genesee_mohican

High temps in the 40's and the barometric pressure is on the rise, should be a decent day.

Congrats! Nice deer and very cool with the patch and round ball.

I'm kind of amazed at this question. It took me 30 seconds to determine these are not the same deer. Just look at the left brow tine in each picture. Then look at the height of the overall rack and g2s...

A range finder and a good pair of binos too. Some dry milk weed for testing the wind direction.

I use hang ons and set them up prior to season. Either Rivers Ed Big Foot or a lounger hang on with a railing.

I'd leave her there to watch and draw in bucks later on. Always nice to be able to see deer right out the window. Then go out this weekend and try to get a deer while hunting. That's me, your choice tho.

Here is the link that may answer your question: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html Small GameLicense Requirements: A hunting license is needed to use a crossbow to hunt small game species. A turkey permit is also required to hunt turkeys. All crossbow specifications remain in effect. Crossbows may be used to take the following small game species during their respective open seasons. Wild turkey. Any other small game or upland game birds. Unprotected wildlife (e.g. red squirrels and woodchucks) at anytime.

Working all week here, getting chores done and looking ahead to the weekend. The forecast calls for temps in the 30's Sat night and the 40's for Sunday, could be a good day to be in the woods eh?! Monday looks even better. Like Growie, I try to stay away from my best stands this time of year and save them for later on when the odds of a mature buck walking by goes way up. Going by the last few years here in my neck of the woods I figure there will be a few doe getting the bucks attention in another 10 days or so.

It sure is a challenge trying to sneak through the woods with the leaves being so dry and no wind. I'm slowing it down to a crawl on the way into my stand but dang. Of course once on stand you can hear a deer (or a chipmunk) walking about 300 yards away. I'm looking forward to a day after a nice night time rain. Just sayin'

I have saved most of mine going back to 1974

Looks like he's pushing 20 " inside spread

If your going to be up 15' from the ground to the floor I would use 6 x 6 PT posts sunk below frost line, or telephone poles and lots of cross bracing for stability.

Nice story and buck, thanks for sharing.

Congrats on an awesome deer! What strategy did you use to get this old giant? Were you close to his bedding area? If I ever shoot one like that I'd be floored.

I like to make a natural blind in a thicket with good cover behind me to break up my silhouette. I carve out a spot to sit and put the excess brush in front of me to help conceal my lower half. You want the opening in front to be just low enough to shoot your bow over from your sitting position. I've taken a few nice bucks from the ground and it's a great way to hunt. I like that you can walk into an area, find a good location and setup right then and there without hauling a stand in. Carry some small pruners and good luck!

I remember a few years back during bow season, getting to my stand in the dark and setting up. Once it started to get light out I look over my shoulder and notice someone in a climber about 50 yards away. It was one of my good hunting buds and neither of us knew the other had decided to hunt the same spot that morning! It was pretty funny. That was on private land that we both had permission to hunt. On this subject: hunting land we don't own, public or private can be a bit frustrating when others are in "our spot". I scout in the off season and try to locate spots far away from everyone, and if someone is near an area I have a stand I try not to let it ruin my day. It's part of hunting, I'll readjust and move on, maybe come back on a week day to hunt that area when things quiet down. Until I win the lottery and can buy 100 acres I have no choice.

Wow that is a great buck, crazy high, Congrats!

Coyotes and bear do take a toll on fawns in the spring, but I don't think they move deer out of an area this time of year. Coyotes roam large areas each night and just because you heard them howling in one place, doesn't mean they will be there for very long.

I have grunted a few bucks in that I've taken with the bow but have not had luck with the 'can' doe in heat call. I don't rattle much because I think there has to be a high buck to doe ratio for it to work and it may spook deer more often than not.

The number of females who hunt has been on the rise for quite a while now. Maybe she will love every minute and be hooked for life, ya never know. But to answer your question: Yes, you can take another person along to observe and share in the experience. Now behave out there.

I hope to get out in a few times this week. 45 days to bow hunt before gun season opens. This sure is a great time of year. Life is good.

Congrats! When you described it by saying.........." crashed in a big half circle behind me then Hurd nothing" I thought she would be laying right there.

I slice up, boil and pickle mine.

The Northern Zone archery season opened yesterday, Sept 27th: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html#deer

He was born on May 29th 2011 in the early morning. His official score is 119 3/8 inches. He is a wise buck but will walk under your stand at 7:37 am on Oct 25th