Now is the time to fill the freezer

Saturday morning was pretty exciting and I thought I would wind up seeing a good buck.

I walked to my blind in the dark, hoping I could sneak in and better my chances.

The sun came up enough to the point I could see a few yards in each direction.

I could make out a new scrape in the dirt under the low lying branch of a holly tree.

Not long after first light, the squirrels and birds began to stir.

The sound of wood ducks making a low pass broke the silence.

A few minutes later, a few does eased out of the brush to my right and made their way to the oak trees to my left.

They sniffed around and nibbled on a few acorns that the squirrels had not collected.

After a few minutes, the does began to seem a bit uneasy and disturbed.

I figured a buck was hiding and preparing to chase them.

One of the does stomped and her fawn took off immediately.

Both of the does looked upset and had their ears pinned back.

The does took off up the hill in pursuit of something.

I assume it was a fox or bobcat that frequently passed by my game camera looking for rabbits and other small game.

After a few minutes, the does returned and the fawn emerged from the thicket to reunite with her mom.

The herd enjoyed more acorns and corn and moved on a short time later.

By 10 a.m., I had not seen a buck.

Lots of does passed through, but none were showing signs of being ready for the rut.

I hope with this week's cold front and the temperatures staying cool for at least a week, the bucks will be following does more consistently.

I returned to this spot that afternoon hoping to see the buck that made the new scrape.

Many does passed through and kept returning.

Around 4:45 p.m., the does seemed to be a bit jumpy and were watching the woods behind me.

I heard a grunt in the thicket and had my gun ready.

I grunted back and I heard something running towards me.

A young spike emerged acting as if he was ready to brawl.

He looked around and immediately took off after three of the bigger does.

They ran off and I could hear them all around me.

I saw another doe take off and hoped another buck had joined in the chase.

I figured out the spike was the only buck hanging around and the mature bucks were still hiding until the does were ready.

I was happy to see a bit of action in the woods, and I hope with the full moon gone and cold temperatures returning, the rut might actually take off in full swing by next week.

I figure if I do not see a buck that is mature enough by this weekend or next weekend, I will take a couple of older does that did not have fawns this year.

Once the buck hunting is over, the meat hunting begins.

Keep in mind that today is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Please take a moment to remember those who were lost on this day and those that still remain below the surface.

Pictures? Questions? Comments? Send them to katiem@eldoradonews.com.