Post by: fishnfur on October 09, 2019, 12:46:35 AM
SeaRun1 and WSU both reported today that they recently saw bucks out cruising during daylight hours, which seems at least 4 days earlier than I can remember being posted over the last many years. Perhaps great news for the opener.
My first real efforts this season was sitting in my elevated blind at the start of the month up in Kitsap. Two mornings, six hours each day: Three doe total came play but bucks were a no show over the three days I hunted. Total of four doe, no bucks, no first light activity whatsoever. Doe were feeding 10:45 - 11:30 AM. Had one more doe outside my ground blind at a different spot at last light. I didn't know she was there and I scared the crap out of her as I exited the blind to go home.
Anybody else seeing any activity worthy of mention?
Post by: Twispriver on October 09, 2019, 07:51:55 AM
Post by: elksnout on October 09, 2019, 09:49:51 PM
Elksnout
Post by: Born2late on October 09, 2019, 09:56:53 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 09, 2019, 10:00:27 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 09, 2019, 11:25:52 PM
Post by: Wazntme on October 10, 2019, 01:38:19 AM
Post by: Wazntme on October 10, 2019, 01:39:44 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 10, 2019, 04:59:07 AM
Post by: Turner89 on October 10, 2019, 05:53:12 AM
Apparently my video won’t load but it’s 2 small 2x2’s sparring which happen to be brothersI was able to view the video.
Post by: Spuddieselwwu on October 14, 2019, 03:05:28 PM
Post by: WSU on October 14, 2019, 03:23:50 PM
Post by: kramman on October 14, 2019, 03:37:27 PM
Post by: JakeLand on October 14, 2019, 03:46:23 PM
Post by: brew on October 14, 2019, 05:41:23 PM
Post by: highside74 on October 14, 2019, 05:50:10 PM
Post by: merlo105 on October 14, 2019, 06:32:33 PM
Post by: BA Mongor on October 14, 2019, 06:56:00 PM
I better have a talk with the (2) larger bucks around the house and tell them to stop bugging those does and get back in their holes!!!!
Post by: merlo105 on October 14, 2019, 07:21:23 PM
Post by: BA Mongor on October 14, 2019, 07:48:06 PM
LOL !!! You city folk and your all knowing wisdom of all things blacktail. I love believing in crap.
I do agree with you though, in that they're not getting it on yet, but will be by the 25th or so. It's always the same every year, no matter if it rains, snows or the sun shines. But I'm sure that statement is just a big steaming pile of 50 years of living in the woods and killing blacktail all my life....
Post by: LeeRay on October 14, 2019, 08:10:55 PM
Post by: merlo105 on October 14, 2019, 08:12:42 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on October 14, 2019, 08:22:22 PM
We've been out for the past three days in the Bear Creak/Dewatto area (GMU 627-bordering 633)and have seen nothing but does. However this is our first time hunting in Washington State and we're still figuring things out.
LeeRay, you’re in a good area if you’re seeing does. Keep hunting where you’ve see the does, particularly at the crack of dawn, and you WILL start seeing some sniffing, cruising bucks as the rut progresses.
Post by: CougHunter on October 14, 2019, 09:09:59 PM
I saw a nice buck at about 4:00 AM, but nothing during shooting hours.
Post by: slavenoid on October 14, 2019, 09:12:29 PM
The rut is definitely not on but I spotted a very nice buck glued to a doe on opening day. Spotted another slipping through the area with does the second. I have no self control and took a small buck after he got done running around with some does and walked right into my lap.
Don't be discouraged about seeing does. You never know if a buck is around just because. If nothing else it gives you a chance to study their appearance and movement to help develop your game eye cuz those suckers are so hard to spot.
Post by: fishnfur on October 14, 2019, 09:59:42 PM
I have seen so many blacktail bucks this year. I have simplified my approach to the same areas I normally hunt. I have been walking less, sitting longer, and glassing harder.
The rut is definitely not on but I spotted a very nice buck glued to a doe on opening day. Spotted another slipping through the area with does the second. I have no self control and took a small buck after he got done running around with some does and walked right into my lap.
Don't be discouraged about seeing does. You never know if a buck is around just because. If nothing else it gives you a chance to study their appearance and movement to help develop your game eye cuz those suckers are so hard to spot.
All good thoughts. Congrats on ending your season, even if it wasn't a trophy. I'm expecting tag soup this season, cause I don't need the meat and I'm telling myself I can pass on lesser bucks and wait for mister big. We'll see how that all shakes out. I'll probably end up with a spike that I swore was a four-point.
Saw one doe today out on a firewood run after dropping my boy at school. Took my rifle, forgot my binocs, knife, and pack. Got all my firewood safety gear loaded along with gas, and bar oil, but turned out I forgot my chainsaw too. Wasted day!
