August 29th, heading west to seek new adventures in my hunting passion. The first few states are all too familiar. My great state of Pennsylvania was a short 5 hours across, followed by the Buckeye state, and the majority of Indiana. A bit over 700 miles were rolled onto the odometer by the time I stopped in Elkhart, IN. Since I was making this all possible by strict budgeting, my truck would become my bedroom for the evening and many to follow.
Day two started early, with the sun just creeping above the horizon. Since I was coupling my hunting trip with work related travel, gas would mostly get covered under expenses (Pretty much equaling the cost of a plane ticket to Washington state). Today would warrant new landscapes that I haven't seen previously. So Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, honestly it didn't feel like I had been missing much. With that being said though, not all beautiful parts of a state can simply been seen from a highway. So I won't discredit those states too severely but from my window view I wasn't too amused. South Dakota sparked interest though. Sioux Falls to Rapid City was quite the haul. The Mount Rushmore State provided wildlife, western aspects, and remnants of the past. Where the Antelope play, almost too close to the highway sometimes. I managed to get within 30 miles of Mount Rushmore before some 1000 odd miles later I turned off my motor and the truck's.
I woke early again, even before daybreak this time. My goal was to see Mount Rushmore on a fine Sunday morning. To my disgust though, it would be an hour off the path of my travel....I had hit road warrior status and couldn't give in to the time lost on my trip. I figured it would still be there on my return or another all together. The goal today was to finish South Dakota and try, try to get through Montana. The landscape continued to amaze me the further west I pushed. The day's journey even included a small glimpse of Wyoming. Incredible. Every song and saying about the western states were humble in their descriptions. Its just one of those things you should see for yourself.
The third day ended in Idaho. A bit further than I had expected but a worthy achievement. I opened up my cot in the bed of the truck for the evening while staying at the base of the mountain where my future hunt would occur. To my dismay, the squirrels worked the night shift and continually dropped branches and acorns onto my truck. So my sleep wasn't the best thus far and a lurking tiredness was setting in from three very hard days for travel.
The morning came all too quickly with lack of sleep. Goal today, scout the mountain for camping spot and then hit the road to meet a coworker for an audit in the Idaho panhandle the next day. The ascent was exactly that, just when you though you couldn't go up anymore, you just did. The road/trail twisted and turned while my truck hugged the inside lane. Before I knew it, I was up, some 6,000 feet. The Snow Peak Wildlife Management Area. Densely populated with thick forestry and wildlife, not to mention the dam squirrels. Using the map I purchased from national forest folks, I was looking for a small campground area.
After driving atop the area, I stopped to interact with a gentleman that seemed to be roughing it too. The link or should I say instant connection that hunters have is amazing. This guy, who would be named Lt. Dan for all intensive purposes, was on the same mission as me. Solo hunting, in a remote area, and doing with a bow. Two star crossed idiots, I mean hunters. We shot the breeze for about 15 minutes when I proposed the plan. I would be returning in a few days, and that we would do this adventure co-cooperatively. Because sometimes two stupid ideas put into on effort can be the safer thing to do.
So downward the truck went and onto my first hotel stay. It was well deserved as my truck and I stank like a locker room from 4 days of trucker ass. My adventure continues after my work is completed in a few days.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Deal Sealed Unexpectedly
I have spent the majority of October traveling two and from western Pennsylvania to seal the deal on some antlers. With early success under my belt from Maryland with a Sika deer, I was riding on a high. The grueling month of little bucks and 2400 miles was wearing on the mind though. Its a feeling like during a marathon, the hitting of the wall. Trying to tuck that low point deep down, you have to forge on, as you never know when the 180 degree will come.
With each trip to the farm, information is gathered, passed on and documented. With a hunting journal in my possession now, I find my self taking more detailed notes on weather conditions and summaries of what was seen during the sits. The first two weeks of October was turning into a sweatathon. The summer was very slowly releasing its grips but continues to keep the big deer on lock down. When the temperatures start under 50 degrees then get ready. Deer don't have the ability to sweat just like a dog. This period of time is good to sit near a water source if you find yourself battling an early season heat. The majority of sightings were little bucks, spikes, and crab claws. Kind of like watching high school kids mingling around the woods.
Our makeshift property manager spoke a few words to live by though, on my second trip out. "Don't worry about where you saw the bucks, but were you saw the does". With the rut quickly approaching, he makes a fine point. Taking those notes in early season, of the same two doe passing by the stand will mean something later. Most of the younger cousins at the table thought nothing of his statement, but it was like a slice of friend gold to me. The stand location I sit on the field have 6-8 doe come in the woods every morning like clock work. One of these days in late October into November will have a buck following their trail. Although, I wouldn't have to wait for that.
On the 4th trip to Western, PA, the deal was sealed. With only minutes to exit the truck, change into hunting because I was racing against the sunset. This would be a start to a week long excursion set to hunt until antlers fell to the ground. This was a personal challenge to complete. Weeks of information gathering and honing in on bucks stomping grounds would have to pay off. So let's do a quick review of the most recent information and notes I had:
The trash can buck, a huge non-typical still roamed the area, and another 8 pointer. Without seeing or having their home areas pinned down, the work was going to be tough. So while rushing to a stand to oversee the food plot, a familiar face was seen. The huge bodied buck with just main beams was standing a top the hill. My plan was to see as much of the farm as possible from one vantage point. Uncle Tom's stand does just that. Parking the truck at the end of the road, I quickly walked back toward the stand. The main beam buck was standing just inside the woods.
