Cobenn Bolden on deer scouting

Latest Deer Season

Dear MAHA,

I wanted to take time and thank you all for a great hunt this year. I could not believe the number of deer sightings I had during my two-week hunt. If I told you the numbers most would consider this letter BS so I’ll keep them to myself. However, I will tell you that the majority of deer where young bucks, and that I did manage to pass on 4 bucks that would have made the P&Y Book. The one-buck that I wanted, a humongous 8 point, put on an awesome show for 20 minutes while tending 3 does across a huge field only to cut in front me at 65 yards. I tried every trick in the book to get him to come a little closer, but he was focused on his ladies. I guess one buck’s weakness is another buck’s strength if you know what I mean. Anyhow, I came home with an empty tag and a truck full of memories. Looking forward to next year.

Thanks for all your hard work, Cobenn

The Second Hunt On A Recent Season

Dear MAHA Staff

This has been my third hunting season as a member of the club. I have had the opportunity to hunt 2 to 3 different regions in 2 two different states. I am hoping to be drawn for the third state in the near future. Regardless, each adventure has been filled with excitement, new people, and great hunting. My most recent rifle hunt ended with the biggest deer of my career. A 150 inch 10 point that came to within 35 yards of my location before I decided to fill my tag. The greatest part of the adventure was the few gun shots that I heard each day. I expected to hear a war similar to other states that I hunt, but the silence provided the tranquility and spiritual relief that I have never been able to receive during rifle season. Thank you for your dedication that provides sportsmen with the opportunity to chase their dreams and fill their freezers.
Sincerely,
Cobenn
WV Member

Recent Deer Season

Successful again without pre-season scouting, just coming out to scout and hunt.

Cobenn writes:

MAHA Staff,
I just wanted to thank you for another successful archery season. It was a very interesting, but short trip. I arrived to my destination Thursday Oct 28 and started scouting my reserved farm that morning. That farm looked good, but I found several stand sites from another member and I decided to back off. I called the office and got the go ahead to scout another farm that afternoon. This farm had the perfect layout, and I found two awesome locations to hang stands. It was getting late so decided to hang them Friday. I drove around the following morning watching fields and trying to figure out what size of game I should set my expectations on. (I did see a nice 140 class 10 point that got my heart pumping). Once the office opened, I called in to get permission to hang the two stands I scouted the day before. However, I found out that the property was already reserved. I then asked about a third property that had caught my attention from the Arial photos. I was beside myself when I found it to be open. After all it looked awesome from the Arial photo and I figured it to be too obvious of a hot spot to not have pressure. I made reservations to scout it the rest of Friday and Saturday, and then Hunt Sunday. I was not disappointed when I arrived. There were lots of sign and plenty of different hot spots to set up on. I did happen to find a skeleton of a 120 class 9 point that was never recovered the previous year (See attached photo). After scouting the farm and hanging stands for two days, I arrived back at my truck Saturday evening to find a note on it that said as of Monday Nov 1 the club no longer leases this farm. I had a sick pain in my stomach the rest of the night and thought somebody was playing an evil trick on me. I told my self to clam down, go ahead and hunt Sunday then call the office on Monday and get the facts. Well, 2 hrs after getting in my stand Sunday the 10 point in the attached photo came within several feet of my stand and I delivered a fatal shot. My hunt was over with a 13-mile drive, 2 hrs of stand time, and lots of scouting. I did happen to find out that later that the club was allowed bow hunting only the rest of the season on that property because a new owner had purchased the farm. I even made it home early to save vacation for a future hunt. Thanks again and please enjoy the photos.
Sincerely, Cobenn

Second Deer Season

Jon, John, and Nichole

I wanted to thank you for the great trip to the Mid West. I was able to harvest my first pope and young trophy animal on Veteran's day. The funny part is that I had my arrows crested and fletched in patriotic colors this year. I scored him in at 139 and he had 10 points with a 22 inch spread. I was also able to make a nice rifle harvest during the same trip. It was more than anyone could of asked for, but I knew I was in a good area when a 125 class 8 point jumped into the front of my truck 2 miles from the farm I was hunting. No one was hurt but the deer, and it finished up my trip with an extra story to tell. Thanks for the great opportunity; it will be appreciated for years to come.

Sincerely, Cobenn

Cobenn followed up with this letter:

Picture Perfect It had been an extremely long year soaked with the anticipation of a bow hunt in the mid west. I didn't realize I was going to have to overcome so many roadblocks, but in the end it made the results that much more rewarding. It all started when I procrastinated on making my reservation and the farm I was interested in had also caught the eyes of a fellow member (roadblock 1). Thank goodness the management at Mid American Hunting Association has the skills and dedication to lease the many productive farms they do. Jon, then informed me that there are many great farms to hunt and there was no need to complete for just one farm. He then directed me toward another farm that had good potential. Realizing these guys know what they are talking about I had no trouble redirecting my research and efforts, but encountered a problem of finding a place to stay (roadblock 2). All the local hotels were booked for the upcoming pheasant season. I wasn't about to let this stop me. I broke out some charm with the hotel employees and was able to get a few leads on people they knew that could help me out. I would have slept in my truck if I had to, but was able to find a cheap apartment to stay in. Every person I spoke with was extremely helpful and I can honestly say that the people of the Mid West are the nicest people in the world. They really made my trip.

