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

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.

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

That right tree will not have many acorns on the ground and the ground will be torn up.

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

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.

Try to find where the more mature bucks are feeding, because it is not the feeders, moving around, more scouting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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??

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

I figured, I drive in from Bboro to Tyler everyday and between me and Chandler I see a lot of deer. T

Hunt all day

Thats where we are....between Brownsboro and Chandler....just north of the railroad and kickapoo creek

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.

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

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.

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.

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