Despite the pending hurricane expected to hit tonight, I snuck out for a quick hunt early this morning. I left at 4:30am and traffic was heavy (with coastal evacuees) but I arrived early enough to let the woods settle down for 45 minutes before legal shoot. At 7am a 8 point walked out and stopped at 29 yds. He moved around the area for a few minutes, all the while getting closer. Two does showed up and he started chasing them around. Then a third showed up. I watched the buck pretty closely and though he was a shooter per our mgt program (remember, this is Florida), I decided to left him walk.

Our program requires that we meet one of three criteria with a preference toward two of three. The criteria are as follows: 15 inch inside spread, 15 inch main beam, 4 points on one side. I know this doesn't sound like much for folks from other parts of the country, but it isn't bad for Florida (if you meet two of the three vs. the minimum requirement of 1 of 3).

Anyway, this deer may have met two of the three, but he might not have. Rather than shoot a more marginal buck, I left him go. Unfortunately, none of my fellow lease members will let hm go if he shows up during gun season. Technically, they would be within our rules, but personally, I decided to wait despite having only killed one buck with a bow. Overall, it was a great morning, though I could not entirely ignore the pending threat from Jeanne.

Sounds like a good opening morning.

BTW, what would you have done with the meat without electricity for a week? (not to make light of your weather by any means.)

Its great just to be in the woods. I like to watch the deer behavior and see what I can learn. Sounds like you had a good morning.