The last time seeing this deer was from afar, and before that was only feet away in near pitch dark conditions. His body size though is easily recognizable though. It's as if a horse is walking through the woods when you see it. The buck is old and battered, with one eye gorged out, a massive neck, and all his points broke off. He was making his mark on the farm and is probably warding off shooter bucks.
The stand oversees a huge field sprinkled with medium sized Christmas trees. A small food plot to the east and up the middle of the field has produced more activity for deer than usual. My grunt tube came in handy as sounds behind the stand relating to those of deer. Intermittently hitting the grunt call may get something to step out. A little doe finally did appear and walked right down the road between me and the field. Not what you wanted to appear when you have antlers dancing in your head.
A few deer were working the far edge of the field but nothing committing to the food plot. Glassing the field was going to be my tactic to identify a travel corridor of a buck coming out of the wood work. With one more platform stand in my truck, it was ready to be hung if needed. The sun finally set below the tree line, so the god awful glare disappeared in the binocs. Bingo, a buck working up the middle of the field toward the stand. Was it possible the intermittent grunts got him curious. As the buck got closer, a low grunt noise could be heard from the far end of the field.
Now, I had competition. Would a fake grunt versus a real deer grunt win? When the buck was directly in front of me, probably 70 yards away, I hit the grunt call like a champ. The buck was frozen in time, not knowing which direction to go, he just stood there. You could picture grass growing in time lapse photos, because it felt like it took that long for him to move. I gave one more set of my best shot at being a deer on the grunt tube. Still minutes past by, the sun soon to be below the horizon, and all I can do is wait.
The buck turned north, and these words uttered out of my mouth, "this is really going to happen". I had never experienced anything like this in my hunting career. As my Uncle Mike says, "you never know when it's going to happen". The buck took a fast walk in my direction and with that I stood up for the shot. Then a short game of peek-a-boo started with him behind the Christmas trees at the edge of the field. My best guess on distance was 40 yards and set the dial on my bow sight.
The buck was thrashing at the brush and showing pure anger as he couldn't see his challenger. All that needed to happen was 'one more step' from behind the tree. My heart was pounding through my chest, lucky for me though, I took my blood pressure medicine. I re-adjusted my feet to improve my form, and pulled my bow back as I saw him move his shoulders forward with a step. Focusing on the shot, and forgetting about the antlers the shot process settled in. The last bit of trembling stopped long enough to release my arrow. The all to familiar sound of drum pounding beat rang out. The arrow hit the chest cavity for sure.
The buck sprang away from me to the middle of the field, and then a little bit right as if he was drunk. The excitement hit me again, the shot had to be better than good. The first tumble was imprinted on my mind. This would also be a first for me to watch the deer fall after the shot. A short hop up into the snow plow position between two pines trees would be his final resting place. Success in 20 minutes in the stand, and 2400 miles under my belt already this season. My plan to pull out every trick this week to make it happen was not necessary anymore. Some night time work to retrieve my buck was in my future.
With each trip to the farm, information is gathered, passed on and documented. With a hunting journal in my possession now, I find my self taking more detailed notes on weather conditions and summaries of what was seen during the sits. The first two weeks of October was turning into a sweatathon. The summer was very slowly releasing its grips but continues to keep the big deer on lock down. When the temperatures start under 50 degrees then get ready. Deer don't have the ability to sweat just like a dog. This period of time is good to sit near a water source if you find yourself battling an early season heat. The majority of sightings were little bucks, spikes, and crab claws. Kind of like watching high school kids mingling around the woods.
Our makeshift property manager spoke a few words to live by though, on my second trip out. "Don't worry about where you saw the bucks, but were you saw the does". With the rut quickly approaching, he makes a fine point. Taking those notes in early season, of the same two doe passing by the stand will mean something later. Most of the younger cousins at the table thought nothing of his statement, but it was like a slice of friend gold to me. The stand location I sit on the field have 6-8 doe come in the woods every morning like clock work. One of these days in late October into November will have a buck following their trail. Although, I wouldn't have to wait for that.
On the 4th trip to Western, PA, the deal was sealed. With only minutes to exit the truck, change into hunting because I was racing against the sunset. This would be a start to a week long excursion set to hunt until antlers fell to the ground. This was a personal challenge to complete. Weeks of information gathering and honing in on bucks stomping grounds would have to pay off. So let's do a quick review of the most recent information and notes I had:
- The portion of the farm across the street had a concise area of scrapes, a rub line, and multiple sightings of a decent 7 point buck.
- The eastern side of the main farm has multiple sightings of two eight point bucks and approximate travel corridors.
- My historical stand location on the western end of the farm above the coal mine ponds had some minor rubs but has always stirred up some large bucks following does from the field.
