After finishing everything that needed to be done for the day, I decided to head into the woods at approximately 1:30. There was a solid wind blowing to the northeast, so I decided to change up the routine some and situated myself behind some trees at the southeast corner of the upper hay field, the same place where we saw the turkey the day before. I decided to try a more proactive approach, setting out a scent bomb on a downed tree in the field. I started out with some grunting, eventually working my way into some rattling sessions. After approximately thirty minutes, I began to hear some leaves rustling to my right. It appeared as though there may have been one or two deer down the decline, however, as I was seated too far away from the edge, I could not get a glimpse of what it was. After continuing this for another half an hour, it was time to relocate into the corn field, and wait for feeding time. I situated myself in the middle of the field, behind some brush which surrounded an island of trees. After remaining quiet for a half an hour, I began with some light rattling. There didn't seem to be much response, so I remained in my position, hoping to see some deer come out and feed as the sun started going down. After seeing nothing for an hour and a half, with the sun getting closer to the horizon, I decided to make my way out of the field, to check some of the other fields. As I was walking out of the field, I spotted a deer a few yards into the treeline on the east side of the field. I settled down quickly along the northern edge of the field and pulled out the binoculars. I could see two other deer feeding in the woods beside it. Eventually, one of the other ones worked its way into the field and the deer lost interest in me. The remaining two eventually entered the field, all doe. Then, four more doe came in from the northeast corner, followed by three large toms. Four more doe slowly worked their way into the field, as dusk settled in. There was no way I could take a shot even if presented with the opportunity, but I couldn't pull myself away from the situation, as it was as good a time as any for me to potentially see a buck, as all the doe were gathered together, along with a few hungry turkey. The turkey wandered their way clockwise around the field, eventually exiting at the southwest corner, while the deer remained mostly in the southeast corner. I decided to give the deer some grunt calls, to see how they would react. They payed little attention though, with only occasional glances in my direction, enough for me to get a good look at them through the binoculars, however. As it grew dark, I eventually was forced to leave. I gathered all of my equipment and stood up, they still payed me no attention. It wasn't until I managed to step on a corn stalk, creating a loud noise, that they looked in my direction. Slowly, one-by-one, they raised their heads. I walked the remaining ten yards to the opening in the rock wall, none of them bothered to do more than stare. I stood, watching, for a few more moments, while they looked back. It's starting to look like the rut may have come to a close, I was hoping it might have been pushed back a few weeks due to the abnormally warm temperatures we have had. Hopefully, there are some doe in the group that remain unbred, so we can get a chance at a buck during the second rut in a couple weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment