Gerald & Clayton
John/Jon,
Well thanks to the blizzard conditions that have hit us [March 2009], I found some time to send in some pics from our fall hunts. I have been impressed and somewhat intimidated by all the good pics folks send in, so I'll use that as an excuse for my procrastination. Picture taking and preparation is definitely a weak part of my "game" and an area I need to improve.
The deer pics are from September. Clayton, 11, harvested his 2nd buck in 3 years. This one taken on 9/14/08, during the youth season, is a 140 class 12 pt., besting his first buck. Some may recognize Clayton from his picture on the MAHA homepage with his first buck, a 130 class taken in 2007. I am proud of the fact that Clayton, with some encouragement from dad, has been willing to pass up some smaller bucks, to get a better opportunity. Not an easy decision when you're 40, much less 11.
Clayton also had a break thru year during pheasant season, getting his limit during youth weekend. His little brother, Caleb, also got to get in on some of the walking this year and is itching to get a gun in his hands.
My muzzleloader buck was taken on Sept. 24th on day 3 of my hunt. You guys know I primarily hunt the open country out west. This deer was taken about 1 mile from Clayton's deer in the same open terrain. I spotted this deer about 9am approximately 150 yards downwind and on the opposite side of a long draw. He was bedding down in a plum thicket and I only got a quick glimpse, not knowing if he was a shooter or not. After circling 1/2 mile and 2 hours later, I was within 35 yards. I dropped him on the edge of the thicket he was bedded in after he stood up to look around. After I shot, 2 other bucks jumped and ran out of the thicket to the other side of the draw. Not sure which of the 3 bucks I originally spotted. This deer is my personal best and field dressed at 206 lbs.
I saw several nice bucks during pre-season scouting this year and at least 3 larger than these. One I know was harvested by another member. The open country continues to produce big deer and MAHA has some outstanding properties.
Will be out for opening of turkey season if the snow melts.
This association has provided me an opportunity to teach my kids to hunt and enjoy the outdoors for an incredible value and the memories we have gained already are immeasurable. For that we are grateful.
Thank you. Gerald
Great season accounting. Always good to see the youth hunters, a special congratulations to dad and Clayton on two very fine deer.
By-the-way to the bird hunters out there that pheasant limit was without a dog.
