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Rifle Opener Strategy
#3710235
10/31/12 05:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,056
rstewlandman
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Alright, so this is the LONGEST week ever and I have opening day fever...with that said, I shall post to get opinions of strategy for Saturday. We hunt 700+ Acres in Menard County and it is beautiful and green, the goats were removed because of the drought and have not been replaced, the grass and brush are plentiful as are the acorns. That said I expect to see deer at the feeders, but in limited numbers. In the past we rattle, find trails, still hunt and the whole nine when we have these type conditions. From what I hear and read the bucks are chasing early out there (we will see). No one bow hunts the place and 5 of the 6 lease guys will be in camp. I am sure I will sit in a stand opening morning, but wanted everyone's input on the best strategy to bag ol big boy when range conditions are so plush....don't give me the find an Oak tree, because there are a ton of oaks.
Thanks- Rick
Last edited by rstewlandman; 10/31/12 05:56 PM.
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710250
10/31/12 06:01 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
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Find the one Oak Tree they are going to, one will have better tasting acorns than the others. Also look for burr clover and Texas Fillaree. Those plants will attract deer. Add some corn to these spots and you got a better chance for success.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: stxranchman]
#3710288
10/31/12 06:11 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,056
rstewlandman
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glad I asked, I had to google burr clover and Texas Fillaree, I will be on the lookout, as to finding that right tree, I will try and keep an eye out for activity around a specific tree, however, I think that is easier said than done. Thanks a lot for the tip, and I am glad I asked
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710314
10/31/12 06:16 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
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That right tree will not have many acorns on the ground and the ground will be torn up.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: stxranchman]
#3710331
10/31/12 06:19 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
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rstewlandman
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Kinda what I was thinking....I am sure I will get out and try the rattles. We have a creek (Dry) that cuts 1/3 of the Ranch off and the other guys who are mostly old won't go over there, I like to walk it and rattle. While I am doing that I am going to look for the vegetation and good sign under an oak
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710385
10/31/12 06:33 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
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You are about 2-3 weeks till the rut. Rattling might draw one to you. Don't forget a grunt call. I have had great success with it when they would not respond to rattling. Talked to a buddy this morning at Brady and he said bucks were dogging the doe this morning when he was sitting out.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: stxranchman]
#3710393
10/31/12 06:36 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 19,100
dgilbert
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Try to find where the more mature bucks are feeding, because it is not the feeders, moving around, more scouting.
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: dgilbert]
#3710474
10/31/12 06:54 PM
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rstewlandman
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I figured it was early on the rut, just had some folks say they were doing some chasing on the place, whether that is true, who knows. I will give the ole grunt a shot, I have never had any luck with it, other than getting a deer to turn. But then again, I hadn't had any luck with rattling until I gave it a real effort, so I will do some grunting too and see what happens. There are only two water sources on the place, one near camp and one by a deeder, the "water well" is always a prime spot....but with all the green vegetation I doubt they will require much water, which changes the way they may travel and mature feeding grounds. We have so many deer out there, it gets hard to pattern where the big boys go, especially if there is any chase. I wish I lived closer so I could scout more ahead of time, but, its not the case.
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710484
10/31/12 06:56 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Also use your trail cams in likely spots so you can hunt the best looking sign and let the cams hunt the other ones for you.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: dgilbert]
#3710495
10/31/12 06:59 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 11,283
Pope&Young
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When the bucks are chasing they will need water more often so hunt the deer’s watering source. Not only that the does will be frequenting the water with the warmer weather this weekend.
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: Pope&Young]
#3710597
10/31/12 07:22 PM
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rstewlandman
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Good call, I usually don't even use my cams out there because of the numbers, I know that is silly, but I will get thousands of pics for doe and young bucks on the feeders, I think I will take the cam out and set it on trails and suspected trees. I will Also hunt the water when possible, it is the most sought after stand on the place and we draw opening day. But given the chance that is where I will go.
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710672
10/31/12 07:43 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,858
Texan Til I Die
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Not sure about Menard, but at the ranch I hunt the fillaree is incredible this year. All of the bare dirt where the grass died off during the drought is solid with it.
I'm going to spend a lot of time rattling and calling in the mornings, then sit on a wheat field in the afternoons. The only feeder I might hunt is on a heavy travel route to/from one of our wheat fields.
Silver spurs and gold tequila keep me hanging on. Pretty girls and old cantinas give me shelter from the storm.
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: Texan Til I Die]
#3710735
10/31/12 07:58 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 17,104
Closed Traverse
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i will still hunt first thing in the morning in a blind. Then get out at mid morning and start rattling/grunting find scrapes and acorns.
