Whitetail

Bucks a moving...

2009-11-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

I got a text message/photo this morning from my buddy Jason Przekurat (shown above), who lives in Wisconsin. Przekurat (pronounced Shu-koo-rit, I think; saying Jason is easier) is a tournament walleye pro on the FLW Walleye Tour, and a dang good hunter as well. He slipped into a thicket near a swamp, and, while hunting from the ground, rattled in this great buck shortly after 9 a.m. He connected with a 40-yard shot.

When I got Jason's message, I was in the rare position of being able to reply with my own victory text. Yes, perhaps it was all a bit teenage-girlish. But regardless, bucks have been on their feet this week in western Kentucky (and much of the country, it seems), and I was fortunate enough to get a crack at this 8-pointer shortly after climbing into my stand yesterday morning. I saw the buck from a distance as he crossed a picked corn field, no doubt with does on his mind. A few loud grunts got his attention and turned him my way. I took a sharp quartering-to shot (he was close), and he fell within sight--always a plus.

-Will

World's Biggest 8-point?

2009-11-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

There are almost no details on this buck but it's supposedly from Minnesota and green-netted 189 inches. That would best the world record 8-point shot by Michigan's Vic Bulliner which netted just over 180.

I have seen the Bulliner buck and it's crazy big. Of course, for an 8-point to net Booner it has to be giant and the key is mass. Tines can only get so long. Spreads only get so wide. It's mass that can add inches in a hurry and that's what you need to top 180 inches for an 8-pointer.

Since so little information is available, this well could be something other than legit. The buck is, however, listed on Boone and Crockett's Trophy Watch and bucks usually don't land there unless there's a good chance they're for real. So this is one to keep an eye on. Or dream about. Or Photoshop your face in and sent to friends. Just a thought.

Tony Hansen, Michigan

Rock and Roll

2009-11-05T18:58:00.000-08:00

Finally. The rut has arrived. Okay, maybe it's not full-blown yet but soon. (Sorry deep South, you've got some time yet) but things are definitely picking up. In my area of southern Michigan, we've got a cool little corner store that has a buck contest. It's one of those hometown deals that pulls folks together. And the last few nights have been busy. Here's a few of the bucks coming in -- and the really big ones are yet to come. And soon. Who knows maybe I'll even add my photo to the wall.

On another note: Rumor has it that our own Will Brantley gave the do-rag a workout hauling out a pig buck today . . .

Tony Hansen, Michigan

Horse With Horns

2009-11-05T13:12:00.001-08:00

A buddy of mine sent me this photo earlier this week and I have no idea where it came from. Fair chase...I don't know and quite frankly I doubt it. But I've never seen a horse with horns before.

Brian

Texas Trophy Hunters Association Celebrates Texas Hunter Appreciation Month

2009-11-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

San Antonio, Texas - Texas Trophy Hunters Association (TTHA) is celebrating hunters during Hunter Appreciation Month! From wildlife conservation to economically supporting our local, state and national communities, hunters take better care of our planet than any other group of people and TTHA wants to say, "Thanks!"

TTHA salutes Texas Governor Rick Perry in his declaration of November 2009 as "Hunter Appreciation Month." Texas is second to none for the total number of anglers and hunters boasting 2.6 million strong. When you include the 341,000 non-resident sportsmen that Texas attracts each year, hunters in the state of Texas generate $4.6 billion for the Texas economy.

Carter Smith, Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department states, "Texas has long been defined by its rich and unique hunting heritage. With an abundance of game ranging from deer to ducks and quail to turkeys, there is something for every sportsman to enjoy out in our woods and waters. I hope all Texas hunters will make time to go afield this month, and most importantly to take a young person with them. Passing along our proud hunting traditions to future generations is a must for all who value the future of our great outdoors."

"TTHA applauds Governor Perry for his recognition of hunters as conservationists and the positive economic impact of hunting in Texas", states Joe Betar, VP, COO of Texas Trophy Hunters Association. "In addition, TTHA echoes Governor Perry's emphasis on the importance of hunter safety and ethics as taught by instructors across the state."

TTHA will celebrate hunters and the legacy they provide the entire month of November with a Texas-Sized Road Trip. Look for TTHA representatives at BBQs, banquets, dinners, dances and opening weekend events. Every stop along the way, we'll have heaps of FREE gifts for members and/or anyone proudly displaying the TTHA "skull and horns." Now's the time to load up the truck with stickers and decals because if you're proud enough to show off the TTHA logo, we want to say "Thanks for hunting!"