The trash can buck, a huge non-typical still roamed the area, and another 8 pointer. Without seeing or having their home areas pinned down, the work was going to be tough. So while rushing to a stand to oversee the food plot, a familiar face was seen. The huge bodied buck with just main beams was standing a top the hill. My plan was to see as much of the farm as possible from one vantage point. Uncle Tom's stand does just that. Parking the truck at the end of the road, I quickly walked back toward the stand. The main beam buck was standing just inside the woods.
The last time seeing this deer was from afar, and before that was only feet away in near pitch dark conditions. His body size though is easily recognizable though. It's as if a horse is walking through the woods when you see it. The buck is old and battered, with one eye gorged out, a massive neck, and all his points broke off. He was making his mark on the farm and is probably warding off shooter bucks.
The stand oversees a huge field sprinkled with medium sized Christmas trees. A small food plot to the east and up the middle of the field has produced more activity for deer than usual. My grunt tube came in handy as sounds behind the stand relating to those of deer. Intermittently hitting the grunt call may get something to step out. A little doe finally did appear and walked right down the road between me and the field. Not what you wanted to appear when you have antlers dancing in your head.
A few deer were working the far edge of the field but nothing committing to the food plot. Glassing the field was going to be my tactic to identify a travel corridor of a buck coming out of the wood work. With one more platform stand in my truck, it was ready to be hung if needed. The sun finally set below the tree line, so the god awful glare disappeared in the binocs. Bingo, a buck working up the middle of the field toward the stand. Was it possible the intermittent grunts got him curious. As the buck got closer, a low grunt noise could be heard from the far end of the field.
Now, I had competition. Would a fake grunt versus a real deer grunt win? When the buck was directly in front of me, probably 70 yards away, I hit the grunt call like a champ. The buck was frozen in time, not knowing which direction to go, he just stood there. You could picture grass growing in time lapse photos, because it felt like it took that long for him to move. I gave one more set of my best shot at being a deer on the grunt tube. Still minutes past by, the sun soon to be below the horizon, and all I can do is wait.
The buck turned north, and these words uttered out of my mouth, "this is really going to happen". I had never experienced anything like this in my hunting career. As my Uncle Mike says, "you never know when it's going to happen". The buck took a fast walk in my direction and with that I stood up for the shot. Then a short game of peek-a-boo started with him behind the Christmas trees at the edge of the field. My best guess on distance was 40 yards and set the dial on my bow sight.
The buck was thrashing at the brush and showing pure anger as he couldn't see his challenger. All that needed to happen was 'one more step' from behind the tree. My heart was pounding through my chest, lucky for me though, I took my blood pressure medicine. I re-adjusted my feet to improve my form, and pulled my bow back as I saw him move his shoulders forward with a step. Focusing on the shot, and forgetting about the antlers the shot process settled in. The last bit of trembling stopped long enough to release my arrow. The all to familiar sound of drum pounding beat rang out. The arrow hit the chest cavity for sure.
The buck sprang away from me to the middle of the field, and then a little bit right as if he was drunk. The excitement hit me again, the shot had to be better than good. The first tumble was imprinted on my mind. This would also be a first for me to watch the deer fall after the shot. A short hop up into the snow plow position between two pines trees would be his final resting place. Success in 20 minutes in the stand, and 2400 miles under my belt already this season. My plan to pull out every trick this week to make it happen was not necessary anymore. Some night time work to retrieve my buck was in my future.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sika Early On
As much as I like this trip, I really like this trip. The cool breeze off the marsh creek cutting through your hunting clothing and moonlight showing pathway of murky water. Each year the snaking creek has to be navigated for crab pots and sandbars around the bends. The is loaded to the brim with arrows, stands, and support gear for the day. I couldn't fit this much stuff in my cubicle but it's just not the same. That little fan behind my computer screen will never compare to the breeze in my face off the creek. The blinding lights above my counter top produce a heat lamp feeling but where's the lizard at?
Well, if I ever find a lizard in my cube, he can have the high energy tan while I tap away on my keyboard. For now though, the whistle of my Yamaha cuts through that marsh in search of Sika deer. Although these furry creatures are illegal aliens, they produce quite a tasty meal with their tender and flavorful meat. Before we know it, the boat is perched up on the forest edge and crunchy leaves lead the way to our hunting spots. The season is early but the deer activity was on high. My guess is that we are the first hunters to sit the woods this season as the calendar still says September.
First stop is to drop off my partner in crime for a blind location. This is simple, putting him up against some cover and lined up between me the boat. Another 300 yards in, I pick out the same tree as last year where a spiked stag. My behind must have been on fire, because this spot has been producing a deer for past two years and today made three. As anticipated, two sika deer came strolling in from the marsh to the wood-marsh fringe ~40 yards away. With my range finder on the fritz, it meant shooting from the hip and judging my own distance. With pin set to 40 yards, the arrow drawn back, and my eyes set on the body of the deer...smack. A hollow hard hit sound that is like none other.
This would be the first time, I captured my hunt on video. A moment in time that will be able to be replayed for years to come. A defining moment in my hunting career that will be treasured with those family videos. Although the deer wasn't a trophy or even a buck, it would be that turning point to look back on and smile in the success.
