‘24 Iowa Whitetail

[Gellar]

Ended up seeing 12 deer. The only antler was the deer with one antler. Honestly I was surprised to see that many in the daylight. It’s just not cold enough right now, but they have to eat, so I’ll be back at it until the season is over.

 

[Gellar]

one of the bucks I’ve been watching now identifies as a they/them. But I don’t think this is the biggest one I’ve been watching.

 

[Nick87]

one of the bucks I’ve been watching now identifies as a they/them. But I don’t think this is the biggest one I’ve been watching.

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Heard so many people saying they've seen bucks dropping already. Crazy.

 

[Gellar]

Heard so many people saying they've seen bucks dropping already. Crazy.

That’s the 3rd one, but the biggest so far.

 

[Pahoundsman]

one of the bucks I’ve been watching now identifies as a they/them. But I don’t think this is the biggest one I’ve been watching.

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Been dropping here for 2 weeks, found several sheds the last few days of our gun season

 

[Gellar]

Anytime after Christmas they start dropping around here. Most bucks will drop between now and Valentine’s Day with a few bucks holding onto their antlers until March.

 

[Wild Bill]

Most of our bucks out here will carry antlers into middle/late February. I don’t think I’ve ever picked up a fresh antler in the fall.

 

[Nick87]

Most of our bucks out here will carry antlers into middle/late February. I don’t think I’ve ever picked up a fresh antler in the fall.

That's been my experience but I'm no shed hunter either. Seen plenty of bucks killed after Christmas that popped off loading into the truck.

 

[Gellar]

I killed this one December 29,2021 according to iPhone. (I thought it was January) and the antler popped off when I tried turning it up hill.

 

[Gellar]

I snuck in to my spot about 4:15 this afternoon with 50 minutes of shooting light left. There was already a forkhorn and a 1 antlered spike with a couple does. The bucks went into the woods, but never far enough to be out of site. About sunset, 4:37 today, more does came out with a group of 3 bucks. 1 was a small 8 and I thought the final one was a big wide 8 pointer I’ve been watching. I put binoculars on him and confirmed he was an 8 and he was around 20” wide, but no mass and no tine length so not the one I’ve been watching. To my left, the northeast deer were coming out into the field. A buck stepped up to the edge and I got the glass on him immediately. A 10 pointer, around 18” wide, decent brow times, good mass. something told me to pass and I never even picked my muzzleloader up. There is still a lot of time left and just over the last couple of days there’s been an increase in the amount of deer. The weather is supposed to get colder after new years. I just hope I don’t regret this!

I wasn’t able to get a good picture of him;

 

[Gellar]

It’s foggy again. I got out early so I was looking for a different vantage to try and be in position for the deer coming from the north but I’m back in my original spot. Found a shed looking around.

 

[Gellar]

10 minutes before shooting time. There was a buck further out but no way I could see if it was a shooter. I saw at least 4 bucks but not the 10 pointer from last night. I’ll have to take 2 nights off for family obligations. Hopefully when I’m back the big boys will be out.

 

[F250]

Enjoying this one

 

[buckbull]

something told me to pass and I never even picked my muzzleloader up.

First morning, first hour I had this dude walk by at 15 yards. Never reached for my bow. Took a bunch of pics until he caught my movement or flash. No regrets....I guess. Never saw him again.

 

[Gellar]

First morning, first hour I had this dude walk by at 15 yards. Never reached for my bow. Took a bunch of pics until he caught my movement or flash. No regrets....I guess. Never saw him again.

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Young deer, good call. He looks like he’s been rode hard and put away wet. I hope you see him next year when he’s 30” bigger.

 

[johnp]

There must be some real goodies that grew in the field they are daylighting in so well. I wouldn't think that chopped cornfield would be much of an attraction.

 

[Gellar]

There must be some real goodies that grew in the field they are daylighting in so well. I wouldn't think that chopped cornfield would be much of an attraction.

It’s chopped to just behind that first doe after that it’s combined to the woods. There is a few layers of cow shit spread across the whole field. It makes a good cover scent.

 

[Gravelyctry]

Super foggy down here. There’s two deer silhouetted on that next rise. They’re only 80 yards away, but you can barely see them.

I found out my rangefinder doesn’t work well in dense fog - the furthest it would read was 11 yards, but I ranged that hillside when I got there so I knew the distance.

 

[Gellar]

Super foggy down here. There’s two deer silhouetted on that next rise. They’re only 80 yards away, but you can barely see them.

I found out my rangefinder doesn’t work well in dense fog - the furthest it would read was 11 yards, but I ranged that hillside when I got there so I knew the distance.

that’s how it was here to. Made it difficult to see anything. I had to look through my binos just to see deer on the edge of the field.

I’ll be down your way in a few weeks talking rattle snakes!

 

[Maverick1]

Nice deer!