October 27th, 2008
By Arthur

Jeff, after an 0-3 start, finally connected on a doe yesterday morning.  So, after a rough start for Jeff-just like last year-he has finally redeemed himself, and in turn helped with the buck-to-doe ratio on our property.  She was at about 15yds, and she didn’t last long after Jeff’s perfect heart shot.

Of course this weekend I wasn’t able to get out.  When I woke up on Saturday morning it was pouring rain.  And Sunday morning wasn’t happening either, because we didn’t get to sleep until four in the morning.  Ahh, fatherhood….it sure can hinder your hunting plans.

So, Jeff is on the board.  It must have motivated him, because he even started working on the recipe page.

The first deer down for SimplyOutdoors.  Congrats to Jeff.

You can also see that Jeff was sporting his Michigan State Spartans gear for the picture.  We are pretty proud of our BCS ranking and victory over them pesky Wolverines last weekend.

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October 02nd, 2008
By Arthur

Well, the rain held off for us yesterday.  Weatherwise, it probably was one of the best days we’ve had for opening day in quite along time.  Even though I didn’t see a deer I still enjoyed every minute in stand.

Jeff and Corrin had an eventful morning and saw plenty of deer.  They both had a missed opportunity, but that is just the way hunting goes sometimes.  It wasn’t all negative though.  I think all of you hunters know, that even the negative hunting experiences, always teach us something.  We take those moments and turn them into knowledge that we can take into the field the next time.  No time spent in the wild is wasted, and nothing in the wild goes to waste. 

It was still a great opener, and we got plenty of exercise in.  We also managed to find a couple more good treestand spots in our travels. 

An opening day we won’t forget.  It felt great to be in stand again, and it was great to be able to enjoy a day of hunting with family.

I won’t be able to get out again until this weekend–that is, of course, if we aren’t in the hospital trying to have a baby.   

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September 30th, 2008
By Arthur

I think it might happen again.  Last year we had thunderstorms opening day, and it really put a damper on our morning hunt.  Just as we got settled into our stands it let loose.  I was trying to be a trooper right until the point when the lightning started.  Sitting 15ft up in tree + lightning = BAD!.

The weather isn’t looking much better then last year for our bow opener tomorrow.  Thunderstorms aren’t really in the forecast, but it sure looks like it is going to rain.  I’m trying not to let it bring me down, but it isn’t the best scenario for opening day.  I wish it would be about 50 degrees and overcast, but you take what you get I guess.

I suppose I could look at the positives here for a minute:  We won’t have to fight mosquitos in this weather, and we won’t have to worry about being too warm.  I also have to remember that I got some nice rain gear last year for a gift.  It is looking like I might have to bust that out for opening day.  Only time will tell that I guess.

There is one thing for certain.  We definitely will be out there hunting–rain or shine.  The only thing that will keep us from the woods is lightning, and so far, that isn’t in the forecast.

Is there an anti-rain dance I can do?   If there is, let me know, ’cause I’d like to start it right about now.

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September 29th, 2008
By Arthur

They came, they saw, they didn’t kill anything, but they definitely had fun.  And that pretty much sums up how the weekend went.  It was great, the kids were great, and we had a great time.

On Saturday morning I was setting with my nephew, Tyler Daniel, in a spot that no one had hunted yet.  Both of us were waiting in anticipation for opening light.  And when it came it sure didn’t disappoint: it brought Tyler D. his first close encounter of the buck kind.

I am always amazed at how silent these animals can be when they come in.  We were setting in the same tree, but in different treestands, and this buck slipped to within 5 yards before I even knew he was there.  I let Tyler know that he was coming in, and he started to get ready, but it just wasn’t meant to be.  Ole Mr. Buck was 10yds in front of us, and only needed to take a few more steps, but his instincts got the best of us, and he bolted away before stepping into the opening we needed for the shot.  I got a few seconds of video footage of him, and at some point this week I will try to get that posted.

Just after the encounter with the buck, we also had four doe come into our setup.  They also came within 10 yds, but came behind our setup where there were no shooting lanes, so we had to reluctantly let them go as well.  It still was a great hunt though, and you should have seen the kid shaking from the pure adrenaline rush.  It was great.

Jeff sat with Tyler G. on Saturday morning and they also had a close encounter of the deer kind.  They had a doe come right into there setup and stand broadside at 5yds.  The only problem was this doe still had spots.  Not wanting to shoot a fawn, Jeff instructed Tyler that he had to let her go.  He was a little disappointed, but he followed orders and let her walk.  They saw plenty of other deer that morning as well, but none that offered them any kind of shot.

Saturday night Tyler G. and I hunted together, and we had a doe come to within 10 yds.  These doe are so old and so smart though, and she realized something wasn’t exactly right, and ended up taking a different trail then the one we needed her too.  It is so hard to hide two bodies in a tree from the well-trained deer eye.

Jeff and Tyler D. also had a close encounter, but the deer snuck in silently.  Without knowing the deer was there, Jeff was trying to get his ThermaCell working again, and the deer caught his movement and spooked.  I can’t fault him for that though, because the mosquitoes were trying to carry us away yesterday.  Without the ThermaCell we would not have hunted–I guarantee it.

It was a great weekend with the kids.  They got to experience the pure rush that goes with getting ready to take the shot, and they got to experience the disappoint of not having everything go exactly as planned. But, most importantly, they got to experience all the great emotions that come with deer hunting.

And I’m sure they will keep coming back for more.

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September 26th, 2008
By Arthur

This weekend is the Youth Hunt for this season.  It should be a good one.  We are all hoping that the weather cooperates, lets us get out hunting, and allows a chance for the kids to bag their first deer.

I know a lot of people frown upon the Youth Hunt, but I for one am a staunch supporter.  I think allowing the kids to get our early only escalates their chances of shooting their first deer.  And who could be against that?

I also do not think this early firearm youth season really affects the deer movement that much.  Of course there is the potential to scare off a wily ‘ole buck a little early in the season, but I think the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks.  I think the possibility of scaring off a buck is worth the risk if it gets another youth involved in hunting.  That is my take on the situation anyway.

So, we will have three youth hunters out this weekend.  I know come Monday we will have a great report, kill or no kill, but I do hope that one of the youngsters does manage to put their first deer down.  That would be very cool.

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