Well, if I ever find a lizard in my cube, he can have the high energy tan while I tap away on my keyboard. For now though, the whistle of my Yamaha cuts through that marsh in search of Sika deer. Although these furry creatures are illegal aliens, they produce quite a tasty meal with their tender and flavorful meat. Before we know it, the boat is perched up on the forest edge and crunchy leaves lead the way to our hunting spots. The season is early but the deer activity was on high. My guess is that we are the first hunters to sit the woods this season as the calendar still says September.
First stop is to drop off my partner in crime for a blind location. This is simple, putting him up against some cover and lined up between me the boat. Another 300 yards in, I pick out the same tree as last year where a spiked stag. My behind must have been on fire, because this spot has been producing a deer for past two years and today made three. As anticipated, two sika deer came strolling in from the marsh to the wood-marsh fringe ~40 yards away. With my range finder on the fritz, it meant shooting from the hip and judging my own distance. With pin set to 40 yards, the arrow drawn back, and my eyes set on the body of the deer...smack. A hollow hard hit sound that is like none other.
This would be the first time, I captured my hunt on video. A moment in time that will be able to be replayed for years to come. A defining moment in my hunting career that will be treasured with those family videos. Although the deer wasn't a trophy or even a buck, it would be that turning point to look back on and smile in the success.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Early Season, Slim Pickins II
After the first day in the woods, my dogs were barking. My colleague Josh had graciously provided me to a place to sleep. With the Patuxent River State Park being located near his house, it was a quick trip to a cool bed and warm meal. It made me a bit jealous though, that he had a such as short trip to great huntable land. It wasn' t long before clock struck o'dark thirty and we walking into the woods. Our destination today was pond to the east to sit and wait for deer to come in for an afternoon drink. The temperature today was going to reach above 80 which will certainly make an uncomfortable sit.
As we walked through the intermittent spiderwebs along the trail, my backpack and tree stand reminded me that I had lugged way too much into the woods.
The extra weight became my enemy again, only allowing me to get halfway to the pond. Disappointed with my lack of physical fitness, I choose a trail that branched off the main trail. The woods opened up and some great vantage points to the trail made it an easy sell. This portion of the woods though still lacked the deer sign that I wanted to see. The sit went fast, and before we knew it, we were walking back out of the woods. Without see any deer and still lacking solid proof of deer we would spend the day scouting around the area. As we drove around, it provided the chance to interact with other hunters and check other parking areas to access this long sliver shaped state park. Everyone seemed to be tight lipped, but a local farmer provided some valuable information. He let us know, that he found bedding areas out in the middle of the bean fields.
This helped to conclude on our feelings about the area coupled with early season activity. The deer have yet to endure any hunting pressure, the farm fields are untouched by John Deere green machinery, and the temperatures being so, the deer are still on vacation. We agreed to sit for the evening in other areas as confirmation, but still with a bit of hope to see something worth while in this heat. Since the previous evening had provided some deer activity, I choose to sit there again. On the route in though, the briar war was won with the edge of my Gerber Machete. Now if a small plank was available to cross the ravine, my day would be getting even better.
The walk created a waterfall of sweat on my brow from the heat and humidity. After an hour in the stand, my clothing finally dried out. The view would be dismal and uneventful. This truly solidified my early season expectations. Over the next few weeks, the deer will come out of vacation mode and begin their patterns. If one had to choose, a cool boat ride on the way to hot sit in the woods, would certainly be more enjoyable. A sika deer trip will be in my near future.
As we walked through the intermittent spiderwebs along the trail, my backpack and tree stand reminded me that I had lugged way too much into the woods.
The extra weight became my enemy again, only allowing me to get halfway to the pond. Disappointed with my lack of physical fitness, I choose a trail that branched off the main trail. The woods opened up and some great vantage points to the trail made it an easy sell. This portion of the woods though still lacked the deer sign that I wanted to see. The sit went fast, and before we knew it, we were walking back out of the woods. Without see any deer and still lacking solid proof of deer we would spend the day scouting around the area. As we drove around, it provided the chance to interact with other hunters and check other parking areas to access this long sliver shaped state park. Everyone seemed to be tight lipped, but a local farmer provided some valuable information. He let us know, that he found bedding areas out in the middle of the bean fields.
This helped to conclude on our feelings about the area coupled with early season activity. The deer have yet to endure any hunting pressure, the farm fields are untouched by John Deere green machinery, and the temperatures being so, the deer are still on vacation. We agreed to sit for the evening in other areas as confirmation, but still with a bit of hope to see something worth while in this heat. Since the previous evening had provided some deer activity, I choose to sit there again. On the route in though, the briar war was won with the edge of my Gerber Machete. Now if a small plank was available to cross the ravine, my day would be getting even better.
