Kentucky Hunting Trip

[Kentucky Colonel]

As some of you know, I travelled to Kentucky in June to scout 
an old abandoned farm owned by the father of a close friend. 

We have taken to calling this site Camp Oakrey, after the last 
family member to leave back in the 30's: Grandpa Oakrey. The 
blue is from tracking software we were employing as we hiked.

(NOTE? If this actually Googles and locates? Alert me. I will take this down ASAP!)

We set two cameras at baited sites: one with apples and a trophy rock 
and the other with a trophy rock, corn, and deer attractant. 

Due to life being life, my friends just got back to check the sites 
today. The plan was to set up a blind at each site. (One of these friends 
also visits this site from time to time. I forgive him for becoming a Hoosier. :lol

Site one (Point 4) was thieved. Camera and trophy rock were gone. I suspect 
they tracked us. It was muddy that day on that end of the property. 
I even think I know who. As they are also illegal cock fight breeders, I am 
surprised they had the gaul to risk it.
(Shrugs)
I do not have kind words for them whoever they may be.
We did not place a blind there. 

Site two was with the newer camera and the extra bait. Thieves did not 
discover this one. This is at point 11.

I must admit, I am excited and looking forward to hunting with my friends 
in October. 

In July, 250 shots of these fellas were taken along with a lot of nosy raccoons. 
Once the food ran out, they were a little less frequent, but still present. These fellas 
look young and healthy to me. The trophy rock was pitted and showed hoof marks. 

A blind was set up here. 

So, I will leave you with this other pic as I dream deer dreams... 
Good hunting, guys. 

PS. Wildgame Innovations does not have Apple friendly products. I will do a product review later, 
but as an Apple user, I am less than impressed. Thank God my friends are PC.

PPS. The pics we got of Bigfoot are pending sale. :tongue:

 

[patocazador]

The buck in the background is a nice mature buck not a youngster. That's the one to target if possible.

 

[Okie Hog]

Those are very nice bucks.  They may still be there in deer season.

 

[RonRC]

Going after those bucks looks like fun!
Is there a hunting season when you can get a license to hunt those thieves?

Ron

 

[Kentucky Colonel]

I wish I could hunt the thieves! 

Any thoughts about the set up? I am all ears. 

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

Is the younger buck gonna taste better than the older one?

Ron, your copy of the photo has a face to the left of the deer... :affraid:

 

[RonRC]

That's bigfoot hiding in the shrubs.
Ron

 

[hawgslayer1]

Good luck on harvesting the bucks but I'd be on full alert for that creature in the brush. Could be you may have to fight him for that meat. :slaps:

Ray............. :Scucks:

 

[lighthorseman]

Colonel

no expert in regards to eastern whitetail hunting, but, and I may be "telling grandma how to suck eggs" but try and cypher where the prevailing wind is coming from. Since the area is so open, I'd think a tree stand would be an advantage.

Those two are close enough in age that the flavor should be about the same.....personally I'd take the older one and let the younger one grow some more. I personally don't think that age effects the taste of the meat until they get old enough that their testosterone drops significantly and their teeth are wore down significantly so they're not getting sufficient nutriments or fat deposits..at about 7-8 years old. These guys if I had to guess are about 3-4 years old...younger one maybe 2. But again not an expert.

The downed trees would be a possible place to do a ground blind, if it works with the wind.

I guess it's not that much different than Idaho whitetails, when I think about it...cause I'd do the same here.

"telling grandma how to suck eggs"is an old Britisih saying......so no offense intended! :thumbs up:

 

[patocazador]

Just an observation but the "younger" buck may not be younger. He may just have a lesser spread due to genetics.

You really can't age a buck by the antlers. Check the teeth. 

 

[lighthorseman]

Bob

I originally wrote a similar comment based on the length of times rather than "spread".......my observation  was they may be more the same age, rather than one older than the other.....maybe even twin brothers......but as you say, unless you got a tranq gun or you otherwise put them on the ground or in a squeeze chute there's no way to know for certain. Thing is on the opening day of the season, there will likely be no need for debate. They may not show up or a bigger one may and make these photos a distant memory! :lol:

 

[Kentucky Colonel]

Lovin' the commentary, guys, Thanks.

I have decided to take the one with the bigger rack if given 
the choice... as this has always been my tendency. 

Plus, I can't check teeth unless I bag 'em both. Doubtful. 
If there is no certain flavor benefit? Go for the points! I love 
antler to work with.

But, the clincher? I like his hide... It has a nice red tinge. 

Now, if I can avoid the thieves, cock fighters, and Bigfoot? 
And, get a little luck? I might just have a chance! 

I am having fun.

 

[JLBSparks]

The 10pt has a longer, flatter face than the 8pt. Age, not only genetics, is responsible for the larger rack.

    -Joe

 

[patocazador]

Colonel, the red coat is a summer pelage and by the time you hunt him he may have a gray or brown coat.

 

[RonRC]

Lovin' the commentary, guys, Thanks.

I am having fun.

And "fun is the operative word!"   
Hope you have a great time!
Ron

 

[Newtire]

Colonel, the red coat is a summer pelage and by the time you hunt him he may have a gray or brown coat.

Maybe, but I predict that if he gets him, it will be "tinged" red again......

 

[patocazador]

Maybe, but I predict that if he gets him, it will be "tinged" red again......

Yeah, hopefully on both sides. :twisted:

 

[Kentucky Colonel]

Here are those Bigfoot shots I told you we got... 

 

[patocazador]

Chewbaccas.