#5 Whitetail Strike Force

[deerjunkie]

Hello team, deerjunkie checking in. I can't wait to see what we pull together this year.

[BillK]

Billk here. Looking forward to this...

[killbuckcreekgiants]

Hey everyone!! Checking in. Cant wait to get the season started!!

[whitetail_joe]

How is everyone else. This will be my first time in this contest. Im from Pike county but hunt just as much in Ross. Where is everyone else from?

[Tinks69]

Tinks checking in... Im from Muskingum/Perry county and have been seeing some monsters this year. One that may gross boone and crocket.

[whitetail_joe]

Ive seen some decent ones and got my first nice one of the year on camera today. Also that monster droptine buck the sunfish outfitters has on camera is right down the road about 5 miles. I hope his homerange is large and he likes a good walk:biggrin: .

[BillK]

Nice to meet all of you and see that we're checking in.

I'm in Medina county. Deer hunted Coshocton years ago, but moved the hunt to Belmont county (Egypt valley) about ten years ago.
Do 99% of my hunting with a long-time friend, Wallydog1. He was on Rack Attack last year, #11 this year. I would not bet against him taking another big buck. He's definitely improved my game over the years.

I've always been more of a "put one in the freezer", whatever comes my way, hunter. Bag limits what they are now, I focused on and took a nice 7pt (one busted tip) last year. That was my first bow buck.

Shoot out some names and let's see what sticks...

[Buckmaster]

I'm in. I live in Portage Co. but do 90%+ of my hunting in Jefferson Co.
I'm good for 2 does and a 130" annually during archery season.
This marks my 25th deer season.

[deerhunt45]

Looks like this team is all set! Awesome. Have fun and have a great deer season! When you decide on a name, I'll put it in your thread title.

[BillK]

Looks like the gangs all here. Man, I gotta say I'm psyched up for this season. I took a buck and a doe last year with the bow, and a second doe with the shotgun. Not bad for only being able to get out on weekends. Got an extra week of vacation time this year and I've managed to ration it well. Got about 10 days left this year. Probably going to take a few extra days near the end of October for an extended weekend bowhunt and a couple extra days as the rut starts up.
Are we all registered as Bow Hunting for this year's contest?

We need a name. My son came up with this one.

Whitetail Strike Force

[deerjunkie]

Well, I'm glad we are all checked in. I live in Stark but hunt Carroll & Tuscarawas Counties. Through scouting and glassing so far 6 above 140" and one beast of a 10pt have been seen. So hopefully they will still be around come season. This is my first time with the team contest and I am pumped. So now we need a name.........so far we have one suggestion from Billk "Whitetail Strike Force" which isn't bad. Does anyone else have anything??? I been thinking but right now I'm about half brain dead. Well lets give it a little bit and see if any more come rollin in then we'll decide. I'm glad I'm teamed up with you guys!!!

[BillK]

Deerjunkie,

That 10pt would be a nice anchor to get us started :D . Nice to see a quick check-in from all and I'm glad to be teamed up with some dedicated hunters. Let's have some fun with this.

Wish I didn't live 2.5hrs from Egypt Valley. There are some big bucks there as well. My brother and Wallydog1 have shot some monsters in there. I bumped one out last year with a WIDE, heavy rack. Not much height, but good mass. If he made it through gun season, he'll be very nice this year. We've hunted the same spot for a few years now. We've checked out a few others there, but keep coming back to the same spot. Probably going to set up our stands in a few weeks.

Long weekend coming up - Good time to get the gear together and start shooting a bit. I'm not too worried about waiting this long to start practicing. Started out in competition/target archery back in the mid-70's (OMG- has it been that long?) It's really kind of like riding a bike to me I've been doing it for so long. My gear should still be in tune from last year, maybe just need to reserve/spin the bowstring ti line up the peep. I'm accurate on paper to 50 yds with field points, but wouldn't consider a shot on a deer at that range. I would take a shot at ~40yds in a wide open field, but my stand site limits me to about 30 yds, with the prime shooting lanes at approximately 20yds.

[Buckmaster]

"WTS" is fine with me boys. It really doesn't matter to me what our team name is, "Hole Punchers", is fine with me. I'll be a participating and contributing team member but not the heavy poster I used to be. My family and work events have had me pinned down for a year now. I'm good for a doe and 8 or 10 points.

[whitetail_joe]

Whitetail Strike Force or whatever is cool with me. Im not going to say what Im good for, I don't want to jinx myself.

[deerjunkie]

Hey, I'm cool with Whitetail Strike Force....WST for short. I can see it now Team WST wins the contest:D .

[Tinks69]

name doesn't matter =) Glad to see the whole team has checked in.

I do most of my hunting in Perry and Muskingum Counties. Im going to start shooting this weekend.

[BillK]

Just out of curiousity, what gear are we using?

2006 reflex Gamegetter ~64lbs, Kisser button and G5 Metapeep
Gold Tip Expedition Hunter 5575, 2.25inch x3 Quickspin vanes
Slick Trick 100gr broadheads
Copperhead drop-away rest (looks like a Shakey Hunter)
Tru-Glo microadjustable sight (don't know the model - not made any more)
Scott Little Bitty Goose Release

Haven't chonographed it yet, but my arrows weigh in at ~380grains. Should be clocking in at ~260fps. Took two last year and both were clean passthrus. This was the first bow I purchased since some time in the mid 80's. I was shocked at how far bow technology had progressed.