If we don't see you on the road near your favorite hunting camp, please stop by TTHA Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas and have a cup of coffee on us. Show us a valid hunting license and/or your TTHA member card and receive a free gift.

TTHA encourages you to participate in the outdoors during this great month! For more information about Hunter Appreciation Month and to find events in your area, go to www.TTHA.com. You can also read Governor Perry's proclamation.

Buckeye State Does It Again!

2009-11-01T20:23:00.001-08:00

I keep telling myself that I need to head to Ohio and chase some bone. Need I say more.

Check out the link: http://hunting365.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/ohios-ultimate-freak-nasty/

Brian

First Buck

2009-11-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

There are only a few things that are as memorable as your first buck, and on a cool Oklahoma October evening a couple of weekends ago my nephew did just that. No, it was not the biggest buck roaming the mesquite flats there, but it was a great 3 year old buck that carried a handsome 8-point rack.

As great as it was for him, it was equally as good for me because I was sharing deer camp with him when the arrow was released. It was great hearing the story as only a young bowhunter could tell it as we recovered this Oklahoma king. Not a detail was left out and I felt like I was in the ground blind with him when the broadhead smashed through his chest. I could tell by the excitement in his voice that he was as happy with the result as I was, and I know regardless of how many bucks he kills in the future, or even how big they become, he will always remember this first buck.

Now if I can only get his dad to kill one...but that's another story!

Brian

Buddy's Nice 8-pointer

2009-10-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

A buddy of mine, Charlie Croom, called last weekend to tell me about the nice Arkansas 8-pointer he'd just killed with his muzzleloader. The buck is his personal best, so I asked him to send me a little story that I could share here on the Rack Report. In Croom's words (I don't know that I've ever called him Charlie), the story is below:

Last season, I was hunting a large buck on public land that was jumping a barbed wire fence onto a private cattle pasture. The bow season was short on this particular tract of Ozark National Forest. I came up empty after two weeks of hunting this area.
I took a copy of a county plat map and aerial photo to the cattle ranchers’ house. I politely introduced myself and pulled out those maps. We poured over the maps as I explained my hunting predicament.

I had been hunting near his property for eight years and needed his permission to continue my deer season. I was shocked when he said “yes” and overwhelmed when he offered me a key to the gate. He told me that most people jumped the fence and trespassed on his land. Some of them even stole deer stands. I was the first to ask permission.

The 2009 muzzleloader season in Arkansas opened the morning of Oct.17th.
I decided to hang a lock-on stand in a lone hickory tree that sits in the middle of the pasture. I would be able to watch deer on three different hillsides from 100 to 400 yards.
This idea paid off quickly. I spotted three does behind my stand to the south, then four more to my right walking from a neighbor’s property. Bucks began to appear in the clover patches on the western hillside (out of range). I watched two small bucks feed for 10 minutes, and then a shooter buck walked out 20 minutes later.

Later that afternoon, I returned to my stand around 3pm. It only took an hour for the big 8 point to make his way back into the clover on the far left hillside. I glassed him again for several minutes, but a group of does winded me and snorted, causing him to leave the field.

I didn’t hunt Saturday morning due to frustration and fatigue.
There was heavy frost on the ground and the wind was calm. I watched college football and cooked out until mid afternoon. The weather had warmed into the mid 60’s with a 10-mph wind. I was debating on staying home, but something told me to go out anyway.
I unloaded the 4-wheeler and packed my warm clothes in the backpack.

I decided to hunt from the ground in the funnel-draw where deer had been entering and leaving the pasture. There were 3 different rub lines in the funnel. I sat on a cushion near the top of that funnel. Numerous fallen trees and busted limbs covered the hillside. I found a spot under a small red oak to set up and cleared a couple shooting lanes.

By 5:30, it began cooling down. Squirrels began making their usual racket as they scurried the forest floor for acorns. I heard some blue jays chime in as well. This tipped me off that something was approaching from a big tangle of trees at the head of the draw. I spotted movement in my right eye a few moments later. It was that big 8-pointer walking slowly on the opposite hillside.

I bleated at him, and he stopped. He froze at 120 yards with his head behind an oak and his body broadside in the biggest shooting lane that was available. I shouldered my muzzleloader and looked into the scope. The crosshairs were centered on his front shoulder. I took a deep breath and began to slowly exhale as I eased back on the trigger. The muzzleloader fired and smoke filled the woods in front of me. I didn’t know if I had missed or not, but I heard a faint crash in the distance.

I searched for a while, but couldn’t find anything—no blood, hair, bone—nothing. It was getting darker by the minute so I tried not to panic. I made a semi-circle on the deer trail and noticed the direction of the rub line where that buck once stood. I followed the rustled leaves and rubs for 10 yards. At this point, I dropped to my knees, looked to the sky, and prayed. I then stood up and looked at the fencerow; there he was. His antlers were tangled in the barbed wire.

Great buck, man. Proof positive that leaving your treestand for a quick and stealthy ground hunt can be the best way to fill a tag. It also goes to show that even in this day of expensive leases, knocking on a farmer's door and politely asking permission can still pay off.

-Will

Deer Season Prospects Shaping Up With Recent Rains

2009-10-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

AUSTIN, Texas - An early and abundant acorn crop, combined with new growth of native vegetation may force Texas deer hunters to stray from supplemental food sources during the 2009-2010 general deer season, which opens Nov. 7.

Reports from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department field biologists indicate above average mast crop production and an early acorn drop. Recent rains across much of the state have also helped generate forb production, adding to the availability of native food sources for deer.

"It's been at least three years since ground moisture has been this good at this time of year," said Mike Krueger, TPWD district wildlife biologist in Kerrville. "It looks like springtime in the Edwards Plateau at this time.

Krueger noted the warm-season plants have put on a final burst of growth and flowers and there is a flush of early growth of cool-season grasses and forbs. That will probably contribute to a slow deer season for hunters, especially early in the season and especially for those hunters that are dependent on hunting over feeders.

"There is an abundance of food sources for deer right now, and deer movements are reduced because they don't have to move as far or as often to keep their bellies full," Krueger added. "Deer don't appear to be coming to feeders as often or as regularly as they would if it were still dry."

The only consolation is that bucks are becoming more active due to the onset of the rut in the Hill Country, so they'll be moving around as they typically do during the rut, regardless of the condition of the range.

Although the range conditions are good to excellent right now, the rains came too late to help with this year's buck antler growth which is probably no better than average throughout the Edwards Plateau region, or with the fawn production that is also no better than average. But if it continues to rain throughout the fall and winter, the stage is being set for better antler growth and fawn production next year.

While recent rains have improved range conditions across much of the state, whitetails in South Texas are battling through an extended stress period that started with last year's rut, according to biologists.

"Last season the rut was later and more spread out than normal and this did not fare well for mature deer," said Daniel Kunz, TPWD biologist in Alice. "By the first of February bucks were extremely drawn down and numerous reports of early antler shedding were occurring; an indication that bucks could be in poor shape. This will likely affect antler quality."

Hunters should expect a reasonable number of 2 1/2 year old bucks and 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 year old bucks as 2002-2004 and 2007 were good fawn production years resulting in good carry over, added TPWD biologist Dustin Windsor in Cotulla.

"Everything's greened up and deer aren't coming to feeders as readily because there's so much forage out there," said Alan Cain, TPWD district wildlife biologist for South Texas. "That might affect hunting success early in the fall but deer will still be there."

Surprisingly, according to Cain, some of the helicopter surveys in the brush country are showing some decent body conditions on bucks and does. Some places have some pretty good deer despite drought conditions. Fawn crops are looking pretty pitiful this year.

One region of the state that is entering the fall hunting season in prime condition is the Panhandle, according to Calvin Richardson, TPWD district biologist in Amarillo.

"The Panhandle deer herds---both mule and whitetail---are in great condition and should go into the fall in great shape," said Richardson. "With harvest being down last year, we should have some older aged bucks carry over into this year's season. My guess is that both mule deer and white-tails are not going to have to move around much to find quality forage, so hunting feeders might not be as productive as in years that we have been dry.

Deer hunters in 52 counties this season will be joining those in 61 existing counties having buck antler restrictions. Legal bucks in those counties are those with at least 1 unbranched antler (e.g., spikes and 3-pointers) or having an inside spread of at least 13 inches.

