Opening Day 2009

November 23, 2009 saw a rather so so start to the rifle WV buck season. The weather was a little overcast, rainy at times, and a little on the chilly side; perfect deer hunting weather. Not much happened until about 8:00 am when Don Speiden killed a dark racked basket 6pt. Several does were seen up until about 9am but things slowed down considerably soon after. Dad and I were eating lunch in my stand around 1pm and we were watching the fields when he spotted a deer. I grabbed the gun ID'ed the deer as a buck, and nocked the safety off. The buck began to trot across the field and I led the buck in the scope and squeezed off. I noticed the buck flinch and worked the bolt for another shot, but that only lead to a clean miss on the second shot. After dad and I waited about 20 minutes, we got down out of the stand and went to look for blood or hair. No blood or hair found, we headed in the general direction of the buck's last heading. Upon entering the cedar thicket where he went into, I saw the buck's white belly and I slowly approched the deer. After confirming the kill, I found out the buck I shot was a chocolate high racked 8pt. After dressing the deer, dad headed to his stand, and I headed home to skin the buck. Dad managed to put a little meat on the table as well when he put a nice doe on the ground that evening.

Cloudy skies with a chance of spawning Brown Trout

Today, the Beav and I headed to a grade A #1 blue ribbon trout stream with the intent of finding some fall spawning Brown Trout showing their fall colors. We arrived at "The Spot" at about 7am and lined up the rods. We both started off with #16 Pheasant Tail nymphs and Olive Wooly Buggers. At the first hole, I hooked and landed one of the most beautiful Brown Trout Ive ever laid my eyes on. It didn't take Beaver long to hook up either, in fact his hook ups lasted all day. What can I say though, he's got 12 plus years experience fishing this stream. He knows it well and his experience and knowhow really showed that day. Now, I did hook and loose several more fish throught the day, but I was in picture mode so I snapped several pictures today. Beaver finished the day with over 10 fish and when you catch 10 or more on this river, you have recked house.

Of Beards and Broadheads

Im a little late adding this to the blog, but nevertheless here is the most recent trip report. Last Monday evening, while sitting in the stand I noticed some movement out in front of me. About 8 gobblers were heading my direction. Seeing as how I didn't have a facemask or gloves on, I stood up, grabbed the bow, and readied myself as I knew this encounter was going to happen quickly. There was 1 gobbler that was out in front of the rest and as I was waiting on him to get within range, the others made a b-line straight for my tree. I drew my Mathews DXT, picked out a bird, settled the 30 yard pin and let the RAGE 3 Blade fly. The arrow hit the bird in between the neck and the wing butt and broke the leg on the opposing side and exited. The RAGE had put a hurtin' on this bird. I didnt offically weigh the bird, but I would guess it weighed about 20pounds and it had a 7'' beard and 1'' spurs. Not the biggest gobbler, but with a bow. Thats as good as a 10pt in my book.