Two thumbs up Carl. Thread of the year. Funny thing I’m watching this and the wife asks”what you watching”. I say” just a video on my hunting site”. Lol.
I'm back from deer hunting, here are just a couple pics to get you a flavor of hunting in the far western U.P. near the Porcupine Mountain a few miles south of Lake Superior. First off, the main logging road I ride in on was washed out over a stream about 200yds from the old county road. A beaver dam gave way in this past Spring during heavy rain. I didn't even bother unloading the 4 wheeler on opening day. I just walked in the 2 or so miles to where I wanted to start to hunt. I covered 4-6 miles a day while hunting on top of the walk in & out. I knew there was a decent buck around the area I was hunting as it is prime country. Cover, water, terrain and most importantly, doe travel through it. I did have something fun & unusual happen. I was slow walking up a hill when I saw movement above me about 80yds. It was in the big hardwoods but it was behind a cluster of trees. I edged closer as it put it's head down to feed in the acorns. I got within 40yds in the quiet snow before the young doe turned & looked down at me. It turned around as I stood still but didn't run off. After a few minutes of it bobbing it's head to get me to move, I raised up my leg & dropped it back down mimicking the behavior I'd seen doe do in the past. I'll be darned, the young one was began walking down the slope toward me. It was not alarmed as I raised my leg & dropped it again. After a few minutes it was within 15yds. It took maybe 10 minutes before it moved off, continuing to my left. I moved further up the hill in search of more. About 10 minutes later I did see 3 more. Those were doe too. Later in the afternoon I passed up a shot on a 4 point I had in the crosshairs. Next day was a bit breezy & the deer were laying down and difficult to approach. Slow walking was the plan. I did see 5 that day but no horns were displayed. Thrill of the day, seeing this rather fresh wolf track. It was among the biggest I've seen & was likely only about 2-3 hours old. I laid a 30-06 round in the track to give you an idea of size. It was a good week for the most part. My hunt was cut short as I had to leave the woods to handle the affairs of my old hunting partner. He's now 86 & was hospitalized again. Despite him telling me to stay & hunt, I am obligated to secure his home & property as his power of attorney. The trip home was uneventful, though it was slow going on the Mackinaw Bridge because of cross winds & gusts.
JR in KY said: "You gonna keep going UP there messing around and a Wolf is going to eat you for lunch." I appreciate your concern. I presume you'll want to come along on the next trip so's you can protect me. I expect you to protect the hell out of me when we see another one. That'll clear one off your bucket list too! There's room in the camper & I won't even make you sleep with Eva. Bring your cold weather gear as it may get a little cool.