Newly affected counties include: Anderson, Angelina, Archer, Atascosa, Brazos, Brown, Chambers, Clay, Cooke, Denton, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Grayson, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hunt, Jack, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Kaufman, Liberty, Limestone, Madison, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Orange, Palo Pinto, Parker, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, Smith, Stephens, Tarrant, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker, Wichita, Wise, and Young.

According to Clayton Wolf, TPWD big game program director, the antler restrictions have significantly improved age structure while maintaining ample hunting opportunity, based on data to date in the 61 counties where the rule is currently in effect.
Hunters should also note whitetail bag limits have changed in several counties across the state. Be sure to check the county listings in the 2009-2010 Outdoor Annual of hunting and fishing regulations for the county hunted.

The department got overwhelming support to increase whitetail bag limits in several areas of the state with growing deer numbers or populations sufficient to support additional hunting opportunity.

The department is increasing the bag limit in most Cross Timbers and Prairies and eastern Rolling Plains counties from three deer (no more than one buck, no more than two antlerless) or four deer (no more than two bucks and no more than two antlerless) to five deer (no more than 2 bucks). Counties affected include: Archer, Baylor, Bell (West of IH35), Bosque, Callahan, Clay, Coryell, Hamilton, Haskell, Hill, Jack, Jones, Knox, Lampasas, McLennan, Palo Pinto, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Taylor, Throckmorton, Wichita, Wilbarger, Williamson (west of IH35), and Young.

In addition, the department is increasing the bag limit from four deer to five deer in Pecos, Terrell, and Upton counties. White-tailed deer densities throughout the eastern Trans-Pecos are very similar to densities on the Edwards Plateau, where current rules allow the harvest of up to five antlerless deer.

Another change increases the bag limit from three deer to five deer (no more than one buck) in selected counties in the western Rolling Plains. Counties affected include: Armstrong, Borden, Briscoe, Carson, Childress, Collingsworth, Cottle, Crosby, Dickens, Donley, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Garza, Gray, Hall, Hardeman, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Kent, King, Lipscomb, Motley, Ochiltree, Roberts, Scurry, Stonewall, and Wheeler.

The department also opened whitetail hunting in Dawson, Deaf Smith, and Martin counties (three deer, no more than one buck, no more than two antlerless).

Areas of the state having sufficient antlerless deer populations to warrant additional hunting opportunity are getting more doe days this fall. The department is increasing antlerless deer hunting in the following areas:
• from 16 days to full-season either-sex in Dallam, Denton, Hartley, Moore, Oldham, Potter, Sherman and Tarrant counties;
• from 30 days to full-season either-sex in Cooke, Hardeman, Hill, Johnson, Wichita, and Wilbarger counties;
• from four days to16 days in Bowie and Rusk counties;
• from four days to 30 days in Cherokee and Houston counties;
• from no doe days to four doe days in Anderson, Henderson, Hunt, Leon, Rains, Smith, and Van Zandt counties.

The department is also expanding the late antlerless and spike season into additional counties. Counties affected include: Archer, Armstrong, Baylor, Bell (West of IH35), Borden, Bosque, Briscoe, Callahan, Carson, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Cottle, Crosby, Denton, Dickens, Donley, Eastland, Erath, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Garza, Gray, Hall, Hamilton, Hardeman, Haskell, Hemphill, Hill, Hood, Hutchinson, Jack, Johnson, Jones, Kent, King, Knox, Lampasas, Lipscomb, McLennan, Montague, Motley, Ochiltree, Palo Pinto, Parker, Pecos, Roberts, Scurry, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Stonewall, Tarrant, Taylor, Terrell, Throckmorton, Upton, Wheeler, Wichita, Wilbarger, Williamson (West of IH35), Wise, and Young. In Pecos, Terrell, and Upton counties, the season would replace the current muzzleloader-only open season.

In East Texas, the department is establishing a special muzzleloader season in additional counties, lengthening the existing muzzleloader season by five days to be equivalent in length with the special antlerless and spike buck seasons in other counties, and altering the current muzzleloader bag composition to allow the harvest of any buck (not just spike bucks) and antlerless deer without permits if the county has "doe days" during the general season.

New counties affected include: Austin, Bastrop, Bowie, Brazoria, Caldwell, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Colorado, De Witt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Goliad (North of HWY 59), Goliad (South of HWY 59), Gonzales, Gregg, Guadalupe, Harrison, Houston, Jackson (North of HWY 59), Jackson (South of HWY 59), Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Marion, Matagorda, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Upshur, Victoria (North of HWY 59), Victoria (South of HWY 59), Waller, Washington, Wharton (North of HWY 59), Wharton (South of HWY 59), and Wilson.

