ORIGINAL: cayugad
What's Up?
I saw a few does but nothing with horns so far. With the deerpopulation as low as it is in my area, I have decided no more doe hunting. While our Department of Natural Resources claims deer herds are at record highs, they must have not ever looked around my place. All my neighbors agree that the numbers are seriously low. Of course they like to blame the wolves in the area, but they forget all the doe the took out of the herds for the last several years. So if I get skunked, that's all right too. Its just being out in the woods I enjoy.
Also been doing some grouse hunting with some good results. Hunting them with a black powder single shotgun sure does lower the odds. AND
, I got within 20 yards of a MONSTER gobbler the other day. I actually saw something coming through the under brush and thought it might be a bear. I was kind of releived when it stepped out in the open.
Deer hunting to me is no longer about killing deer or filling freezers. I used to be just crazy trying to get any kind of deer. Now that just does not seem important to me anymore. That has to be a sure sign of getting old I guess. Although if something with horns walked by, I'd be more then glad to make smoke.. Be safe hunting out there. It was 2ºs, windy and lightly snowing this morning. Not real pleasant out there. So that is what I have been up to...
Dave, I agree with you as far as being picky. The majority of the hunting experience for me lies in the quest. Each hunt is a new experience. I have passed up many shot opportunities with the bow; mostly does and small baskets. The big boys are just now showing themselves. Here in Indiana, we have a lot of younger does where I hunt. I tend to believe this draws the rutting period out. I am waiting for a big guy to find a hot youngin between now and the end of late archery. I'll take a couple does for meat.....no hurry.
After you guys got me so pumped and educated about muzzleloaders, I am itching to get the Optima out and taken some of those does. Good luck to all!