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First Annual Hillbilly Huntin Turkey Tournament results
There were three birds shot by hunters in the First Annual Hillbilly Huntin Turkey Tournament only two got checked in the third bird didn’t get checked in because of nasty weather on Sunday and the hunter didn’t want to risk it because he lived out of town. I will give you a rundown and scores of the two birds checked in now.
The second place bird weighed 21lbs 4oz with a beard length of 10 5/8 inches, spurs length of 1 3/8 and 1 2/8. The final score of the second place bird was 68.75 points. This bird was shot on Sunday and was a nice last minute bird.
The first place bird weighed 23lbs 1oz with a two birds the longest was 11 inches and the other was 10 inches, spur length was 1 3/8 on both sides. The final score for the winning bird was 92.5625 points. This bird was shot the first day of the tournament and had everyone chasing at that point.
The tournament next year will be different after talking with other hunters and partners in the tournament we have worked out some kinks. Next year instead of having the check in on the last day hunters will be able to check their bird in every day instead of freezing it until the end of the tournament. We may also extend the tournament out we aren’t sure yet.
Hopefully by changing the way check in is and when the tournament starts will get more people in the tournament this year we had six competitors and out goal for next year is twelve. First place took home $78 and second place took home $42.
For the first time that we have done this tournament I think it went pretty well and look forward to doing it again. We are in the works of putting together a big buck competition and if you want details on it to let us know so as we iron out the details we can keep you posted.
winning bird is on the left!
The second place bird weighed 21lbs 4oz with a beard length of 10 5/8 inches, spurs length of 1 3/8 and 1 2/8. The final score of the second place bird was 68.75 points. This bird was shot on Sunday and was a nice last minute bird.
The first place bird weighed 23lbs 1oz with a two birds the longest was 11 inches and the other was 10 inches, spur length was 1 3/8 on both sides. The final score for the winning bird was 92.5625 points. This bird was shot the first day of the tournament and had everyone chasing at that point.
The tournament next year will be different after talking with other hunters and partners in the tournament we have worked out some kinks. Next year instead of having the check in on the last day hunters will be able to check their bird in every day instead of freezing it until the end of the tournament. We may also extend the tournament out we aren’t sure yet.
Hopefully by changing the way check in is and when the tournament starts will get more people in the tournament this year we had six competitors and out goal for next year is twelve. First place took home $78 and second place took home $42.
For the first time that we have done this tournament I think it went pretty well and look forward to doing it again. We are in the works of putting together a big buck competition and if you want details on it to let us know so as we iron out the details we can keep you posted.
winning bird is on the left!
Thunder Chickens
With only a week left unit spring turkey season have you found your spot to hunt? Have you located the toms you’re going to pursue? Are you ready to hit the woods in chase of that thunder chicken? Whether you have or haven’t, are or aren’t spring turkey season is almost here make sure you sign up for the 2014 Hillbilly Turkey Tournament! Check in will be April 27th at Rifleman Gun & Archery outpost in Marshfield on the square. Call The Hillbilly to make arrangements to get your entry fee and contact information turned in (417)-840-9414.
Tuesday trip to the woods
Tuesday was another trip to the deer woods preparing for the season to come. The area I hunt had gotten 2 inches of rain in the week prier and showers and storms were scheduled to hit that evening. I brought mineral, a trail camera, and an extra SD card. I had to work Tuesday night so it was a quick trip of adding mineral to 3 sites checking 1 trail camera and putting out a second.
If you remember I put out throw and grow about a month ago and its coming in nicely all 3 mineral locations had heavy use and I am getting a lot of pictures already from the trail camera. From one mineral site I jumped 6 deer and tried to get a picture but it wasn’t that great if you look hard you can see it. One picture Is a tom in full strut with a hen in the background.
With all that being said the trip was good and the only adjustment that needs to be made is to move the first camera so I have a better view. I am getting the pictures but by turning it to the left and cutting down some small limbs I think I will get better pictures. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I can’t wait to get the third camera up it will be at spot three and I haven’t had a camera there since I started putting mineral out but I hunted from near there multiple times and passed on a small buck then found his shed this year. Last year from spot 3 I saw 3 shooter buck and a lot of does so it will be interesting to see what we get on camera.
Last year at this time I had just started putting out mineral and almost every deer I had on camera looked sick this year that’s not the case. The deer on camera and the 6 I jumped all looked healthy so the mineral is doing its job by creating a healthy herd. Keep checking back for more updates and enjoy the pictures.
We also had a metal Hillbilly Huntin sign made to hang in deer camp and other events we go to along with Hillbilly Huntin stickers they are available for $2.oo a piece. Later on in the year we are going to do a competition with them as in voted on Facebook the best picture with a Hillbilly Huntin sticker in it wins whatever we have at the time so get yours now!
If you remember I put out throw and grow about a month ago and its coming in nicely all 3 mineral locations had heavy use and I am getting a lot of pictures already from the trail camera. From one mineral site I jumped 6 deer and tried to get a picture but it wasn’t that great if you look hard you can see it. One picture Is a tom in full strut with a hen in the background.
With all that being said the trip was good and the only adjustment that needs to be made is to move the first camera so I have a better view. I am getting the pictures but by turning it to the left and cutting down some small limbs I think I will get better pictures. I hope you enjoy the pictures and I can’t wait to get the third camera up it will be at spot three and I haven’t had a camera there since I started putting mineral out but I hunted from near there multiple times and passed on a small buck then found his shed this year. Last year from spot 3 I saw 3 shooter buck and a lot of does so it will be interesting to see what we get on camera.
Last year at this time I had just started putting out mineral and almost every deer I had on camera looked sick this year that’s not the case. The deer on camera and the 6 I jumped all looked healthy so the mineral is doing its job by creating a healthy herd. Keep checking back for more updates and enjoy the pictures.
We also had a metal Hillbilly Huntin sign made to hang in deer camp and other events we go to along with Hillbilly Huntin stickers they are available for $2.oo a piece. Later on in the year we are going to do a competition with them as in voted on Facebook the best picture with a Hillbilly Huntin sticker in it wins whatever we have at the time so get yours now!
