RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Went out yesterday afternoon in the mist and drizzle figuring it would be a good evening. Got set up in the stand at 1530 and saw the first deer at 1600. I sat in the stand and waited and waited. All that came in were does and buttons so I figured may as well, so I nailed another doe last night. I will be out there again today to see if the drizzly weather will bring in a nice buck to feed in the winter wheat field. No buck yet but it'll come: YE MUST HAVE PATIENTS

02BHNTN

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

I am all for the same team if possible? I have really enjoyed this season. This contest has gave me the boost i needed to keep at it! And to hunt harder. And it`s all in part buy you guys! Thanks!! If we win we win as a team! If we lose we lose as a team!(IMO)

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

I'm in Howell. If you don't know where that's at - about 60 miles or so NW of Detroit, half hour north of Ann Arbor, an hour east of Lansing. I hunt private property here in Livingston County, kind of a cross between urban and farm with lots of woods. Many deer around this year, just not terribley big. Other hunters from the area have been successful in bow, somewhat in gun, but have been complaining about warm temps and not seeing deer since the start of gun. With the temps going back down, I expect it to pick up some this weekend.

I also have property in Harrison (mid-MI). Haven't been up there yet this year, but my dad tells me the deer are thick up there this year, with lots of good bucks. Just need to steal the time to get up there.

I've hunted Gogebic area, Au Train (? - On Lk Sup), and Newberry area. Last I was up there, about 6 years ago, there were more bear than deer.

I wouldn't mind keeping the same teams next year if at all possible (seeing as you guys are carrying me :D).

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Gutshot, You still having troubl getting your pick posted? We need to get your deer entered and take the lead back. Let me know if you need some help.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Congrats Gutshot..well done!:)

As for me, I hope I didn't mess up. I passed up some smaller bucks this season while chasing 2 nice ones. Now its after the first gun season, the weather is not cooperating at all and the 2nd gun season comes in the first weekend of December. One good thing for me is I've found 30 prime acres of posted ground I can hunt with a buddy(owner) I've introduced to bowhunting. 30 acres don't sound like much, but in the area its in and from the looks of it...........it may be a great place.

Good luck to all and remember.......we still have plenty of time, its just gonna be a little tougher.;)

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Sorry guys still haven't got my pictures developed but I'm going to try and do it this weekend. My seasons pretty much over since for the next 4 weeks the guns will be blazing here in West "By God" Virginia, but I think that I'm going to try and sneak out between Christmas and New Years. I'll need help when I get my pictures so I'll e-mail them to one of y'all. I agree that if we win this we should stay together to defend our title.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

COME ON GUYS... Team 7 is running away with it.. WE NEED ANOTHER...

Someone please step up to the plate and hit a homer....

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

I went out last night and could have added about 50" but I just couldn't do ti. I saw 7 bucks last night, none bigger than a 5 pointer. I just can't do that. They need to grow a little bigger. I still have a whole month left to go so I still have a real good chance of putting a nice one on the ground. Don't give up hope.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

... One decent buck will it? along with gutshots buck we will be back in first. I did take another buck this weekend a 7 pt. One crazy sunday morning after i shot the deer at 20 yrds. it jump and ran about another 20 yrds and just stood there for about a min then fell over i don`t think he ever new what hit him? This happened around 8.30am After that i sat back down and waited for a while. I could see the deer laying there so i was not to worried. After about 10 min i had two does come buy at around 15yrds. I was by myself so i really did not fill like dragging two out! After they went buy i Had two more doe`s come buy around 20-25 yrds Big doe and a smaller one. After they went buy i sat back down for about 20.min then had a small six pt come buy at around 15-20yrds out. At around 9:45 i decided to come down but when i stood up i glanced over at the deer i shot something did not look right? Something was moving? For a second i had a crazy thought that my deer was not quit dead and was trying to get up! But he had been laying there for over an hour? Then i saw a bushy tail? I have had coyote attack a deer i shot some yrs back and tore it up. I did not wont this to happen again so i grabed my bow and turned and took a guess at how far it was away? i guessed at around 40-42yrds. I had been playing around in the back yard the week before shooting long distances so i drew back and looked at what i thought was a coyote but this time this crazy thing had climbed on top of my deer and was sitting on its rib cage and was pulling on the deers ear? So i took aim above the animal and released the arrow. The arrow hit perfect right through the hart of this animal i climb down and went to see just what it was and it turned out to be a red fox! I could not believe it! I shot a red fox off the back of the buck i had killed an hour or so before at a range (40-42yrds) Best shot i ever made on just about any thing. I have plenty of pics and will post them to night or tomorrow of the deer and fox together. But back to the contest i believe we can win this thing with no problem but we are going to need one or two more bucks to do it and i don`t think they will have to be all that big? (Just a guess) Lets rock team -8

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

I'm back guys and thinking hunting.:) I had a great vacation but I'm ready to get serious. The good news is that big boys are starting to show up quite regularly. Maybe some of the other hunters have left a few. I planning my next hunt in a few weeks from now and I have time I think to hunt all week. I'm not sure I can pass that up. I'll be around and come guys lets kill some more bucks.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

I am calling field ALL TALK untill I see some horn.