No reason to get all excited about whether the deer are rutting yet. That's why I was looking for "early season reports" . The rut thread won't start for another day or two. :chuckle: Good luck out there.
Post by: Martinhunter on October 15, 2019, 03:36:59 AM
I talked to a guy this afternoon going into the unit showing my buddy some areas to cut some firewood. Guy told me last Friday he saw 18 different bucks. I asked him then why he was still hunting on Monday and he stuttered something about moon phase/polar vortex/global warming/anti's launching drones in the area/etc, etc, etc. Myself has yet to see any deer rutting activity although the bulls at work are still bugling:chuckle: :chuckle:18 different bucks....
Post by: Spuddieselwwu on October 15, 2019, 11:33:56 AM
I have seen so many blacktail bucks this year. I have simplified my approach to the same areas I normally hunt. I have been walking less, sitting longer, and glassing harder.
The rut is definitely not on but I spotted a very nice buck glued to a doe on opening day. Spotted another slipping through the area with does the second. I have no self control and took a small buck after he got done running around with some does and walked right into my lap.
Don't be discouraged about seeing does. You never know if a buck is around just because. If nothing else it gives you a chance to study their appearance and movement to help develop your game eye cuz those suckers are so hard to spot.
All good thoughts. Congrats on ending your season, even if it wasn't a trophy. I'm expecting tag soup this season, cause I don't need the meat and I'm telling myself I can pass on lesser bucks and wait for mister big. We'll see how that all shakes out. I'll probably end up with a spike that I swore was a four-point.
Saw one doe today out on a firewood run after dropping my boy at school. Took my rifle, forgot my binocs, knife, and pack. Got all my firewood safety gear loaded along with gas, and bar oil, but turned out I forgot my chainsaw too. Wasted day!
No reason to get all excited about whether the deer are rutting yet. That's why I was looking for "early season reports" . The rut thread won't start for another day or two. :chuckle: Good luck out there.
Fishnfur - where in longview are you? I'm out by Bakers Corner and hunt the treefarm in 550.
Post by: Rob on October 15, 2019, 11:57:11 AM
I recently moved to Monroe, and I have a few game cameras I put out and play with.
I have probably 8-10 decent bucks show on camera from Spring through mid-August. Time of day does not seem to matter, they show morning, mid-day, evening and night time with no real patterns I have detected yet.
Then poof - anything with more than 2 points is apparently abducted by aliens or something! The abductions are timed to when the velvet goes away. Not really seeing any rubs either.
Many many does and fawns continue to show, but the bucks all go into hiding (perhaps they have viet-cong tunnel systems cause the does are clearly bearing fawns!).
The land I am putting cameras on is not hunted, nor from what I can tell do my neighbors.
Just some raw data to toss out there to be bantered about!
Post by: skagitsteel on October 15, 2019, 01:48:13 PM
I will start by saying I know nothing about blacktails, a little about whitetails, and marginally more about mulies…
I recently moved to Monroe, and I have a few game cameras I put out and play with.
I have probably 8-10 decent bucks show on camera from Spring through mid-August. Time of day does not seem to matter, they show morning, mid-day, evening and night time with no real patterns I have detected yet.
Then poof - anything with more than 2 points is apparently abducted by aliens or something! The abductions are timed to when the velvet goes away. Not really seeing any rubs either.
Many many does and fawns continue to show, but the bucks all go into hiding (perhaps they have viet-cong tunnel systems cause the does are clearly bearing fawns!).
The land I am putting cameras on is not hunted, nor from what I can tell do my neighbors.
Just some raw data to toss out there to be bantered about!
They don't have tunnel systems, once blacktail bucks reach about 5 years in age they learn to climb trees :chuckle: Just keep after it one of these days you'll catch a good one when he steps down to stretch his legs
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on October 15, 2019, 02:25:19 PM
I have probably 8-10 decent bucks show on camera from Spring through mid-August. Time of day does not seem to matter, they show morning, mid-day, evening and night time with no real patterns I have detected yet.
Then poof - anything with more than 2 points is apparently abducted by aliens or something! The abductions are timed to when the velvet goes away. Not really seeing any rubs either.