Kids and spring turkey hunting
Taking young kids hunting is something that few hunters do and is a bit of a balancing act by the hunter. The balancing act is between patience and excitement. Most young kids have a short attention span and get bored easily. Spring turkey season is a great time to take young kids into the woods to get them accustomed to hunting. Let’s take a look at why spring turkey season is a good place to start young kids into hunting.
Spring turkey season is very exciting not only for young kids and new hunters but for veteran hunters as well. When you hear that gobble first thing in the morning it puts a smile on your face and makes you excited doesn’t it? Think about a new hunter or young kid possibly hearing a turkey gobble for the first time. They’re going to be excited and wanting to see that bird. Most kids are very curious and want to learn. Hearing you call and get a response will keep the kids and young hunters excited you just have to keep them calm quiet and still enough that the bids doesn’t spot you before you get a chance to take the shot. Yeah you might get busted a few times taking a young one to the woods but the chase will continue.
We have got the exciting part out of the way let’s look at the conditions of spring turkey season. Most the time in the spring it’s not too hot or too cold it’s just about right. You’re able to hunt from a ground blind and be comfortable. The bugs might get a little intense but because there turkeys and scent isn’t a real factor you can use bug spray and a Thermacell to keep them under control. The spring is a time of new birth in the woods with buds blooming and new growth throughout the forest. Kids are more likely to see baby animals and life during the hunt.
When you’re hunting turkeys you’re not sitting in one spot all day you’re calling and moving keeping the kids from getting too bored. Spring turkey hunting is fast paced and exciting for any hunter let alone young kids and new hunters. Taking them to the woods now will help acclimate them to hunting by getting them used to being quite listening to all the noises and enjoying the outdoors. Let this be a learning experience for both you and them but most of all keeps it fun. If its work and no play at a young age it could put a bad taste in their mouth for hunting. The key is for the trip to be fun and exciting so they want to do it again as their love of the outdoors grows.
Spring turkey season is very exciting not only for young kids and new hunters but for veteran hunters as well. When you hear that gobble first thing in the morning it puts a smile on your face and makes you excited doesn’t it? Think about a new hunter or young kid possibly hearing a turkey gobble for the first time. They’re going to be excited and wanting to see that bird. Most kids are very curious and want to learn. Hearing you call and get a response will keep the kids and young hunters excited you just have to keep them calm quiet and still enough that the bids doesn’t spot you before you get a chance to take the shot. Yeah you might get busted a few times taking a young one to the woods but the chase will continue.
We have got the exciting part out of the way let’s look at the conditions of spring turkey season. Most the time in the spring it’s not too hot or too cold it’s just about right. You’re able to hunt from a ground blind and be comfortable. The bugs might get a little intense but because there turkeys and scent isn’t a real factor you can use bug spray and a Thermacell to keep them under control. The spring is a time of new birth in the woods with buds blooming and new growth throughout the forest. Kids are more likely to see baby animals and life during the hunt.
When you’re hunting turkeys you’re not sitting in one spot all day you’re calling and moving keeping the kids from getting too bored. Spring turkey hunting is fast paced and exciting for any hunter let alone young kids and new hunters. Taking them to the woods now will help acclimate them to hunting by getting them used to being quite listening to all the noises and enjoying the outdoors. Let this be a learning experience for both you and them but most of all keeps it fun. If its work and no play at a young age it could put a bad taste in their mouth for hunting. The key is for the trip to be fun and exciting so they want to do it again as their love of the outdoors grows.
Rainy days
With the amount of rain and storms we have been getting and here lately we can tell its spring. When we talk about spring I don’t think about flowers and gardens I think about hearing gobbles of in the distance and chasing down that elusive tom. When most hunters look out the window and see the storm and rain coming down like cats and dogs they call off the hunt and get back in bed. Let’s look at why rainy days should be the day you choose to be out in the woods.
When the rain starts coming down bugs come out of the wood work and it creates a feeding frenzy for turkey. Not only that but the noise the rain makes when its hitting the leaves makes it easier for you that the turkey can’t hear as well. The turkey’s best weapon is there eyesight and with the rain coming down it cuts down on the distance they can see. They become less observant of their surroundings and go into an all-out feeding frenzy filling their guts full ALL DAY out in the fields.
Your plan should be to take a ground blind, comfy chair, coffee, and some food spending all day watching a field for the feeding frenzy. Get up early if you know it’s going to be raining head to the woods and have your set up ready to go well before first light. If you’re going to use decoys set them up in a feeding pattern and wait for the birds to come in. use feeding calls and relies that the call isn’t traveling as far as on a clear calm sunny day.
With the rain coming down you will be able to move about and chase those toms around and get within gun or bow range that much easier. Make sure to have rain gear and dry clothes so if the feeding frenzy and rain stop you can change clothes and head for the hard wood and oak ridge’s trying to catch those toms looking for acorns, and heading back to the tall woods to roost.
The biggest advantage and easiest way to beat an old tom is on a rainy day so this season make sure when the rain is coming down you’re in the fields to get a shot off and fill your tag on an elusive thunder chicken good luck this season!
When the rain starts coming down bugs come out of the wood work and it creates a feeding frenzy for turkey. Not only that but the noise the rain makes when its hitting the leaves makes it easier for you that the turkey can’t hear as well. The turkey’s best weapon is there eyesight and with the rain coming down it cuts down on the distance they can see. They become less observant of their surroundings and go into an all-out feeding frenzy filling their guts full ALL DAY out in the fields.
Your plan should be to take a ground blind, comfy chair, coffee, and some food spending all day watching a field for the feeding frenzy. Get up early if you know it’s going to be raining head to the woods and have your set up ready to go well before first light. If you’re going to use decoys set them up in a feeding pattern and wait for the birds to come in. use feeding calls and relies that the call isn’t traveling as far as on a clear calm sunny day.
With the rain coming down you will be able to move about and chase those toms around and get within gun or bow range that much easier. Make sure to have rain gear and dry clothes so if the feeding frenzy and rain stop you can change clothes and head for the hard wood and oak ridge’s trying to catch those toms looking for acorns, and heading back to the tall woods to roost.