The department is also adding one additional weekend and 10 additional weekdays in January to the current youth-only season.

The department also established a one buck only, antlerless by permit, nine-day mule deer season for Parmer County, the first ever deer season for that county.

The season concludes in the North Zone on Jan. 3 and the South Zone season ends Jan. 17.

New Deer Hunting Game for Ipods and Iphones

2009-10-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

This looks like a cool game to have on your Apple product - especially if you plan to wile away the hours on a stand all day.

You can hunt in Indiana or Texas and choose either a bow, shotgun, or rifle.

Enjoy!

Russell - Texas

Tick Tock . . .

2009-10-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

And still we wait.

It's 60 degrees. It's raining. And it's almost November.

Which of those things doesn't fit? That's right. It's not supposed to be 60 degrees. The October lull is not a myth. Not here anyway. It's 100 percent real and is flat kicking my tail. I have not seen a shooter buck all season. This after a summer in which I saw more shooters than ever before.

Dealing with heavy hunting pressure is the norm for us here in Michigan. But this season has been especially busy. Why? I'm not sure. It may have something to do with the fact that there are more bowhunters in the woods this year as it's the first season crossbows have been legal during the archery season. But I can't be certain about that. For whatever reason, I'm surrounded by hunters and it's definitely impacting the deer movement. But I know guys who have their own land and they aren't seeing deer either.

So what's the deal? Well, I think it's a perfect storm of crappiness to be honest with you. There is a ton of corn still standing -- almost all of it in fact and after the rainy weather we've had it's not coming down any time soon. Daytime temps in the 50s and 60s will shut down deer movement. Especially now when the rut is still a week or so off. Sure, you'll see those baby bucks out looking for does. But they're pups. They have no idea what they're doing and they're not even close to the caliber of buck I'm looking for. They can come see me in about three years.

But there is a silver lining. The rut will come. It will rock. Life will get better. In fact, this weekend the temps are supposed to drop and next week looks awesome. I can promise you this: The world may not change in seven days. But this whitetail hunter's story is going to change in the next seven days. Take that to the bank. Well, maybe not. But stay tuned. Things are about to get interesting.

Tony Hansen, Michigan Man

Texas Record Buck...Maybe

2009-10-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

You know what they say...everything is big in Texas. Well, I'm sure Texas game warden Eric Minter is singing that to a country tune this morning. On Monday this Kaufman County lawman arrowed a potential state record buck. Check out the link and pictures:

http://hunting365.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/breaking-news-big-texas-bow-buck/

Brian

Giant Minnesota Buck

2009-10-22T09:18:00.001-07:00

If you haven't seen Scott O'Konek's giant Minnesota bowkill yet, you need to take a look. Read Field and Stream's write up about the buck here.

-Will

BDD - Part 2

2009-10-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here's my buddy Roy McCraw and a video he sent me of another doe taken in Northeast Texas.

I've know Roy since we were little boys and it great to see that he hammered a Fannin County, Texas doe on my birthday.

Make sure you watch this video. You'll like it as it's quiet approach reminds me (and it should remind us all) about why we love hunting so much.

RG - Texas

BDD

2009-10-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Big Doe Down...

My brother sent me this e-mail about a doe he shot with his longbow this week. He's not afraid to be a meat hunter and put his doe tag to use less than a mile from where we both grew up in Northeast Texas.

Hammer down, brother...

Young Hunters Get First Shot During Special Weekend

2009-10-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

AUSTIN, Texas - "Trick or Treat" won't be the only activity on the minds of Texas youth on Oct. 31. While some will dress up as fairy princesses and ghosts for Halloween, many will be wearing bright orange and camouflage for the special youth-only hunting weekends.

Passing the hunting heritage on to the next generation of hunters is what the special youth-only seasons are all about, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

TPWD has set aside Oct. 31-Nov. 1 as special youth-only seasons for white-tailed deer and Rio Grande turkey. Additional youth-only seasons have also been set aside in January. During the statewide special youth-only hunting weekend, licensed youth 16 years of age or younger will be allowed to harvest white-tailed deer and Rio Grande turkey.

The department has coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to offer a youth-only waterfowl season in the North and South Duck Zones on Oct. 24-25 for licensed youth 15 years of age or younger.

