Rainbow and I went to our NE Illinois public land on Saturday. It was very windy so I climbed down and spent a couple hours scouting. Found quite a few fresh rubs and scrapes. I followed one trail into some thick cover and located two rubs on trees over 5" in diameter. Sweet. Followed the trail another 40 yards to where it crossed the stream. Turns out I walked right up on the big boy. He got up slowly and snuck away quietly when I walked to within 10 yards of him. I relocated my stand to this area but about 50 yards away, higher on a ridge to minimize my scent. As the season goes if I don't see this guy I will move again a bit closer. I doubt I pushed him out because he did not smell me. Hopefully the 30+ mph wind today disipated some scent where I walked.

Will be back in a few days if the conditions are good. A cold front is moving in now. If wind is from the right direction I will try mid-week.