For all of your posts over almost a year you speak about all the HUGE bucks you see everytime out yada yada yada I see no results!

I will give credit when credit is due. Prove me wrong!

Good luck!

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

I have to agree with you buckeye. This year has been bad for seeing anything huge. I've only seen a few and from a distance. I must be all talk. I'm deffinitely frustrated to no end by being in great spots and seeing no huge ones. I still have a 2 months to prove you wrong but atleast they are starting to show up.

The other news I didn't add is that the state park is being driven this week with Doe only hunts. That is great news for my hunting area. Anyone want to hunt?

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Checking in guys. I'm still here and working to get us back on top. I've only been able to get out here and there (four days off for Thanksgiving with only ONE hunt in - rain, rain, wind, rain [:@]), but will be putting in a full weekend coming up. Let's close the deal.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Haven't seen Gutshot's deer on the score card yet..... still going to enter him Gutshot?

Well fellas, I scored tonight. I chose to shoot and stop being picky. Shot a small 6pt. It won't add a ton of inches to our score, but will add some. I had a great night in the stand tonight - had 12 deer all over the woods for over an hour before I took the buck. I was intending on taking a big doe, but she didn't cooperate. I saw 5 bucks total, two were sparring. The biggest of the bunch (told you, I've been seeing ONLY small bucks), finally came in and presented a shot so I took him. My work schedule will not allow me to hunt for the next two + weeks, leaving only a week left of season. I figured I should capitalize and put some venison in the freezer and a couple of points up for us while I have the chance. I'll score and post pics tomorrow. So, who does that leave on our team to bag one? Let's get er' done fellas.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Nice, congrats on a nice buck. We will get them entered and hopefully be a close second. We still can do it!

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Way to go Bob. We need it. With Gutshot's and yours we should get back up there with in stiking distance.

I have a whole week set aside for hunting and some more time at the end of the month. I may be a little picky that first week. I still have my monster dream. I can't wait to see how much driving the state park will help me this year. If I see a decent one, I will drop him. I'll judge it based on the scoreing system and what we need. So please get him posted.

Thanks again. Let's do it the rest of us.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Alright fellas, pic is posted on the score card thread.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

WAY to go badshot!! We really needed it.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Congrats Badshot!!! Nice buck!

Weather report not looking good here again for the re-opening of bow season. I am going to lay low for about a week then hit it hard. Within a week to 10 days the 2nd rut should start kicking in and hopefully not many hunters will still be out there...........but I will be.;)

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Sorry it's taking so long guys but I just finished the roll of film that y pictures are on so hopefully withing the next week or so I'll get them developed and then somebdy can help me out if the posting. WTG Badshot. Got Team 8!!!!

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Ok team we need another buck! Who`s up to bat? Who ever it is good luck this weekend!!

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Well he's not as big as I wanted but I do still have another buck tag. I saw a ton of does. At least 60 in the past 3 days. I had about 36 come in at once when they moved the dozer from one field to the next but no bucks amoung them. I saw one really nice 8 pointer pass by at 35 yrds but he never stopped in a shooting lane to allow for a shot. I couldn't grunt him because I had 2 does below me to the left. I thought he was going to go after them be he choose not to. I decided to take this buck and get one on the board because my main honey hole has been screwed up due to the developing of the field next to it. I think they may been done for a while but just my luck they had to do it during the rut. I also don't know how many times I will get out. If I continue to hunt like I have in the last month, I may only get it as often as bucks do if you know what I mean.

Gutshot, get yours on the board and we will be in first. Cougar, O2 and 121553 we could use a little cushion.;)

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Alright!!!! We will take it. Congrats Fieldmouse nice looking deer.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Way to go Fieldmouse!! You came through when we needed you. Congrats. Lets go gutshot? post that buck! way to go team elite-8.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

I realize it is never over until the fat lady sings, but she is definitely clearing her throat as we speak.

You guys are looking really strong, a good position to be in at this point, congratulations.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Way to go Fieldmouse!!!!! (Had to show me up ha? :D:D) J/K - congrats, nice looking buck. We needed it. Gutshot.....??? Get them pics developed. We may just pull this one out guys! Cougar, O2 and 121553, good luck to you guys... let's go 10 for 10!

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Two weeks left to go in our season. All I have been seeing is little bucks (spikes to 5's) nothing worth anything. I will hold out for a little while longer but might end up with a small 5 pointer. I don't know where all the big ones went. I know they haven't been shot because the farmers that I talk with have not had any taken off their land either. There still ther they just must be laying really low and not moving at all during daylight hours.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Congrats GUYS on the last couple bucks, we sure needed it... Great looking bucks.. It helped alot..

