So my last year started with 2 guys setting up right on top of me & this year wasn’t much better. Who has open season still left in January & how much? Let’s see those live setups…..
Season still open in Illinois and minus 2 this morning and 4 above at 11:00a.m. I remained inside because that is how I was able to be alive at 73 years old.
You gotta have those experiences to get them out of the way. It happens but you won’t make that same mistake again……In a new spot/tree, about 15 min after I got set up a nice 6 came by and I freaking hooked my release on backwards, had to let down and redraw and missed my window ugh moron!
In bow range of deer late season is a win. You followed sign & picked a good spot & had opportunity!Well the new spot was definitely an area I'll be returning to. Saw almost a dozen doe after the buck. After almost getting picked off, one of them stomped once and stared me down for a loooooong time, and staying still for about 45 min... I cleanly missed the only doe that got into range, about 5 min before last light. pulled the shot so two for two on unforced errors, but still a great day, very glad to have discovered this new area and definitely learned a lot because of the snow. Both about deer activity and the deficiencies in my gear. Warmer clothes and better boots are in my future, likely for next season to try to get a summertime deal.
I'm going to try to get back to this same spot next weekend if I can manage it. If not the one after. Running out of weekends before end of January/season, but I'm much more hopeful after the last few hours. Amazing how the pendulum of enthusiasm swings back and forth.
I didn't ignore sign to walk to empty woods, made myself explore areas I'd seen deer from afar but didn't scout well enough and I started to figure out why they were there, found bedding, but more importantly winter forage, that was the key. Didn't realize this sticky looking undergrowth with tiny berries is something deer ate. Now I do. Newbie chronicles. Now to figure out what the heck that plant is and start noting everywhere I see it.In bow range of deer late season is a win. You followed sign & picked a good spot & had opportunity!
Get ‘em! I love my encores……..View attachment 59935
Still grinding! Windy today.
PS, yes that's the barrel of my TC Encore 270 on the right.