I am sitting here watching football and thinking back on an amazing season of hunting. I entered the 2008 season as only my 3rd year hunting. Without a deer on my resume yet I was really hoping this would be my year to change that. My season started on the second day of the Illinois season. I began my season with a stop by the offices of Todd and Justin at Bowhunting.com. After picking up my new Lone Wolf Alpha stand and Lone Wolf Climbing sticks I was on my way. The next morning I was in the woods long before sunrise but other then a few squirrels it was a quiet morning. The rest of the weekend was no different so back home and to work it was. I was fortunate to draw a 5 day only pass on some public land not 20 minutes from my house. After talking with DukeMichaels about it for awhile I wasn't to excited about this location but decided I would give it a shot anyways. I arrived October 7th early and set up on the side of a hill overlooking a dried creek bed. The morning was quiet until I had a small 3 point come in to 8 yards of my stand. Totally unaware of me overhead he slowly made his way down the creek bed and out of sight. The afternoon started out just as quiet. Just as the sun was setting I heard a sound over my left shoulder. I turned around and noticed what appeared to be a doe coming up the creek bed in my direction. In the fading light I was able to determine that this appeared to be a decent doe and if the shot presented itself I would take it. The deer came behind me and to 11 yards. In the fading light I drew my bow and got ready for the shot. Just as I was releasing I lost sight of my peep but heard a whack that I had never heard before and can still hear it today. I spent an hour in the tree before finally deciding to get down. I managed to get my stand and all my sticks down when I heard the deer move again. I elected to back out and return in the morning. Upon my return I was shocked to find my deer right where I expected but still alive. I quickly ran back to my truck to get my bow so I could put an end to an amazing hunt! As I got to 5 yards to take my second shot I realized that I had shot the 3 pointer that I uncounted the morning before. Feeling really terrible about this I waited for Peakrut and DukeMichaels to come over. Peak helped me field dress and Duke came by and take some photo's for me. The next several weeks of my season were very uneventful. Then an offer in early November to join Dr. Andy and Rob/PA in a section of IL that has been known to produce some monster bucks was made to me. I quickly jumped at the chance to join them. I arrived at camp to find that Todd Graf had come by for the evening to join us for dinner. We all had a great time telling stories and getting ready for the next days hunt. We ended up not getting any deer on that trip but I can honestly say that we all had a wonderful time! Even with Rob's loud snoring all night! My final hunt of the season was a short one but most memorable. I was asked to join Camo500efi to hunt some land near my house that he has access to. We got out early and he put me in a tree where he had seen numerous deer signs all season. The morning was very quiet and when a couple with a dog walked by me at 10 yards I decided it was time to pack up and get in the warmth. At this point I was no longer able to feel my toes and Camo500efi was starting to feel the effects of it also. I am hoping to get out and do some shed hunting for the first time ever this year but as of today I feel that my season has finally come to and end. I was lucky enough to be asked to attend the 2009 ATA show in Indy the last couple days. I arrived in Indy only knowing a small n
Looks like you had a great season and were able to meet quite a few good people in the sport as well. Thanks for sharing.
Congrats on the season. Looked like a real good one. If you apply again for a Moraine Hills hunting location.. talk with me first and I'll give you the low-down on the best areas. And we'll get together and out on a shed hunt soon.. and find some bone. By bone I mean antlers of course.
Don't think that you needed to clarify what you meant. I wouldn't have taken it any other way. I did notice that you called me back this morning but I haven't even listened to any messages. Party at my place in 2 weeks from yesterday! Be ready!!!
Hey Fergus I think Jay Gregory is looking for you or was it Mark Drury?:d Congrats on your season and first bowkill. And way to go with all of the contacts you made at the show. It was good seeing you again and I had a fun time on Thursday night visiting and tipping a few with you and the BH.com guys. The entertainment was ok too.
It was truely a pleasure JM. Are you planning on going to the Illinois Deer Classic at the end of February? I am hoping to but won't know for a few weeks if I can make it. If I don't see you then I look forward to seeing you at the campsite at the end of June! Tell your daughter not to schedule anything for you this time!
Yes I am planning on going to the IL Deer Classic. I usually try to make it on Sunday, that way all of the deer heads are on display. Mobow has said he would be interested again this year too. See ya there!
Nice season there Ferg! That must have been awesome to meet all those people and see the archery stuff @ the ATA show. I would love to go that, maybe I can plan on going w/you guys.
Can't complain my self. Shot two does, one early & one late season. Bowtech Tribute was singing again! Also nabbed on during gun season. Freezer's full. Bought some stands to put up on some land I lease. Hopefully 09' will produce a buck. earlys season doe late season buck w/antlers already shed
nice recap fergy! plus cool pics! thx for the advice for Channel, we did ok but had a ton of fun!!!!! see ya next week=-)
Glad that you were able to get out and fish over the weekend. I meant to call you so you could take some notes for me. I have a tournament on that lake in a few weeks. But hopefully next season you and I can get out and do some hunting together. I listened to the voicemail message you left me today and that was one of the funniest things I have ever heard! Talk to you Wednesday!
What can I say LOL, I snore when I'm extremely tired or have been drinking. It's the only time I sleep soundly. ;-) Great recap Fergie, it was my pleasure to spend time in camp together. Thanks.
Funny? You mean I'm not up there because I'm one of the 'celebs'? Drat. I've never seen the Campbell's show with JZ and I so I hit up Jeremy Leu. He tossed me the DVD with our scary mugs on the cover. I held up the DVD cover a couple of times (for fun) and said look, I'm a 'Pro'!! It was kind of funny. I did actually have two guys recognize me from that show. That was weird. Anyhow, when we got home K put the DVD in. (I'm kind of scared to watch it) Anyhow, it was the wrong DVD in the cover. ....so I still haven't seen the show.
