I never even saw a deer during buck season this year. (However, I do give the best spots to guests.)
So yesterday, I set up in my "open country" blind just to do some reconnaissance during antlerless season. I did get lucky and managed to bag a nice doe.
Of course, my bucks are apparently quite capable of reading the Kansas hunting regulations. I had a big, heavy 10-pointer walk into me about 30 minutes before sunset. He would turn sideways toward me, survey the scene, and then walk 10 yards closer and repeat the process. Certainly the biggest buck I have ever had standing still in my scope at close range. I think I could have bagged him with a slingshot at his closest approach.
I hope he can avoid the poachers and make it to the rut and then to buck season next year!
The group of does that walked in later, alerted me to their presence by kicking up a cock pheasant, who loudly voiced his displeasure at being disturbed.
It appears my bird populations (quail, pheasant, and turkeys) are all recovering from our previous 2-1/2 year drought. After everybody gets a doe for their freezer, I think I need to get back out to the property with some of my buddies that have good bird dogs.
Sure was nice to take a break from work and just observe all of the wildlife in a happy state. As we finished up the field-dressing, the barred owls and the coyotes thought we would enjoy some music!
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