[Buckmaster]

Ten Point Phantom
Rage 2" 2 blade broadheads

[wallydog1]

Billk,
PM Sent

[Tinks69]

Horton 35th Anniversary
Horton Carbon Strike Arrows
Muzzy MX 4 100 grain

Scent Lock 3D Leafy Camo

Cant wait to hang some stands this weekend.

[killbuckcreekgiants]

I'll be using an 07 Fred Bear Instinct, qad ulrta rest hd, tru-glo razor sight, Crimson Talon 100gr, Easton Excel 400s. I also have a Horton Blackhawk.

[whitetail_joe]

Bowtech Sampson 80 lbs, gold tip big game 100, 100 gr 3 blade rage, shakey hunter drop away, trophy ridge matrix 5 pin, kisser and peep, trufire release but shopping for new one.

[deerjunkie]

Ross Cardiac 70 lb 386gr Carbon Tech arrow tipped with Slick Trick or Rage 2-blade @ 290fps

or

Elite GTO 70 lb same arrows, just bought it yesterday. Haven't had a chance to chrony yet.

[BillK]

Got a PM from KBCG. He's good with Whitetail Strike Force as a team name also, so I guess that's it.

[deerjunkie]

Got a PM from KBCG. He's good with Whitetail Strike Force as a team name also, so I guess that's it.

Cool...now that we have that settled lets kill some big bucks this year fellows!!!

[BillK]

driving through Twinburg, near RT 8 and the Turnpike.

About 200yds away along railroad tracks. Too far to make out much as I drove by at 40mph, but he was huge bodied with a big ol' beer belly look to him. Starting to see a few greased along I-271 as well. They're definitely starting to move around more with the decreasing daylight.

I'll second that motion, Deerjunkie!

[whitetail_joe]

Ill be leaving for Minnesota tomorrow afternoon for a fishing trip, and won't be back till the following Saturday. I don't know if there are any other things that need to done with this team, but if there is, whatever is fine with me, hopefully when I get back Ill have some deer pics to talk about.

[BillK]

Good luck and stay safe... just save some of your hard-earned vacation time for the Rut.:mischeif:

[whitetail_joe]

Im not messing around this year. From Nov 2 thru the 13th, I only have to work one day, and being on third shift at the prison, that day will also be hunted:D as well as most of the others.

[Tinks69]

Did some more scouting this morning and I found a new place Im going to put up a treestand. Deer sign is promising in the whole woods. Now I need to get me some C'Mere Deer (lmao) and I will be set!

[Buckmaster]

I have 10 stands set and 4 ground blinds. 4 more stands on 2 other properties then I'm all set up.

[BillK]

That's 14 stands:yikes: Very Nice.

Hunt each one only twice a month and they'll never be able to pattern you.

[deerjunkie]

That's 14 stands:yikes: Very Nice.

Hunt each one only twice a month and they'll never be able to pattern you.

LOL..... Every year I always start out with all these stand locations but for me, I have to dicipline myself to narrow some of them down. I go for 3 things: pinch points, travel corridors or natural edges. Buckmaster, best of luck to you. No pressure or anything, but since you have all those stands were counting on you to for alot of points :D . Actually, since you have all those stands up we can get the whole team together for a group hunt :bouncy: .

[Buckmaster]

Yes, I guess we could. I'm fortunate enough to have too much hunting property. Some I haven't hunted in 10 years but its a phone call away. My focus is 3,600 acres in Jefferson Co. 100 of it I own and manage.

[deerjunkie]

Yes, I guess we could. I'm fortunate enough to have too much hunting property. Some I haven't hunted in 10 years but its a phone call away. My focus is 3,600 acres in Jefferson Co. 100 of it I own and manage.

Thats awesome, I bet it's a good feeling to know you 100 of your own acres. Land sure is valuable, especially if your a hunter. I think it's great you own land, someday I will be doing the same, hopefully sooner than later.

[Buckmaster]

My helpful advice....buy now if you can. The price only goes up as the days go on. What I paid a $.25 for in 1999 is now worth about $ .75, maybe more.
I'm 37.

[Big H]

That's 14 stands:yikes: Very Nice.

Hunt each one only twice a month and they'll never be able to pattern you.

BM has to worry more about them smelling him instead of patterning him, wait till you meet him. I would bring some Vicks to put under your nose. :yikes:

[Buckmaster]

That's right! I drink a couple bottles of Tinks 69 at the onset of the opener.

[Tinks69]

You drink a couple bottles of what? lmao.

Did some shooting this morning and Im going to go walk around the woods a little bit this afternoon. Only about 4 weeks left!

[BillK]

Shot a dozen arrows today. Bow's still nice and quiet, arrow flight is clean.

All hit their mark within my abilities after a long time between shots. Just need to get out and fine tune my form a bit.

[Buckmaster]

I picked up some more buck pics on my trail cam today.

[BillK]

hey guys,

Looks like we need to nominate a team member to rep us in the Ohio vs. Michigan contest.

I'd like to take myself OUT of the running for the following reasons:

1) I'm limited to bowhunting on weekends only with a few vacation days thrown in (on public land). I know some of our other team members have more time to put into it than I do and their own land to hunt. I'm not saying that I believe I would not be as successful as any other team member, but I do believe that the more time you spend in the pursuit, the better your chances are of being successful.

2) My wife has some health problems that can cause me to change plans at a moments notice. Totally unpredictable in nature, they have historically presented themselves at the worst possible times.

