The hunt is on as I quest for another black tail deer for good eating this winter. The weather is cool and wet- perfect for hunting this elusive animal. I’ve been taking a different approach this year, instead of getting up early, I’ve been rising with the sun and getting out shortly thereafter. It means a little more sleep, and less stress about getting into a spot at a certain time. I’ve not noticed a real difference in overall number of deer sighted, so I think I’m ok with this change. It has meant more time in the field too, because I’m covering more ground and also allowing myself to pick mushrooms when I see them on the drives from site to site. My other hunting spot is a generous offer from a neighbor to hunt their land near my house. It’s a quick drive over, and I’ve taken to sitting there in the evenings. My last two bucks have come from that property, so it’s a probable chance I harvest another there. We’ll see!
The fall light has been amazing, and with fresh snow on the peaks, I’ve really enjoyed my sits in the tree farm this year. Note the lack of rain- I keep missing the big downpours that are happening, but it makes for a much easier sit without constant rain. The deer have been shy to come out where it’s legal to harvest them. It’s also probable that most of the bucks have gone nocturnal. After they hear the first shots of the season, they disappear into thick cover and lay low. It’s made for a challenging hunt, but I have caught them a few times at night- so I know they are around. I said “hi” to the pair of nice mature guys picture below in the neighborhood out for a night stroll. This is typical behavior during modern firearm season. I was running into the same problem hunting Vashon Island. The deer went nocturnal and I never got a shot off.
Still, tis the season for good outside time enjoying the quiet time in the woods. It’s also been a good season of learning new parts of the tree farm. I’ve taken the time to go down a lot of side roads exploring, and the extra dirt time is paying off in mushrooms, new sit spot places, and a better understanding of my greater backyard. I even made friends with an immature bald eagle who has joined me on a couple of hunts, hoping my presence will spook up a few smaller creatures for the bird’s menu. He has a much better view from his perch- I wish he could give me a hint of where the bucks are.
There are always lessons and rewards for taking time to sit and observe. My mind is focused on deer sign, but there so much going on in the living world, it’s impossible not to notice all the details- from weather change to bird calls, what fungus is blooming and signatures in the mud from what’s been moving through. Such a special time of year for the living world, and what a gift to sit with the change and watch the leaves fall. Gratitude to the deer nation, snow on the peaks early this year, and the eagle that has been keeping me company in my sits.
EEC Forest Stewardship 