Ya, I really think that some bucks with a small core area are pretty hard to push out. They may get nocturnal, but rarely completely leave the area. This was the first time I have ever hunted in the "sanctuary" of that property and decided with only a few days left for the season it was worth a risk and this time it paid off big. In fact, he was out in a small opening in the timber a full hour before dark. Apparently he spent most of his time in that small area because I had never seen him other than photos prior to that hunt. Thanks again to all for your congrats. Best of luck!
Thanks. That is a Knight Long Range Hunter in .50 cal. A little heavy for carrying around, but a great muzzleloader to sit with.
A stud of a buck Fletch no doubt!! Is this your biggest buck ever? A big congratulation's to you my friend!!! Any chances you may have a bigger one roaming the property? You know If you keep shooting big bucks like this were all going to expect nothing smaller then 160 class bucks from you from here on out!! Hell of a buck again Fletch, you've got your **** together!!!
Thanks Schultzy, This is my second largest buck. Two years ago I killed the buck in my avatar with a bow and it grossed 185". This was the biggest buck that I was aware of for this year, but once the rut hits, I never know what might show up. So, I have my fingers crossed that a neighboring deer might come through that could be bigger. If you are expecting nothing but 160's or better from me, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. lol. I will likely shoot anything pushing 150's or better with my bow and be very happy. Here is a trail cam photo of this deer. This was the only time I got his photo this summer.
great buck. not sure my nerves would allow me to be calm enough to harvest such a buck. congrats to you.
Hey Fletch if you dont mind discussing this, how much ground do you hunt/own?( have exclusive rights too) in Iowa and out of curiosty what is your rough percentage of timber to fields ratio on those propertys.
I own one property of 125 acres. I have exclusive on another 900 adjacent with one friend. He owns another 300 or so. I also own another 66 acre piece that is boardered by about 5000 acres of public forrest. I am considering selling the 66 acre parcel to add to my other property. The ground we hunt is roughly 2/3 timber and 1/3 fields. A lot of creeks and small ponds for water. We work pretty hard to manage the ground for wildlife and try to kill a lot of does. We maintain several sanctuary areas. It has been a huge amount of work the last 6 years, but as you can see, it is really starting to pay off.
Thanks Fletch, for the break down. After hunting my buddys place last Fall and getting a great taste of Iowa Whitetail country, I am just naturally interested in what is your recipe for producing the type of bucks you are killing. Nicely done, living a dream imo when it comes to Whitetails. I absolutely loved hunting out there. I am looking forward to my return 2 more seasons.
Fletch, good for you and your success. You deserve it. Awesome season so far and I cannot wait to hear of your future dents to the deer herd.
We are truely blessed with a perfect recipe for producing some huge whitetails. It's really why I stayed here after college. Most of my buddies took off for bigger money but I was more driven by the slower lifestyle and outdoor opportunities. I wouldnt change a thing. It has been a great place to raise a family. And the hunting hasnt been too bad either. ha! When you are coming back to Iowa, give me a call and I'll give you the tour. I might find a tree you could do some closer inspection from. lol.
Anything pushing 150 with a bow makes you happy...you live in a different world than me, Fletch! I have never seen a buck approaching that many inches in my life. Sounds like you make your own "luck" though. And like you said below... I did the same in regards for fishing. I turned down higher paying jobs to stay in this area, and I wouldn't change that decision. Great place to raise a family and I have good trout and steelhead fishing all year.
You in Zone 4 or 5? I will be in 4. Yeah I'd love to come by, visit, see your bucks, place etc.. be really cool. I kind of did the same thing out here, I didnt get to far from the nest, Figured I would have a hard time finding a much better place to raise my sons, out in elk and whitetail country. Idaho just has such a amazing diversity and the country here is pretty incredible. I will admit though the whitetail bowhunting here is nothing like what I experienced in Iowa on good ground and my bud, like you, has GREAT ground, well managed, around 500 acres.. etc. I am going to own some land in the mid west Lord willing. I'd like a permanent whitetail get away to enjoy with my boys, working on it now. Probably always keep our place out here too.
Zone 5. Would love to show you around. Sounds like you and Vito and I (and probably several others here) all had the same ideas when it came to being happy. Money helps, but not if you dont have time to do the things you really love. And spend time with the ones you really love. Good luck on finding your dream property and let me know if I can help.
