G.Swamp & Other WMA season in review

jlbspd · 01-06-2008, 07:41 PM

So, today was the last in Green Swamp. Made it out and in spot by 5:30am. Nothing there so loaded up and tried a few others. Only thing i saw all day was a bobcat which snuck up behind my buddy as we were calling/rattling. Left around 1pm and all that had been taken out of 471 was a 6 point. Saturday was the day with 7 deer out of 471. Total deer for 471 is at 84 mid-day today. Not sure what has been out of RockRidge this past week.
How did everyone else do this season? specifically on WMA's? Think im going to do quite a bit more pre-season scoutingfor next time. Maybe even set up afew different stands. This season was a bshot in the dark for me as i didnt do any scouting prior to the start. Every time i went out this season it was "winging it". I have run across more doe this year than prior years at a total of 7 for me. Something that really suprised me was the big ZERO sightings on hogs...Deer and hogs signs everywhere as there is every year i hunt the Swamp but nothing in the back of the truck[&:]So, anyone doing small game season? Think you can hunt hog in small game too...right? Whats to look forward to? Turkey anyone?

midsouth_hunter · 01-07-2008, 07:13 AM

Is the deer still in rut out at Green Swamp? You said that you were calling and rattling. Have you ever had any luck calling one in in January?

jlbspd · 01-07-2008, 08:57 AM

Last yr we called one in thelast couple daysof December. Was a spike with less than 3" showing. Been told they were still in rut so decided to give it a shot. Didnt have any luck. From my understanding, they are still rutting thru mid January here...correct me if im wrong guys? This past Saturday they had 7 takin out of 471 post. Big numbers compaired to the rest of the season for one day. Im thinking this is due to the rut...thinking with their wrong heads lol...Ive never really been one to do much calling/rattling but want to gain skill so getting out and trying it is the only way to truely learn

helps if you are positive they are rutting though lol but it was fun to be out there anyways!

midsouth_hunter · 01-07-2008, 11:22 AM

Iknow in Florida the rut is sporadic and happens at different times throughout the state but was not aware that it still goes on in January. Thanks for the info.

CamoCop · 01-07-2008, 06:18 PM

i got 4 this year off of W.M.A.'s. the secret is to scout. i'm not talking about a week or 2 before season either. i scout all spring and summer.

slayer1970 · 01-07-2008, 07:48 PM

Rockridge count for the week was 11 bucks,2 were 10 points.And 9 hogs.Biggest deer out Rockridge was a 180 pound 6 point.Massive deer for the swamp.

jlbspd · 01-08-2008, 07:15 AM

CamoCop, I couldnt agree more. This year just didnt afford me time to scout. figured if i got in the woods, at least i would have chance. Like its been said before, you have to be in the woods to get something..right! I plan on doing alot of scouting this year (if i can con the lil lady to letting me hahaa). Let me ask you this, after scouting all that time and getting a good idea of what when and where, do things change much in the pattern due to the added traffic in the woods leading up to opening day? I know deer have a "home range" and rarely leave it but do you find yourself changing your stradegy or sticking with what you found during scouting? I know you also have to be ready to adjust but just wondering if most stick with their original plan after they have scouted for a while.

Pupuchito · 01-08-2008, 08:04 AM

I don't think you are wrong. I saw rutting activity just a week ago when I missed an 8pt with my bow

TWICE![:'(]

jlbspd · 01-08-2008, 08:46 AM

I didnt think i was but then again...wasnt sure either lol but thanks for helping me confirm. I know....he was only a 8pt so you were just practicing right! lol...ya that stinks... but then i think we all have been there once or twice whether we want to admit or not

maybe he survived and youll get um next season![8D]

FLboy77 · 01-08-2008, 01:32 PM

Sometimes the yearlings will go in heat in January. I was in citrus WMA this weekend and heard a buck grunt right after some does and a yearling came by me, so I think either one of the does was in a second swing or the yearling was in heat.It was more like a buck roar than a grunt.