The biggest advantage and easiest way to beat an old tom is on a rainy day so this season make sure when the rain is coming down you’re in the fields to get a shot off and fill your tag on an elusive thunder chicken good luck this season!
what will you use this season?
What will you use this turkey season shotgun or bow? Everyone has their preference and reason on why they choose to use what they use. Then you go further into the question and you can ask what turkey load for shotgun is beast and again there is no right answer and new loads coming out every year so it’s up for debate. When you ask the bow guys what is best mechanical or fixed blade you will get a debate for both.
I see nothing wrong with either choice I for one will be using my crossbow with Mid Atlantic X-System mechanical broadheads. They are a combination of mechanical and fixed blade unless my NAP KILLZONE Crossbow broadheads come in before then and I get a chance to practice with them. I do have the option to use a 12 ga but I’m choosing not to due to the fact I have more practice with my xbow than the shotgun and I trust it 100%.
What about you why are you using your choice of weapon and can you defend your reasoning? No there is no wrong reason. I guess there could be wrong reasons but I can’t really think of any. Explain your gear of choice and why you’re using it whether it be because its tried and true or because you want to try something different. If you’re going to be in Missouri for the first weekend of turkey season join in on the first annual Hillbilly Turkey tournament we look forward to a great showing and can’t wait to meet everyone.
I see nothing wrong with either choice I for one will be using my crossbow with Mid Atlantic X-System mechanical broadheads. They are a combination of mechanical and fixed blade unless my NAP KILLZONE Crossbow broadheads come in before then and I get a chance to practice with them. I do have the option to use a 12 ga but I’m choosing not to due to the fact I have more practice with my xbow than the shotgun and I trust it 100%.
What about you why are you using your choice of weapon and can you defend your reasoning? No there is no wrong reason. I guess there could be wrong reasons but I can’t really think of any. Explain your gear of choice and why you’re using it whether it be because its tried and true or because you want to try something different. If you’re going to be in Missouri for the first weekend of turkey season join in on the first annual Hillbilly Turkey tournament we look forward to a great showing and can’t wait to meet everyone.
1st annual Hillbilly Turkey Tournament
Well it’s April and spring turkey season starts in 20 days that means it’s time to sign up for the first annual Hillbilly Turkey Tournament. The Tournament will take place for April 24th -27th check in will be the 27th at riflemen gun and archery outpost in Marshfield on the square. The entry fee is twenty dollars and the payout is 100% 1st place gets 60% 2nd 30% and 3rd 10%. Money and contact information has to be turned in by the 23rd. each turkey will be weighed, beard, and spurs measured for a score and then the winners will be paid.
We worked it out that riflemen’s will be open for people to shop and buy whatever they feel like. It will be a good time to get together with other hunters talk tell stories and see what everyone is checking in. so on that note get ahold of me at (417) 840-9414 so you can get entered in the tournament. It will be good times for all and best part about it you get to hunt your own land we don’t provide that.
We worked it out that riflemen’s will be open for people to shop and buy whatever they feel like. It will be a good time to get together with other hunters talk tell stories and see what everyone is checking in. so on that note get ahold of me at (417) 840-9414 so you can get entered in the tournament. It will be good times for all and best part about it you get to hunt your own land we don’t provide that.
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My daughter is excited about turkey season and helping me get my gear together and was acting like a turkey.
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Food plots
Well we have started getting spring showers and the temperature seems like it’s going to stay above freezing from here on out so it’s time to plant your food plots or clear out areas to give the deer better food sources in your area. There are multiple ways to make a foot plot that we will talk about for both private and public land. Along with food plots I will talk about what you can do to your property to get deer to feed closer to your stand without using a food plot.
First off a food plot can be small or large, in an open field or in the woods; it can be expensive or cheap. Weigh your options and look at the time, resources, and area you have and make your decision on what you won’t your food plot to be. When most people think of a food plot they thing of a massive field that has had tractors and machines plat the food plot but that’s not always the case. Small food plots deep in the woods can be more productive than large ones in the wide open fields.
Let’s take a look at what it would take to plant a large field. You will need tractors to turn the soil over and disk it. Then you need the seeder to get the seed out there. With a large field you will need to make sure it gets plenty of water and that your soil is tested. After your soil test comes back you will have to use a spreader for fertilizer. You see were how the price of a large food plot just keeps growing and if you don’t have the machinery well you see were I’m going.
Now let’s look at a small food plot hidden deep in the woods. I like to call them “hot spots”. These hot spots are created by finding a place deep in the woods that the canopy of trees doesn't block all the sun that either doesn't have much shrubbery or brush, or an area that can easily be cleared out. The problems with these hot spots are that you can’t get machinery to them to do the hard labor like clearing the ground of debris like leaves and twigs. Deer are more likely to show face in these hot spots during daylight hours because they feel safe there not putting themselves out in the open.
What can you do if you don’t feel like planting a food plot of either type and you don’t want to spend money? Well to start with just taking a rake out and clearing the ground of the old dead leaves and twigs will give grass a chance to grow and the deer will eat it. Secondly you can cut out some of the small or competing brush and trees. Third is the simplest and that is to remove the down limbs and dead brush that is near your area. By doing this you have created somewhat of a clearing inside the hard woods that makes it possible for vegetation to grow. The brush you remove can be strategically placed to create a funnel and force the deer to move in your direction or you can place it in a way that the deer use it for cover and bedding areas.
I planted a hot spot this year and we will see how it works. I used my boot to clear out debris down to the dirt and I didn’t do it all in one spot right in front of my stand. Not knowing where the sun will shine best through the tree tops I made five or six areas making a semi-circle around my stand. Not only is the sunlight a factor but so is the soil without doing a soil test I don’t know what area is best to plant the hot spot and so that not all my eggs were in one basket I spread it out. What I planted was the spring version and depending on how it does I will plant a fall hot spot to. After hand throwing the seed onto the bare ground I walked over the top of it to try and give it the best chance of growing roots and prospering. It’s been out two weeks and I can already see clover sprouting up I can’t wait to see what it does.