I then started to pack my cloths and organize my equipment. It was the day before I was to leave and a 560 Megawatt generator at the power station I work at exploded (roadblock 3). I was concerned that my trip was going to be canceled as this was a major catastrophe, but to my surprise my boss never called me on it. I was then able to pack up and make the 1,180 mile drive. When I arrived things started looking up. The apartment was nicer and cheaper than any hotel would have been, and the owners were the best. I then went to the property and the hair on my neck started to stand up with excitement when I first saw the yellow Mid American Hunting Association signs. Not to far past the first sign I started noticing buck rubs from the road. Rubs big enough to make those 1,180 miles feel like an evening jog. I then ran into the landowners and all I can say is I had to double check to make sure they didn't have wings. They were so nice I would have sworn they were angles.

Anyway, I then spent four days scouting, glassing the fields, and hanging stands. On the fifth day, which was my first day of hunting I was on my way back to the apartment when I noticed a huge rack about a tenth of a second before it hit the front of my truck (roadblock 4). Unfortunately, the 125 class eight point didn't survive, but I was thankful that my truck was still drivable. I did have to get used to one headlight and a windy sound as my door lost its seal. The police departments were very understanding as I was pulled over for one headlight before I could return home, but no ticket was given.

I was actually only on my second day of hunting (Veteran's day) when I heard a noise and glanced up the trail to see the widest deer I have ever seen come walking down the trail. I grabbed the bow and got ready, but my nerves were trying to get the best of me. When the deer got to about 25 yards he stopped I knew the wind was in my favor, but I was afraid he could hear my heart thumping or maybe even the whole tree shaking. I had a short stare down with the magnificent animal. This actually gave me time to regain my composure before he continued down the trail crossing my shooting lane at 18 yards. After a soft grunt to stop him my arrow was released and hit home. The deer then ran a short ways in confusion to what had happened and I was able to witness his legs loose the strength he needed to stand. Now, I was faced with the realization that it was in my best interest to wait at least a half hour before approaching him. During this pain staking time I must of subconsciously repeated the words picture perfect over a thousand times. I am not sure if this phrase was brought on by the extra effort the hunting club staff puts in, the beautiful weather and farm I was enjoying that day, the great people I had met on my journey, my great family back home that puts up with and supports my stories and dreams, or the huge deer I was blessed with, but I definitely realized how much I appreciated every one of them.

I then had plenty of time to try my hand at rifle hunting. Again I was able to find quality land to hunt even when making a reservation two days before season. The first day brought plenty of deer my way. I had found a perfect spot that gave me a great view, while at a far enough distance not to disturb the animals. I was able to view two small 8 points compete for a group of does. This led to an aggressive fight that kept me at the edge of my seat. The second day brought plenty of new sightings and a few new bucks to the area. I was able to watch a small buck mate with a doe several times, and a bobcat came across the field to join in the activity. It wasn't till about mid afternoon when a good buck appeared a ways off chasing a doe. Eventually he pushed her to within 200 yards and I was able to complete my Mid West hunting adventure.

When I arrived home everybody said I had a hat trick (1/ bow, 1/rifle, 1/truck), but I told them it was just an awesome trip. The bow kill green scored at approximately 139 inches with a 22 inch spread. This buck should end up in the Pope and Young books, which is a dream I have had for years and fuel for many more. Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Cobenn

First Deer Season

I would like to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. I recently had the chance to make my first Mid West archery hunt and what a hunt it was. After begging and pleading with the boss I was able to get 2 full weeks off to hunt the rut. My goal was to harvest a pope and young animal. Unfortunately I came up short on my end, but the hunt was spectacular. I was able to hunt a large farm the entire trip without any competition and plenty of deer. During my trip I encountered an amazing total of 31 bucks, half of which I had within 30 yards. I saw 6 bucks that I believe would have scored over 120 inches. After the first week, I finally got the opportunity to draw on one of the brutes, but these big bucks are so weary they are hard to catch off guard. The buck never offered a clean shot and I watched him walk away thinking I blew my one opportunity, but if you are in a good area when one door closes another opens. The rut kicked in high gear and that morning alone I saw 9 bucks from one stand. With 3 days left in my hunt I knew it was going to get exciting. The bucks where letting their guard down, and on the second to last day of my hunt the massive 140-150 inch buck that I had seen at a distance 2 prior times was trotting down my trail. I had to stop him with a grunt and tried to make a quick shot. Unfortunately, my arrow fell short and only came up with a few brisket hairs. It was a severe case of buck fever, but never the less an awesome hunt. I will definitely be back.

Cobenn

Cobenn From West Virginia on Deer Hunting