That being said - I believe that Team Whitetail Strike Force would be best represented by someone other than myself.

Thanks.

[deerjunkie]

Sorry to hear about your wife BillK. I pray everything works out for you guys. Even though the contest is not based on antler inches I have two farms that can produce heavily. One in particular my filming partner and I have the only access to. So does are no problem and based off of my trail cameras the bucks......uhhhh.....they are big thats all I can say. I would be more than happy to represent our team but if someone else wants to step up to the plate I will proudly support them.

[BillK]

Thanks Deerjunkie.

Sounds like you would make a fine rep for our team.

[Buckmaster]

Go for Junk! You'll do fine.

[killbuckcreekgiants]

Thanks Deerjunkie.

Sounds like you would make a fine rep for our team.

Sounds good to me!

[deerjunkie]

I'm still gamed for it fellows, I'll carry our banner high....WSF!!!!!! As well as the OS banner.

[killbuckcreekgiants]

Anyone have an idea for a logo for our team? I've seen a lot of the other teams have them, so I didn't know if we were going to make one or not?

[BillK]

Not that I have mad computer skills, but I might be able to do something.

If anyone else wants to give it a go as well, please feel free.

let's see what we get...

[deerjunkie]

Anyone have an idea for a logo for our team? I've seen a lot of the other teams have them, so I didn't know if we were going to make one or not?

I was thinking the same thing. BillK, can't wait to see what you put together.....no pressure though:D .

[deerjunkie]

I was just fooling around, maybe someone can take this and do something else with it. I do think the lettering style fits that military theme in the words "Strike Force". I'm a veteran thats why I like our team name :bouncy: .

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/deerjunkie/WSF.jpg

[Tinks69]

I'm totally fine with the represenative.

As I was putting up a treestand today I got a call on my cell phone and was informed I got a job and they had me start today as well. Monday-Friday 3:30p.m-Midnight. Saturday's and Sunday's off as well as every morning to hunt. Fine by me :) !

But as for the logo I was thinking of something more like this:

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq226/Tinks69_7/whitetailstrikeforce.jpg

[deerjunkie]

Tinks69, I like that..........gee can you tell I did mine in Paint Brush, LOL.

That is really cool!

[BillK]

Tinks69 looks way better than anything I could come up with.

BTW- Congrats on the new job.

[Tinks69]

Thanks man. I needed the job.

Also, I actually did mine with Paint as well. lol.

[deerjunkie]

Thanks man. I needed the job.

Also, I actually did mine with Paint as well. lol.

First, congrats on the job. Secondly, dude.....you are a Piant guru!!!!!

I definitely couldn't have done that in Piant. Nice work!!

[Buckmaster]

Looks good fellas. I'm not crafty on this computer so I'll leave the logo to you guys. The craftiness is something I need to work on.

[BillK]

Looks like we've got the team name and logo all set in just about a week...

Just need some deer on ice to go with 'em.

[Tinks69]

do any of you know how to stretch the picture out in my signature?

[killbuckcreekgiants]

Tinks69 that logo is really cool!!! Good job!!

[Big H]

Looks good fellas. I'm not crafty on this computer so I'll leave the logo to you guys. The craftiness is something I need to work on.

Dude, don't worry about being crafty on the computer, just keep it up with hilarious digs on Oldhat, I am still laughing.

[OLDHAT]

I'm in. I live in Portage Co. but do 90%+ of my hunting in Jefferson Co.
I'm good for 2 does and a 130" annually during archery season.
This marks my 25th deer season.


Dude, you killed a scrub buck last year that didnt' even score net 100", and you say that "I'm good for....130" annually...get real man, you've probably never taken a 130" plus deer in your life!

Oldhat

[Big H]

Dude, you killed a scrub buck last year that didnt' even score net 100", and you say that "I'm good for....130" annually...get real man, you've probably never taken a 130" plus deer in your life!

Oldhat

Maybe he is averaging the two bucks he got in the last two years? 150+110/2 = 130? Maybe two years ago was his first buck?:tsk:

[Tinks69]

Stick to your own team thread! lol. I have faith in him to get a nice deer to help lead WSF to the top of the team race. I'll be good for a 150 this year, Im sure of that.

[deerjunkie]

Stick to your own team thread! lol. I have faith in him to get a nice deer to help lead WSF to the top of the team race. I'll be good for a 150 this year, Im sure of that.

Now that's what I'm talking about fellows..........keep that positive talk up!!

[Tinks69]

I've been watching 3 different Bucks all in a close proximity ranging from high 140's, 150ish, and the other being a probable Booner!

[whitetail_joe]

Just got back from my trip to minnesota. had a great time caught several pike and my daughter caught her first fish, about a 16 inch pike!!! On the way up there, 1100 miles through ohio, indiana, illinois, wisconsin, and minnesota, I saw zero deer, not even a dead one and I drove the whole way, on the way back I saw one dead one, what are the chances. Time to get back to shooting and stands. Trail cam has been out the whole time, Ill go check it in a little bit checked all the posts, you guys have been busy, that logo is aesome.

[deerjunkie]

Just got back from my trip to minnesota. had a great time caught several pike and my daughter caught her first fish, about a 16 inch pike!!! On the way up there, 1100 miles through ohio, indiana, illinois, wisconsin, and minnesota, I saw zero deer, not even a dead one and I drove the whole way, on the way back I saw one dead one, what are the chances. Time to get back to shooting and stands. Trail cam has been out the whole time, Ill go check it in a little bit checked all the posts, you guys have been busy, that logo is aesome.

