Gun deer season starts Saturday! My first time hunting in MN after living here 10 years. I've hunted 20 years in WI but with rifles, not shotguns. My wife and I moved out to a hobby farm west of Rochester with ~8 acres a little more than half of which is pasture and woodland with a creek. I've seen 2 does and 3 fawns all summer and every night/early morning this past week. Only one 8ptr on the trail camera a couple weeks ago, so we'll see if he's around on Saturday. What are everyone else's plans? PICS of success!?
I have been driving by my stand every evening, I have seen between 40-50 deer there each day. if i dont get one by 8am i suck
The season for me and my hunting party starts the 17th. I still need to hit the range once with the shotty to make sure she's on, But I am really looking forward to the season. Pat, the differences are subtle but noticeable at the same time from Wi/Rifle hunting to SEMN/shotty hunting. Nothing an experienced hunter won't adapt to, but interesting. Last year I was successful in cracking an 8 point with a nice body, and hopefully this year can bring some more luck. Good luck Pat, keep us updated. Carl - I'm jealous of you, Its been a long time since I've seen that many deer consistently working one area. I'll say good luck but it doesn't sound like you'll need it.
Saw lots of does and fawns this weekend. Nothing worth taking a shot at, but at least it was entertaining. One buck I saw was maybe 4-6 points and being in a point restricted area I couldn't even take a shot at him. found a lot of scrapes and a few rubs so hopefully he's not the only buck in the area. Not much for gunshots on either day - maybe a dozen within earshot each day and that's with 2 state game reserves within 2 miles.
Hunting season 2012 = FAIL no bucks besides the opening day 4 or 6 pointer (too small for point restricted area), but I did see deer every time I was out so at least I was entertained. Thought about going up to my parents' for WI gun deer hunt, but I don't want to put down $160 for not so guaranteed success.
You need to start early next year with the food plots, mineral blocks, and cover.... Cultivate those deer!
I party hunt with 7 and got a doe opening morning. We ended up with two eights, a four, my doe and a button. Beautuful weather, that's for sure!