All in all there is something you can do to create a food source or at least help with aiding in giving the deer more food. You can spend very little or a lot it’s up to you same goes for the amount of time you want to put into your food plot. It’s not an exact science but you could make it one. Some vegetation grows better than others in certain areas and conditions so finding the right match for the area you want to have a food plot can be a pain so there is some trial and error if you’re not going to do soil tests and have someone tell you what would grow best. With anything have fun with it and learn from everything you do keep a journal so you know for the next time. Happy Huntin!
First off a food plot can be small or large, in an open field or in the woods; it can be expensive or cheap. Weigh your options and look at the time, resources, and area you have and make your decision on what you won’t your food plot to be. When most people think of a food plot they thing of a massive field that has had tractors and machines plat the food plot but that’s not always the case. Small food plots deep in the woods can be more productive than large ones in the wide open fields.
Let’s take a look at what it would take to plant a large field. You will need tractors to turn the soil over and disk it. Then you need the seeder to get the seed out there. With a large field you will need to make sure it gets plenty of water and that your soil is tested. After your soil test comes back you will have to use a spreader for fertilizer. You see were how the price of a large food plot just keeps growing and if you don’t have the machinery well you see were I’m going.
Now let’s look at a small food plot hidden deep in the woods. I like to call them “hot spots”. These hot spots are created by finding a place deep in the woods that the canopy of trees doesn't block all the sun that either doesn't have much shrubbery or brush, or an area that can easily be cleared out. The problems with these hot spots are that you can’t get machinery to them to do the hard labor like clearing the ground of debris like leaves and twigs. Deer are more likely to show face in these hot spots during daylight hours because they feel safe there not putting themselves out in the open.
What can you do if you don’t feel like planting a food plot of either type and you don’t want to spend money? Well to start with just taking a rake out and clearing the ground of the old dead leaves and twigs will give grass a chance to grow and the deer will eat it. Secondly you can cut out some of the small or competing brush and trees. Third is the simplest and that is to remove the down limbs and dead brush that is near your area. By doing this you have created somewhat of a clearing inside the hard woods that makes it possible for vegetation to grow. The brush you remove can be strategically placed to create a funnel and force the deer to move in your direction or you can place it in a way that the deer use it for cover and bedding areas.
I planted a hot spot this year and we will see how it works. I used my boot to clear out debris down to the dirt and I didn’t do it all in one spot right in front of my stand. Not knowing where the sun will shine best through the tree tops I made five or six areas making a semi-circle around my stand. Not only is the sunlight a factor but so is the soil without doing a soil test I don’t know what area is best to plant the hot spot and so that not all my eggs were in one basket I spread it out. What I planted was the spring version and depending on how it does I will plant a fall hot spot to. After hand throwing the seed onto the bare ground I walked over the top of it to try and give it the best chance of growing roots and prospering. It’s been out two weeks and I can already see clover sprouting up I can’t wait to see what it does.
All in all there is something you can do to create a food source or at least help with aiding in giving the deer more food. You can spend very little or a lot it’s up to you same goes for the amount of time you want to put into your food plot. It’s not an exact science but you could make it one. Some vegetation grows better than others in certain areas and conditions so finding the right match for the area you want to have a food plot can be a pain so there is some trial and error if you’re not going to do soil tests and have someone tell you what would grow best. With anything have fun with it and learn from everything you do keep a journal so you know for the next time. Happy Huntin!
Little brothers trip home for deer camp
I finally got pictures from little brothers trip home for deer season. Little brother and our cousin went out fishing the day before they came to deer camp. If you look at the picture of the doe little brother shot you will see it wasn’t a good shot. I’m just happy I did my job of putting him on deer he saw a lot and he chose to shoot the one he did because he wasn’t sure if he would see anymore and then he did. He was very excited to get back in the deer woods after being away from home in the army for a few years. Hopefully we will get him back in the deer woods more often and he will put a tag on a buck. Until then here are the pictures from his trip to the deer woods and fishing.I also added some old pictures from deer hunts from the past
and a few fishing pictures. He’s not shot his first buck yet but he’s got the
hang of shooting does.
Monday trip to the deer woods
I took a trip to the deer woods this past Monday to put out a trail camera and more mineral. It was a good trip not only did I accomplish my goal I found a small shed that is now my daughters favorite toy I saw a large bodied buck that I’m guessing is the big six point. He had lost his antlers but I could see the antler beds, I looked hard but never found the sheds. I found a lot of turkey scratching’s as well and that gives me more hope for this spring.
All three mineral sites are being used more than this time last year and in two weeks the deer are eating the entire mineral and digging. I will be changing what mineral I put out well adding to it and see how that does this year. My goal by putting mineral out isn’t to have a spot to hunt over it’s to build a healthy heard and supplementing the deer with mineral they aren’t getting in that area. Not only should it help with antler growth and development but should also help the does since they are pregnant and will hopefully give birth to healthier fawns. The younger deer that were fawns last year using these sites will get a full year of good mineral in them and that should keep them healthy.
Since I hunt public land and do this for the purpose of growing and making the herd healthy I’m not making it into a spot with attractants and hoping to shoot a deer coming to it. Yes deer develop a pattern coming to the mineral but it’s not feeding or baiting the deer don’t come to it every day they can tell when they need the mineral and that’s when they come in.
I put out a camera this year that a hunting buddy is letting me barrow. It’s higher quality and should take better pictures so I’m excited about that. I’m putting out one of the old cameras in two weeks and my plan is to get one maybe two more and put them out. It’s a lot of work driving 102 miles round trip and spending an hour just checking trail cameras and putting mineral out but it’s worth it if the herd stays healthy and grows.
The antler I found is small but after looking at it and some video I determined that the buck it belongs to is one I passed on last year. He was young and chasing a doe not to smart come to think of it. I had the opportunity to shoot him and passed. When I saw him I thought he was only a 5 point but now I know he would have been a small six. His eye guard was broke off and only about an inch long but still a point. He had the start of another point growing but only about half an inch long. It was a good buck to pass on and he should be a small eight or ten next year it will be exciting to see what he looks like this year.
It’s very exciting finding a shed of a small buck that I passed on knowing he made it through the season is awesome and I hope I see him again next year. He probably won’t be a shooter but you never know. Hunting on public land means he probably won’t make it passed next year but when the time comes I will do my part and pass if I feel he needs another year.