We are glad to have you back. Tell your daughter from all of WSF, we said congratulations on her first fish. Keep us posted as to what you find in your camera.

[Buckmaster]

Looks like we've got the team name and logo all set in just about a week...

Just need some deer on ice to go with 'em.

Just like the Night Before Christmas Story....."The stockings were hung by the chimney with care"....."The ice blocks being made in the freezer with care, with hopes to stick a couple big doe in there."

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/504/Freezer.jpg

[deerhunt45]

Just like the Night Before Christmas Story....."The stockings were hung by the chimney with care"....."The ice blocks being made in the freezer with care, with hopes to stick a couple big doe in there."

http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/504/Freezer.jpg

Took your advice Buckmaster...got the big ice cubes started. Puttin more in as we eat the salmon and walleye up and make room. When I was cleaning in there last weekend I found a small pack of backstrap chops that somehow got missed from Nov 06...yikes.

[Buckmaster]

Oldhat,
Since you like to access our team thread, maybe you could be our honorary team member if you would like. Everyone needs a 3rd wheel. See, in life there are leaders and followers, you are the latter. If you wish to be my shadow, feel free. :D

Guys,
Here's my meat grinder setup and note the partial bone pile on top my spare fridge. That's about a quarter of my bone collection. I invited Oldhat up wash my truck and to touch my "bone" last year but he was too busy with Tip's. :D

Buckmaster
http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/504/Grinder_Setup.jpg

[BillK]

Looks like I'll have to pick up another hang-on stand to keep pace with the rest of you.:biggrin:

[whitetail_joe]

I hung two more stands today in spots that saw sightings last year. Only have three left to put up. Going to try to to hang atleast one more tomorrow and set up a ground blind on a new place.

[deerjunkie]

Whats up fellows????????? Everyone have their equipment ready to go? I've got clothes to wash yet and 4 more stands to hang then all my preseason stuff is complete. These cooler temps and seeing the bean fields changing colors sure has me pumped for this season.

So who do you guys think will get on the board first? I think it will be Buckmaster........Ok man, don't let me down. Opening day it's all you!!! :D

[whitetail_joe]

Ive got two more to hang, and have been shooting my bow everyday. Shooting pretty decently so far, but haven't shot past 30 yet, although how often does one shoot past 30. But I always practice to 40. Went to a new bow shop in Chillicothe today. Nice place called Terminal Velocity. They sale Bowtech, Ross, and Elite. Owner is very nice and seems well informed. Definately will do business there. I hope I get on the board early. That first sighting of the year just makes my whole body shake, even if it is the smallest doe. Id be screwed if a big buck was the first deer I saw, I wouldn't be able to draw my bow.

[Buckmaster]

Sorry boys. I won't strike first. I'm having the Ten Point crew at my camp opening weekend for a Doe-Fest. I'm playing host, field guide, and bottle washer. My first hunt will most likely begin the second weekend.

[deerjunkie]

Sorry boys. I won't strike first. I'm having the Ten Point crew at my camp opening weekend for a Doe-Fest. I'm playing host, field guide, and bottle washer. My first hunt will most likely begin the second weekend.

Well, that still sounds like a good time, have fun and put one down for the team the next weekend then!!

Alright guys, who's going to get two opening weekend to cover Buckmaster? :D

[BillK]

No stand hanging yet for me. Maybe this weekend. It's 2.5hr drive from home to where we hunt. Been shooting a bit, everything hitting the mark out to 30.

Looking at picking up a second hang-on stand. Going to try to stay out of the prime buck area until the 3rd week of October. I don't want to put too much scent in the area. It'll just educate them.

[BillK]

Driving home along I271, three and two singles. All too far away to see if there were any racks.

Definite activity starting up with the loss of daylight and cooler nights.

Won't be long now...

[whitetail_joe]

Hung another stand yeasterday in a new spot. Did see a doe runaway as I scouted trees. Ventured back to 40 yards yesterday for a shot and missed:confused: , target panic. Moved straight back to thirty. Does anyone else use vertical pins like trophy ridge? Very confusing to me when using anything but your first pin, my next sites will be horizontal for sure.

[deerjunkie]

Hung another stand yeasterday in a new spot. Did see a doe runaway as I scouted trees. Ventured back to 40 yards yesterday for a shot and missed:confused: , target panic. Moved straight back to thirty. Does anyone else use vertical pins like trophy ridge? Very confusing to me when using anything but your first pin, my next sites will be horizontal for sure.

I have that sight on my Ross and really like it. However, for my Elite GTO I bought the Viper H1000C 4 pin .019 horizontal and I have a feeling I am going to like that one better.

[killbuckcreekgiants]

Hung another stand yeasterday in a new spot. Did see a doe runaway as I scouted trees. Ventured back to 40 yards yesterday for a shot and missed:confused: , target panic. Moved straight back to thirty. Does anyone else use vertical pins like trophy ridge? Very confusing to me when using anything but your first pin, my next sites will be horizontal for sure.

I have the tru-glo razor which is vertical but I have been thinking about switching to horizotal, alot of people I have talked to like them better.

I have been shooting alot lately. Im gettin excited, its coming fast!! Finally got some pics of some out of velvet.

[Tinks69]

I found a great new spot for a stand so I will me making a new one today out in the rain. I bought some pegs and a new safety harness yesterday as well as some "Acorn Rage". Have any of you used this?