Yes sir, typical for the mature BT bucks. A theory that I happen to agree with is that when the bucks are in velvet their antlers are very tender/sensitive and they will spend more time out of their thick hidey-holes than they normally would to avoid those hard branches touching/rubbing, snagging at their sore head gear. Once they've finally rubbed the velvet off (yep, that's where the vast majority of the BT rubs come from... velvet shedding), then they'll move back into their brushy fortresses until it's time to become a little dumber and come out to date some of the does ;)
Post by: RafaelG on October 15, 2019, 07:12:14 PM
Post by: cooltimber on October 15, 2019, 07:24:43 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 15, 2019, 09:19:48 PM
I have probably 8-10 decent bucks show on camera from Spring through mid-August. Time of day does not seem to matter, they show morning, mid-day, evening and night time with no real patterns I have detected yet.
Then poof - anything with more than 2 points is apparently abducted by aliens or something! The abductions are timed to when the velvet goes away. Not really seeing any rubs either.
Yes sir, typical for the mature BT bucks. A theory that I happen to agree with is that when the bucks are in velvet their antlers are very tender/sensitive and they will spend more time out of their thick hidey-holes than they normally would to avoid those hard branches touching/rubbing, snagging at their sore head gear. Once they've finally rubbed the velvet off (yep, that's where the vast majority of the BT rubs come from... velvet shedding), then they'll move back into their brushy fortresses until it's time to become a little dumber and come out to date some of the does ;)
That's why archery season was invented. :chuckle:
Post by: fishnfur on October 15, 2019, 10:21:55 PM
I have seen so many blacktail bucks this year. I have simplified my approach to the same areas I normally hunt. I have been walking less, sitting longer, and glassing harder.
The rut is definitely not on but I spotted a very nice buck glued to a doe on opening day. Spotted another slipping through the area with does the second. I have no self control and took a small buck after he got done running around with some does and walked right into my lap.
Don't be discouraged about seeing does. You never know if a buck is around just because. If nothing else it gives you a chance to study their appearance and movement to help develop your game eye cuz those suckers are so hard to spot.
All good thoughts. Congrats on ending your season, even if it wasn't a trophy. I'm expecting tag soup this season, cause I don't need the meat and I'm telling myself I can pass on lesser bucks and wait for mister big. We'll see how that all shakes out. I'll probably end up with a spike that I swore was a four-point.
Saw one doe today out on a firewood run after dropping my boy at school. Took my rifle, forgot my binocs, knife, and pack. Got all my firewood safety gear loaded along with gas, and bar oil, but turned out I forgot my chainsaw too. Wasted day!
No reason to get all excited about whether the deer are rutting yet. That's why I was looking for "early season reports" . The rut thread won't start for another day or two. :chuckle: Good luck out there.
Fishnfur - where in longview are you? I'm out by Bakers Corner and hunt the treefarm in 550.
PM sent.
Post by: predatorG on October 16, 2019, 09:07:29 AM
We've been out for the past three days in the Bear Creak/Dewatto area (GMU 627-bordering 633)and have seen nothing but does. However this is our first time hunting in Washington State and we're still figuring things out.
PM me. I've hunted that spot a couple times and would love to BS over it. Last year I hunted there over Christmas break... the same day Port Orchard got hit by that weird tornado thing. Crappiest hunting weather ever, which supposedly means great hunting. Either way, I haven't been home since last December. I normally hunt some private land by my house but I know a little bit about the areas out there.
Post by: Rob on October 16, 2019, 11:06:06 AM
I have probably 8-10 decent bucks show on camera from Spring through mid-August. Time of day does not seem to matter, they show morning, mid-day, evening and night time with no real patterns I have detected yet.
Then poof - anything with more than 2 points is apparently abducted by aliens or something! The abductions are timed to when the velvet goes away. Not really seeing any rubs either.
Yes sir, typical for the mature BT bucks. A theory that I happen to agree with is that when the bucks are in velvet their antlers are very tender/sensitive and they will spend more time out of their thick hidey-holes than they normally would to avoid those hard branches touching/rubbing, snagging at their sore head gear. Once they've finally rubbed the velvet off (yep, that's where the vast majority of the BT rubs come from... velvet shedding), then they'll move back into their brushy fortresses until it's time to become a little dumber and come out to date some of the does ;)
Seems like a solid theory to me
Post by: fishnfur on October 16, 2019, 11:16:28 AM
We've been out for the past three days in the Bear Creak/Dewatto area (GMU 627-bordering 633)and have seen nothing but does. However this is our first time hunting in Washington State and we're still figuring things out.
PM me. I've hunted that spot a couple times and would love to BS over it. Last year I hunted there over Christmas break... the same day Port Orchard got hit by that weird tornado thing. Crappiest hunting weather ever, which supposedly means great hunting. Either way, I haven't been home since last December. I normally hunt some private land by my house but I know a little bit about the areas out there.
