Deer Hunt 2019....so far

What a difference a year and in this case a couple months make in the hunting world. The area we hunt is area 155 and this year we are listed as a bonus zone so each hunter could harvest 2 deer if they want to, just like last year.

Last year we had deer all around us and this spring we saw a lot of deer out in the fields. Even early this fall while we were harvesting grain we saw quite a few deer. Then about a month ago after Kellen was here hunting over the MEA weekend, the deer seemed to disappear.

We were not real worried; opening morning we had 8 hunters going afield, a smaller group then usual but we had a plan. After a full day of hunting we had 1 deer. Nick harvested his first buck right away in the morning. The text messages started flying like 30 seconds after the shot, it was so much fun. This is one of the biggest reasons I love to hunt, the excitement and fun we have as a group together. The pictures will be below so those who do not like to see harvested deer can stop before the pictures.

Nick has now shot more deer than his Dad and after this season has shot twice as many bucks as his Dad (just had to throw in that little jab Tim) As a group this year we saw a total of 8 deer opening weekend. Last year we saw over 40. Maybe it was just the cold weather that was the reason; all three mornings we woke up to single and low teen temps.

After 3 days of cold hunting, we had 3 deer; 2 bucks that Nick shot, a 8 point and a 6 point, and a fawn that someone (not naming names Kevin) shot. so opening weekend was a real slow one.

Now for this weekend. On Saturday Kori and I harvested some does, 3 of them in fact. I counted a total of 6 shots before 1:00 pm and 3 of them were us. It was so quiet. Just a little fun fact, both Kori and I shoot rifles chambered in 7mm-08. I have really become a believer in this little caliber, it does not beat you up when shooting and it does all that it needs to do down range and is very accurate. If someone was looking for a new or used gun, especially for youngsters and people who are sensitive to recoil, this is a great little cartridge.

Anyway, back to the post. These were the only deer seen this weekend; a whole day spent in the field today (Sunday) we saw no deer. It is just really weird, all the deer that we did see were traveling, either moving in a quick walk, trotting or most likely running. Normally we have deer out in the fields feeding and just milling around, especially the dumb little fawns. This year we saw just a couple fawns and none just really hanging out.

So after two weekends of hunting we have a total of 7 deer for 9 hunters which is still a great season, just not what we were expecting. We may be done for the year; we have venison to eat and because we are seeing so few we will let the ones we have in the woods try to make it through the winter.

Now the pictures of Nick with his two bucks. Great shooting young man.

First Buck, nice smile.

2nd buck. Does he look cold?

Be well everyone

November Goat Moves

November has arrived and with it the excitement of the impending deer hunting season - for some folks anyway. The weather has been pretty chilly with freezing temps every night and sometimes all day too.  This weekend getting the heated water pails organized was a priority.

Out in the barnyard, there is another kind of excitement going on - and a big change.  Our buck Ranger has moved to a new farm, and a new buck has come to ours - meet Hickory!

Poppy and Tamarack have moved to a nearby pen and shelter while Hickory visits Vinca and Echo.  The kids aren't thrilled with the arrangement but Kevin has been making their temporary home as comfortable as possible.  In the picture you can see the straw bales he has piled up on the right - when he was finished they had straw bales on both sides and the back to keep them snug and keep the drafts down.

Last weekend was my first indoor market of the fall/winter season - this is what my set up looked like.   I sure wish I had noticed the crooked tablecloth, but otherwise it looked pretty good.

My last pictures to share are kind of fun - I caught Tom napping today!

Surprise!

The next post you will see from us will likely be from Kevin with a hunting update. Until then, be well friends!