Helmet Cam Test Run

It's been awhile since an update, so we thought we would share some video from Jim's new helmet cam. This little gem mounts just about anywhere and puts the viewer right in the action. Here is a sample that Jim took as he cruised the trails around Speculator on the Ski Doo. Just think of the possibilities...

2009 Southern Zone Opener

Had a great trip down to the southern zone for the Saturday opener of the regular firearms season. While the weather was warm and deer movement was slow, we were able to put a couple of bucks on the pole. Congrats to Dan for taking a great 8 pointer that is his best buck to date. Our crew also took a couple of coyotes out of a population that seems to be growing by leaps and bounds in this neck of the woods. Thanks to Badger for hosting our crazy cast of characters. While we all look forward to the hunting, its the time spent at camp with friends that keeps us coming back for more.

Bucks on the Move

Ed, William and Glen joined our regulars in camp this weekend and in total we saw 5 does and no bucks. Ed, who likes to sit all day, had a missed opportunity on a coyote because his rifle jammed. While the warm weather has dampened the daytime deer movement, the trail cameras reveal that the bucks are on the move. Here is a collage of 3 nice bucks taken this week. Listen for the grunts as the third buck appears:

Paella on Saturday night and a decent bear that wandered through this week.

Southern Exposure

Travelled down to the Southern tier for a couple of days to bow hunt at Camp Badger. Came home empty handed, but had a great time including a fun encounter with a buck who was dogging a small doe. Things are looking up and Hairbone and I are looking forward to heading down for the regular season opener in a few weeks. Here are a couple of pics from the trip:

Bucks Starting to Move

A check of the trail cameras revealed that the bucks are starting to move, albeit under the cover of darkness. In total we had pictures of over 10 different bucks, including a nice 8 point. This year we have a large crop of 1 1/2 year old bucks with several spikes and crotch horns. This is a big change given that some years we will be lucky to see a spikehorn. The thermometer topped out today at 62 degrees depressing the deer movement, but with a little luck things will turn around.






























Here is a video of a doe and fawn that gets rousted by young buck. Watch till the end and you will see that she is not very happy about it:

Opening Weekend

The woods were quiet for the opening weekend of the regular firearms season with a pouring rain on Saturday and only a couple of shots heard on Sunday. Justin joined Hairbone, his son and I for the hunt Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The trail cameras reveal that the deer are bedding down before first light and aren't exposing themselves until it’s too dark to shoot. The pre-rut, which is just around the corner should get things rolling, especially with all the does on the property. Here is the odd daytime video of a young buck out for a stroll this week:



Here are a couple of pics, including a snowshoe hare that I picked up on the trail camera: