The Winds have Changed.

[allaboutshooting]

In Southern Illinois there is a definite chill in the air. We had a cold front move in last night, bringing with it some high winds and a good bit of rain. It really knocked the leaves off the trees and if now feels like fall.

I looked at a few sites this morning that normally have scrapes and rubs (none were there a couple of weeks ago) and they've been heavily used. I'd say the rut has begun.

In just 9 days the firearms deer season comes in here. It's always the weekend before Thanksgiving and for me, it's always been the official kick off of the fall season. Even after several decades of taking to the field, I still get excited just thinking about it.

There's just something special about the smell of the fall woods and then of course, being able to tell about your deer hunt around the Thanksgiving table.

I'd like to hear your traditions for the fall seasons.

Thanks,
Clark

[hookedspur]

Yours sounds like mine ! Don t you love it  ? My wife says I go into some kind of Rut for the hunt 2 times a year and each lasts about 6 months 

[ILIKEHEVI-13]

Well the rut starts here in Southeast MO right around Oct 25th each year.  You can count on it.  

[flintlock]

YOU KNOW THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

Had some knucklehead rear-end my van while I was sitting at a stop and total it out, so I won't be able to hunt Ky this weekend as I have for the last 30 years.   Good luck to my fellow hunters out this weekend, I will be w/you in spirit!

Wess

[vaturkey]

You're right Clark. Days in the fall woods are truly hard to beat. Good luck & be safe on your opener.




    vaturkey   

[anthonyjhallen]

Its wide about to be full throttle here in Maryland also.  I have been seeing alot more dead deer on the side of the road the past few days...

I have the next 4.5 days to hunt and its going to be awesome.

Good luck to all that are out there after ol swole neck.

[chatterbox]

Our firearms season started on the 9th for regular firearms. Not much sign yet, but hopefully that will change in the next few days.
We share the same traditions, Clark. Hunting on Thanksgiving is a special one for the family. Something special about being in the Autumn woods on Thanksgiving day.

[renegade19]

Speaking of winds, plenty blustery in Southern Illinois today.

[allaboutshooting]

Speaking of winds, plenty blustery in Southern Illinois today.

It was crazy here. Gusts up to 55 mph and pretty much constant wind all day, night and again today!

Thanks,
Clark

[Cove]

Speaking of winds, plenty blustery in Southern Illinois today.

It was crazy here. Gusts up to 55 mph and pretty much constant wind all day, night and again today!

Thanks,
Clark

Those winds killed my trip, I sat them out but was the only one in camp to brave it. Limbs falling and debri flying everywhere. It seemed to have the deer movement suppressed as well. Thursday and Friday were the only 2 good days we had on the trip, I saw 1 trail camera shooter Friday morning outside of bow range and my brother missed a stud Friday afternoon (he guesses mid 160s). All public land in Southern Illinois, had a climber and a set of climbing sticks stolen on the trip. It was a rough go. 

Clark, does the rutting activity last through November in your experience? Thinking of going up for a few days after Thanksgiving but have never been up that late.

[allaboutshooting]

Speaking of winds, plenty blustery in Southern Illinois today.

It was crazy here. Gusts up to 55 mph and pretty much constant wind all day, night and again today!

Thanks,
Clark

Those winds killed my trip, I sat them out but was the only one in camp to brave it. Limbs falling and debri flying everywhere. It seemed to have the deer movement suppressed as well. Thursday and Friday were the only 2 good days we had on the trip, I saw 1 trail camera shooter Friday morning outside of bow range and my brother missed a stud Friday afternoon (he guesses mid 160s). All public land in Southern Illinois, had a climber and a set of climbing sticks stolen on the trip. It was a rough go. 

Clark, does the rutting activity last through November in your experience? Thinking of going up for a few days after Thanksgiving but have never been up that late.

That was a rough spot. Deer just weren't moving much in that wind. It has really picked up now.

We're probably at the peak of the rut this weekend but in my experience, there will be lots of activity through the second week of December. Just after Thanksgiving should be a great time. If I can help, just let me know.

Thanks,
Clark

[Cove]

Thanks. With a favorable weather forecast we may be return after Thanksgiving.