I have decided that I will probably move that stand a little when I was walking in I found a spot that still gives me the opportunity to see the mineral site but it also gives me more opportunities of watching other travel routes. This location was its first year and I think some adjustments need to be made. Yes little brother did shoot a doe from that location but I think it could be better so I will have some work to do there. I am also thinking about moving the locating of the site I have used for two years but we will see as the year progresses on that one.
Right now is a great time to hit the woods and do some scouting of locations since the leaves are still off the trees and you can see longer distances. Take some time now and look for things you can change around to make your hunt just a little better. It’s never too early to start preparing for next season. I tell people deer hunting is a year round season for me just like football coaches it never stop as soon as the season is over you have to start scouting new players, coming up with new ideas, and preparing for the next season. There are different parts to the season and each part has a role in how the rest of the season goes, if you scout, plan, and prepare as hard as you hunt the it makes it easier and less stressful as the season nears.
All three mineral sites are being used more than this time last year and in two weeks the deer are eating the entire mineral and digging. I will be changing what mineral I put out well adding to it and see how that does this year. My goal by putting mineral out isn’t to have a spot to hunt over it’s to build a healthy heard and supplementing the deer with mineral they aren’t getting in that area. Not only should it help with antler growth and development but should also help the does since they are pregnant and will hopefully give birth to healthier fawns. The younger deer that were fawns last year using these sites will get a full year of good mineral in them and that should keep them healthy.
Since I hunt public land and do this for the purpose of growing and making the herd healthy I’m not making it into a spot with attractants and hoping to shoot a deer coming to it. Yes deer develop a pattern coming to the mineral but it’s not feeding or baiting the deer don’t come to it every day they can tell when they need the mineral and that’s when they come in.
I put out a camera this year that a hunting buddy is letting me barrow. It’s higher quality and should take better pictures so I’m excited about that. I’m putting out one of the old cameras in two weeks and my plan is to get one maybe two more and put them out. It’s a lot of work driving 102 miles round trip and spending an hour just checking trail cameras and putting mineral out but it’s worth it if the herd stays healthy and grows.
The antler I found is small but after looking at it and some video I determined that the buck it belongs to is one I passed on last year. He was young and chasing a doe not to smart come to think of it. I had the opportunity to shoot him and passed. When I saw him I thought he was only a 5 point but now I know he would have been a small six. His eye guard was broke off and only about an inch long but still a point. He had the start of another point growing but only about half an inch long. It was a good buck to pass on and he should be a small eight or ten next year it will be exciting to see what he looks like this year.
It’s very exciting finding a shed of a small buck that I passed on knowing he made it through the season is awesome and I hope I see him again next year. He probably won’t be a shooter but you never know. Hunting on public land means he probably won’t make it passed next year but when the time comes I will do my part and pass if I feel he needs another year.
I have decided that I will probably move that stand a little when I was walking in I found a spot that still gives me the opportunity to see the mineral site but it also gives me more opportunities of watching other travel routes. This location was its first year and I think some adjustments need to be made. Yes little brother did shoot a doe from that location but I think it could be better so I will have some work to do there. I am also thinking about moving the locating of the site I have used for two years but we will see as the year progresses on that one.
Right now is a great time to hit the woods and do some scouting of locations since the leaves are still off the trees and you can see longer distances. Take some time now and look for things you can change around to make your hunt just a little better. It’s never too early to start preparing for next season. I tell people deer hunting is a year round season for me just like football coaches it never stop as soon as the season is over you have to start scouting new players, coming up with new ideas, and preparing for the next season. There are different parts to the season and each part has a role in how the rest of the season goes, if you scout, plan, and prepare as hard as you hunt the it makes it easier and less stressful as the season nears.
2014 Broadhead test
The broadhead I will be trying this year I will be trying out a new broad head for my crossbow. The Mid Atlantic X system is what I used last year and I absolutely loved them the problem I have with the x system is availability. If I could find them easily I most likely wouldn’t be trying out a new broadhead. The broadhead I will be trying out this year is made by New Archery products or NAP and it will be the Killzone crossbow broadhead. I’m going to use the 100 grain version and I will be using the Barnett ghost 350. I ordered one pack and im just waiting to get them in.
Here is a little about the Killzone crossbow it’s a 2 blade rear-deploying broadhead that has a 2" cutting diameter and heavy-duty .039" blades. They clam to be field-point accurate but I will be the judge of that. They use NAP's unique spring-clip design which ensures your blades won't open in flight or in your quiver according to their description. There are no O-rings or rubber bands to worry about which separates them from rage. They come with two choices cut-on-contact razor tip or the trophy tip. You can get them in either 100 or 125 grain. They are designed for use in crossbows up to 400 fps.
My hopes for this broadhead are that it does everything they say it will. From the pictures I have seen the entry and exit holes are huge but what I have noticed is the bolts aren’t passing through. We will see how they work and if they don’t work I still have two of the Mid Atlantic X-System broadheads in reserve.
Here is a little about the Killzone crossbow it’s a 2 blade rear-deploying broadhead that has a 2" cutting diameter and heavy-duty .039" blades. They clam to be field-point accurate but I will be the judge of that. They use NAP's unique spring-clip design which ensures your blades won't open in flight or in your quiver according to their description. There are no O-rings or rubber bands to worry about which separates them from rage. They come with two choices cut-on-contact razor tip or the trophy tip. You can get them in either 100 or 125 grain. They are designed for use in crossbows up to 400 fps.
My hopes for this broadhead are that it does everything they say it will. From the pictures I have seen the entry and exit holes are huge but what I have noticed is the bolts aren’t passing through. We will see how they work and if they don’t work I still have two of the Mid Atlantic X-System broadheads in reserve.
Trail Cameras
What’s the point in putting up trail cameras now? What do trail cameras do for you on land that doesn’t have a management plan? Why should you spend the money, time, and effort into putting up and checking trail cameras? Let’s take a look at what trail cameras can do for you!
