Archery Season 2011

[Firebrand]

My brother and I are hunting the same section we hunted last year. Last year my brother's wife had a bear charge out of the bushes and run past her. Freaked her out good. So we know bear are in the area. Last night my brother calls to tell me there are bear tracks all over the place. He has this idea that he would like to capture a bear on a picture from one of his trail cams (there are 4). Today he was out there spreading honey on trees and stumps in hopes of attracting one near a motion-sensored trail camera.

Come on, do we really want to attract bears prior to a hunt? I asked him. He said, "too late". I said, "by whose stand??". He said, "Barry's" with a grin.

It's going to be a nail-biter walking in on Oct 1st in pre-dawn darkness.

[Firebrand]

Time to hit the woods for a little scouting action. Been way too long since the last time out but that's normal since we dont romp around in the woods in the summer due to bugs. I'll post some pics of the beautiful property we are hunting. There are two other sections of private land we will hunt but this section on Vorce Rd is our first choice.

And yes, I have some back-up........
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[Firebrand]

Here is a shot of the pond w/island....

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It's well stocked with trout and one of the reasons why my brother was asked to watch over the 60+ac of land. Deer all over the place.

[krystian]

Here is a shot of the pond w/island....

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It's well stocked with trout and one of the reasons why my brother was asked to watch over the 60+ac of land. Deer all over the place.

A pond with an island, that's gorgeous, I love it!

[Firebrand]

What a fantastic hunting weekend. This was only my second archery season in the past 25yrs and never taking a deer with bow and arrow. When I came into the "camp" (we had two teams in a very friendly competition) I told my brother that my expectations were two deer in two days. This morning that expectation was fulfilled and with my brother's amazement. Not many others here in the north can brag of taking two deer in archery season in the first two days.

My treestand was like Wild America that first morning. At daybreak a coyote came in at about 25yds. Then at 8am things started popping. I saw 5 deer and ended up taking a doe. There is no thrill like having a deer come in so close and they not have a clue you are there. Pretty cool. First blood in the two groups. My brother was the proud one to send the text messages to the other team consisting of our sister's husband and his/our long time friend.

This morning there was frost on the punkin again, about 25deg with no breeze. By time I reached the stand and settled in there was sweat dripping off my nose. That isnt good with all the extra scent floating around. My only hope of seeing anything was if they came in from upwind. That's exactly what happened. A weird, "A-typ" 3pt with what looked like fur on his antlers came in on my left about 15ft out (that's close). Safety off, I wheeled and leaned more than I safely should and snapped off a quick shot with the crossbow. There was the "thwack" of a good hit. The buck wheeled around and bolted back to the field and expired 50yds out.

So, I'm a very happy hunter having never taken an archery deer and any deer for that matter on opening day even gun season. Then following up on the second day with another. Thank you, Lord.....and for my good brother who loves to do this for his big brother.

[Firebrand]

A couple pics from the last two mornings showing the buck and doe:


Here is a "non-typical" three point. Here in michigan we count all the points, total from both antlers. What is so unusual is the velvet is still intact and has a fur-like appearance. Strange indeed.
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Here is a rather good sized doe:
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[Firebrand]

Speaking of having a "Wild America" day on Saturday, my brother had an encounter with a racoon. It was standing on it's hind legs like a little bear growling at my brother. The critter kept looking up at the figure in the treestand and not understanding what it was. So here it was at the base of the tree growling. My brother was texting me about it while laughing. I guess he didnt like the competition at the bait pile

[Rasputin]

Speaking of having a "Wild America" day on Saturday, my brother had an encounter with a racoon. It was standing on it's hind legs like a little bear growling at my brother. The critter kept looking up at the figure in the treestand and not understanding what it was. So here it was at the base of the tree growling. My brother was texting me about it while laughing. I guess he didnt like the competition at the bait pile

We're having a bit of a problem with raccoons and skunks here in California. They've become a little too used to humans and are getting bolder lately.

[Firebrand]

Tomorrow is opening day for firearm deer season and up to an hour ago I really wasnt too excited about it since the property we have hunted is so far off for daily commuting and my job (glory to God) is keeping me busy. But now I'm so stoked I may not sleep well tonight. My friends that are on the way to my pickup point at work said they have at least an 8pt'er hanging out for the many does they have. I need an 8pt on this restricted tag, the remaining tag of the 3 I started with. I asked the husband if he would hunt it and he said no. Hmmmm. I told him that I'll shoot it, dress it, butcher it and deliver the steaks in freezer ready packages. All I want is the thrill and the headgear. Dude, I'm on this.

So, I'm hunting from 9-noon and evenings from 3:30-dark each day and all weekend if I so choose or need to.

I'm scurrying about like a squirrel at first frost putting my hunting stuff together and getting my wrangler ready for the hunt. My rifle of choice is my steady and faithful "Black Widow" Savage .270win with 130gr Ballistic Tips that put deer down on the spot.

Here we go. Again.

[banish'd]

I am from Richmond, Michigan.


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