Just wrapped up a great week of hunting on Darren Shue's Families' place. Don't want to give away too much because I don't want too much competition in bidding for it again next year.
We saw countless does, several basket rack 6 and 8 point bucks, and a monster buck or two. Course the main monster came through chasing a doe the first day, then never showed up again. We were thinking they only let him out of the pen to get us excited!
First few days saw warm weather. Good activity in the early mornings and just before dusk. Next few days brought cold and windy conditions. The deer were smater than us and decided to stay down out of the wind in the deep hollows.
I had chances with two bucks, but they were so intent on finding their next doe they wouldn't slow down. Even grunted at one, but it didn't phase him.
My friend was on his first archery hunt and I am afraid the activity the first few days spoiled him a little. He expects to see deer every time out. He had two shots on does. His first shot he just plain missed. Made a mistake we all are familiar with, he forgot to pick a spot.
Next day as we walked to our spots I told him to be sure and get out in front of the rails on the ladder stand if he was gonna take a shot that way. Some things have to be experienced rather than taught I guess, he said it sounded like a bad set of tuning prongs as his arrow sailed 10 feet wide of it's intended target.
We were fortunate to have several opportunities for shots, but only closed the books on one doe.
Darren's Dad, John, was kind enough to come out and give me pointers on butchering the doe. I have always used a processor in the past and due to the circumstances needed to do this one myself. Always wanted to learn how, so it was worth the trip just for that experience. Now I am excited to get another so that I can see how much I remember.
Enjoyed a dinner with Darren's folks, John and Janice, and his brother Danny and his wife and son. Let me tell ya, you won't find a finer bunch of people anywhere!
Hope to post some pics later but need to get reacquainted with my family.
Now forget you ever read this post! I can't afford to much competition in next year's auction.
Topic: St Judes Auction - Pike Co, Ill Hunt (Read 424 times)