The walk created a waterfall of sweat on my brow from the heat and humidity. After an hour in the stand, my clothing finally dried out. The view would be dismal and uneventful. This truly solidified my early season expectations. Over the next few weeks, the deer will come out of vacation mode and begin their patterns. If one had to choose, a cool boat ride on the way to hot sit in the woods, would certainly be more enjoyable. A sika deer trip will be in my near future.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Early Season, Slim Pickins'
A late would have to ensue in order to have a work free Friday for the first day of Maryland Deer season. Now if I could just ignore those emails on my phone and stay focused on the hunt. Easier said than of course, but simply turning that little sucker off can solve the problem quickly. This trip will take me south of Philadelphia, over the Mason-Dixon line, past Lord Baltimore and turning to the west. The landscape changes abruptly from the concrete jungles into quaint farm lands and sprawling patches of forests.
The destination is Patuxent River State Park, which provides ~3000 acres of huntable land. As most of the land is heavily wooded, its surrounded by agricultural fields of beans and corn by local farmers. As food isn't an issue, will it keep them out in the open with little to no pressure thus far? As this is the first time hunting this early and a new area, the immense workload was piling up fast. Arriving at the local WalMart to obtain my tags and few necessities for the trip the hunt was about to begin.
The first course of action was to scout the area. My co-worker would be joining me the next day and was already familiar with the area. My task was to pin point some deer activity and get in close. The plan for tomorrow was to sit on a pond about mile into the woods. As the heat is still lingering from summer, we figured water would be a deer's best friend right now. Although I would learn that the Patuxent River was decent in size, and the maps gave it little credit. The hunting area runs in a west to east orientation. Approximately 10 miles long and in some spots only a few hundred feet wide.
With the truck in park, my gear quickly assembled and my boots were on the trail. Heavy vegetation was expected as we are merely a couple days into September. So choosing an area with a small opening or a heavily traveled corridor was on watch list.
The first leg of scouting didn't turn up very much. One or two good areas to sit with some decent vantage points were identified. To my dismay though, deer sign was scarce. This just wouldn't be a high probability spot....yet. As I mentioned before, its early season, deer have hardly been pressured and are out in the open enjoying the farmland buffet. Returning to my truck to hydrate and regroup because another area would have to be scouted in a timely manner. This time my tree stand and bow would be coming with me
The gear on my back instance stirred up memories from Sika deer season. I was already carrying too much from what was actually needed. This would hinder my distance traveled significantly. Taking an open area that was off limits to hunting, it would give me easier access to getting further in the woods. As it was all state park land, it wasn't trespassing. Quickly my path is met with heavy vegetation and a steep ravine to cross that split the two open areas. Wearing not much more than my gilly suit and under armor, the briars would win this battle. The second open area led me further west before it dropped me into the woods. Following a foot path down, the elevation dropped into a thick overgrown forest.
Crossing over a small creek would allow me to view fresh deer tracks in the mud. This was all I needed to stop and hang my stand. As sweat was pouring out of me and hints that I am surely not in shape yet, the hunt was on. The briar battle would begin again at the base of the tree that overlooked the trail, the creek crossing and small opening for deer to step out. Shortly after a few more pricks, I was overlooking the forest floor from above. The first thing was too cool off, hydrate, and stop sweating. Luckily a light breeze out of the NE would assist me. My attention focused on the creek crossing and small open area.
After an hour or so, the signature crunching of leaves came to my left. Slowly would I have to turn in order to catch a glimpse. Deer! It felt great to see deer on first day of the season. The winter, spring, and summer are merely a waiting game until deer season starts again. The two deer that had appeared we slowly grazing on leaves that overhung on the foot path. As they believed to be the only ones around, they would rip and tear leaves from small bushes and trees vigorously. The first one in view was a small doe, with a burnt red coat that shimmered with twitches to ward off the flies. The other was her brother, his coat almost a dull gray with two small buttons emerging from his head. Collectively they might weigh over 100 pounds soaking wet, but the fact of the matter is that it wouldn't be worth harvesting a bag of bones.
Simply relaxing back in my stand, the show of the duo would give me a cheerful smile. There isn't a TV show in the world that can provide this level of enjoyment. This was real high definition, surround sound and 3D all in one. As the sister approached directly under my stand, the sweat droplets from earlier caught here attention. With a quick stare at her brother, they would just veer off the trail and continue to graze. It wasn't a few feet off the trail that the two disappeared into the vegetation.
Sitting a while longer, movement in the form of crunching leaves would turn my attention back to the open area. To my dismay, it was the flash of white tails popping in and out of the brush moving away quickly. The deer had moved in so quietly had been under my nose without knowing. That is a testament as to how thick it was in the forest. To their advantage, they would arrive directly down wind of me and their noses told them danger ahead. The walk back was much cooler, as temperatures were falling fast. It would be a tease as tomorrow was set to hit above 80. The ravine crossing was slightly more dangerous as the slope coupled with entangling briars pushed to take a leap of faith to the other side. All in all, it was good day though.
To be continued...
The destination is Patuxent River State Park, which provides ~3000 acres of huntable land. As most of the land is heavily wooded, its surrounded by agricultural fields of beans and corn by local farmers. As food isn't an issue, will it keep them out in the open with little to no pressure thus far? As this is the first time hunting this early and a new area, the immense workload was piling up fast. Arriving at the local WalMart to obtain my tags and few necessities for the trip the hunt was about to begin.