A Special Youth Hunting License ($7) is required and may be purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold, as well as online and by phone at 1-800-TX-LIC-4U for an additional convenience fee. General season bag limits for the county hunted apply during the youth-only weekend, but some additional restrictions may apply in certain areas so be sure to check the Outdoor Annual before heading afield.

TPWD has made an extra effort to open as much public hunting land as possible to youth hunting on department-managed lands. Youth who are hunting on TPWD lands must be accompanied by a supervising adult 18 years of age or older who possesses the required Annual Public Hunting permit, a valid hunting license and any required stamps and permits.

Youth hunts for either sex white-tailed deer are scheduled during the special weekend season on public hunting units, mostly in East Texas. Youth waterfowl hunts are available on many public hunting units.

The Annual Public Hunting (APH) Permit is a $48 permit, valid from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 of the following year. The APH permit allows an adult access to designated public hunting lands in the TPWD public hunting lands program. With the APH permit, hunting is allowed for small game, turkey, white-tailed deer, exotics, predators, furbearers, and fishing without having to pay daily permit fees and in most instances, without having to be selected in a drawing.

###

Russell - Texas

Check this out.

2009-10-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

I don't even know whatto say about this video.

It can speak for itself.

RG - TEXAS

Nice Velvet Buck

2009-10-19T09:08:00.001-07:00

I got this picture in my inbox the other day. It's a bit of a late posting with a few pre-rut signs popping up across much of the country, but it's a fine September velvet buck regardless. That's Jared Schlipf in the photo, and he shot the buck September 3 while overlooking a Wyoming alfalfa field. Jared, the president of Lone Wolf Treestands, was hunting with David Blanton at Seven J Outfitters at the time.

-Will

Weak Start

2009-10-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

So this is starting to feel a bit redundant. But, it is what it is. And this is what it is: One of the slowest starts to the deer season that I can recall.

I'm not seeing mature bucks. Heck, I'm hardly seeing any deer at all. I usually expect to see a slowdown in activity this time of year. But this year, it's not a slowdown. It's simply a continuation of the non-existent daytime movement patterns that have been in place since Michigan's archery season opened on Oct. 1.

And it's not just me and it's not just here. The MidwestWhitetail.com guys -- which has shows across the Midwest -- are reporting very little action. Those few bucks that are killed are shot right on the fringes of daylight. I've talked with guys in Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska -- none of them had much good to report.

So what do you do? Well, keep hunting. Just hunt smart. If you hunt in an area that receives a fair amount of hunting pressue, the worst thing that you can do right now is pressure those deer further. Now is the time when a lot of hunters start to panic. They aren't seeing deer and assume that the deer are moving elsewhere. So they scout and scour the ground in search of that "magic" location. Truth is, there isn't one. The deer just are not moving in daylight.

I think that's all about to change however. There should be another week or so of slow movement. Then, probably as early as this weekend, things will start to change. A few does will begin to cycle into estrous early. That will light the wick on the whitetail dynamite known as the rut. Don't get me wrong, we're still two weeks from serious rut action. But more bucks will begin to work scrapelines and prowl around a bit more. I think we'll also see more deer movement in general as winter creeps closer and the deer start to establish a little heavier feeding regime to bulk up. Yes, they've been doing that all along but my notes from years past show that around the 24th-26th of October, I just start to see more deer -- both bucks and does.

Halloween is the day that I live for. To me, that's the official start of the fun. That's when the rut starts to crank and those mature ghosts that I know live here reveal themselves. It's my version of trick or treating.

In fact, I may actually dress up for Halloween this season. I'm thinking of going as a Bone Collector.

Tony Hansen, Michigan

Wisconsin Crossbow Buck

2009-10-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

This is pretty good.

-Will

Broadhead Test

2009-10-09T08:09:00.001-07:00

I was able to conduct some broadhead "research" the other evening while hunting over a picked cornfield. Deer were filing into the field one after another this particular afternoon, and I had a pair of doe tags in my pocket along with plenty of freezer space. I've always been an adamant fixed-blade-broadhead shooter (3-blade 100-grain Muzzy is about my favorite). When mechanical broadheads first became popular, I heard more than one horror story about inadequate penetration, blades failing to deploy, etc. I never had any problem hitting where I was aiming with my fixed blades, so I never changed.