The point to putting up trail cameras now is that you can check up on the deer in your area and as bucks start to grow antlers you will get to watch them grow and then you know what bucks are in the area. If you study the pictures and you know what you’re looking at you can tell what your deer population is and how many bucks are staying around your land. It doesn’t matter how early you put your cameras out you will be able to tell if you have mature bucks and deer in that area.
The reason you should still use trail cameras on land that you don’t strictly manage is you won’t have to guess if you have mature deer on your property. You might not have monster bucks on your land but you most likely still have mature deer. During deer season when you see a younger buck walk into range you will know you have a mature buck wondering around the property. Trail cameras and land that isn’t managed will still give you an idea of what deer you have on your property. Just because you’re not growing monster bucks doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from knowing what’s on your property.
All the time and money you put into the trail cameras and checking the pictures will help you when deer season rolls around. You will know what deer are on your property and frequent that area. A season can be made or broke by a single decision to pass on a deer. By knowing what deer are on your property those decisions to pass on a deer can be made a lot easier by knowing what deer are on your property. At the same time you might have a picture of a very nice mature buck so you pass on a smaller one and never see the mature one so you pass on the small bucks and never get a chance at the mature buck. Then your season ends without your tagged field because you kept waiting on the mature buck. There are reasons to have trail cameras but you have to make the choice are you going to wait for the mature buck or are you ok with a smaller one but either way you know what deer are on your property.
The point to putting up trail cameras now is that you can check up on the deer in your area and as bucks start to grow antlers you will get to watch them grow and then you know what bucks are in the area. If you study the pictures and you know what you’re looking at you can tell what your deer population is and how many bucks are staying around your land. It doesn’t matter how early you put your cameras out you will be able to tell if you have mature bucks and deer in that area.
The reason you should still use trail cameras on land that you don’t strictly manage is you won’t have to guess if you have mature deer on your property. You might not have monster bucks on your land but you most likely still have mature deer. During deer season when you see a younger buck walk into range you will know you have a mature buck wondering around the property. Trail cameras and land that isn’t managed will still give you an idea of what deer you have on your property. Just because you’re not growing monster bucks doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from knowing what’s on your property.
All the time and money you put into the trail cameras and checking the pictures will help you when deer season rolls around. You will know what deer are on your property and frequent that area. A season can be made or broke by a single decision to pass on a deer. By knowing what deer are on your property those decisions to pass on a deer can be made a lot easier by knowing what deer are on your property. At the same time you might have a picture of a very nice mature buck so you pass on a smaller one and never see the mature one so you pass on the small bucks and never get a chance at the mature buck. Then your season ends without your tagged field because you kept waiting on the mature buck. There are reasons to have trail cameras but you have to make the choice are you going to wait for the mature buck or are you ok with a smaller one but either way you know what deer are on your property.
Turkey season and warmer weather
Well turkey season is less than a month away and the weather is getting warmer. What does that mean for us? What do we do if we turkey hunt but our major joy comes from deer hunting? Even when you turkey hunt you can still scout for deer and use it to your advantage come deer season. Any and all the time you spend in the woods will benefit you during deer season and preparing you for the season.
As turkey season approaches and warmer weather in the forecast, it’s time to hit the woods again. By spending your time scouting for turkey you can also scout for deer. Knowing what deer do throughout the year gives you more knowledge when deer season comes around. You will also get an idea of the deer numbers you have in your herd. You will be able to monitor the health of the herd and see how they did during the winter.
By putting out mineral, trail cameras, and grooming the land to help your cause. Not only does it help the health of your herd but it brings deer in as fawns. They are able to get minerals they need as fawns and they will stay near that area as they grow old because they get what they need. Growing and grooming you’re heard from the young takes time. It will take years to see the benefits of this process but the long term goal is to have a healthy heard that produces mature bucks. If they feel safe as fawns in an area when they get older they will fight and defend it as their home range.
When the does can get the nutrition they need to produce milk and feel safe for their fawns they will stay in that area. When the rut kicks in the bucks will swarm into that area for the does and in turn will make deer season a lot of fun when the bucks are chasing deer both bucks and does around your area.
You’re in the woods anyway so you might as well groom the land to benefit you and put out mineral to benefit the herd. Learning from every experience in the woods and with every animal you pursue. You should never spend any time in the outdoors without learning something. You will never learn everything there is to know you can always learn something and learning never ends.
As turkey season approaches and warmer weather in the forecast, it’s time to hit the woods again. By spending your time scouting for turkey you can also scout for deer. Knowing what deer do throughout the year gives you more knowledge when deer season comes around. You will also get an idea of the deer numbers you have in your herd. You will be able to monitor the health of the herd and see how they did during the winter.
By putting out mineral, trail cameras, and grooming the land to help your cause. Not only does it help the health of your herd but it brings deer in as fawns. They are able to get minerals they need as fawns and they will stay near that area as they grow old because they get what they need. Growing and grooming you’re heard from the young takes time. It will take years to see the benefits of this process but the long term goal is to have a healthy heard that produces mature bucks. If they feel safe as fawns in an area when they get older they will fight and defend it as their home range.
When the does can get the nutrition they need to produce milk and feel safe for their fawns they will stay in that area. When the rut kicks in the bucks will swarm into that area for the does and in turn will make deer season a lot of fun when the bucks are chasing deer both bucks and does around your area.
You’re in the woods anyway so you might as well groom the land to benefit you and put out mineral to benefit the herd. Learning from every experience in the woods and with every animal you pursue. You should never spend any time in the outdoors without learning something. You will never learn everything there is to know you can always learn something and learning never ends.
Rifleman guns & archery outpost
Rifleman guns and archery outpost in Marshfield Missouri is a BOWTECH archery pro shop, they sell new and used GUNS, AMMO, ACCESSORIES with an indoor shooting range and taxidermy shop all under the same roof. When it comes to archery these guys know what they’re talking about and can set you up for whatever game you pursue. If you’re in to trapping or predator hunting and looking for a new fur buyer these are your guys.
With a taxidermist in shop bringing your game in to have a beautiful mount and memory preserved for a lifetime is a must. Any questions or problems that you’re having with your bows or guns these guys can take care of it. Make sure to head over to their Facebook page and give them a like. Rifleman Gun & Archery Outpost is where you can find them on Facebook.
