Better late then never . . . I think the rut is finally here!!!

[Chris Shelton]

Somehow the task of preparing the house for Thanksgiving got piled onto my plate, so I have not bee out in the wild except the daily journey through the trap line early in the morning! I have been itching to get back a field with my bow, and Friday is when I leave.

Like a lot of you I have noticed that this year seems off! Don't know why, or whats causing it, but things are off. Over the last few weeks I have seen the standard rubs that come with the pre rut, but I have not seen any chasing. Well I was cleaning the kitchen and I glance out the window and something catches my eye.

Seems a group of deer were up at the fence row in the field above my house. So I had to investigate. It is a real shame that I cannot bowhunt this property, because I may have just gotten really lucky up their today! Instead I have to hunt with my camera, which I really don't mind!

Check him out!!!

 

 

look at those glands!!!

I hope this is a good sign for this weekend!!!

[bentpole]

   :eek:  WOOOOFAAAA!          

[AdamH]

Looks Good, but watch out for the "Orange Army" opens this Saturday ...

[Spinealigner]

I don't think it ever happened in Iowa

[leatherneck]

Good for you. Ours came and went at the blink of an eye. Very strange deer activity in Ohio this year. I know ours is actually happening, but the deer movement has been very minimal in the daylight.

[buckeye_hunter]

Still seeing does with their first year button bucks. Shoulda run those young guys off when they went into estrous????

[GingivitisKahn]

Originally posted by leatherneck:
Good for you. Ours came and went at the blink of an eye. Very strange deer activity in Ohio this year. I know ours is actually happening, but the deer movement has been very minimal in the daylight.

That's how I saw it too - or rather didn't see it.  I think I blinked my eye at the wrong time.

[vhntr 1]

Same here in NW Ohio spoty activity

[Bowwild]

I'm thinking, hoping mid-December is going to be better than normal this year!? (in the central latitudes).

[leatherneck]

Boy I'm glad all you other Ohio guys are seeing(or lack their of) as little as we are. I thought our farm might have took a nose dive this season.  

[GingivitisKahn]

Nope - it's not just you, Leatherneck.  Misery loves company and all that.   :D

[Overspined]

I have been hearing similar stories from many folks, I saw lots of activity from the last week of October to November 10. I heard most folks stopped seeing much going on. I hunted Illinois Nov 19-21 and activity was sporadic and they were definately seeking. Seemed like many were doe'd up. Haven't been out since.