[deerjunkie]

I found a great new spot for a stand so I will me making a new one today out in the rain. I bought some pegs and a new safety harness yesterday as well as some "Acorn Rage". Have any of you used this?


I'm with you Tinks, after work I'll be hanging two stands in the wet. Hopefully there will be a window of no rain then.....

[Buckmaster]

This appears to be the best season ever. :whistle: I resigned from my job on Weds :coco: and my company sent me packing the same day. Come Monday, I'm going into business myself as minority owner of a partnership. I hope my risks reap rewards someday. My focus appears to be work now however that won't keep me out of the woods all together. I'll still manage to provide 3 deer "dirt naps" this year. It should be an interesting future.

[whitetail_joe]

I wish you the best of luck Buckmaster, what business are you going into?
I still have one more stand to hang, and have to teach a hunter ed class this weekend so hopefully I can get it hung by atleast tuesday, so all I have to do is focus on shooting my bow.

[BuckSlayer]

I have a trophy ridge vertical 5 pin....furthest ive shot a deer is 30 yards, but I practice out to 50....no probs with the pins. The further out ya shoot the closer 20 yards seems :)

[Buckmaster]

I wish you the best of luck Buckmaster, what business are you going into?


I've been selling structural bolts to steel fabricators and erectors across the country for the past 10 years. We are headed into the structural fastener industry.

[BillK]

I have a trophy ridge vertical 5 pin....furthest ive shot a deer is 30 yards, but I practice out to 50....no probs with the pins. The further out ya shoot the closer 20 yards seems :)

back in the day, when we shot at NFAA torunaments, the longest target was the 80 yd walkup. One arrow each at 80,70,60,50 yards. Fast target bows would push 220 fps, Hunting equipment was "smoking" at 200 fps.

Looks like Wallydog and I wil be setting up stands on Sunday. Been too busy at work to shoot this week, but i'm not really worried about it. I like to set up where the deer are committed to my stand/shooting lanes at 25yds or less.

[BillK]

Went down to belmont county today with Wallydog. We both set up our hang-on stands in the prime time area. Man did it get thick down there this summer. We spent more time cutting and trimming to open up shooting lanes then we did actually setting up the stands.

Wallydog's got a PRIMO spot - Well hidden with multiple lanes overlooking a bottom. He's killed numerous deer there and I would not bet against him dropping a quality buck. Mine is about 150yds down, but in some thicker stuff on the other side of a finger ridge. Nice thing is that the deer can't see us until they are within range and committed to the area within 20yds. Good trails with lots of sign. Definitely a buck area. We're gonna stay out of there until probably the 3rd week of October. Don't want to educate them.

We didn't see any deer today, but with all the noise of setting up - That's no surprise. We did see two flocks of Turkey, though. All Hens and youngsters. There's several roosts in the general area and we hear them pretty regular. The Buck I shot last year broke cover into a 22yd shooting lane when he heard a flock go off and got curious.

[Tinks69]

I did some shooting today from different angles and lengths. I was solid 2 yards through 45 yards but still more than likely wont shoot above 35-40. I also put out some "Acorn Rage" today and I am going to check it tomorrow and see how much action has happened. Just think, 12 days and the time is here.

[Tinks69]

Just updating again. I put in pegs for another stand today and will be putting in the stand tomorrow.

The Acorn Rage I put out yesterday was totally destroyed by deer. I have honestly never seen something work like it does in my entire life.

Shot my bow again today and I split one of my field tip arrows with a broad head. Totally destroyed the field tip but the broadhead was undamaged so I shot it again incase the arrow somehow got bent (Carbon Fiber) and it hit within a half inch of the exact place I split the field tip.

As soon as I hang this last stand I will be 100% ready. I gotta get it done quick though because I think this spot will be my best spot for sure. The deer sign is AMAZING!

[whitetail_joe]

A buddy and I hung a couple new stands yesterday, one needs a few more steps in it but the spot should definately produce some sightings, and probably up close and personal. Food plots are coming up, but Im seeing quite a bit of bare spots.

[Tinks69]

Seems like the talk within our team is getting slow. How is everyone doing?

[whitetail_joe]

I agree talk is getting slow, but I imagine it will pick up really soon as the season starts. I loaned my trail cam to a buddy and we left it out for a week and I was totally shocked at how few pics we got of different deer. We put the cam over apples and a salt block and got 80 some events or 160 pics in that week. They consisted of 6 pics of us freshening site, 4 weeds moving, 2 pics of a lone doe just passing by far away, 2 pics of a small 8 pt, and and 146 pics of a nice young 10pt 110" that is just slaying the apples. We left it there for a few more days and will see what we get, then we will move it. Ive been shooting my bow and numbered all my arrows to see if I can find an inconsistent arrow, but so far my shooting, which isn't bad is the only slight inconsistent part, although, my eye is on arrow number one for flaws.
Any of you guys have your big one scouted out yet? My father inlaw planted sunflowers this year, so deer sightings have been very few. But I did find about 18 sheds on the farm this spring and one really nice 75" side, that would no doubt have a 20" spread.:D So Im looking forward to november.

[BillK]

Sorry to be so absent lately. VERY busy at work this week. 64hrs Monday thru today. Looks like next week will be a B-tch also. Need to finish this project before Friday or opening day may be in jeopardy for me. Hate to say it, but that's the way it's been this year. Shoot - I only made it out on the Lake three times since ice-out.