The first course of action was to scout the area. My co-worker would be joining me the next day and was already familiar with the area. My task was to pin point some deer activity and get in close. The plan for tomorrow was to sit on a pond about mile into the woods. As the heat is still lingering from summer, we figured water would be a deer's best friend right now. Although I would learn that the Patuxent River was decent in size, and the maps gave it little credit. The hunting area runs in a west to east orientation. Approximately 10 miles long and in some spots only a few hundred feet wide.
With the truck in park, my gear quickly assembled and my boots were on the trail. Heavy vegetation was expected as we are merely a couple days into September. So choosing an area with a small opening or a heavily traveled corridor was on watch list.
The first leg of scouting didn't turn up very much. One or two good areas to sit with some decent vantage points were identified. To my dismay though, deer sign was scarce. This just wouldn't be a high probability spot....yet. As I mentioned before, its early season, deer have hardly been pressured and are out in the open enjoying the farmland buffet. Returning to my truck to hydrate and regroup because another area would have to be scouted in a timely manner. This time my tree stand and bow would be coming with me
The gear on my back instance stirred up memories from Sika deer season. I was already carrying too much from what was actually needed. This would hinder my distance traveled significantly. Taking an open area that was off limits to hunting, it would give me easier access to getting further in the woods. As it was all state park land, it wasn't trespassing. Quickly my path is met with heavy vegetation and a steep ravine to cross that split the two open areas. Wearing not much more than my gilly suit and under armor, the briars would win this battle. The second open area led me further west before it dropped me into the woods. Following a foot path down, the elevation dropped into a thick overgrown forest.
Crossing over a small creek would allow me to view fresh deer tracks in the mud. This was all I needed to stop and hang my stand. As sweat was pouring out of me and hints that I am surely not in shape yet, the hunt was on. The briar battle would begin again at the base of the tree that overlooked the trail, the creek crossing and small opening for deer to step out. Shortly after a few more pricks, I was overlooking the forest floor from above. The first thing was too cool off, hydrate, and stop sweating. Luckily a light breeze out of the NE would assist me. My attention focused on the creek crossing and small open area.
After an hour or so, the signature crunching of leaves came to my left. Slowly would I have to turn in order to catch a glimpse. Deer! It felt great to see deer on first day of the season. The winter, spring, and summer are merely a waiting game until deer season starts again. The two deer that had appeared we slowly grazing on leaves that overhung on the foot path. As they believed to be the only ones around, they would rip and tear leaves from small bushes and trees vigorously. The first one in view was a small doe, with a burnt red coat that shimmered with twitches to ward off the flies. The other was her brother, his coat almost a dull gray with two small buttons emerging from his head. Collectively they might weigh over 100 pounds soaking wet, but the fact of the matter is that it wouldn't be worth harvesting a bag of bones.
Simply relaxing back in my stand, the show of the duo would give me a cheerful smile. There isn't a TV show in the world that can provide this level of enjoyment. This was real high definition, surround sound and 3D all in one. As the sister approached directly under my stand, the sweat droplets from earlier caught here attention. With a quick stare at her brother, they would just veer off the trail and continue to graze. It wasn't a few feet off the trail that the two disappeared into the vegetation.
Sitting a while longer, movement in the form of crunching leaves would turn my attention back to the open area. To my dismay, it was the flash of white tails popping in and out of the brush moving away quickly. The deer had moved in so quietly had been under my nose without knowing. That is a testament as to how thick it was in the forest. To their advantage, they would arrive directly down wind of me and their noses told them danger ahead. The walk back was much cooler, as temperatures were falling fast. It would be a tease as tomorrow was set to hit above 80. The ravine crossing was slightly more dangerous as the slope coupled with entangling briars pushed to take a leap of faith to the other side. All in all, it was good day though.
To be continued...
Monday, September 2, 2013
2 Orders of Hunting, Hold the Heat
The smell of the maple trees and sight of acorns is almost tangible. 4 three days stand between me and the woods. Maryland, like some other grateful states, opens a bit earlier than the Keystone State. Pennsylvania hunters will have to wait one more month before arrows can fly. South Carolina allows you a chance at a velvet buck as their season opens in August. That will be one for the bucket list, as any of states around me would never consider that as a possibility.
As I spend these last few days waiting for the green light, its provides the chance to double check gear, shoot those final perfect practice shots, and taking one a gaze at the hunting areas from my desktop. Of course, taking those hunting maps and transferring them into field plans, laminated, highlighted, and noted with specific information from my scouting.
My hunting pack is set with scouting gear still, as the first day, I am going to give the area one more glance. As the heat is still turned up, the focus for the hunt is water. The area of woods has two small ponds separated by about a mile with small creek beds snaking through. With hopes to find some serious deer signs around these ponds, it will be my best chance in the early season. The woods have agricultural fields to the south, so hopefully it will put in the deer's pathway of daily habits. Eat, drink, sleep.
The original forecast had a the heat breaking in the mid week, but now it seems that it will linger on a bit longer. This will be a first time hunt to this area anyway, but at least having some odds in my favor would help. Not only will heat hinder deer movement but it will surely beat me down sitting on stand all day. The outfit I have chosen will literally be the least amount of clothing to be worn. Keeping cool, means less sweating, and in turn less scent. During the sit on the water hole, wind management will be high on the list as not blow my chances.
