Here in Ohio, the rut is in full swing. Yesterday I had 5 different bucks respond to my grunting and bleating. The first showed up at 330pm, then about every 20-30 minutes a different one would show up. Naturally, the one Shooter would only come to about 50 yards and stayed behind some brush.

Saturday, I was out in Vinton Co. Bucks were seen by 5 hunters (including me) from 10am to dark. I saw 3 beginning at 1130am through 230pm.

The other guys saw some very early and very late. But Kevin saw a nice 8pt. at 1145 and watched it for about 30 minutes.

I've seen a total of 3 Does in the last 4 days. And all 3 weren't looking for anything to eat either. They were looking around just like the bucks like they're on a mission.

I've counted over 40 dead deer on the highways in Ohio in the last 3 days. Only one looks like it is an older roadkill.

Most all looked to be Does.

Unfortunately I have to work Tues and Wed.

If I could I would definitely be in the stand all day both days.

I watch the solunar states and the mid-day periods over the next three days is supposed to be good. Put the rut on top of that and it should be dynamite.

I will be in the woods all day Thursday!

Good luck, Doc.

Dang it, it supposed to rain hard all day tomorrow. Sunny all day Thursday though! I work all day Wed and Friday, so Thursday will be it. I'm not hunting in a down pour again. I killed a Doe last year while it was raining. Rain picked up hard before I started trailing her into the thick stuff....almost didn't find her.

What? All day? Not unless I had a blind with a cot in it. 3 hours is all the time I can sleep---er, sit in a treestand. You mean you stand up all day too? I'm good for 10 minutes standing. You guys are tough!

When it comes to a huge trophy Ohio buck, I look at it like this:

No matter if my butt itches, hurts, legs cramp, I doze, that buck is there somewhere...I just don't know when HE's going to show, and I may never know unless I'm there waiting.

I'll sit a stand as long as possible....to date, that is 10 and a half hours (my record).

Doc I did that ONCE I was just about ready to jump out of my skin by the end of the day!! I applaud your ability.

the chef

Doc,

Thurs is supposed to be good (minor) near sunrise and best (major) from 12:30 to 2:30 PM. The second minor period begins after dark.

I usually stand in the stand from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after, and the same around sunset.

I also stand for the 1 hour minor period(s) and the 2 hour major period.

The rest of the day I sit in the stand if the stand has a seat. If no seat I get down and scout, or go sit on a ridge or break, etc.

The older I get the more I like the stand to have a seat.

Good luck!

Guys, I always use a stand that has a seat...you know, typical lock on style with a 16-25 foot (stick) ladder.

Or I have used ground blinds. I find those quite comfortable.

If the rain eases up to a trickle this afternoon, I'll head out for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, the "weatherman" has said that thundershowers are not only likely all afternoon, but might be severe. Dang it.

I wish that I could even climb up one of my stands. The rut is kicking into full gear here, and there is no season until the 28th.

Thanks for the advice Doc, i almost didn't go today because it started off raining. But i kept thinking about losing out on the best hunting time so i at least went although i only saw two from a distance. One might have been a buck, the big one seemed to be chasing the smaller one. Then i saw a flock of 9 turkeys that walked right under me and also a squirrel. I managed 3 hours, but like BRF, that's my limit.

Oh, Don, where do you get that information about the best hunting times? What is the best time to hunt tomorrow (Wednesday) and how about Friday?

Penny

There are a whole lot of solunar tables available, most are for sale.

I have a GPS at work that has them in it. I just look it up in that. (GARMIN Etrex)

Times will be about 30 minutes earlier in WV.

Wed = minor 0522 - 0622
major 1130-1330
minor 1745-1845

Friday is back to being an average day (instead of good or excellent). I don't have the Garmin at home.

The times get about 55 minutes later each day.

Don

quote:

Wed = minor 0522 - 0622
major 1130-1330
minor 1745-1845

TY! They're calling for 25mph gusting winds by noon today, though

Penny

Yep, same here, so I'm counting on tomorrow. 7 mph West winds for Thurs.

I've taken some pretty good bucks in the rain. It's tough when you not in a blind but, man, it can sure pay off. I love to go in the rain more so on the just steady rains or spotty showers than the terrible "Cow Peeing on a Flat Rock" types. Many get discouraged by rain but, don't let it get you down especially, during the rut.

Good Luck

Reloader