Really?? I went out to Dewatto during the late season two years ago. Outside Capitol peak, that was the most hunters I'd seen in one area in Western WA during deer season (of course I've never been in Vail). There's some closed gates on Manke Timberlands and DNR lands south of there that are less pressured and a lot more enjoyable to hunt. Do what you've gotta do though. Every year, several nice bucks are harvested near there.
Post by: LeeRay on October 16, 2019, 12:15:14 PM
To be clear, I am extremely inexperienced, and my husband hunted white tail on the east coast way back when. Doing lots of research and we are sticking to Pope land right now as we figure there are less hunters there.
Yesterday, we were completely alone. No hunters at all, even at dusk. It was weird. We heard about 3 gun shots way off in the distance at one point at dusk, but that was it. No one was out hunting. As we drove home we saw only two other vehicles parked at other gates. Definitely not what we expected of hunting season. Maybe everyone decided this year to go elsewhere?
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 16, 2019, 12:20:06 PM
Post by: Turner89 on October 16, 2019, 12:50:14 PM
Deer Numbers are down in Kitsap and north Mason..and lots of guys go east for the first week...next week will see an uptick in people until modern elk starts...keep hitting area's you see sign...late next week the bucks should start moving..Yes, same deal here in our area. The guys that go east and get skunked will be plugging up the parking at the gates...unless it's raining, then it won't be to bad. :chuckle:
Post by: LeeRay on October 16, 2019, 01:34:57 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 16, 2019, 08:07:21 PM
Post by: RetiredBuck on October 16, 2019, 09:34:50 PM
Deer Numbers are down in Kitsap and north Mason..and lots of guys go east for the first week...next week will see an uptick in people until modern elk starts...keep hitting area's you see sign...late next week the bucks should start moving..I don't know about the numbers in Kitsap but here in Mason the numbers seem to be up or at least par with last year. I counted 13 does and fawns the other night in a field near here.
Post by: Birdguy on October 16, 2019, 09:35:49 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 16, 2019, 10:31:59 PM
Deer Numbers are down in Kitsap and north Mason..and lots of guys go east for the first week...next week will see an uptick in people until modern elk starts...keep hitting area's you see sign...late next week the bucks should start moving..I don't know about the numbers in Kitsap but here in Mason the numbers seem to be up or at least par with last year. I counted 13 does and fawns the other night in a field near here.
SShhhhhh........ :chuckle:
Post by: fishnfur on October 16, 2019, 10:34:15 PM
Saw two different bucks cruising the street last night outside of Gig Harbor! Just at dark and a couple hours later 3x3 and 4x? big necks walking right down the road, no fear!! Getting close.
Local pets. They have names and come when you call them. Those folks don't take kindly to you killing their pets right in the middle of town either. Go figure?! :chuckle:
Post by: BONEHUNTERNW on October 17, 2019, 08:30:18 AM
I have probably 8-10 decent bucks show on camera from Spring through mid-August. Time of day does not seem to matter, they show morning, mid-day, evening and night time with no real patterns I have detected yet.
Then poof - anything with more than 2 points is apparently abducted by aliens or something! The abductions are timed to when the velvet goes away. Not really seeing any rubs either.
Yes sir, typical for the mature BT bucks. A theory that I happen to agree with is that when the bucks are in velvet their antlers are very tender/sensitive and they will spend more time out of their thick hidey-holes than they normally would to avoid those hard branches touching/rubbing, snagging at their sore head gear. Once they've finally rubbed the velvet off (yep, that's where the vast majority of the BT rubs come from... velvet shedding), then they'll move back into their brushy fortresses until it's time to become a little dumber and come out to date some of the does ;)
Seems like a solid theory to me
I agree with this, I too had around 10 bucks on camera this summer. It was fun watching them grow and anticipating what they would become. However I'd say after week 1 sept they really dissapeared right about when they were out of their velvet. Didnt see much of anything for the later half of sept for bucks. First real sign of bucks, was after that cold snap oct9th. The next morning was blue bird and I had 3 different smaller bucks on camera. Two 2x2 and a 3pt with eye guards, smaller one though. Anyway I am hoping the rut brings the big guys back out, I have my eyes set on this guy he has a unique rack..... just gotta put in the tine
Post by: lokidog on October 17, 2019, 09:49:57 AM
Post by: boneaddict on October 17, 2019, 11:19:18 AM
Post by: fishnfur on October 17, 2019, 07:56:38 PM
Post by: lokidog on October 17, 2019, 08:10:03 PM
Post by: LeeRay on October 17, 2019, 09:25:35 PM
You guys all rock!!! If it wasn't for all the advise here I don't think it would've happened. Its not a huge buck, but we are still really stoked. Now I just have to fill my tag!!
Post by: CavemantheHunter on October 18, 2019, 05:42:14 AM
It’s starting. This is mid-day in Lacey. Buck was pushing the doe.
