[align=left]Well,[/align][align=left]Opening is Saturday here in the southern region of NYS. As some of you might know, I recently got pics of a monster (at least for NY) who has been frequenting an apple tree off a series of fields.[/align][align=left]I set-up my blind last Saturday and dont plan on going back until opening day. All shots to the apple tree are 20 yards or less. I cannot get even close to his bedding area, it is a quagmire of brush, branches, hardhack, and briars...big buck heaven. It is located less than 200 yards from the apple tree.[/align][align=left]Here is my situation.[/align][align=left]The buck only moves during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Generally, he is there either at 7:45pm or 6:45am, almost on the dot. I am worried that if I slip into the fields, at say 4am, I might bump other deer from the fields leading to his not coming in later, since they will head straight for the bedding area he is in. I was thinking of an afternoon hunt, but I dont think that he will be there even close to shooting time. The weather for this weekend is supposed to be wet and cold, with highs in the mid to upper 40's and lows in the mid 20's. Using this information, do you think some light rattling or grunting might help to lure him out earlier in the afternoon? Morning or afternoom or all day? Maybe a bleat? [/align][align=left]Anyadvice or suggestions? [/align][align=left]Also, take a look at the pic, doesnt it seem like he neck is awful swollen, almost like he is rutting already. We have had some cold and wet weather here in NY, maybe things are kicking off early?[/align]



Wow...and I hit 500 posts....amazing