On the brighter side, I have enough vacation time to give 'em a run this year. Looking at a few long weekend hunts late Oct and early Nov.

Haven't fired an arrow for two weeks, but the gear is tuned and ready to go.

Time for a cup of coffee and some more time on the computer, working on this hot project. Every hour counts at this point.

[whitetail_joe]

Two days ago I was shooiting at thirty and shooting great for myself. My last arrown hit left though about three inches which would result in a shoulder shot. I went and got my arrows and the next three all hit left. Perfect up and down, just left though. So I checked my third axis on my matrix and it was tight, but I found that the aluminum or titanium (what ever metal it is) has just split:rant: . So I am going to get a new sight today, but it will help offset a new bow next year, and also better the 20th of september than the 31st of october. And as I said before, I never liked those vertical pins anyway.:)

[BillK]

for me and opening day.

Can't wait.

[whitetail_joe]

Got a couple new sights the other day. The first a fifty dollar tru glo 5 pin .029 with light, and an extreme 4 pin 900 .019. The extreme was nice but a plastic piece on it rattled like crazy every shot so it went back. The tru glo is a very nice sight, wish the pins were .019 though. Sighted back in and ready to go. Trophy ridge is sending me the piece to fiz my matrix, but Im not going to put it back on.

[BillK]

Got that project all set to wrap up tomorrow by noon :bouncy: .

just need to hook up the hitch hauler to my truck and load my gear for Saturday AM.

[Tinks69]

I am 110% ready! It's almost go time.

[BillK]

Everyone stay safe, wear your safety harnesses.

Let's show 'em how it's done.

[BillK]

Hope all of you managed to at least get out. My wife was ill yesterday, so I had to drop the kid off at school for pre-SAT testing. Picked him up at 11:00AM, with her feeling worse. Took her to the ER with her third small bowel obstruction in as many years. She's still there, being seen by a surgeon tomorrow AM. Hopefully, it will resolve itself and she can avoid surgery.

Not a good start...

[Tinks69]

I had a good day out, I saw 8 deer today. I will be going out again this morning.

[deerjunkie]

Ok guys we are on the board. I couldn't make it out Sat but we headed out Sunday night and had 10 around us and this mature one was 18 yds off the tree. 1 down more to go.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/deerjunkie/100_1507.jpg

[BillK]

Way to go. Deerjunkie.:bouncy:

Saturday isn't going to get here fast enough for me.

[Buckmaster]

Congrates on the deer. My Camp took 3 antlerless on Saturday. I was one; but darkness was looming and I didn't get a picture. It was warm so I temporary tagged it and skinned it. I left the head on, cut the legs off, and put it in a cooler on ice overnight. I checked it in on Sunday at the check station. I didn't think you guys would want to see a naked deer but I may be wrong. I know OldHat would for sure. :D I'm taking this weekend off doing some fall chores.

[whitetail_joe]

Glad to see we are on the board. Ive only been out once, and didn't see anything. Hopefully Ill get out tomorrow night.

[BillK]

What's up all? Kinda quiet with team WSF lately.

One on the board from Deerjunkie and one in the cooler from Buckmaster. Not bad for less than a week in the books. Way to go guys.

Looks good for getting out this weekend for me (fingers crossed). The wife is feeling sore after this past weekends incident, but she's on the mend and out of danger. The job is busy as usual, but I'll delegate OT to others this weekend :D .

Read an article in Ohio G&F about October bowhunting. Spoke about the best time being cooler than normal temps, behind a cold front. Looks like that's what's setting up for this weekend.

Monday-Friday is like watching water boil for this weekend hunter.

Good luck and stay safe.

[Tinks69]

I'll be in the stand tomorrow morning.

[BillK]

Just heard a good report from my buddy. He saw six in under two hours this evening. Took another doe.

Good luck Team WSF. Stay safe.

[killbuckcreekgiants]

Its gonna be a cold one tommorow morning, I think its supposed to get down in the 30's. I've been seeing quite a few the last few days. Last night I saw 5 bucks. 2 of them were shooters, one of those two was probably in the 160's! But they were about 60 yards away through a lot of brush and I was sitting on the ground. My dad and I hung a stand there thihs morning and I stayed out of there this evening, so I'm gonna try it tommorow evening. Good luck this weekend and stay safe!!!!

[whitetail_joe]

Ive been out a few times and haven't seen a deer yet while on stand. Jumped a few though. Gonna try again this evening.

[BillK]

Eleven to be exact. Three at first light. Got busted moving trying to figure out why my stand sounded like a buckle was clinking against it. 18 yds.

half hour later two behind to my left. One was a spike that I could have drilled at 6 yds.

half horu after that, four come running down the hill behind me. Two forks one on each side directly unde rme at high speed. Two does following. One paused, but it was a frontal shot for a second.

evening hunt only saw two does. One came out at 25yd. Drew when she went behind a tree. She heard/saw me draw and was outta there.

Gonna try again in the AM.

Good luck all - Out.

[BillK]

Saw ten this AM. Had a doe at first light walks in from behind left, draw down as she walks behind a tree. She stopped with the front half of her chest behind another tree. Could have tried to sneak it by, but opted not to. (catch the tree and she's gut shot.) Not cool - especially on private land. Wait for one more step...NOPE - she turns facing me and looks up - OUTTA there. Had two forks and a smallish eight come in later. They milled around a bit. The eight was 12-18 yds broadside/quartering away. He got a pass, since I was on a Private Property invited hunt. Needs to grow up a bit so the owners/family can take him. Had a doe come in from behind later, crossed over to my right. Had to turn around in the stand. Of course she comes in at 8 yds and looks up - OUTTA there, yearling in tow.