Post by: WSU on October 18, 2019, 11:32:28 AM
Post by: LeeRay on October 18, 2019, 01:45:32 PM
Deer Numbers are down in Kitsap and north Mason..and lots of guys go east for the first week...next week will see an uptick in people until modern elk starts...keep hitting area's you see sign...late next week the bucks should start moving..
Brought our buck to Farmer George in Port Orchard for processing and they are nearly full to capacity with deer from eastern washington. Busiest they've ever been. If I fill my tag we will have to call before we show up to make sure they have room.
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 18, 2019, 01:55:35 PM
Deer Numbers are down in Kitsap and north Mason..and lots of guys go east for the first week...next week will see an uptick in people until modern elk starts...keep hitting area's you see sign...late next week the bucks should start moving..
Brought our buck to Farmer George in Port Orchard for processing and they are nearly full to capacity with deer from eastern washington. Busiest they've ever been. If I fill my tag we will have to call before we show up to make sure they have room.
I wouldn't let that shop touch my animals..but I butcher my own so it's a non issue..
I know of more deer hit by cars in Kitsap than harvested..this next week should be better though.
Post by: slowhand on October 18, 2019, 03:01:55 PM
My hunting partner stopped in at the local butcher We use. They are full to capacity with wild game. unable to take anymore at this time. That's the first time I can ever remember this happening. Something must be going on?Deer Numbers are down in Kitsap and north Mason..and lots of guys go east for the first week...next week will see an uptick in people until modern elk starts...keep hitting area's you see sign...late next week the bucks should start moving..
Brought our buck to Farmer George in Port Orchard for processing and they are nearly full to capacity with deer from eastern washington. Busiest they've ever been. If I fill my tag we will have to call before we show up to make sure they have room.
Post by: npaull on October 18, 2019, 04:40:36 PM
Post by: elkrack on October 18, 2019, 04:56:01 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 18, 2019, 10:25:15 PM
My husband got a deer tonight!!! Same place we've been staking out the past few days.
You guys all rock!!! If it wasn't for all the advise here I don't think it would've happened. Its not a huge buck, but we are still really stoked. Now I just have to fill my tag!!
Happy to hear of your husband's success. You're next.
I'm up in Mason today. Neighbor told me he saw a three point out at 8:00 AM walking the road. I spend 5.5 hours in the box this afternoon in Kitsap, pissing rain, then thunderstorms and massive rain. Saw 0 deer, 2 bunnies. :tup: Glad to be out of that weather.
Post by: lokidog on October 19, 2019, 05:01:42 PM
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 19, 2019, 05:31:08 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 19, 2019, 08:58:25 PM
Edit: BTW: excellent photo Loki
Post by: Crunchy on October 19, 2019, 09:09:58 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 19, 2019, 09:48:24 PM
feature=youtu.be
Post by: fishnfur on October 19, 2019, 10:13:15 PM
With nowhere else to hunt, I pulled Scotch Broom for about 20 minutes or so as I worked my way back to my truck. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the buck in full chase mode, the doe running for her life. Both of them covered roughly most of the two to three hundred yards around the edge of the property faster than I could pull my phone and shoot.I got the last 75 yards or so of the chase but the video quality is a bit lacking, so I won't bother posting it. All in all, a fun morning.
Post by: Birdguy on October 19, 2019, 10:21:27 PM
Post by: Mallardmasher on October 19, 2019, 11:39:07 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 20, 2019, 10:03:21 AM
Post by: lokidog on October 20, 2019, 10:19:24 AM
Another swimmer makes to to Decatur! New genes for the swimming pool!
Edit: BTW: excellent photo Loki
Thanks, he swam away from Decatur but onto a tiny piece of public land on the north end of the Paul Allen Lopez Island peninsula.
Post by: fishnfur on October 20, 2019, 01:51:12 PM
Post by: 7mm Bob on October 20, 2019, 02:12:17 PM
Today I decided not to go back to that cut. Didn't want to push with no sign of a buck. Went to the other cut instead. Got the a little late 8:30. Glassed and glassed. Nada. I moved to the other side of the cut and again glassed repeatedly. About my third complete scan I could just make out a head about 200 yds away right in the very middle of the cut. Moved around a little to get a good look. Another doe. I moved closer, 86 yards away. She was solo. Didn't see another deer of any kind with her. After watching her for an hour she stood up and started feeding. Then she laid back down in the exact spot she was bedded in before. I snuck away with her never knowing I was there. No rubs or other buck sign there.
No success but I have a solid plan for next weekend.