But I'd been hearing a lot of good things about the expandable Rage broadheads. These broadheads have been heavily (and successfully) promoted in a variety of advertisements. A few of the ads have been a bit controversial. The ads don't bother me, but they might bother a non-hunter who happens to see them (and by non-hunter, I don't mean anti-hunter). We should be mindful of things like that.

But all that aside, I had trusted friends who are good bowhunters advise me to give the Rage broadheads a try, so I bought a pack (nearly a month's pay for three of them). I shot my two does that evening--one with the 3-blade Rage and one with the 3-blade Muzzy. Both hits were double-lung shots, although the Muzzy-shot doe was an adult, and the Rage-hit doe was a young one. Simply put, the Rage made a much larger hole, and the deer was easier to recover.

The Muzzy did its job, too. It left a good blood trail, but it wasn't as pronounced as the trail left by the Rage. Is this a definitive test, and will I completely switch over? No--bow-hit animals vary widely in how far they travel and how much they bleed. I still trust the Muzzy for shoulder hits and on dense, tough critters like wild hogs. The Muzzys are also less expensive (six of them for the price of three Rages) and easier to re-sharpen. But, it is nice to see a product perform as advertised, even if that advertisement is a little "edgy."

A picture is below--Muzzy-shot deer on the left, Rage on the right. Note the Muzzy hit is the exit wound, but it's identical to the entrance wound (just a little lower). They're not too graphic, so I hope no apology is required.

Will

No News

2009-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, this is supposed to be a blog about whitetails. Wish I could see one. Seriously, the Michigan archery season is now a week old. And, in a word, it stinks. The weather has been dismal. Tonight was the first really good night in terms of weather and I had one incredibly frustrating evening.

On the way into a stand that we've been saving for the perfect situation -- a night like this -- my cameraman and I spotted my stand in a tree. A tree that we did not hang the stand in. That's right, someone had not only taken our stand and climbing sticks, they'd actually repositioned them for their own use in another area. And this on a parcel we were told was not being hunted. Welcome to Michigan. With more than 300,000 bowhunters, finding your own space is almost impossible. Yes, it's frustrating. Yes, I'm steamed. But what can I do? Not hunting simply isn't an option.

Tonight was not the first time this season that things have gone awry. Two nights ago, a couple of friends hunted a new piece of ground that looked very promising. Again, we were told by the landowner that we would be the only ones hunting. Wrong. Upon arriving at the land, we saw a truck parked in the lane. Moments later, two hunters showed up on their ATVs and began covering the property in search of a small buck they had shot. As you can imagine, that spot just fell way down on the list of potential areas for tagging a mature buck.

So what's the gameplan? Well, the first thing I plan to do is sacrifice a weekend morning and "scout" for other hunters. Places that are being hunted will be crossed off the list. Those that aren't will get my full attention for the rest of the season. You can't kill a mature buck in an area where one doesn't live. And I can promise you that any areas being heavily pressured this early in the season no longer have mature bucks living on them. My goal is to find that one area that's not being pressured. I will then speed-scout the place, find the most likely funnel that I can and hang a stand. Then I'll return only when the conditions are right. Unfortunately, that means I likely will not be hunting any "good" areas for another three weeks. Yes, it's tough to wait that long. But not waiting means I'm going to ruin my odds before I really have a chance.

Stay tuned. Something good is bound to happen right?

Tony Hansen, Michigan

More Brutes Falling

2009-10-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

My inbox just keeps growing with some pics of huge bucks that have fallen this year already. All these are from Wisconsin and I'm sure they came from or around Buffalo County--perhaps the best P&Y destination in the world. I've never drawn my Hoyt within the borders of the Badger State, but if I keep seeing brutes like these I'll have to plan a trip soon.

I don't know who these guys are, but congrats on some fine bucks!

Brian

Huge Texas Gator

2009-09-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know it's not deer hunting but you have to give this kid props. An alligator that was nearly the state record - killed with a .410.

This kid's my hero.

You can read the whole story HERE.

RG in Texas

Bowhunters May Need To Go Native during Archery Season

2009-09-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

AUSTIN, Texas – An early and abundant acorn crop may force Texas bowhunters to seek out native food supplies during archery season, which runs Oct. 3-Nov. 6.

Reports from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department field biologists indicate above average mast crop production and an early acorn drop. Recent rains across much of the state have also helped generate forb production, adding to the availability of native food sources for deer.
By some accounts, the number of Texas bowhunters has grown during the last l5-to-20 years and those ranks are likely to grow even more now that crossbows are allowed during the archery-only season.

For the first time since 1975 when Texas implemented a Special Archery Stamp requirement, hunters will be allowed to use crossbows during the archery-only hunting season.
Previously, crossbows could only be used during an archery-only season by persons with an upper-limb disability. Recent legislative action gave authority to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to allow any person, regardless of physical ability, to use a crossbow during the archery-only season.

One exception is that crossbows may be used in Grayson County during the archery-only season only by hunters with an upper-limb disability who possess a physician’s statement attesting to the permanent loss of the use of fingers, hand or arm in a manner that renders a person incapable of using a longbow, compound bow or recurved bow. Any licensed hunter may use a crossbow during the regular deer season.

Bowhunters are reminded that an archery stamp and a valid Texas hunting license are required. Hunter education requirements must also be met.

While recent rains will help improve current range conditions, whitetails in South Texas are battling through an extended stress period that started with last year’s rut, according to biologists.

“Last season the rut was later and more spread out than normal and this did not fare well for mature deer,” said Daniel Kunz, TPWD biologist in Alice. “By the first of February bucks were extremely drawn down and numerous reports of early antler shedding were occurring; an indication that bucks could be in poor shape. This will likely affect antler quality.”
Hunters should expect a reasonable number of 2 ½ year old bucks and 5 ½ to 7 ½ year old bucks as 2002-2004 and 2007 were good fawn production years resulting in good carry over, added TPWD biologist Dustin Windsor in Cotulla.

One region of the state that is entering the fall hunting season in prime condition is the Panhandle, according to Calvin Richardson, TPWD district biologist in Amarillo.
“The Panhandle deer herds---both mule and whitetail---are in great condition and should go into the fall in great shape,” said Richardson. “With harvest being down last year, we should have some older aged bucks carry over into this year's season. My guess is that both mule deer and white-tails are not going to have to move around much to find quality forage, so hunting feeders might not be as productive as in years that we have been dry.

“Probably, the only downside that I could imagine is that we probably are going to have a heck of a mosquito crop at the beginning of archery season with all of the playas full,” he added.
Bowhunters in 52 counties this season will be joining those in 61 existing counties having buck antler restrictions. Legal bucks in those counties are those with at least 1 unbranched antler (e.g., spikes and 3-pointers) or having an inside spread of at least 13 inches.

Newly affected counties include: Anderson, Angelina, Archer, Atascosa, Brazos, Brown, Chambers, Clay, Cooke, Denton, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Grayson, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hunt, Jack, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Kaufman, Liberty, Limestone, Madison, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Orange, Palo Pinto, Parker, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, Smith, Stephens, Tarrant, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker, Wichita, Wise, and Young.

Archers should also note whitetail bag limits have changed in several counties across the state. Be sure to check the county listings in the 2009-2010 Outdoor Annual of hunting and fishing regulations for the county hunted.

Also, bowhunters taking advantage of opportunities on TPWD managed public lands under the $48 Annual Public Hunting Permit should take note that crossbows are legal on those sites open for archery season, unless otherwise stated in year’s Public Hunting Lands map booklet.

The crossbow restriction allowing only hunters with documented upper limb disabilities remains in effect in all six units in Public Hunting Region-4 Dallas /Ft. Worth (Cooper Wildlife Management Area, Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park, Caddo National Grasslands WMA both units, Tawakoni WMA and Pat Mayse WMA) and three of the 14 units in Public Hunting Region-5 Pineywoods (White Oak Creek WMA, Caddo Lake WMA and Old Sabine Bottom WMA).

“Most of these WMAs have moderate deer densities and because TPWD does not control the number of hunters for APH access hunts, we do not have direct control over the harvest numbers on these areas,” said Kevin Herriman, TPWD district biologist in Tyler. “We do not have data available that provides us with a clear understanding of what effect the use of crossbows will have on total harvest numbers.”

Herriman went on to add that on public hunting areas having drawn public hunts during the archery season where hunter numbers and harvest can be monitored, crossbows will be allowed.

“We will be investigating the effect crossbows have on their deer harvest,” he said. “Once we are able to better determine what effect crossbows will have on archery deer harvest rates we will re-evaluate the season restrictions on the WMAs that allow archery season through the APH.”