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11/04/2017 03:49PM |
Been up at my camper the last week in NW Illinois....
Passed on a nice 11 pointer a couple nights ago.
Nice 10 point with a 1 inch ticker. He had mass and well outside the ears. But tines were only about 8 inches...
I had him at 15 yd and looked at him hard.. but let him walk...
I want monsters......
The rut is starting. Little bucks chasing.
1 inch of snow and 24° next Tuesday should get em going.... stay tuned....
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11/04/2017 04:48PM |
Too bad that brow time didn't grow like the other one
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11/04/2017 05:33PM |
I used to hire in at job shops and tell them that I need deer hunting season off.
Hey Arctic I would gladly hunt with you. Looking back hunting was as much a social event as anything.
We would go to the U.P of Michigan and fire up a wood stove in a single room cabin. When the heat hit that cabin every fly within 100 miles had hibernated within and we would have dustpans full of them.
My Dad hung out with the local outlaws and they would "go for a ride" at night and shine deer and plink a few. I only went once but watched a small buck fold up like a dropped hanky when a little 243 round went through it.
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11/05/2017 09:27AM |
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11/05/2017 12:23PM |
quote mastertangler: "Deer hunting brings back fond memories.........and then I moved to Florida where 3K hunting leases are the norm. No thanks, besides, hunting in T-shirts while swatting mosquitos doesn't sound like deer hunting to me.
I used to hire in at job shops and tell them that I need deer hunting season off.
Hey Arctic I would gladly hunt with you. Looking back hunting was as much a social event as anything.
We would go to the U.P of Michigan and fire up a wood stove in a single room cabin. When the heat hit that cabin every fly within 100 miles had hibernated within and we would have dustpans full of them.
My Dad hung out with the local outlaws and they would "go for a ride" at night and shine deer and plink a few. I only went once but watched a small buck fold up like a dropped hanky when a little 243 round went through it. "
Yeah, the UP is a special place where the hunting tradition is alive and well. Tough, individualistic folks live there who are proud of their heritage.
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11/05/2017 03:52PM |
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11/05/2017 09:33PM |
I was fortunate in SE MN.
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11/03/2017 12:18PM |
quote ozarkpaddler: "Yes, good luck. I do miss hunting. When the last of my deer hunting buddies passed away, I hunted a couple more years and it wasn't the same. Never pulled the trigger even when I saw a nice buck. So a few years ago I just quit going. I still get my tag just in case I change my mind. It's sad to get out there now with all the memories and ghosts; it just feels so lonely. Besides, I see the deer so often some of them are almost like pets to me. "
The loss of hunting companions is tough. I remember my grandfather, great uncle, and their friends--all now long deceased-- and how they hunted until the last year of their lives. Invariably, I think of them when I am up in my stand.
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11/04/2017 10:27PM |
I decided to try hunting, and this year, my third go-round, after some looooong sits week after week and year after year, and a few of "my" deer that had been shot or prepared by friends, I finally got my first "solo" deer today. Had to take a few very deep breaths before starting, but I got it field dressed and quartered all by my lonesome. All went well. Very meaningful, reverential, sad, happy, exultant, complicated moment for me. And yes, I realize many have this experience when they're pre-teens, but it was still pretty special for this boy who's now just passed the halfway point of his Biblical three score and ten.
If only I could head out on Mille Lacs for some trolling (thankfully, the very unpleasant wind makes the temptation (which is only nostalgic, because fishing for 'eyes is illegal) less than persuasive, but I've got some good beer, a tenderloin ready for a late dinner, dry clothes on, the propane heater kicked up and running, and good music on the radio. Life is good.
And good luck, all.
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11/05/2017 01:03AM |
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11/05/2017 01:56AM |
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11/05/2017 09:10AM |
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11/02/2017 06:36PM |
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11/02/2017 06:48PM |
quote Canoearoo: "We have tree stand safety ropes that you clip into at the bottom and it goes up with you. They remind me a lot of my rock climbing years. Fleet Farm had them on sale last month for $25."
I will have to look into them.
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11/02/2017 06:57PM |
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11/02/2017 07:02PM |
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11/02/2017 07:02PM |
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11/03/2017 06:03PM |
quote dicecupmaker: "A good hunt is a safe hunt! Good luck! Hunters!"
I remember a few years back you posted a big buck you shot. Good luck.
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11/02/2017 12:11PM |
quote Canoearoo: "Our family has been counting down the days. There are 3 of us hunting this year. It's our oldest daughter first deer hunt. She is super excited."
That will make the hunt in itself.