The Hillbilly Turkey Tournament will be having the check in at their shop so everyone will get a chance to see what they have to offer and how well they treat everyone. They have opened their doors to us for this check in so let’s show them how much we appreciate them make sure to like there page.
With a taxidermist in shop bringing your game in to have a beautiful mount and memory preserved for a lifetime is a must. Any questions or problems that you’re having with your bows or guns these guys can take care of it. Make sure to head over to their Facebook page and give them a like. Rifleman Gun & Archery Outpost is where you can find them on Facebook.
The Hillbilly Turkey Tournament will be having the check in at their shop so everyone will get a chance to see what they have to offer and how well they treat everyone. They have opened their doors to us for this check in so let’s show them how much we appreciate them make sure to like there page.
Newest Hillbilly
The newest member of the Hillbilly Huntin family is here she was born February 5th. The Hillbilly family just keeps growing!
Looking ahead
Deer season is in the books and it looks like Mother Nature is about to give us another mess of snow and nasty weather. With spring right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about turkey season and shed hunting. It’s hard to get motivated to head out in the nasty cold to look for sheds but the time is right and if we good a good snow on the ground finding the trails and areas the deer are using most often should be easy.
Spend time in feeding areas and on wood lines trying to find shed of the bucks that made it through last season. Nothing makes you more excited than finding a nice shed in the area you hunt. Don’t forget the mineral and feeding or supplementing needs to be started up now.
Start going through your gear and make sure everything is ready for spring turkey season get the old shotgun out and check your pattern make sure your ready it’s going to sneak up on you. In the next month look forward to ready more articles on turkey season and keep checking back with us because the articles are going to start back up.
On another note here is a picture of a bobcat that was trapped this year what a great picture.
Spend time in feeding areas and on wood lines trying to find shed of the bucks that made it through last season. Nothing makes you more excited than finding a nice shed in the area you hunt. Don’t forget the mineral and feeding or supplementing needs to be started up now.
Start going through your gear and make sure everything is ready for spring turkey season get the old shotgun out and check your pattern make sure your ready it’s going to sneak up on you. In the next month look forward to ready more articles on turkey season and keep checking back with us because the articles are going to start back up.
On another note here is a picture of a bobcat that was trapped this year what a great picture.
Turkey Tournament
Turkey Tournament
Date: 24th – 27th
Cost: $20 per entry
Payout: 100% divided 1st 60%, 2nd 30%, 3rd 10%
Each entry is one hunter to check in one bird if a hunter wants to check in two birds they must have paid for two entries before the first day of the tournament. Fee and contact information (name, email, and phone number) must be turned in by April 23rd.
The bird will be scored by adding together weight, beard length, and both spurs lengths for a total score. Check in will be April 27th at a time and location to be determined in the Marshfield area. Every minute late will be a point deduction.
When a bird is shot a picture needs to be taken and sent in to The Hillbilly so we can get an idea of the number of birds that will be at the check in. At the end of every tournament day a text will be sent out to every competitor of the amount of birds taken that day and total.
For more information and to enter call or text The Hillbilly (417)-840-9414
Date: 24th – 27th
Cost: $20 per entry
Payout: 100% divided 1st 60%, 2nd 30%, 3rd 10%
Each entry is one hunter to check in one bird if a hunter wants to check in two birds they must have paid for two entries before the first day of the tournament. Fee and contact information (name, email, and phone number) must be turned in by April 23rd.
The bird will be scored by adding together weight, beard length, and both spurs lengths for a total score. Check in will be April 27th at a time and location to be determined in the Marshfield area. Every minute late will be a point deduction.
When a bird is shot a picture needs to be taken and sent in to The Hillbilly so we can get an idea of the number of birds that will be at the check in. At the end of every tournament day a text will be sent out to every competitor of the amount of birds taken that day and total.
For more information and to enter call or text The Hillbilly (417)-840-9414
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Never Get in a Hurry when in your Tree Stand
I always have a check off list before I leave the house and this list usually starts weeks prior to opening day of hunting season. With everything checked off on my list which I use from year to year I am ready to go.
This is going to be a little story about a friend of mine who was not organized for some reason one year and was in such a hurry to leave his house. I kept asking him if he remembered everything he needed and started going down my list to see if he forgot anything. My buddy assured me he had everything, uh, he ended up forgetting his safety harness!
Of course we were 2 hours away from the house and when I mentioned to him about his safety harness he just shrugged his shoulders and dismissed it. Of course I could not talk him out of not getting into his tree stand.
Sitting in our respective tree stands far enough away from each other however, close enough to see each other’s hunter orange. We settled in and began our wait. We were sitting for about an hour when I heard a yell, branches breaking, a thud and laughter. I knew before even looking that my buddy fell out of his tree stand and fell a good 15 feet through the trees to the ground.
Since his laughter was scaring away any potential deer in the area I descended my tree stand and ran over to my buddy looking down at him as he was still laughing. This got me laughing as he wouldn’t stop. Finding out he had nodded off in his stand and of course without his safety harness on he fell out of the tree. Can you not help but laugh at this?
Making sure he was alright and not skewered with a branch anywhere on his body I helped him up. He was still laughing and since he ruined my day of hunting I had since stopped laughing and was getting rather upset with him. When all was said and done needless to say there was no hunting that went on that day.
The next day I almost didn’t dare to pick him up at his house and made sure he had his safety harness with him. We were successful the next day but this is one story that has been told around the fire pit many a night and it gets better and funnier as the story is told.
Of course all of our friends have heard his story, which has earned him some titles that I would rather not say here. Thinking back I laugh about that day but on the day he fell 15 feet out of his tree stand I didn’t think it was too funny as all that was going through my mind was rushing him to the hospital to get a tree branch out of his butt.
I hope you all got a good laugh over my friend’s story and trust me he will never be in a hurry to leave his house to go hunting again. In fact he has a copy of my check list and when I start mine I give him a call and make sure he starts checking his gear at the same time. Happy Hunting
Blake Anderson
www.Huntertreestands.com
This is going to be a little story about a friend of mine who was not organized for some reason one year and was in such a hurry to leave his house. I kept asking him if he remembered everything he needed and started going down my list to see if he forgot anything. My buddy assured me he had everything, uh, he ended up forgetting his safety harness!
