Wouldn't you know it. A day before the bear season ended in our zone this guy showed up. That first pic was very poor as it was at night with a really old Cuddeback. Then this week, after being out of the woods with a cold all week, I went for a walk to check the cameras. And this is what I get.
Now, this usually would not bother me except that deer activity and sign around this spot was very poor. It has happened to me before. There was an apple orchard full of deer sign. Then it all disappeared and puzzeld me until I found bear droppings. Once the bear(s) left the deer returned. When this guy decides to leave I don't know. But since it is on my property about 15 mins. away there will be a bear bait there next Sept. In the meantime I have several pics of this nice buck that has been at the same site at least 3 times a week. It's probably good I'm not feeling that great. It's warm, bear are around and i don't want to educate this buck. Hopefully the bear will make himself scarce before too long.
Here are his hard antlers. (The pic of him in velvet is dated too early....it was early Sept. That old Cuddeback change dates and years on ocaision).
By the way....I hate being sick during deer season. The good news is that I put a button buck in the freezer last week, and I got a turkey, as well. Can't wait for the rut.