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11/02/2017 01:24PM |
Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe, and shoot straight.
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11/02/2017 01:30PM |
quote nofish: "
Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe, and shoot straight. "
+1
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11/02/2017 02:35PM |
quote nofish: "Everyone be extra safe out there this weekend with the weather forecast. Tree stands are going to be wet and slippery so be extra mindful on the way up and down and make sure to never leave the ground without your harness. "
Excellent point. I checked out one of my stands that is high in a spruce tree a few days ago, and it was SLIPPERY climbing. Be damned careful, and hoist your gun up there with rope.
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11/02/2017 02:40PM |
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11/02/2017 03:09PM |
quote arctic: "quote nofish: "Everyone be extra safe out there this weekend with the weather forecast. Tree stands are going to be wet and slippery so be extra mindful on the way up and down and make sure to never leave the ground without your harness. "
Excellent point. I checked out one of my stands that is high in a spruce tree a few days ago, and it was SLIPPERY climbing. Be damned careful, and hoist your gun up there with rope."
Climbed up a tree today getting a stand ready,branches very wet and slippery.
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11/03/2017 02:27PM |
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11/02/2017 09:21AM |
He was too smart for me a couple of years ago. Got him on camera before season and than only after season. I kind of like seeing them again.
Any deer shot is a trophy if you decide to shoot it doesn't have to be a big one. Have fun and stay warm and dry.
Hope to here a few reports up toward the BWCA where there is few deer but a quality hunt where you can walk forever and see very few people. That is Real hunting.
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11/02/2017 09:53AM |
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11/21/2017 06:20PM |
got this one on a trail cam friday, my buddy missed it sunday
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11/21/2017 06:47PM |
quote Podunk: "Nice photo. There is always Muzzleloading season.
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11/22/2017 08:36AM |
Archery is now a limited drawing, at a price of $644 for non-resident. Deer is $389.
As far as mule deer populations, I don't really know about that. Seems like some areas have too many and other areas don't have any, or not very many. I've never hunted the Flattops so don't really have an opinion.
Yep, a lot of things have changed over the years...
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11/22/2017 08:57AM |
Yes it is amazing how prices went up.
Switching to Montana I use to ride along with my Dad when he went hunting there in 1958. No drawing,you get there and pay $20 for one deer. Also remember places gave Silver dollars for change. I still have about 15 I kept from them trips. Some date back to 1878 and many at 1884.
Times have changed.
I see today in the paper Wyoming is going to raise many Non Resident licenses next year 20%.
Yes most of us are fortunate to have a place to hunt still. Wonder what the future holds?
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11/22/2017 09:26AM |
quote OldTripper: "My buck from this year.....
Sorry, I've tried to get it to post correctly, but every version is rotated for some reason.
"
Very nice!
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11/20/2017 03:14PM |
Sorry, I've tried to get it to post correctly, but every version is rotated for some reason.
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11/20/2017 06:20PM |
quote OldTripper: "Thanks Pinetree,
Western Colorado, on the Uncompahgre Plateau."
That's good big muley country.
Go way way back like 1972 I hunted with bow and arrow in Colorado for Mule deer and Elk on the West side of the Flattops Wilderness area just after labor day and the aspen leaves were pure gold. Just beautiful. Non resident license for bow were unlimited than and it was $20 for either a cow or bull elk and also $20 for a Mule deer license. I look back and that was quite a bargain.
What I understand now is Colorado does not have the Mule deer in the state as it once did?
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11/14/2017 11:25AM |
Got some stands pulled out for the season and another one moved in preparation for next season.
I broke my deer down into steaks from the back straps and some roasts with the rest ready to be ground. Plan is a batch of venison bacon, a batch of meatballs, a batch of meat sticks, and some plain ground that will be used in a variety of ways. I do all the processing of the deer and make all my own sausage. Just prefer to do it all myself and like experimenting with flavors and different options. I keep a note book tracking the different blends and seasonings I use from year to year so I can dial it in each year.
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11/13/2017 05:11PM |
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11/13/2017 05:28PM |
We did get our own meat when we had sausage made in Kimball. Done a excellent job.
I know many of meat processors will tell if their Honest you your meat is thrown in with everyone elses in their sausage and hamburger.
I think cutting your own meat up is part of the ritual and would do it no other way.
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11/14/2017 10:15AM |
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11/12/2017 09:42PM |
Another note-how many of you cut your deer up yourself. We usually do and it takes around 2 hours. Also we grind our own meat into hamburger. Use to get summer sausage etc. made but it costs a lot now and hamburger is healthier for you.
