Morning:
This morning started about as bad as it could. I got up at 3'am and it was almost downright cold. It dipped down into the 50's last night and I left the windows open in the tent. That together with a light steady breeze really cooled it off. I finally motivated myself, got out of bed, got ready to go and did a final gear check. I had everything except the most important thing: my permit for the hunt. I looked in all my stuff, in the truck and everywhere. It was no where to be found. So I thought maybe it blew out of the truck when I got out at my spot yesterday. So I laid back down and waited on daylight. I got up, went and looked and couldn't find it.
I called my wife and it was at home. I very sweetly asked her to bring and meet me at the interstate exit and headed out. They always have a checkpoint set up to check licenses, permits and hunters Ed cards so I figured a ticket was coming.
They weren't set up yet but were at the checking station, so I stopped and talked to them. I told them what happened and Mr. Bailey, the game warden who checks everybody asked me to step over to his truck and give him my hunting license. I thought I was in for it. He called Crossville on the radio and verified my permit and wrote the same on my license. Of course people were coming out by then and everybody saw him writing and I got quite a bit of razzing about getting a ticket. It was all in good fun of course.
After that, I came back to camp and fixed something to eat (some good ole fried bologna), took a nap and got ready for a hot evening hunt. I also talked to some friends from past years for a little catching up. It was an enjoyable afternoon after a very rough morning.
Afternoon:
Got up from my nap with a massive headache. I took some excedrin migraine and headed to the woods. It was hot and there wasn't much of a breeze down in the draw I was in. I did see about 30 turkeys move into the corn field and two does on the ridge across from where I was at. I just couldn't take a 60 yd. shot in the woods.
I came down to head back and moved my set up over towards the other ridge and the other end of the field. The guy camped behind me is hunting the second field next to me on the other end, so we decided to work together and hunt the closest ends with the deer moving between us. Maybe one of us will get a shot in the morning.
I'm fixing to eat a big bowl of camp stew from my neighbors. They asked to use my stove to heat it up and offered me some. It's got deer, potatoes, carrots and onions. It smells so good and I'm sure it will taste just as good. Then I'm gonna crash for the night and hit it again in the morning. Happy hunting y'all.
Totals so far: Bucks-1; doe-4
Morning:
I got up and left about 9 am this morning. I made a stop at the gas station for ice then Walmart for a couple more items and I was on my way. I arrived at camp about 10:30 am and got the truck unloaded and everything set up. Afterwards, I grabbed a bottle of water, some viennas and crackers and a peanut butter bar and kicked back for a bit.
The weather is unseasonably warm and dry so I went to get my spot set up. It is way off the beaten path and only accessible by atv or 4 wheel drive. I am set up between two very good food plots with water and thick cover close. My buddy, Sam, has hunted here a few times and has always saw deer. He sent me the GPS coordinates so it was easy to find. I have a good feeling and high hopes. I just hope I can navigate the terrain well in the dark in the morning.
I'm back at camp now eating some lunch and relaxing. I may even take a nap. I just wish I had brought my hammock. Oh well. I always seem to forget something and if that's all I forgot then I'm doing good.
Afternoon/Evening:
I took a nap (a big thank you to whoever invented the air mattress) and now I'm roaming seeing who is here from past years and who isn't. So far the guys that usually camp next to me haven't showed up. I have only seen a couple of people that I have seen or met before. So far there aren't very many people here. There are a lot of empty campsites which is very unusual. It is a 500 hunter quota and there are usually almost that many here on Fri.
I did talk to Clint and Joel, the game wardens who live here and saw some pictures of some very nice deer that were harvested last year on the first gun hunt. The was a 14 pointer, several nice 8's one of which dressed at 185 lbs. and a crazy looking non-typical 10 with a full double beam on one side. It wasn't wide but all three beams were tall with long G2's and G3's.
Maybe this weekend will hold some good luck, a lot of fun and help restock my freezer. Time to settle down and settle in for the night. I'm having mac and cheese with spam chunks for dinner. It's really good and an old favorite from my backpacking days. I'm gonna do a little star gazing and then hit the sack and get ready for 4 am in the morning. Happy hunting all.
Well, I have the truck packed and ready to head out in the morning. I keep everything pretty organized so it didn't take long. I keep my hunting gear and camping gear in totes so all I have to do is grab a tote and go. My food and cooking supplies were already boxed up so all I had to do was load it up. All I have to do is pack my camp clothes in the morning and I'm on my way. I always carry clothed just for wearing in camp so I can keep my hunting clothed scent free. I will take a scent free shower tonight and another one in the morning before I leave. I will also take my scent free soap to clean up with.
One of the best investments I have made was a 7 gallon water jug. It gives me plenty of water to wash up with, do dishes and spare water to drink if needed. After many years in the scouts, the military and camping and hunting, I have found you can't be too prepared. Also, over the years, it's seems the one thing people never have enough of is water. They seem to think of everything else but never seem to have enough fluids especially water.
Right now I'm enjoying time with my wife and getting ready for my shower and bed. I will post daily updates throughout the weekend. Goodnight y'all and see you tomorrow.