Of course we were 2 hours away from the house and when I mentioned to him about his safety harness he just shrugged his shoulders and dismissed it. Of course I could not talk him out of not getting into his tree stand.
Sitting in our respective tree stands far enough away from each other however, close enough to see each other’s hunter orange. We settled in and began our wait. We were sitting for about an hour when I heard a yell, branches breaking, a thud and laughter. I knew before even looking that my buddy fell out of his tree stand and fell a good 15 feet through the trees to the ground.
Since his laughter was scaring away any potential deer in the area I descended my tree stand and ran over to my buddy looking down at him as he was still laughing. This got me laughing as he wouldn’t stop. Finding out he had nodded off in his stand and of course without his safety harness on he fell out of the tree. Can you not help but laugh at this?
Making sure he was alright and not skewered with a branch anywhere on his body I helped him up. He was still laughing and since he ruined my day of hunting I had since stopped laughing and was getting rather upset with him. When all was said and done needless to say there was no hunting that went on that day.
The next day I almost didn’t dare to pick him up at his house and made sure he had his safety harness with him. We were successful the next day but this is one story that has been told around the fire pit many a night and it gets better and funnier as the story is told.
Of course all of our friends have heard his story, which has earned him some titles that I would rather not say here. Thinking back I laugh about that day but on the day he fell 15 feet out of his tree stand I didn’t think it was too funny as all that was going through my mind was rushing him to the hospital to get a tree branch out of his butt.
I hope you all got a good laugh over my friend’s story and trust me he will never be in a hurry to leave his house to go hunting again. In fact he has a copy of my check list and when I start mine I give him a call and make sure he starts checking his gear at the same time. Happy Hunting
Blake Anderson
www.Huntertreestands.com
The final days of the 2013 deer season are upon us and with tags still in my pocket I’m still able to say that the 2013 Hillbilly Huntin camp was a success. It was still a down year in our camp but a success none the less. Three deer were taken by our camp this year and I saw plenty but opted not to take the shot on most during bow season for one reason or the other. Our camp endured very windy and rainy conditions during bow season and extreme wind and heat opening weekend of rifle season.
You might ask how you can say you had a successful deer camp when all the tags together added up to 12 and you only used three. We looked at it like this my little brother was able to come in and hunt from North Carolina and tag a doe opening day his goal was to shoot the first deer he had the chance at and he did just that. Second none of us got hurt or went to the hospital and there were no accidents other than a canopy that wasn’t able to withstand the high winds and heavy rains. All the work we put into the camper in the off season paid off and the camper worked better than ever.
We had no problems with our hunting equipment and were able to share stories from years past. Yes at the beginning of the season and all off season we dreamed of monster bucks filling the camp opening morning and by the end of the season having monsters on the wall but that’s part of hunting and what makes us come back year after year. Their dreams and goals that we work for if every year we shot a monster buck and put in no work it wouldn’t be the same. The dreams are still there and we are still working towards them.
One problem I had was the camera that I was using to shoot video of the hunts ended up breaking and the SD card broke inside the camera so another year has come and gone with know footage. That’s not to say that by January 15th I won’t get some footage on the last hunts of the season but for now there is none. The mount I received from Attachacam worked great and I couldn’t ask for a better product and I’m sorry I wasn’t able to show you footage from using it.
Upward and onward there are still a few days left of the Missouri 2013 bow season and I plan to make the best of it. With the high amounts of snow and frigid temperatures the deer will be focused on feeding so they can maintain a constant body weight and make it through the winter. With that being said there bedding areas have probably moved closer to the food source they are utilizing and there movement has decreased so they don’t have to burn as many calories traveling to and from.
Does that mean I know exactly where I will be hunting these last few days? Not at all the public land that I hunt is almost completely hardwoods so I will sit in the morning and evening in areas that I know they were crossing and feeding on acorns. During the midmorning and early afternoon I will still hunt and try and arrow a deer. If you have tags to fill and the opportunity to hunt get out and use these last few days of the season to try and put a deer in the freezer. This weekend looks like it will be warming up and thawing out some so it should be decent hunting. Good luck and happy hunting.
You might ask how you can say you had a successful deer camp when all the tags together added up to 12 and you only used three. We looked at it like this my little brother was able to come in and hunt from North Carolina and tag a doe opening day his goal was to shoot the first deer he had the chance at and he did just that. Second none of us got hurt or went to the hospital and there were no accidents other than a canopy that wasn’t able to withstand the high winds and heavy rains. All the work we put into the camper in the off season paid off and the camper worked better than ever.
We had no problems with our hunting equipment and were able to share stories from years past. Yes at the beginning of the season and all off season we dreamed of monster bucks filling the camp opening morning and by the end of the season having monsters on the wall but that’s part of hunting and what makes us come back year after year. Their dreams and goals that we work for if every year we shot a monster buck and put in no work it wouldn’t be the same. The dreams are still there and we are still working towards them.
One problem I had was the camera that I was using to shoot video of the hunts ended up breaking and the SD card broke inside the camera so another year has come and gone with know footage. That’s not to say that by January 15th I won’t get some footage on the last hunts of the season but for now there is none. The mount I received from Attachacam worked great and I couldn’t ask for a better product and I’m sorry I wasn’t able to show you footage from using it.
Upward and onward there are still a few days left of the Missouri 2013 bow season and I plan to make the best of it. With the high amounts of snow and frigid temperatures the deer will be focused on feeding so they can maintain a constant body weight and make it through the winter. With that being said there bedding areas have probably moved closer to the food source they are utilizing and there movement has decreased so they don’t have to burn as many calories traveling to and from.
Does that mean I know exactly where I will be hunting these last few days? Not at all the public land that I hunt is almost completely hardwoods so I will sit in the morning and evening in areas that I know they were crossing and feeding on acorns. During the midmorning and early afternoon I will still hunt and try and arrow a deer. If you have tags to fill and the opportunity to hunt get out and use these last few days of the season to try and put a deer in the freezer. This weekend looks like it will be warming up and thawing out some so it should be decent hunting. Good luck and happy hunting.