What do you do? Cut your own deer up?Sausage or hamburger?
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11/12/2017 11:05PM |
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11/12/2017 11:24PM |
quote hwdhusky: "We had a great time. My 82 year old father, who hasn't shot a deer in years was able to harvest a nice one. He has been so down on himself that my brother and me always put him in good spots and he always misses. My brother and I have both felt like our roles have reversed over the years. Thinking back to the times when he guided us and showed us the how-to's.
Dad has been just giddy since yesterday afternoon. And last night we were able to rehash the events while cleaning it out in my brothers garage. It was a most memorable day.
I sure hope there a more hunts like this to come but I do have many years of memories to look back on.
"
Great story, thanks for sharing...and I do love the look of those lever guns.
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11/13/2017 10:52AM |
quote Pinetree: "Shot a spike buck today dressing out at around 120 pounds. No it wasn't a big animal but respecting a animals life,any animal I shoot I consider it a trophy.
Also which hunter is the luckiest hunter? One who shoots a animal the first hour of season and is done hunting or the individual who hunts all season and get one toward the end or maybe doesn't get a deer. That individual got to spend quality time outdoors for a extended period."
I agree 100%. The three of us spend each weekend of rifle and muzzle loader out in the woods. It was so nice to have dad get a deer opening weekend because he was getting pretty down on himself and questioning whether or not he should be going out any longer.
We were out this weekend and saw many other deer that we could have harvested but with only two tags left and 3 weekends of muzzle loader to hunt we passed on all of them. We were fortunate to get a deer but it is the time we spend together that is so special.
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11/13/2017 11:07AM |
quote hwdhusky: "We had a great time. My 82 year old father, who hasn't shot a deer in years was able to harvest a nice one. He has been so down on himself that my brother and me always put him in good spots and he always misses. My brother and I have both felt like our roles have reversed over the years. Thinking back to the times when he guided us and showed us the how-to's.
Dad has been just giddy since yesterday afternoon. And last night we were able to rehash the events while cleaning it out in my brothers garage. It was a most memorable day.
I sure hope there a more hunts like this to come but I do have many years of memories to look back on.
Congrats!
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11/13/2017 11:07AM |
Edit: I am not sure how these orientated to sideways and I am not sure how to adjust... sorry.
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11/11/2017 03:57PM |
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11/11/2017 05:10PM |
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11/10/2017 09:25PM |
Also which hunter is the luckiest hunter? One who shoots a animal the first hour of season and is done hunting or the individual who hunts all season and get one toward the end or maybe doesn't get a deer. That individual got to spend quality time outdoors for a extended period.
Two days ago I had a doe about 70 yards in front of me. I turn around and there is a young black bear 20 yards the other direction. I don't know if the bear ever seen the deer. As soon as the black bear got directly downwind of me it stopped in its tracks. Sat there for a few minutes than suddenly turned around and got the heck out of there. Always amazed the power of some animals to smell. Isn't like deer sense of smell like 22 times greater than ours?
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11/11/2017 11:15AM |
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11/11/2017 01:11PM |
quote 3Ball: "Congrats Pinetree.
I consider myself lucky to hunt whether I shoot early, late, or not at all. I do like the venison in the freezer though.
This year I will have 2 deer in the freezer rather than one. I will make gifts of more sausage and will have to really stay on top of using the venison. Everyone in the house likes it though, and I got a new book of good looking recipes."
I was thinking the same thing. Just lucky and fortunate to be able to hunt. Having a place to go and enjoy nature. Many places in this Country or the world people do not have this choice.
A successful season is just going.
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11/11/2017 09:53AM |
I consider myself lucky to hunt whether I shoot early, late, or not at all. I do like the venison in the freezer though.
This year I will have 2 deer in the freezer rather than one. I will make gifts of more sausage and will have to really stay on top of using the venison. Everyone in the house likes it though, and I got a new book of good looking recipes.
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11/11/2017 10:30AM |
This guy got a little too close to a Black Bear
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11/06/2017 01:48PM |
quote Pinetree: "quote Canoearoo: "Our family has been counting down the days. There are 3 of us hunting this year. It's our oldest daughter first deer hunt. She is super excited."
That will make the hunt in itself."
She got her first doe on opening day. Hubby got a doe as well. She is very excited. I posted pics on facebook
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11/06/2017 02:29PM |
quote yogi59weedr: "Anyone seeing any hot rutting activity yet... all the bucks were seeing are just walking though the woods slowly nose to ground
... does are alone..