All of my clothing that will be used is going through the scent control cycle: washing with baking soda, dried with no dryer sheets, and than directly back into zip lock bags. All my clothing bins are separated by seasonal requirements (lightweight to heavy). There are the hunters though that hope their tag will get filled early on and those heavy warm clothes get to stay packed away. Not me though, you have to drag me out of the woods at the end of the season. The colder weather brings out warming technique rituals: layered clothing, hand warmers, tea in the thermos, and day dreaming of the first hot meal upon arrival back at camp.
With state of the arm technologies available to hunters these days, its on hunters as to how far they want to take scent control. From skin tight carbon impregnated garments to expensive Ozone generating equipment. My philosophy is if you just follow a solid regime of scent management, it will allow that buck to come in close enough and hang out just long enough for that shot. With the heat being a factor on this hunt, having a few extra tricks up my sleeve may be the winning combination. A mid day shower to rid the sweat and grime and fresh pair of clothes to back it up is one way.
During my time in Maryland, there are a few farms to the south of the hunting area. If permission could be gained with the resident, it could allow a better stalk into the area I hope to hunt. Any time you interact with landowners, be polite and don't beat around the bushes. That means be completely honest, but the more upfront information that's provided can subside doubts that they may have. And as always, offer to lend a hand if means getting access to a hot spot. Private land access is a huge hurdle these days and there isn't anymore land being made.
Until next time, hunt hard and make the hunt happen.
As I spend these last few days waiting for the green light, its provides the chance to double check gear, shoot those final perfect practice shots, and taking one a gaze at the hunting areas from my desktop. Of course, taking those hunting maps and transferring them into field plans, laminated, highlighted, and noted with specific information from my scouting.
My hunting pack is set with scouting gear still, as the first day, I am going to give the area one more glance. As the heat is still turned up, the focus for the hunt is water. The area of woods has two small ponds separated by about a mile with small creek beds snaking through. With hopes to find some serious deer signs around these ponds, it will be my best chance in the early season. The woods have agricultural fields to the south, so hopefully it will put in the deer's pathway of daily habits. Eat, drink, sleep.
The original forecast had a the heat breaking in the mid week, but now it seems that it will linger on a bit longer. This will be a first time hunt to this area anyway, but at least having some odds in my favor would help. Not only will heat hinder deer movement but it will surely beat me down sitting on stand all day. The outfit I have chosen will literally be the least amount of clothing to be worn. Keeping cool, means less sweating, and in turn less scent. During the sit on the water hole, wind management will be high on the list as not blow my chances.
All of my clothing that will be used is going through the scent control cycle: washing with baking soda, dried with no dryer sheets, and than directly back into zip lock bags. All my clothing bins are separated by seasonal requirements (lightweight to heavy). There are the hunters though that hope their tag will get filled early on and those heavy warm clothes get to stay packed away. Not me though, you have to drag me out of the woods at the end of the season. The colder weather brings out warming technique rituals: layered clothing, hand warmers, tea in the thermos, and day dreaming of the first hot meal upon arrival back at camp.
With state of the arm technologies available to hunters these days, its on hunters as to how far they want to take scent control. From skin tight carbon impregnated garments to expensive Ozone generating equipment. My philosophy is if you just follow a solid regime of scent management, it will allow that buck to come in close enough and hang out just long enough for that shot. With the heat being a factor on this hunt, having a few extra tricks up my sleeve may be the winning combination. A mid day shower to rid the sweat and grime and fresh pair of clothes to back it up is one way.
During my time in Maryland, there are a few farms to the south of the hunting area. If permission could be gained with the resident, it could allow a better stalk into the area I hope to hunt. Any time you interact with landowners, be polite and don't beat around the bushes. That means be completely honest, but the more upfront information that's provided can subside doubts that they may have. And as always, offer to lend a hand if means getting access to a hot spot. Private land access is a huge hurdle these days and there isn't anymore land being made.
Until next time, hunt hard and make the hunt happen.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Bow Madness
Finally, I have taken up traditional hunting with a compound bow. It took me a while to find a good deal on one, to the point where it cost less than my crossbow. The process was grueling and homework had to be done on each bow and manufacturer. It came down to PSE or Matthews. Considering it was my first compound bow, spilling out my wallet at the store was not very favorable. Matthews makes incredible bows, but you pay for that level of technology and performance. PSE on the other makes great bows too, but they consider the everyday hunter when it comes to your wallet.
Not everyone is a professional hunter, and we have to shell out the cash for our equipment. With that being said, if you set a budget and hunting plan each year, you can account for a bow upgrade or additional hunting trips. If I went with the Matthew's Chill, then at least two of my western PA trips would have to be cut. By going with the PSE Bow Madness, (and the incredible deal I got from Gander Mountain) one of my western PA trips can be extended for a week.
So two years ago, my hunting passion was revitalized. The usual three days of rifle season after Thanksgiving would be part of my season not just my season. Previously, my job had kept me traveling all over the US, making hunting locally nearly impossible. The holiday was about the only thing to keep that tradition after Thanksgiving of going hunting with the family at the farm. Even then, my job beckoned and kept me away from that sometimes. Spending a turkey dinner under a canopy leaden with 30 strangers responding to a train derailment. Never once thought it would happen in my lifetime but it sure made it memorable.
