!
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Good luck guys.
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we suppose to get a break from the heat after today. I may try it opening morning or not. Got two really decent 8's but they are only out at night. Right many does around. Plenty of bear. Got one sow with 3 cubs. Cute as can be but wish they would just move on. More excited about doves than deer right now.
Cory was here last weekend for a Catfish/dove hunt. Had a blast with my old buddy. good luck to all tarheel bowhunters. DB
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Good luck fellas. Don, I was raised up shooting Doves. Around my Grandads place squirrel and dove were ahead of deer hunting by a bunch.Good eating.RC
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Day and a half too go, this ol boy is giddy
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In 36 hours I'll either be overlooking a pinch point from the top of a big brushy mound of dirt left over from a pond dig or slippin'/sittin'/glassin' my way across a secluded oak ridge near the edge of a big swamp.
I'm leaning toward that oak ridge but the wind will make the final decision for me. I had two small bucks within 8 steps last year on that ridge...drew and came to anchor on one of them, just to see if I could. They were just young'uns back then, a little spike and a fork horn. They may not get the same courtesy this year..
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Driving home last night and seen a nice buck getting ready to cross the road watching traffic. I had Tonya stop the car and I scared back into the mountain.
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Uncle Sam told me I couldn't play this morning but I'm headed to the woods after duty this afternoon.
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How is the day going? Was going to hunt in NC this morning and picked up a bug yesterday.
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The best thing about this NC hunting season is I turned 65 and will get my Lifetime Sportsman license for $15. I hope I live long enough to get my moneys worth!
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You've heard of the Biltmore Mansion? Today my hunting accommodations were at what I have dubbed "the Kenmore Mansion", an abandoned freezer, probably full of pre-Hurricane Irene groceries, that I happened upon when the wind changed for my previously selected stand. This must have been the redneck "deluxe package" as there was also transportation left behind, an overturned Barbie Jeep. I can say that and get away with it...I'm a redneck.
It was sitting at a killer spot in a pinch point 15 yards off of a creek and the trail of deer tracks going past looked like a cattle path. Making the best of the available cover I quickly piled brush on the top of it, cut shooting holes on either side, and took refuge in an old white plastic lawn chair graciously provided. In a minute's notice I had a great natural blind with an obstruction that would easily let me come to full draw.
I sat there from daylight til 2PM....and saw one box turtle.....
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I saw one large doe and two very small spotted fawn twins. Nothing else though. Not a bad opening day. I saw three deer total not including the one I almost hit while coming home :)
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Had a decent opening dag. At 7:15 a.m. a nice velvet 4pt came into 25 yards but circled and caught my wind. Didnt spook...just "politely" turned and went back where came from. Then in the evening I had 3 young coons come and climb right up my gorilla tree sticks to about 5' of me :biglaugh: . When I have time to get into photobucket, ill post the pics of them coming up to chat.
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We killed 3 does at my friend Todd's house yesterday. I passed up a spike, 4pt, and an eight point in the morning. Passed a spike in the afternoon.LCH
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3 does , that's great., I need to get a handle on my doe population. Does everywhere, pasture, yard, driveway.
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I have seen 3 deer die so far, 2 does and a 9pt, none of which were by my arrows. I was filming. Booo. 1 more night of filming then i will finally get at it!
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Dalton, who were you filming. Jeff, from work is back in town. He scored on a bull elk in Co and was processing it today. I am trying to hold off till it cools off a bit.
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Shot over a doe's back last evening. All my fault and I know what I did wrong. Maybe next time.
In all I have seen one opener shootable deer and last night I saw four. All does. The place where my stand from page one is located has been dry. Not even any tracks except small doggish tracks. I'm thinking coyotes have moved into my hunt area.
I heard LCH has had a very good season so far.
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Hadn't been on here in a while... I shot a 17 1/4" inside 6 point 2nd week of season saw a really nice 8 the day before that. Last week I saw a really nice 9 point 100" deer at 15 yards but decided to pass he will be a wall hanger next year if he makes it. Besides that a few small bucks here and there and two does last night. Out of all of my hunting property I am only seeing does at one stand its crazy this year.
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Shot one last week where I thought it was a yearling doe, but turned out to be a button buck. Good one for the freezer, but not too happy with it being a young buck. Oh well, one down.
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Having some issues finding does on my places. Never seen anything like it. Several encounters with spikes up to 6 PTs of different variety but not a single doe has stepped past me. Haha. I did shoot a spike with a broken leg the second week. Passed his friends that where with him again last Wednesday. We'll see how it goes.
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Hating these 80 degree days. Come on true fall and winter :thumbsup:
Gonna walk Uwharrie this afternoon. Slowly though with the heat.
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Went to Uwharrie and jumped three doe.
Walk little. Look much. Walk less than little. Look more than much.
Had a raccoon come up behind me about an hour before dark. Scared me good. I was dozing near a large rock outcropping on a hillside. Love being in the woods.
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Looking for the weather to cool some, not liking the heat....
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Hoping to steal away for an evening hunt tomorrow. Finished setting up my blind area last week during the warm streak, but the mosquitoes were relentless. May have to break out the Thermacell if it doesn't cool off.
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Been a tough year for me so far. Haven't seen many at all.
Good luck Carolinians.
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Only get weekends, but did see 3 does last Sunday morning and 2 the Sunday morn before that. New place I am hunting and both times came in behind me, so I need to switch the set up.
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Had a button buck only feet away from the stand shown on page one. He came in last night about an hour before dark. I did not shoot. I was hoping momma would come out. She never did if she was nearby.
I initially thought our acorn crop was going to be good in NC, but after an early initial acorn fall of what was on the trees, it suddenly and completley stopped. The willow oaks are covered up, but white and red oak are little to none in the acorn dept. Looks like it's going to be a bad year for food stores for the deer and squirrels. I hope to get back out Thursday.
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What's the update tarheels?
Smokepoles got you bummed?
Work and rain have kept me out of the woods lately.
Any ruttn going on?
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Bud I hadn't seen this thread in a while. Got 5 does so far and passed about a dozen bucks with one on the edge he might be 3 1/2 - but I judged him at 2 1/2 and let him walk - all the other bucks were little. Saw a genuine Boomer Buck tonight in the dark when I drove home. He'd score Comptons no doubt and big blocky body. Been hunting hard since early Sept and wanting too pack it in - just a few more days for me I think.
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Seeing several nice scrapes. Get this...and a nice fresh scrape UNDER the limbs of a loaded persimmon tree! Talk about Valhalla. Trailcam says at least 5 bucks in the area and one dandy, but they seem to be moving mostly in the wee hours of the night.
Lot's of does, but the darn swirling wind is giving me fits. Tomorrow is another day. I'm hoping to pin the does travel time down, and thus the mature buck if he's in it for lust!
Good luck Tarheels!
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I've only made it out four times this entire season due to a pretty hectic work schedule, had a few close encounters but no shot opportunities thus far. November has always been good to me in NC and I'm hoping I can get in a couple more productive sits later in the month. I would agree that the acorn crop is a little on the light side this year, which is surprising given the amount of rain we had during the spring and summer months. Good luck to all, hope to see some more activity on this thread soon!