Post by: fishnfur on October 20, 2019, 02:28:11 PM
In my report earlier, I forgot to add that there was a tall crazy long legged buck (2 X ?) in my back yard at 1:00 PM when I got home and let the dogs out. I didn't recognize the buck from my trail cam vids, but his eyes were bugged out of his head when he saw me turn the corner of the house. He had some crazy antler shape on the left side . The top of that buck's head was nearly at the 5 foot level and his anters were my eye level, and I'm six feet tall. Possibly eating apples, possibly cruising for doe scent. He ran like his ass was on fire when he saw me, and the dogs took chase till I called them back. Ever seen a Yorkie chase a buck? Hilarious!
Post by: brew on October 20, 2019, 05:13:26 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 20, 2019, 05:19:07 PM
Post by: Birdguy on October 20, 2019, 05:50:20 PM
Post by: WapitiChaser on October 20, 2019, 06:10:47 PM
Post by: WapitiChaser on October 20, 2019, 06:13:31 PM
Post by: WapitiChaser on October 20, 2019, 06:18:53 PM
Post by: kodiak 907 on October 20, 2019, 07:23:22 PM
Post by: slowhand on October 20, 2019, 10:10:36 PM
Multiple bucks and does spotted out during the day light.
Two bucks harvested, a 4 point and a small 3x1.
My hunting partner had a chance at a different 4 point and a forky just didn’t come together for him.
Almost all the bucks had does with them.
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on October 20, 2019, 10:16:10 PM
It’s definitely starting early.
No, it's not, the weather has em on their feet a little more than most seasons,it'll be the same time as always, again......
Post by: LeeRay on October 21, 2019, 09:40:10 AM
Post by: lokidog on October 21, 2019, 12:50:10 PM
Hmmm. Tried to post some from my property. They are definitely out there.
Is that buck in the second photo still in velvet?
Post by: Spuddieselwwu on October 21, 2019, 12:57:02 PM
Also found this new rub that is fresh within the last 24h. It's getting close, boys!
Post by: jackelope on October 21, 2019, 02:02:51 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on October 21, 2019, 03:26:25 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on October 21, 2019, 03:36:50 PM
Post by: Spuddieselwwu on October 21, 2019, 10:47:51 PM
This guy came into one of my spots for the first time last night... I've been tracking a lot of bucks in and out - this guy is new. I think I had him on cam about 2 months early about 2.5mi away as the crow flies...
Also found this new rub that is fresh within the last 24h. It's getting close, boys!
Here he was early sept... I think.
Post by: Justdecent on October 22, 2019, 08:40:01 AM
Post by: browney5er on October 22, 2019, 12:06:17 PM
If you did you're pre season scouting you should be in the Deer. No the bucks aren't rutting no the bucks aren't gonna rut earlier this year. Some bucks live with in the doe groups that's why you see bucks running around with doe at all times of the year. The cooler temps are what is making deer move more during day light hours. Got over 16 cameras out and all have bucks in the day light hours. The bigger loner bucks are still in there holes they'll be moving looking for the chicks at the same time they do every single year. Not uncommon to find rubs this time of year or throughout September how else do they get the velvet off. Good luck everyone keep hunting and quit believing in folklore.
So could you drop some of your knowledge on us and tell us when the rut will start. I’m dead serious if you’ve spent 15 years of your life and claim to know when it starts then this is the perfect place for you to help out your fellow hunters. That way we can all mark that date on our calendars and be sure to be in the deer woods. I was under the assumption that many things contributed to when the rut starts I’m glad to here I can just target one date. Looking forward to hearing when that is.
Post by: fishnfur on October 23, 2019, 12:06:35 AM
I'm not sure if you're asking a serious question and messed it up by inserting it into the other quote. It appears that way, but it could be you're teasing the previous input quoted. I'll assume it is the former and explain it this way:
The best hunting should be in the first weeks of November, when the season is closed (that makes sense I hope). That is just before the peak of the rut, when the majority of bucks are trying to find does in estrus and ready to breed. Outside that time frame, the best legal hunting should be very good the last few days of this month and the four days of the late season, because estrus is an individual thing. Some does come into heat earlier than others, which gets the bucks searching for the first sex encounter of the season. Every day that goes by, your chances of seeing a buck cruising through the woods to find a doe goes up until the end of the month. You cannot predict when that buck will be there, so you need to be out there as much as possible. The more time you spend in the woods, the better your opportunity to see a buck. But if your time is limited, the days mentioned earlier are the best of the season. Maybe that helps. (?) Good luck out there!
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 23, 2019, 07:19:25 AM
Post by: Okanagan on October 23, 2019, 08:01:42 AM
Re individuals: in most species, the males get interested in breeding long before the females, and stay interested longer than the females (who lose interest once bred). That seems to be especially true of younger males.