With a corporate change in my career, it set my resting place in one spot finally. Even bought a nice home on top of the hills. Alright, so I still live in suburbian hell for right now. By finally having some roots to call home, and not a hotel room with four walls, two towels, and TV. Actually we have a bunch of towels in the house but always get used before I need one. With my roots set locally, the hunting passion could now flourish again. During my years as a road warrior, it lended a chance to make friends and develop relations with land owners.
I found it to be a great time to follow up on those offers, "you can hunt my land anytime" offers. It wasn't long that my boots were stomping through the woods to check properties. A local hunting spot even bubbled up from a co-worker. At one point, the old PSE, nearly first compound bow that dad had gotten me shoot a couple of arrows at deer. This was evidence though that the deer clearly had the advantage to escape. Being my work schedule was still quite busy, a crossbow was enlisted to help my success rate. It did just that, 10 for 10 in two years. That is 10 deer hit, 10 deer harvested. Those one or two misses can be blamed to buck fever or even human error.
This year though, I planned my schedule accordingly and accounted for time to practice on a compound bow. With a closely monitored budget, I waited and waited, and waited even more. Then one day, the deal of a lifetime came along. If you may remember in an earlier blog, my spending goes as such: On Sale, Clearance, and Free. It works out if you are patient enough. This started by monitoring the online prices of major outdoors stores (Cabelas, BassPro, and Gander Mountain), and the occasional visit to each location near by. We had found ourselves in Virginia for a Christening, and decided to take a short drive to Maryland to check out Gander Mountain.
As new bows for 2013 where being displayed across the back wall, the three, little lonely leftovers from 2012 sat on the end. Hung up like old news, they could only hope that someone would buy them. Honestly, with the price tag on PSE bow sitting there, how didn't anyone else buy it. The bow was marked down below half of the original price. It was steal instead of a deal. And this guy took it home. I am proud owner of a PSE Bow Madness and can enjoy it even more with the money I saved by switching to Geico (just kidding, I am a Nationwide fan).
As you can see below, it even rode on a pillow all the way home.
Not everyone is a professional hunter, and we have to shell out the cash for our equipment. With that being said, if you set a budget and hunting plan each year, you can account for a bow upgrade or additional hunting trips. If I went with the Matthew's Chill, then at least two of my western PA trips would have to be cut. By going with the PSE Bow Madness, (and the incredible deal I got from Gander Mountain) one of my western PA trips can be extended for a week.
So two years ago, my hunting passion was revitalized. The usual three days of rifle season after Thanksgiving would be part of my season not just my season. Previously, my job had kept me traveling all over the US, making hunting locally nearly impossible. The holiday was about the only thing to keep that tradition after Thanksgiving of going hunting with the family at the farm. Even then, my job beckoned and kept me away from that sometimes. Spending a turkey dinner under a canopy leaden with 30 strangers responding to a train derailment. Never once thought it would happen in my lifetime but it sure made it memorable.
With a corporate change in my career, it set my resting place in one spot finally. Even bought a nice home on top of the hills. Alright, so I still live in suburbian hell for right now. By finally having some roots to call home, and not a hotel room with four walls, two towels, and TV. Actually we have a bunch of towels in the house but always get used before I need one. With my roots set locally, the hunting passion could now flourish again. During my years as a road warrior, it lended a chance to make friends and develop relations with land owners.
I found it to be a great time to follow up on those offers, "you can hunt my land anytime" offers. It wasn't long that my boots were stomping through the woods to check properties. A local hunting spot even bubbled up from a co-worker. At one point, the old PSE, nearly first compound bow that dad had gotten me shoot a couple of arrows at deer. This was evidence though that the deer clearly had the advantage to escape. Being my work schedule was still quite busy, a crossbow was enlisted to help my success rate. It did just that, 10 for 10 in two years. That is 10 deer hit, 10 deer harvested. Those one or two misses can be blamed to buck fever or even human error.
This year though, I planned my schedule accordingly and accounted for time to practice on a compound bow. With a closely monitored budget, I waited and waited, and waited even more. Then one day, the deal of a lifetime came along. If you may remember in an earlier blog, my spending goes as such: On Sale, Clearance, and Free. It works out if you are patient enough. This started by monitoring the online prices of major outdoors stores (Cabelas, BassPro, and Gander Mountain), and the occasional visit to each location near by. We had found ourselves in Virginia for a Christening, and decided to take a short drive to Maryland to check out Gander Mountain.
As new bows for 2013 where being displayed across the back wall, the three, little lonely leftovers from 2012 sat on the end. Hung up like old news, they could only hope that someone would buy them. Honestly, with the price tag on PSE bow sitting there, how didn't anyone else buy it. The bow was marked down below half of the original price. It was steal instead of a deal. And this guy took it home. I am proud owner of a PSE Bow Madness and can enjoy it even more with the money I saved by switching to Geico (just kidding, I am a Nationwide fan).
As you can see below, it even rode on a pillow all the way home.
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