This buck was on my radar but only saw him once this season. He has survived and our state season is almost over.

I saw him quite clearly opening morning of firearms, probably 50 yards in front of me in the 0500 hr moonlight. It was not legal shooting light/time. Yes, I am that kind of person so I did not shoot a deer this year. I passed on everything I saw during legal light for early archery and regular firearms.

I thought about going out for muzzleloader coming up but it will be bitterly cold and so, I really don't need the meat that bad. He has not been on cameras in daylight at all recently. There are a few spike bucks around and of course a smattering of does and fawns but it has been a hard year on deer in my area. Severe drought but saved by a huge oak mast crop. Coyotes took a lot of fawns.

In other photos I can see how busted up his rack is. Hope I will just see him next year. He will need to get through hunting season until almost mid January and from there survive getting hit by cars, getting caught in fence, etc the rest of the year.

quote:

I thought about going out for muzzleloader coming up but it will be bitterly cold and so

Bitterly cold in MO.

what was it 30 above

I was just kind of cold here at zero this morning.

Just kidding Ann in my older years I also have gotten real picky. When I hunt, what I shoot and where I shoot it.

Or is it just wiser.

It is going to drop across the Midwest and high south East into single digits this weekend. I shall be duck hunting.

He will just be bigger next year Ann.

He looks really rutted down.

That buck will only be bigger next year & will be quite a nice trophy!

As an aside, it will be a daytime high of minus 6 here in Wyoming on Thursday!!

These cold temps are tough on all the animals , domestic & wild alike.

P.S. Lone Survivor is a great book to read

yep.
it's that time of year where you start finding furry stuff curled up in a ball and frozen solid.

LOL, your northerners should keep your cold weather to yourselves! I moved here to escape it, personally.

Ducks will be flying for sure. That buck will certainly be much nicer next year. I like having something to look forward to.

My area of Missouri doesn't normally get blizzards so we will see. Thursday is supposed to be real bad. I am also scheduled to donate blood that day but if it does snow there will be no way to get off the farm and go to town. Snow plows do not come out this way until long after the snows stop.

I have livestock to move tomorrow in preparation for the coming weather issues. I often wonder if wildlife knows what is coming in these situations or it is something they take in stride by the moment? Not looking forward to it myself.