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: Closed Traverse]
#3710862
10/31/12 08:34 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,056
rstewlandman
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i will still hunt first thing in the morning in a blind. Then get out at mid morning and start rattling/grunting find scrapes and acorns. That will be my plan for the opener as well. But now I am going to take a look at some of the vegetation mentioned and make use of a game cam for off normal location sitting
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710897
10/31/12 08:41 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 446
Czechaholic
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Bird Dog
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rstewlandman.............I will be in your neck of the woods hunting this weekend.....looked like they were starting to chase last weekend while I was bowhunting. Are they getting after it over that way now??
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: Czechaholic]
#3710916
10/31/12 08:48 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
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rstewlandman
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If your speaking of the Brownsboro Area, I do believe they are starting, however, I haven't sat and watched any so couldn't say for sure. I saw a nice young buck the other morning on my way in who appeared to be on his own and searching. Then I saw a young buck dead on the road this morning....neither of which mean much, but I watch the area pretty hard and see lots of hints such as this when things start picking up.
As to Menard County, I was out there a month ago and there was lots and lots of deer and TONS of Turkey, we filled feeders and what not. The other couple of folks were out there this past weekend and said they say some chasing....but who knows.
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710939
10/31/12 08:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 446
Czechaholic
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Bird Dog
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If your speaking of the Brownsboro Area, I do believe they are starting, however, I haven't sat and watched any so couldn't say for sure. I saw a nice young buck the other morning on my way in who appeared to be on his own and searching. Then I saw a young buck dead on the road this morning....neither of which mean much, but I watch the area pretty hard and see lots of hints such as this when things start picking up.
As to Menard County, I was out there a month ago and there was lots and lots of deer and TONS of Turkey, we filled feeders and what not. The other couple of folks were out there this past weekend and said they say some chasing....but who knows. Sorry, I meant the Brownsboro area
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: Czechaholic]
#3710949
10/31/12 08:56 PM
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Posts: 3,056
rstewlandman
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I figured, I drive in from Bboro to Tyler everyday and between me and Chandler I see a lot of deer. T
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710956
10/31/12 08:58 PM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,925
DFWPI
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3710958
10/31/12 08:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 446
Czechaholic
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Thats where we are....between Brownsboro and Chandler....just north of the railroad and kickapoo creek
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: Czechaholic]
#3710961
10/31/12 08:59 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,283
Texas Dan
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With the bucks now in the chase phase and the moon just going out of being full, I'll do my best to stay on the stand for as long as possible. That means not evening thinking of leaving until 11am Saturday morning, and returning no later than 2pm.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: Texas Dan]
#3710974
10/31/12 09:04 PM
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Posts: 3,056
rstewlandman
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Dan, don't you know the Aggies play at 11? 1045 - when ever they are done beating the hell out of Mississippi State.
Ok...Just kidding, kinda, I will judge my stand sitting with activity and temperature. if its slow and Hot, I am either out and walking, or listening to the game. If it is steady or if I have " a feeling" I will hang out as well
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3711433
10/31/12 11:33 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 165
blancoman
Woodsman
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Woodsman
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OK guys here we go. I live on my hunting property and I heard the bucks grunting from the porch two nights ago. Rut is here. But grunts do not necessarily mean Rut is on. HOWEVER when you start to see deer roadkilled that means they are running and chasing. I saw three dead dear this morning. A good indicator that the rut is on and only a coupla days before season opener. Good luck.
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: rstewlandman]
#3711472
10/31/12 11:48 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Texas Dan
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Dan, don't you know the Aggies play at 11? 1045 - when ever they are done beating the hell out of Mississippi State. I'm looking for the Aggies to win this one. But whatever the outcome, with both teams dressed out in maroon and/or white, it's going to have all the appearance of an Aggie or MSU Spring Game. I look for the Aggies to win by at least 10. But hey, thanks for the reminder. I'll be sure to take the pocket radio and ear buds. Heck, with something to occupy the lunchtime slow down, I may just stay all day.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Rifle Opener Strategy
[Re: Texas Dan]
#3713455
11/01/12 03:57 PM
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rstewlandman
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Sounds like a plan Dan. I think the Ags will be fine this weekend as well, they should play up on the road against a ranked opponent and I think they are the better team...two touchdowns is my prediction, but that is pretty close to 10.
As to hunting the noon hour, I think that with the moon still shining bright the noon hour may be as good a time as any
the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall up it
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