Strange"
yogi....I have not been bow hunting, but I have been driving the country roads and talking to my bow hunting buddies. Last week was crazy with buck/rut activity. Some nice bucks were taken, many seen. I saw 4-5 "daytime" bucks last week. Friends say the woods are ripped up with buck sign. I would say we are in peak rut right now around here......straight south of Madison, almost to the state line. Not sure where the moon phase is but it will come into play as will the coming colder nights.
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11/06/2017 04:36PM |
Dad has been just giddy since yesterday afternoon. And last night we were able to rehash the events while cleaning it out in my brothers garage. It was a most memorable day.
I sure hope there a more hunts like this to come but I do have many years of memories to look back on.
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11/06/2017 05:16PM |
quote hwdhusky: "We had a great time. My 82 year old father, who hasn't shot a deer in years was able to harvest a nice one. He has been so down on himself that my brother and me always put him in good spots and he always misses. My brother and I have both felt like our roles have reversed over the years. Thinking back to the times when he guided us and showed us the how-to's.
Dad has been just giddy since yesterday afternoon. And last night we were able to rehash the events while cleaning it out in my brothers garage. It was a most memorable day.
I sure hope there a more hunts like this to come but I do have many years of memories to look back on.
And that's what it's all about.
Nice buck.
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11/06/2017 05:46PM |
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11/06/2017 08:39PM |
quote Pinetree: "
You must be in some good Ag country. Up north your lucky to see a half dozen in a 9-16 day season."
For sure, only real woods for miles, completely surrounded by Ag. They funnel in pretty heavy in the morning and hide out all day, then back out to the fields at dusk. It sounds like a cakewalk but it comes with its own challenges for the hunter. More than once I've filled my tag with a nice 8pt at 8-9am only to have a 10 or 12 point come by a few hours later. I passed on a few nice 8's this year and wouldn't you know it nothing better came along.
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11/07/2017 12:22AM |
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11/07/2017 08:47AM |
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11/07/2017 10:14AM |
dr bob
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11/06/2017 11:41AM |
... does are alone..
Strange
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11/06/2017 12:43PM |
quote 3Ball: "
I was fortunate in SE MN."
Congrats!
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11/06/2017 07:06PM |
quote Ragged: "No deer for me, passed on about 80, just couldn't find "the one" this year. Won't be able to go next weekend so I'll have to wait till next year."
You must be in some good Ag country. Up north your lucky to see a half dozen in a 9-16 day season.
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11/19/2017 03:06PM |
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11/19/2017 05:15PM |
When a person cuts up his deer I found out from over the years and other people you get from 34% to 44% deboned meat from what the field dressed weight was.
Like I said earlier we cut our own up and grind loose meat into hamburger. We use to get various sausages made but quit that about 6 years ago.
I do know also some meat cutters if it is hamburger or sausage you are not guaranteed your own meat. Some will tell you that.
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11/19/2017 09:17PM |
Got this 3 and a half yr 10 pt. Last Friday opening evening Illinois gun season.....
I hunted 2 1/2 weeks prior with my bow and did Mr shoot a buck..
I probably could have shot at least a dozen quality bucks , but was looking for a monster.....
I'm getting to that point where I think ground blinds are gonna be it for me in a couple years....
Not sure about these tents. I like cutti g up a dead tree for the natural look
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11/20/2017 04:53PM |
quote OldTripper: "My buck from this year.....
Sorry, I've tried to get it to post correctly, but every version is rotated for some reason.
Nice mule deer. Which State did you hunt.
We use to go to Montana every year along the Powder river in Montana and stayed as guests at a ranch bunkhouse about 5 miles from the Main house. They charged us nothing,but we always brought them a few frozen walleye.. Finally a Outfitter came and offered him a very substantial amount of Money like he said he couldn't turn down even tho he didn't like the Outfitter.
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11/20/2017 06:09PM |
Western Colorado, on the Uncompahgre Plateau.
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11/18/2017 05:38PM |
Thanks for posting the Ely Hunt Pinetree
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11/17/2017 10:14PM |
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11/17/2017 10:35PM |
Love those 30-30's!!!!!
This year was bittersweet for me. B2 got a big deer but sad my dad wasn't in the woods with us. This is the first time he hasn't been with me since I was 11yo. He's had a very rough year health wise so he stayed home. He was the only guy in our hunting party. I'm hanging on to all the great memories with him and making more with my girls!!!
Glad you had the time with your dad!!!!!
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11/18/2017 12:38AM |
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11/18/2017 08:34AM |
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11/18/2017 08:45AM |
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11/18/2017 09:00AM |