I know it has been a while since I have posted any info about my actual hunts. With all of the hoopla surrounding my book, I haven’t had time. So, I will attempt a quick synopsis below.
Thanksgiving Morning Deer Hunt – 11/22/07
I arrived at my suburban deer hunting spot before dawn. Around 6:30 AM, I saw the silhouette of a nice buck about 75 yards away, but well out of bow range. 10 minutes, I had a single button buck walk right in front of me at 15 yards, stop, and eat. I could have drilled. Since it was a button buck, and because it was supposed to reach 70 degrees that day, I gave him a pass. I didn’t want to risk the meat spoiling before I had time to butcher it. I left the woods around 8:30 AM because I had to travel for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Afternoon Waterfowl Hunt – 11/22/07
I went to my parents’ house in Sussex County Delaware for Thanksgiving. They live on a vice, secluded pond that hosts tons of geese. Across the pond, hidden in the woods, are several smaller ponds. I figured they may be good duck hunting spots, so I loaded my decoys in the boat and motored across the pond with hopes of encountering some afternoon ducks. I walked into the woods and to my surprise all of the ponds were bone dry! Sussex County has been in severe drought most of the year, and this was evidence of how little rain has fallen. While taking an assessment, I noticed deer tracks everywhere. They all seemed to be leading to the little watering holes that were left. Wouldn’t you know it — I didn’t bring my bow!
Woodcock Hunt – 11/23/07
My dog Gus, my friends Curt and John, and John’s pointer Huck woodcock hunted on Friday morning 11/23/07. We hit our usual spots, but came up empty. The dogs acted birdy a couple times, but we saw nothing. My guess is that the woodcock migration has not hit its full swing because of the mild temperatures along the east coast. That fact, coupled with the drought, could be affecting the woodcock migration and normal resting spots.
Afternoon Deer Hunt – 11/23/07
I went to my suburban spot again. To make a long story short, I again could have arrowed a small button buck. I let him go. I saw nothing else.
Late Morning Bird Hunt – 11/24/07
The Brandywine Hundred Rod and Gun club had a scheduled released pheasant and chukar hunt on 11/24/07. I was not on the 7AM – 10AM schedule, so my vizsla Gus and I went to the club around 10:30 AM, when the hunt opens up to all hunting club members. Seeing that a bunch of guys had the same idea as me, I took Gus to a far corner of the property. Within 30 minutes, Gus was on point. I walked in and flushed a chukar, which I shot and Gus retrieved.
Afternoon Deer Hunt – 11/24/07
Bowhunted with some friends on 11/24/07. I am telling you, it is the ‘year of the button buck’. After only 10 minutes in my stand, I had a button buck walk right up to me. I could have shot it for about 10 minutes. I let it go, hoping a big buck would some by. However, I saw nothing. Just before dark, I saw a few does. I tried to creep up on them, but I could not get within bow range before dark.
Morning Deer Hunt – 12/1/07
I arrived at my suburban spot early, but not early enough apparently. I almost hit two deer driving in, so they were moving well before dawn. While in my stand, I saw a lone doe about 6:30 AM that was out of range. I then saw three at 8:00 AM that were also out of range.
Afternoon Deer Hunt – 12/1/07
Hunted with friends. I saw about 15 deer, but nothing closer than about 250 yards. I will get them next time!