I hunted in the same area I hunted yesterday. I decided that all of the young bucks chasing does in the area meant that the big boys will be coming into the area soon. I guessed right, as I heard antlers smashing together before daylight. I could also hear a buck chasing does all through the timber. I prayed for daylight to come, but it seemed to never arrive.
Finally, the darkness gave way to light, and I began seeing bucks. There were a lot of bucks chasing two does through a bunch of thick stuff where I was hunting. After all was said and done, I had seen about 10 bucks and passed a few dandies. I passed two 10-pointers and many other smaller bucks. I couldn’t make myself shoot one of the lesser bucks after seeing a 160-class buck trailing all the others. He had no intention of running after a doe what wasn’t ready. Instead, he just made sure he stayed within the area so he could have her when she is ready.
Although I was tempted to sit all day, the heat drove me out of the woods to another area. I ended up passing another nice 10 in the area I hunted tonight. He was a little ways behind a few does. I had that 160 at 40 yards, but there wasn’t any room for threading an arrow through the brush. Sometimes I realize it’s all about luck.
Doug went back into the area I sat last night. He decided he would contend with the other guy in the area. Since he rolled in at dark last night, he didn’t have a spot to go, and he was familiar with the area, so I sent him there. I’ll probably send Jeff in there tomorrow. Doug saw a few scrappers and made a day out of it. He also got severe blisters on his heels from the new boots he wore. The blisters are probably going to hinder his ability to do much on this trip. Looking at them, I’m not sure how he can even walk right now. Moral of the story: Always make sure your boots are broke in before wearing them for any length of time on a hunting trip.
Brian saw a few nice deer today and had one under his stand in the dark. The deer had no hair on his back. It was a nice 10-pointer. Dad didn’t see anything this morning, but he found a good buck to hunt.
I’ve been really close the last few days, so we will see what tomorrow brings. I feel like I’m “oh so close, but a million miles away.”