2009.01.02
Ralph Barton sticks it out, kills another buck
Ralph Barton just sent me this shot of the buck he killed on New Year's Day. I thought he captured the atmosphere of late-season hunting pretty well so I'll just drop his story here:
"I know the blog doesn't get a lot of deer hunting activity as the season winds down so I thought I'd send my comments on late season hunting and a photo of a buck I harvested yesterday. I took the deer on National forest land in Botetourt County. He doesn't sport a trophy rack but he is a mature deer with a large body. And after enduring brutal temperatures and high winds over the the past week I was very happy with this hard-earned buck. I also harvested a large mature doe on New Year's Eve.
If I could send a message to my fellow hunters I would say, "Get out there and hunt!!! It ain't over till it's over!!!"
So many hunters hang up the camo after he November rut and firearms season but we still have some GREAT hunting in this area in the late season. As an example I hunted six days between December 23rd and January 1st. In those six days I had a total of 28 deer sightings and this was on public land. Five of the deer were bucks. (One of the bucks had already shed one of his antlers). Even though December can be very cold this can actually help with hunting strategy. On those mornings in the "teens" I hunt stands on the mountain slopes that get the first morning sunshine and have wind protection. Almost all the deer I saw in the last week were heading to this type of bedding areas."
Thanks for the inspiration, Ralph! For my part, I hope to get out there for one final deer hunt on Saturday, the final day.
I have a few pictures in the hopper and I'll do my best to get them posted over the next couple of days. If you have sent me a picture this season and it hasn't made it up here, please try again. I may have misplaced the file or there might have been another problem with it.
Good job sticking it out Ralph! I went today and had three walk right up on me and I was eating a sandwhich. Of course I tried grabbing my bow but my soda fell and the rest is history! What a way to end the season for me! Oh well, it's been fun this year. Way to go Ralph on a fine looking buck and a great season!
Comment by J.R. Mitchell — January 2, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
Ralph well done. The pose with the harvested animal speaks of how proud hunters should be.
Thank you for submitting the photo of a great animal.
Comment by Static Lines — January 5, 2009 @ 3:38 am
Thanks for the feedback guys !!!
As for the comment on the photos I really appreciate it. I truly do want to honor ALL the animals I take and I try to get the best photos I can. To me every animal is a trophy whether it's big or small, whether it's a doe or a buck... and every hunt is a fond memory. It's been a great Season and I feel very blessed. I bagged a couple of nice bucks and a couple does, my first BEAR with a Bow, and a Bobcat!!!
J.R. those Deer will show up at the darndest times I know.... it is amazing how they do that. I can't even tell you how many times they've caught me with my guard down over the years. The only advice I can offer on hunting those wily whitetails is EXPECT the UNEXPECTED!
By the way... how's the family? Are they still hunters and fisherman? I haven't seen any of them for a number of years.
Comment by Ralph Barton — January 5, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
Thanks Ralph, yes they are unpredictable! But I am proud of myself because this year is the first year out of 7, that I have had so many walk right on top of me. As a bowhunter, that's what I need, and I was blessed to have that take place. It's up to me though to capitalize on shots, and sometimes I feel as if I left "luck" at home.
Yeah Ralph family is doing good. Lost my grandma and aunt in 08', Junior is making long bows and Jim and Robby still hunt. We all still try to fish some, but I sold my bass boat a few years back. Just got burnt out on fishing tournaments! Keep in touch, and maybe I can get Mark to send you my email address since we can not post it on here.
--Sending Ralph your e-mail now, JR. mt
Comment by J.R. Mitchell — January 6, 2009 @ 6:38 pm