Friday, November 23

We set out for the woods at approximately 2:30. The temperature was right about freezing. There was a light southerly wind under clear skies. After making a pass up the farm equipment trail for some preliminary scouting, we settled down at the east end of the recently cut corn field at approximately 3:00. The field is bordered by a nearly vertical drop on the south side, which slowly tapers out approximately 100 feet below, where it is bordered by a large stream. On the west side, the steep decline only lasts for approximately 50 feet, at which point there is a small area of hardwoods bordered by the stream, which takes a turn to the southwest. On the north side of the field there is a rock wall and small brush. On the other side of the wall is a hay field, which is split in half by the equipment trail. On the east side, where we were positioned, there is a mix of hardwoods and pines. A rock wall close to the edge of the field is hidden by brush. There was no action, aside from the flocks of doves eating the corn that was left behind in the field, until approximately 3:50, when a mature doe ventured into the southwest corner of the field, from the area near the stream. A few minutes later, a smaller doe emerged from the same area. After watching them for fifteen minutes or so, waiting to see if more were coming, we moved through the wooded area to the east of the field to the southwestern corner of the upper field to take a look. As the sun was beginning to set, and there was nothing to be found in that field, we made our way back to the entrance of the corn field, on the north side, where the does still were. We continued on down the equipment trail, until we spotted another lone doe, unfortunately, it spotted us as well. After checking us out for a few minutes, it slowly walked into the woods behind it, with its white tail signaling danger. Our plan was to get a better glimpse at the two doe in the corn field by approaching them from the north side, as it would give us a much closer view. Upon doing this, we came across two more doe, one of notable size, as we came over a small crest in the field. They ran off into the woods, following the first one. We continued on, now within 30 feet of the rock wall that bordered the corn field. Once we got to the corn field, we found the two doe, however, the dried leaves on the ground gave our location away, and they, too, found us. After watching them for a few minutes, we headed back to the truck. The trip was not a complete waste, however, as we were delighted to come across the corn field, which has always been hay field. We also came across a few recent scrapes, which we expected, given high doe population in the area. Unfortunately, it appeared as though the does may have been bred, as the buck still remained at large.