Little bit later, Momma and Junior come in from behind left. Drew down before they broke cover. Momma stops with a big branch/leaves in my way at 15yds. Junior stops at 18yds.

Add five to Team WSF.

[whitetail_joe]

Sounds like your in the right spot. More points for WSF:D . I went out this morning and heard one by my stand walking in the dark. Then as I climbed up, I heard one run away and blow twice. Planned to hunt till nine since I had just got off work. Climbed down at 9:05 untying my bow I see two run away:mad: . The season generally starts like this though. But I did see two I guess.

[whitetail_joe]

I went out this morning and scored on a big doe. Ill try to get the pics up but may have to wait for my tech savy wife. Im downloading them to photobucket now, I believe they should be done by the time she gets home from work in about four hours, I love dial up:mischeif: . Saw a bunch of deer with and after her, but Im happy to help put some more points on the board.

[BillK]

Way to go there, Joe. Congrats.

We're looking pretty good score-wise, I'd say. Just need some antlers added.:mischeif:

[deerjunkie]

Outstanding Joe......way to go!!!!!

[BillK]

With Tinks having left for Florida, we're one shy of a doe limit.

WJ's ties us for first by my reckoning.

Time to start putting some bucks on the scoreboard!

[whitetail_joe]

We are all aloud two does and a buck in this contest aren't we? I thought I saw that somewhere.

[deerhunt45]

Congrats on a nice doe joe. One antlerless and one antlered for the contest. Glad to see a lot of doe being taken so far :coolgleamA:

[whitetail_joe]

Tinks are you still with us or have you already moved? I wonder if we can get an alternate in place of tinks when he leaves? If we can, Bud45601 was second on the alternate list and a good friend of mine. He won't kill any does with a bow as he saves them for gun season, but he has absolute monsters running all over his farms and would no doubt be an excellent addition, although we tied for third place with 15 points and not a buck yet. I like our chances:D .

[BillK]

Hunted w/ Wallydog today.

Between us we saw about a half dozen. Left early due to the heat and lack of movement.

Just checked the scoreboard. Musta been having a brain fart yesterday or something. We're two shy of a doe limit. Bucks should start hitting chase mode in about two weeks.

[BillK]

Kinda quiet again guys.

Anyone headed out this weekend? I'll be out there.

Seeing a lot more activity up North here along I-271. A few roadkills and deer in the fields almost every day on the way home.

They should be on the move this weekend with the cooler temps and the hunters moon. Will probably see a bit more mid-day activity than usual with the full moon. Planning on sitting in the stand ALL day.

[Buckmaster]

I'll be headed south this weekend to hunt. My open day success was last week's meal and festivities.http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/517/Roast_2.jpg

[deerjunkie]

Hello team.....I am pumped about this weekends weather!!!! I'll be heading out Friday evening, Sat evening and Sunday morning. Hopefully we can get some more points on the board. Good luck to you all!!!!

[whitetail_joe]

I haven't been out that much lately, but have been shooting a bit to stay prepared. Im going to go out tomorow morning and evening, so hopefully I can tag another deer, or atleast see something. Got a nice pic of a buck the other day, found his shed last year. It scored 65" as a 4 point, pic looks like he hasn't changed a bit. Appears to gross and probably net in the 140's. He was so close to the camera when the pic was taken, it bleached out his whole face and rack, therefore he has been named, the whiteface eight. Been seeing alot of blood on the road, the weather is going to be alot better for hunting. Good luck guys.

[Buckmaster]

Made it down to Deer Camp this weekend. The open skylite moon phase made the deer movement at night. The does were scarce as the little bucks have began their seek-mode. When I did see a doe she was on high alert and scared. We saw lots of 4-8 points on the move at odd times of the day. Scraps and rubs are now open. I did manage a hen turkey at 15 yards and she's now in my freezer.

[BillK]

Enjoy that bird, Buckmaster.

I had a jake cruise by me at 35yds on Saturday. As soon as he hit the edge of the briars/vines where I could shoot - His head popped up and he was GONE. Can't believe their eyesight - I was already at full draw and needed him to take another two steps.

Only saw three deer on Saturday. Bumpe done in the AM and two in the PM 60yds from my stand. They're bedding/browsing right near my access area from the fields. They've never really done that before. Something's definitely different. Bumped two from the same spot last weekend.

[whitetail_joe]

Ive been out a good bit since this past Saturday when a liitle four pt nearly ran me over. It was like the rut was on. I went out on Sunday morning and missed a doe at 40:whistle: . Right over her back, but she just walked away cautiously. Went out last night over a freshlly cut cornfield and saw atleast 20 different deer. They were everywhere except in front of me. The closest deer I saw was a little 4 at 50 yds, but didn't see any other bucks, or atleast bucks worth while. I have been getting alot of pics over scrapes, the scrapes arent any bigger, but the cam shows the bucks are visiting.

[BillK]

and stay dry if you can.

Taking the weekend off. My better half is scheduled for surgery this afternoon. Gonna stick around and make sure she's as comfortable as possible. Glad they can do it now while it's still somewhat early in the season.

