Monday, Oct. 16, 2023

 



  Since we hunt as a team, Jim and I had our plans change in the early morning today. We had planned on going into an area after work to try our hand at killing a buck that has been teasing us. We never got a chance to do that because Brian killed it around 9 a.m. He was excited to get on the board with a small 8 during early muzzleloader season. 

  He hasn't been himself this year, and I hope this deer will bring him back to his normal self. Brian tends to keep things inside, and I've had a difficult time figuring out what is going on. He doesn't seem to have much interest in hunting -- or at least hunting with us. 

  After finding out the good news, Jim and I decided to scout a new area. We knew it would kick our ass, but we still decided to strap on our backpacks and give it out best shot. Last weekend, Jim met an 87-year-old man at a wedding, and the man shared a lot of information about a few new areas we've been trying, so we headed to one of his old haunts to see what we could find. 

  It was a brutal climb to attempt after work. We scale small, rocky cliffs and made our way onto an oak flat that was under another cliff. When we got onto the flat, there were rubs and scrapes everywhere. Although it was loaded with sign, I'm not sure there is any way to hunt it without blowing it up. I think you would have to get lucky to shoot a deer on the flat. The access is too difficult. Jimmy wanted to put a camera on a scrape, so we did that an continued to check out some more areas. 

  After a short walk through a great beech flat, we found what I call a money spot. It was a small opening in the middle of the woods. Sunlight could easily light it up, and a small beech stood out in the middle of it. There was no mistaking the scape under the beech, and I'm almost certain a big buck could be killed in the place. However, due to the difficulty getting to it, I most likely will not hunt the area. It was in an area built for young men who are motivated and in great shape. While I could hunt it, I choose to hunt places that are easier to get to. I think Jimmy might get the job done here, though. 


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