Maybe we will just happen to pull this off...

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

WTG Fieldmouse....I'm getting the pics developed today so tomorrow or wed. I'll be able to e-mail them to somebody to post. GO ELITE 8

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Way to go Fieldmouse!:) Gutshot, get your photos and score in!!!!;)

Its been the most frustrating season in recent memory for me.[:o] The last few times out I have seen little to nothing. I have no corn fields to hunt near!! Its really strange but most of the farmers I hunt on planted soybeans this year(one didn't rotate his crops) so the fields are now bare and a favorite honeyhole is offlimits for this season anyway. I have two main options........(1st)get a pair of chest waders, cross a flooded creekbottom and see if deer are holing up near the river where it was logged earlier, it does lead to a cornfield. Hunt the nearby state conservation area......surely their are a few deer left, perhaps a few bucks.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Couger i fill for you. I Hope you can salvage whats left of the season with something for the score board. But if you can`t don`t` worry about it. We have all been through frustrating seasons our self`s. Good luck and do the best you can. Our season down here is almost over jan-1-05 will be the end. But i am going to try in take a couple doe`s i still have 9 tags left and i have been seeing a good bit of deer. i wished you we here i think i could put you on something. But look at the bright side we have next yr to think about and this team WILL do it again! WAY TO GO TEAM!!!;) I know it`s not over just yet but ether way we did good

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

OK guys I finally got my pics developed and I need somebody to e-mail them to so that they can get posted. HELP!!!!

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Done Gutshot. We are now back in first place. Lets get a few more guys.

Good luck

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Thanks again "Mouse". He ain't much but it helps.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Thanks gutshot! We can`t win without him. But we need more! Good luck to the rest of the team.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Well guys I had 1 shot at a 5x5 @20yds that came in at 5 0'clock behind me from my stand. Kinda of awkward but I should of made it. Go back the following morning and shot at another 5 pointer at 20yrds and missed again. He dropped down and my arrow went sailing over its back. Dang it man. One afternoon I had two nice bucks battling 25 yrds out from my stand but couldn't get a shot off because of the canopy between me and them. They ignored all my grunts and took the battle deep down the revene. I did have one more shot at a 4 pointer that would have been in the 140 class, he was respectable and season was getting late so I launched an arrow at 25 yrds, dang it I used the wrong pin and the arrow went just below its bellie. I had 3 easy shots and blew it. My apology guys, in my selfishness in holding out for a trophy I let the team down as a whole as I should of shot some of those dinks that came by, but if I did my season would end as I am only allowed one deer here. I gave it my best guys, hunting at least 5 days a week since sept. to the end of nov. I did get a 3x3 mulie the last weekend of the season guys, but not with a bow. I bowhunted up till the last weekend of gun season and had the oppurtunity to shoot some desent ones but just couldn't pull it out. I did have a great season and saw a lot of deer elk, moose and grizzlies and blackies while in the bush and froze my arse off many a mornings while sitting in an icey climber until the shivering gets too severe and at times I had to question my own sanity on why am I doing this.
We got a good team guys and win or lose, I am glad I'm on The Elite 8 team. Congradulation guys on your own personal success. Again my apology to the team. Bobby:(

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

No appologies needed bud. Honestly this contest is for fun. Personally I have not taken a shot this season.....passed up small bucks earlier and some small does. Now when the late season should be getting a tad better, the heavy snow, wind, lack of food in my areas and just all around weather is messing up my hunting.

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

I wish I had another tag, congrats to all on this team for a great season harvest or no harvest. Any time we get out is good enough for me. Its all about the experience as a whole and what we take from it. No apologies needed 121553 your hunting hard and if your seeing nice deer do it for yourself more than the team. Good luck to you fellas that are lucky enough to still have the chance at a deer. Its me who is envious of you!

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

Yeah, Great Season TEAM.. WIN OR LOSE, we did a GREAT JOB, lots of TEAM EFFORT.. Hope to see you all next season on the same team, but who knows.. Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays..

Have a safe NEW YEAR..

Mathewsboy

RE: Official Team "The Elite 8" (8) Thread
 

121553 don't worry about it. It was all fun. I enjoyed the team and the contest. Let's hope we stay in first.

I've been real busy building my ultimate shooting range/hunting platform. Don't tell the wife she calls it a back deck for entertaining. When I get done and put targets up, I plan on posting a few picks. Next year when the season comes in at home I'll have to get a license and pop a few of these darn deer mowing through my landscaping.

I'm going to make it out at least one more time this year. I have until the end of January but I think I will be single if I atempt too much more hunting. I have a personal challenge that I have been thinking about ever since the new rules came into play. I'll post picks when or if I complete it.

Good luck and have a Happy New Year.