Cabin Fever

These are all brand new to 1 year old heavy straps, not the cheapos that come with the stands either. It was odd, as it just happened in the last few days. I never thought about checking the stands, as I'm in them all during bow season. The only assumption I can come up with is that maybe the freezing temps constricts the tree a bit or maybe the high winds and swaying trees stretches the straps a bit? I only have ladder stands, so maybe between the swaying tree and supported legs on the ground causes the straps to stretch? Hell, I don't know! Just thought I'd throw it out there for everyone to double check before climbing into the stand in the morning.

Wow Steve, I had a very similar experience in 8H, but far less deer. I logged hunt #43 this morning, but was sad climbing out of the stand, knowing that my favorite time of year has come to an end. I felt bad putting my bow in it's case and putting it away this afternoon. I jokingly apologized to it for my anticlimactic sucky season and that it never had the opportunity to draw blood! Worst season I've ever had... Pretty pathetic actually! 43 hunts 11 doe sightings (I believe 5 different does and fawns) 5 buck sightings (3 different bucks) 34 hunts saw nothing I'm with you on the "See-no-deer-season" too! I wish I could be excited about gun season, but between my few sightings during bow season AND knowing that last year, I only saw a doe and fawn between the start of gun season and the end of muzzleloader season, I'm not hopeful at all! So few deer around that I've vowed not to shoot any does. If I have to go without venison in the freezer, then so be it. Trying to be optimistic that a shooter buck could come cruising through or chasing a doe, but I fell for that optimism too many times during bow season, only to get bitch-slapped back to reality and not see anything. I'm pretty much going to go out during gun season to try to take out a few coyotes. Good luck!

Thought I'd mention something that I've noticed very recently. I've been to 3 different ladder stands for various reasons in the last couple of days and was very surprised that most of the ratchet straps were fairly loose and in need of cranking 3-4 more clicks to secure. I've been in these stands all during bow season with no issues. I'm wondering if the cold weather that we've had in the past few days caused some "shrinkage" in the trees or if the wind and swaying trees cause the straps to stretch or if it could be a combination of the two? I was installing a shooting rail on one stand today and puckered a bit at how much the stand shifted when I got to the top of the ladder stand. Before you climb into that stand in the morning, you might want to double check at how secure it is, just to be on the safe side...

That's awesome how things worked out for you! Good luck!

You just never know! LOL Good luck!

My Dad's Remington BDL .300 Win. Mag. I carry it every year, as it was my Dad's baby. Overkill and heavy as a beoch, but I know my Dad would be smiling and would appreciate it... RIP.

I agree with Jerry. Tell the other guy where you'll be at, so he can plan. Tell him that many guys isn't safe on that small of a property. Be in there long before them! If they get close, blink the flashlight at them to let them know. I wouldn't sit opening day out for them! You have permission, not them!

Pulling the plug… That’s a wrap for my archery season! Hunted hard for 43 hunts, but no contributions to the freezer. No regrets! Haven’t seen or gotten pics of many does at all and even less fawns this year, so I made the decision it was better to spare the few does we do have. All summer, theres only been 2-3 does around that have a single fawn each, but the other 5-6 does have none. Never seen anything like it, as I’m so use to seeing fawns with every doe every where else I’ve ever hunted. I’ve never seen a place with so many coyotes, and just as active during the day as at night, constantly hunting! I think they destroyed the fawn recruitment this year! I need to focus on thinning them out as much as possible. I guess the positive thing about not filling my buck tag with my bow, is that I will now have one for ML and the holiday season! That’ll give me a reason to go out then anyways... Good luck fellas!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not sure what’s up with that Jerry. I’ve noticed that I’ve been getting double posts quite often as well. Might be an issue with Tapatalk.? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Had a coyote go by right before shooting light. We’ll be looking for them during gun season as much as we will be for deer this season! Never seen a place with so many before and by the looks of cam pics, they’re just as active during the day as they are at night! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wind is cranking and it’s freezing! Brrrrr! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Giving it another try this morning... I have a few last minute things to get ready for gun season, so I'll probably pull the plug at 10:00. Want to pull some cams on my way out. Not sure if I'll hunt this afternoon. Won't be hunting no where near as much during gun season.

Sending good vibes your way Jay! You certainly paid your dues this season and deserve a giant!!

Nothing! Not even my resident doe and fawn………. #LETSGOBRANDON Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You and me both!! After this all day rain, and the 13 degree temp drop from the morning hunt, my gut tells me they “should” be moving!!! Plus, you would think the bucks should be on the move anyways looking for a hot doe!! (And I’m not just talking about being pretty either!) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Slowed to a light rain here, that’s “supposed” to stop very soon…. Windy, dreary, and cold though! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lucky #42???? I could do without the rain…. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lucky #42???? I could do without the rain…. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not a friggin’ thing moving!!! If I don’t see anything by 10:00, I’m tapping out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The big 10pt has been through the property on the 9th, 11th and 15th. I keep telling myself he’s about due, but he could very well be locked down with a doe somewhere. I’m afraid if I take a hunt off, that’ll be the time he’ll do another drive-by, just like he did on Monday!! UGH………….. There is nothing going on this morning….. DEAD!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Starting to rain!! I guess the weatherman made another “whoopsie” this morning!!! Grrrrr… Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just had a beauty of a red fox come by twice. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just looked at the temp... 58 degrees right now!? Temp is supposed to continue dropping all day and by 5pm it's going to be 45 degrees! Regardless, I had a REAL hard time getting out of bed this morning! Waiting for the coffee to kick in and do it's magic. Please let today be the day................

Beautiful bucks!! Nice you could share the hunt with your Dad!

According to Google Maps, 333 miles...