By early to certainly mid-October some bucks will begin to act differently and less wary than they do the rest of the year. Some will hang around to see what is walking through the woods (me) rather than sneak away before I see them. By mid rut many will be walking around all day looking for receptive does and some will act absolutely stupid. i.e. In mid rut a mature big buck jumped off of the road into thick timber, then came right back, stuck his head into the road and looked at our vehicle as if to ask, “Are you a hot doe by any chance?”
By early to mid-October some will begin to come to calling sounds more than they do the rest of the year. All of these less wary and more curious responses also carry over till after the rut for some bucks, hopeful for one last receptive female.
So, the deer are out there all year. Hunt them when you can. As the rut approaches, as defined by actual breeding, bucks get more active and less wary, one at a time. That's the one I hope to encounter.
On Oct. 17 I killed a mature blacktail, rut influenced IMO. He heard me coming through brush into an open spot and was looking at me, but he waited in the open to get a good look rather than simply sneak away. I attributed his less cautious action to a building rut drive, causing him to delay escape and check to see if I was a receptive female. I could be wrong but the tag is filled.
Post by: TriggerMike on October 23, 2019, 11:25:17 AM
Browney5er: ??
I'm not sure if you're asking a serious question and messed it up by inserting it into the other quote. It appears that way, but it could be you're teasing the previous input quoted. I'll assume it is the former and explain it this way:
The best hunting should be in the first weeks of November, when the season is closed (that makes sense I hope). That is just before the peak of the rut, when the majority of bucks are trying to find does in estrus and ready to breed. Outside that time frame, the best legal hunting should be very good the last few days of this month and the four days of the late season, because estrus is an individual thing. Some does come into heat earlier than others, which gets the bucks searching for the first sex encounter of the season. Every day that goes by, your chances of seeing a buck cruising through the woods to find a doe goes up until the end of the month. You cannot predict when that buck will be there, so you need to be out there as much as possible. The more time you spend in the woods, the better your opportunity to see a buck. But if your time is limited, the days mentioned earlier are the best of the season. Maybe that helps. (?) Good luck out there!
:yeah: 100% agree.
Post by: fishnfur on October 24, 2019, 11:01:25 PM
Post by: elkrack on October 24, 2019, 11:35:03 PM
Post by: kramman on October 25, 2019, 07:07:23 AM
Post by: fishnfur on October 25, 2019, 10:47:23 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 25, 2019, 10:56:44 PM
Post by: emskou on October 28, 2019, 07:46:17 AM
Post by: fishnfur on October 28, 2019, 09:34:18 PM
Moved to my second cut, bumped two does coming in from the downwind side. They seemed really relaxed, like no bucks had been bothering them. Sat three more hours glassing and waiting for action. Two more doe came out at 5:30ish. One was blowing and stomping, then jumping around. Over and over again. She was really causing a scene. The other was just hiding behind her. I could easily hear her blowing and jumping around at 100 yards away. I've no idea what she was doing, but it may have been the same doe I saw the forkie chase around the perimeter of that cut last week. She may have been trying to flush him out if he was hiding in the cut. She eventually stomped her way down lower into the cut, probing through the dead ferns like she was looking for something. I've never seen anything like it before, so I don't know what to make of it.
Post by: fishnfur on October 28, 2019, 09:49:16 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 29, 2019, 05:01:18 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 29, 2019, 05:02:56 AM
Post by: fishnfur on October 29, 2019, 07:07:47 PM
0915: I planned on a pretty quick response because of where she positioned herself to the stand of Alder, brush and inpenetrable thicket. I can see her ears working as she's listening for her suitor. Less than 10 minutes later, mature 3-point massive bodied buck jumps out of the brush and they are in love......
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 29, 2019, 07:35:18 PM
Post by: Bullkllr on October 29, 2019, 08:19:59 PM
Post by: sagerat on October 29, 2019, 08:43:37 PM
Post by: elkrack on October 29, 2019, 09:15:32 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 29, 2019, 09:31:14 PM
I grabbed my gun while he was hopping around the doe, seemingly very happy to meet her. I clicked off the safety and put the crosshairs just behind his shoulder and took the shot. He reared up on his hind legs, swung around in a 180 and fell to the ground. He got up after a second ran about 10 feet, and fell again. He stayed there for maybe five seconds. He started to get up again, so I jacked another round into my chamber and he hopped for another 10 yards and fell. I tried to put another shot in him there. He fell with his head and antlers facing me and the rest of his body hidden in the brush. I put my scope on him, but the morning sun at 0930 was reflecting into my scope at the direction he was laying from me. I couldn't see anything clearly, so I just watched. He tried to get up once more, but didn't get anything more than a struggle to get up before he gave up and lay still.
So, as is the norm for me, I swear that is the last buck I will ever kill, since I really hate killing these beautiful animals. I suck up my gut and ready myself for an afternoon of hard work (I hate work these days...I'm retired). While I'm getting my gear ready to get out of the blind, the doe comes back to look for her boyfriend. I sit patiently and let her look around and once I can no longer see her, exit the elevated blind and head out to get my rig. I'm taking my time since it's still early and I've got all day to suffer through the work ahead. I open the forest gate and drive in, find some timbers to lay on the tailgate so I can slide the deer up onto the bed of the truck. I came back about 45 minutes, plus or minus 5 minutes later to get the buck.
Last summer, I'd bought a deer drag utility sled/toboggan looking thing made out of plastic that seemed perfect to help me get a deer out of this spot, so I emptied my hunting pack except for knives, game bags, etc, Trying to keep my load light, because I've got a bad back, I left my gun in the truck and headed out loaded only with the sled and the pack with butchering gear.
I work my way out to where I shot the deer, dragging that stupid sled behind me, looking for the buck in the waist-tall brush and blackberries. I've got a good idea where he is, but from ground level, 30ish feet below my blind, I can't see him like I could from the top of the hill. I'm working my way back and forth, knowing that I am close, and suddenly the brush erupts! That freeking buck is up and running up the hill. He stops 25 - 30 yards up the hill from me, turns, quartering away, and just looks at me over his shoulder. He's not moving, just looking at me. I'm standing there with that stupid sled in one hand and an imaginary big swinging **** in the other. I have no response. I'm standing there looking at a resurrected ghost of a buck, basically flipping me off, and I cannot do anything at all. I just mentally mark his location, turn and walk away. '
I felt sick, since I didn't believe the animal would live. I couldn't figure out what kind of shot would allow a buck to get up 45 minutes after being shot and run away like it had never happened. The rifled 20 ga. slug gun was zeroed at 3.5 inches high at 100 yards so that it would be zero at 150 yards, and it was accurate. Tops, my shot shouldn't have been higher than 4.5 inches high in my mind. On a deer this size, it should have been a kill shot. Whatever the case, it was enough to drop it and keep it immobile for 45 minutes, and then the deer was all better. To be safe, I pulled out and gave the deer 2.5 hours then returned and did grid searches of the hillside of where he was headed when he gave me the finger. I never found any blood, and quite obviously, never found him.
After the fact, I've got a feeling that perhaps I backstrapped him with the shot, stunning his spinal chord so that he couldn't run. By the time I'd got back to him, He'd recovered enough to get up and go. I'm now feeling like he was not mortally wounded. He looked too alive when I saw him, too normal. He's likely got a bad flesh wound that hopefully will heal without complications.
I totally destroyed the area looking for him this afternoon. I bumped three does from beds and left my stink all over the spot. Times like these, I think about taking up a new sport...... What to do tomorrow?????
Post by: 7mmfan on October 29, 2019, 09:44:19 PM
Moral of the story, if you think they're dead, make sure they're dead before you walk off to get stuff. Just eliminates one more potential situation like this.
I feel your pain, I'm with you though, I think you rattled him good somehow, but it probably won't kill him. Get back out there and give them hell until it's over in a couple days.
Post by: fishnfur on October 29, 2019, 10:20:30 PM
Post by: TriggerMike on October 29, 2019, 10:21:26 PM
Post by: TriggerMike on October 29, 2019, 10:35:26 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 30, 2019, 05:13:44 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on October 30, 2019, 08:25:55 AM
Keep at it and don't consider that cut busted. If it's got the cover and the feed the deer will be back..your scent doesn't last that long.
I agree with this as well. They have such a small home territory, that I highly doubt the does will leave. Even if that buck is "gun shy" now, others will be moving through checking on that hot doe. There will be more opportunities.
Post by: brokentrail on October 30, 2019, 02:44:40 PM
I said all of that to say this, his first shot went through the meat of the brisket. Had we not shot him again, I think it would have healed over and he'd have lived. The first one hit him and shocked him enough that he laid down but it certainly wasn't a kill shot.
I'm sorry you lost one that you hit, it's a really bad feeling, I know, I've been there.
Hang in there and try not to get down on yourself. It happens and is an unfortunate part of hunting.
Hope you get another chance at him!
Post by: trophyhunt on October 30, 2019, 04:55:02 PM
Post by: Crunchy on October 30, 2019, 06:36:37 PM
Post by: fishnfur on October 30, 2019, 08:49:43 PM
Post by: TriggerMike on October 31, 2019, 09:55:24 AM