Took a doe for meat, seen about 8 does, no bucks. Still lots of time left.
Took her at 0730 on a hill side across 2 ravines, approx 80 yards. She fell down the ravine of course. 12 ga foster slug Winchester powerpoints 1700 fps. Gotta love the hole a 12ga makes
10 minutes into season I had a nice doe standing broadside at 30 yards.. Chip shot for my .45 CVA muzzleloader, but this year the park is either sex, so I just watched her walk off.. 10am I kicked up a small buck while still hunting, but didn't have a shot as it ran straight away, through trees.. So, nothing..
Headed up to my old stomping grounds in Wisconsin for the opener tomorrow.. I have unlimited amount of doe tags, and currently have 5 buck tags, so I'll more than likely pass on the rest of the IL season.. Shorter drive to where I hunt in WI, anyway..
I just got back from a 6 day camping trip in the Everglades. 3 of us shot 2 bucks. I shot a trophy spike yesterday morning. sorry no pics, my camera took a crap.
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peace through superior firepower
We found the honey hole of Illiopolis River Bottom deer! I had them figured ALL wrong! As usual, dont try to over think them! HA!
Late afternoon in the most unlikely flooded area we encountered deer running around like a videogame hunt! No kidding! Awesome spot, I found the deer I am after, couldnt get a clean shot in the last bit of daylight I had, but know where to head to first light tomorrow! My hunting buddies both bagged one, nice doe and an 8 point buck... both look lovely hanging in my barn right now... a little warm,,, hate doing the ice bag routine, but enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of comfort hunting LOL!
gosh.. its 12:30, have to prep for tomorrow and be up at 5:30..... I will need a vacation from deer hunting this weekend LOL!
Good luck guys!
P.S. there is a buck that makes my buddies 8 point look small down there... and a doe that looks like a 55 gallon drum with legs. Jerry... I got my sights on the doe for tomorrow buddy, I agree that once the freezer is full I can take my time after big boy!
Shoot Straight Boys
__________________ Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted
Nothin' else to report! After all the excitement I was so worn out I called it early Sunday and slept! LOL I'm not worried next season is Dec 4... and I just so happen to be off all 4 days!
Uncle Jack wasnt able to make it either Jerry... so out of our huntin' group just me and Jack got tags to fill. I am like him however in that I get just as big a kick helping my buddies out with their deer and seeing how happy they are. However a big doe in the freezer is a good thing too LOL!
This warmer weather has me putting ice bags in the body cavities, but they seem to be ok out in that big metal barn, be nice if it would cool down! Starting to develop real nice rawhide skin on it and ooze the juices so I am thinking that the warmer weather will make the deer age faster even with the ice filled body cavities. Anybody got any thoughts on the subject?
anyway,
Congrats on the two ladies Jerry!
and congrats to blaster, coffee and paper too!
I will post some pics as soon as my buddy sends them to me
couple weeks post pics of me & Jacks too LOL fingers crossed
__________________ Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted
No PICS!
Well, we forgive you, we know Brownie film is hard to find nowadays, LOL.
CH,
I had to ice mine down as well. Iv'e always followed the advice that hanging at 40 deg F or less was acceptable for up to a few days. I butchered both on Sunday and it was starting to get a bit warm for my comfort level. I ahd to buy another small freezer to put them in.
The thing I was really jazzed about was both shots were well over 100 yards. I thought 80, but was corrected by my brother. Not a great feat for the centerfire boys, but a smoothbore slug gun with iron sights, I was happy.
Jerry...Though I'm not hunting as much as I use to or want to I do like takeing out different guns when I do go. One reason I don't hunt as much is I don't like going by my self.
Since I've been a member here I knew you hunted deer with a shotgun, I have to but with Buck shot.
You have caused me to want to try hunting with one of my 12ga. with a slug barrel so eventually I may buy a slug barrel for my Mossberg 930 semi-auto.
I enjoy your hunting storys so keep them comeing...Mike
Sounds great Mike. I'd love to be able to go hunti'n with you, mabe someday.
Here is a pic of where I hunted. the 2 boxes with red marks are where I harvested the deer. The first doe is lying on the second ridge over (yellow circle) after I dragged her up the hill.
