15 minutes til daylight
October 22 2023 update! First off let me preface this by saying I’m no “PRO” or “expert” just a guy that gets to hunt more than some and less than others…. Here’s what’s been going on thus far in the 2023 season..
I’ve completely neglected my summer scouting this season so I’ve mainly been hunting different places and scouting them at the same time. Not seeing many deer in my thickets yet but my sneak trails need maintained for sure. That being said I got some trails that on the right wind I know will produce a monster buck.
Speaking of wind, it sucks! But I’ve been basing all my hunts off of wind direction, everything no excuse and it’s led to some cool encounters but nothing special… until the 19th of October.
After not seeing any deer where I needed them in 4 hunts my good buddy Levi (who’s tagged 3 doe with his bow on public) decided to go to this area I knew well. Matter of fact historically I’ve killed more deer on this ridge than anywhere else but haven’t been here in couple years due to the pressure it started getting. Well right at grey light I tickled the horns thinking anything that would get there would get there right when I could shoot.. WRONG
I ticked the horns and kicked the leaves and broke sticks, picked up sticks and threw em in the leaves but only minimal antler sounds… as soon as I got still he was marching up the ridge! Walked to within 40 yds but just right over the ridge… never gave me a shot and eased off the way he came.
Now opening day of rifle season the 21st I go down to the saddle I hunt which was about 150 yds down the ridge from the first encounter 9am a small buck crosses the saddle followed by a shooter for sure.. they fed under acorns and even pushed each other around a little.. all I needed was one to get squirrelly and jump up towards me.. they were about 50 yds. The wind swirled and he got a small whiff and got a lil weird but they met up with other deer down the ridge and were piddling around… I picked up the horns and lightly lightly ticked em together… he came right back.. down wind to 30 yds then got a biiiiig whiff and game over…. Hunting from the ground is tough and the encounters teach you something.
This morning the 22nd finds me 60 yds from my last set up with prayers to catch him before he crosses the saddle! Tucked against a small tree dead on top of the ridge with a bunch of vines and laurel cover the sun af my back the wind off my right shoulder hoping I get my shot dead in front on a parallel wind set up. My hearing is gonna be key as I should hear em way out! This time I’ve got 2 fresh killed tarsal glands in trees about 20 yds from me… hoping to stop him long enough to let my arrow loose!
Anyway it’s time to hunt good luck, shoot straight and BE SAFE!
BMoore