The End: Tips for first time deer trackers.

Hunting season has come to an end and instead of tag soup I could make a hefty stew with all my Michigan and Maine tags unpunched. I learned a ton this year and have lofty goals and an almost stupid confidence for next year. I only got out with the muzzleloader once in the two days I had off last week. I regretted that when I finally dragged myself into the woods. The snowy woods is always amazing. Its like hunting in a totally different world.

I almost missed this beautiful day.

Thompson Center Omega.

You don't get evenings like this from the couch.

Almost too cold to get out of bed...almost.

Cloudy blue skies over badlands.

I saw deer tracks all over the place. I tried tracking for the first time. I have some tips for beginner trackers that can hopefully get a leg up the first time they try it by learning from my mistakes. First, make sure you have room to track. I tracked one buck track for 2 hours only to run into posted signs. I guess this is why tracking usually takes place much farther North of here. Next, if you can not decipher how old a track is; go out right after a fresh snow. Then the tracks are unmistakably new. I went all out on the track I decided to follow. I went over a creek and up countless mini-mountains. The snow was only 6" deep but very packy. I would say my stalking was a 6.5-7 on my 1-10 scale of silent and deadly to death metal concert. I did not see any deer but I saw lots of tracks that make me hopeful for next year and lots of coyote and snowshoe tracks that may need my attention when the snow melts a little.

Buck tracks crossing a creek.

Chasing a doe.

He ran me through the thick stuff!

 I used the first of my 2 days off to hang out with Rusty and took him to a local park to get some energy out. He deserves his kind of fun as much as I do mine.

I love sharing sunsets with this guy!

I brought one of his toys for him to find.

Saco River.



Park graffiti on a cracked wall. Symbolic? I guess.

This is why I run him so hard. I get 2 seconds of him resting.

 

We've been getting a ridiculous amount of snow the last couple of days. I have about 3 feet in my front yard right now. I don't think I will be getting in the woods anytime soon.

In the meantime, I shot a Hoyt CRX 32 yesterday. The draw was set at 28.5" and 73# and I prefer 29" and 70# but I took only 2 shots and robinhooded. So I am pretty sure I will be moving on to a Hoyt. Hopefully I can keep the Alien X and come up with the funds for a Hoyt.

Smoke Pole Time!

I'm still in search of my buck and I have decided to get out and do some muzzleloader hunting. I picked up some powder and caps and found some Hornady SST bullets I had laying around. Thursday and Friday I have off of work but the temps on those days aren't looking like they will get over 20 degrees. Hopefully the deer will be moving and the ground isn't too frozen to still hunt.

I picked up a used knife for about $6 last week that I think is pretty cool looking. I don't think its worth anything (even using) but its fancy to look at.

 

 

GEAR REVIEW

 

I have decided to through in a gear review every once in a while so tonight I will review my favorite boots. I have a pair of Danner 7" Blades in Mossy Oak Brush. I have used these boots for about 3 years now. I have hunted in them in 100+ degree weather and 10 degree weather. I feel stealthy with them on as they are pretty quiet for stalking and comfortable. I can not imagine a better pair of boots.