So finally around 2 pm we figure to give it a go. We drive to the area and get there at 230, it is not as calm there as it was at camp. We head in anyway. We walk the 3/4's of a mile and split up to head to our sets. I get to the base of my tree and it is so windy I decide against getting up the tree and on to my platform.. I decide to look for a spot to set up on the ground, not far as I know the area is where I need to be. I text my son-in-law and he said he is fine, his platform is only about 8 ft up and down low in a hedgerow and the wind is not terrible. I tell him my plan and tell him i will text him when I am settled in. I actually only make it around 40 yards and I spot something out of place in a tight group of cedars, I look thru my binos and see what looks like a ladder rung. I walk over and I find an ancient ladder stand in this group of cedars. It is only the top section of a stand, maybe 6 ft high or so and it is rusted bad and actually bent up pretty good as the trees have started to claim it as part if them.
I figure I will give it a go, after all its only six ft if it gives up the ghost. I climb up in and it actually is pretty sweet. Lots of cover and its down about 30-40 ft lower than my stand so the wind is actually not too bad. I break off a few limbs and use one of the stub ends as my bow holder. I can still see my stand and two of the runs that lead past it. This new spot has several runs coming past from 15 to 35 yards. As I sit there a bit and settle in I get looking around and instantly notice lots of rubs, I count maybe 30 from the stand. I also notice 2 scrapes within 20 yards. I am amazed I did not see this when I was scouting earlier, like I said I could see my stand plain as day. It was was nearing 4pm and I did a series of grunts and than rattled followed by a snort wheeze. Almost immediately I catch movement to my right an a 4 pt is sneaking in, he is acting real nervous and I soon see why. There is another buck about 40 yards to his right and I think he may be a shooter. I had told my son-in-law since I killed a good buck in Iowa already I may shoot the first decent 2.5 or older buck that gave me a shot. Things were getting interesting to say the least!! Shawn