Most observers, whether they get paid by a state agency to do it professionally or simply do it while they sit on the back porch swing, agree that Nov. 14 or so is usually the peak of the white-tailed deer rut in this neck of the woods.
Well, Nov. 14 was two days ago, so that means that bucks are still pretty active in seeking out female companionship, no matter how brief that liason may be.
The bottom line here is that now is the time to take your bow and arrow and go live in your treestand or groundblind. We all know that it is not the easiest thing in the world to get a very nice buck within 30 yards and then make the perfect shot to claim that animal.
If it was easy, then everybody would be doing it, everybody who bow hunts, that is.
This is a most exciting time to be a deer hunter, this rut period. Even hunters who have numerous trail cameras out are usually surprised by a buck that nobody has seen, either in person or on film.
The bruiser bucks, the ones who have survived a season or three, don’t prance about at any other time of the year, though it is sometimes possible to spot one in late summer, while they are still in velvet.
Ten days ago, while I was driving in the pre-dawn hours on W.Va. Route 93 in Grant County, one of those bruiser bucks walked across the highway part way between the turnoff to Dam #14 and the top of Walker’s Ridge. This is a wallhanger buck with very high tines. Whoever hunts that area has a nice one roaming around.
It was Nov. 6 and the buck was nose to highway, walking slowly across the blacktop. I hope he doesn’t get whacked by one of those coal or log trucks that fly low along that road on a daily basis.
I’m guessing that a doe had recently walked the same path now taken by the trophy buck. He was sure following his nose.
Michael A Sawyers - Outdoors
Bucks on the move
- Michael A Sawyers - Outdoors
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Tink was picture- perfect
At the end of our hallway is a room that has served a number of purposes. Originally it was Seth and Ryan's bedroom.
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Stuffing 10 pounds of outdoor news in a 5-pound bag
Pardon me if I use this Sunday to sit back and take a breath.
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Mountain State’s backyard backstraps
Homeowners’ associations in West Virginia, especially those in the Eastern Panhandle, are signing on with the Division of Natural Resources for special neighborhood archery hunts for the deer that are eating their ornamental and garden plants.
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Ten miles around the block
Jim and Robin Wiegand, who own and operate the Bassin’ Box in LaVale, have a vision of the upcoming deer season.
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Face spited! Nose gone!
There are pert near 6 million people who live in Maryland.
Each year, about 80,000 who are older than 15, but younger than 65 purchase what is called the Resident Regular Hunting License. -
Reintro of elk just fine by me
OK. I’ve decided. I’m for it.
I’m for the reintroduction of Rocky Mountain elk into Almost Maryland.
I mean it’s not like we’re talking about bringing zebras into Garrett and Allegany counties. -
New regs getting closer in Maryland
The Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service held two public meeting recently to discuss thoughts about hunting regulations for the next two seasons.
At the one in Annapolis on March 6, a little more than a dozen people attended.
But in Hagerstown on March 13, 160 hunters showed up to let their thoughts be known. Great turnout. -
Let’s get ready to gobble!
The thing I hate about Leap Year is that it makes for one more day that you have to wait until spring gobbler season opens.
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Md. DNR says no to handguns
If blue crabs grew to be 120 pounds in two years or maxed out in the 400- to 600-pound range, I guarantee you that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the General Assembly would collaborate to find a way to protect Marylanders who stick their toes in the Chesapeake Bay.
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Big increase in Md. hunting license price being considered
The Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service will seek by way of the General Assembly an astounding increase in the cost of hunting licenses. As of Friday morning the bill had not yet been filed.
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