[whitetail_joe]

Killed another doe couple days ago. My first spot and stalk, mules make excellent cover as deer pay you no attention. Had 3 different shots with mules in tow in a half hour on three different groups of deer, but only one was broadside. Unfortunately, when I recovered her the next morning, yotes had already found her. Saw a dandy ten while with the mules, but he didn't like me or the mules walking at him. Closest I got was fifty, but he was moving and nervous. Whats everyone else up to?

[BillK]

Hunted Egypt Valley. Saw a lone doe all day in the stand and spooked a small doe on the way out. First day in the field for two weeks after the wife's surgery.

Gotta say I was disappointed to say the least. Was hoping to see some early rut activity, but there was none.

[whitetail_joe]

I went out yesterday morning and evening and saw zero. Evening stand a week and a half ago I saw over 20, and yesterday blanked. I cancelled to vacation days for this coming week due to the temperature. Typical ohio rut.

[BillK]

made it out the past two Saturdays and last Sunday AM. No activity until Sunday.

Had a nice shooter at 40-45yds cruising the ridge/tractor path in all that wind on Sunday. Spotted each other as I was crossing the saddle. Gave me his front shoulder, but I wasn't going to try that shot at that distance in the wind. 10-20yds maybe, 40-45yds no way.

Off this Thurs/Fri. Going to head down Thurs PM after I take the wife to her second post-op checkup.

Forecast looks crappy, but It's not going to stop me. I'm running out of time as the weekend after will be my son's crack at 'em during youth gun season. Will likely do a few days after Thanksgiving and pull the stand the day before gun season. I usually don't bowhunt at all after gun season, so I need to find a buck this weekend.

[BillK]

Hunted Thursday PM - no movement. Took a shot at and shaved the hair off a bunny at 15yds.

Friday - warm and windy. AM had a spike pass behind my tree at 25yds. No shot from my weak side with the tree i'm in. PM had a fork with one side busted off at 20yds. Gonna regret passing him up if I don't get anothe rchance to put meat in the freezer.

Saturday - Slipped into my stand right at sunrise in the rain. after I got settled in, hit the grunt call three times and got the same three grunts back at me from directly behind me. Hit him back with a single grunt and never heard another sound or saw him. Guess he was just saying "later".:(

Wind kicked up real bad around 11:00AM, still hunted alog the ridge and down the middle plateau along the olive trees. Saw a single doe cross into the bottom and a second deer 15secs later. Guessing that was the buck. Found a nice "tunnel" in the olive trees ad trimmed a few branches to open up a good shooting lane. Kinda protected from the winds and we've seen bucks cross that plateau chasing before.

Sunday AM - Set up in my olive tunnel. had a good field of view out the opening but somewhat blocked along the sides. at 7:40 heard a slight rustle and looked right to see legs hitting the edge of the olives and turning downwind away from me only ten yds away. If he'd turned the other way he'd passed my opening broadside. Tried to sneak out the opening behind him and only made three silent steps befor ehe winded me and went back the way he came. Couldn't count points but he was wider than the buck I took last year. Nice chocolate rack too.

Disappointing weekend for sure. Feeling like luck isn't on my side right now.

Youth weekend coming up so it's the kid's turn to take a crack at 'em. Will hunt the following Friday/Saturday/Sunday AM before I pull the stand for gun season.

[whitetail_joe]

Been having computer trouble last couple weeks so I haven't been around. I did kill a nice ten that busted his left g4 on the 11th. Should gross about 130 with out busted tine. Ill post pics later.

[BillK]

Congrats, Joe.

headed out for the youth hunt this weekend, will take my bow along in case the kid scores early.

[whitetail_joe]

Just went out for the first time since I killed my buck, saw 5 does and shot one at last light. Gotta work tonight, so Ill take up the track in the morning. She was quartering away, and the arrow was sticking out pretty good as she ran, I assume I locked it into opposite shoulder as I never heard no loud smack.

[Tinks69]

HEY GANG! I was able to come home today and will be able to hunt until the 13th of December! We're not out of this race yet baby! Sounds like you guys have been doing some good hunting!

[BillK]

A little bit cooler here than sunny Florida, isn't it?

Headed down Friday mid-day myself. Will bowhunt until mid-day Sunday and pull the tree stand (public land).

I'm really hoping to get a crack at a good buck this weekend. I'm usually done bowhunting by the end of gun season.

[Tinks69]

I'll be out in the woods tomorrow morning. I'm hoping for a fresh coat of snow by morning after all the rain today. A little bit of snow would make for a great opening morning. Good luck WSF, it's go time!

[whitetail_joe]

Ah orange monday, cant wait. Should see quite a bit of movement. Probably have a 160 walk past me and not have a buck tag. Good luck guys, be safe. Plug your guns. Where's my #2 pencil?

[whitetail_joe]

Anyone have any luck during the first season or plan on going out the second season? I killed a couple during shotgun but it was very slow, never saw a group of more than two deer and hunted everyday. My buddies killed a couple decent bucks the first day. Did see one tank but couldnt do much with my tag already being filled.:mad:

[BillK]

Hunted Monday/Tues AM/Saturday/Sunday AM.

Only saw about a half dozen deer, one shot on Tues at a doe through some crud at 100yds.

Very few people moving deer in the area and they were holding tight with the wind what it was.

Will get out this weekend and next for Muzzleloader. Looking for skinheads as an opportunity for an Archery Hunt at Plumbrook came up for me on Jan17th. Could be a good chance at some more points for the team.