Semi Live TX draw hunt

[utah400elk]

I am going to give this a try so I hope it goes well. My job require me to move quite a bit. In the last 12 years I have lived in the following places:

Utah
Colorado
Wyoming
Nevada
Virginia
Florida

And now Texas.

I have been able to enjoy public land hunts in each location and have always been able to make the most of the moves.

I have lived out west for a number of years (25 plus) so the first four were familiar.

Virginia was fun and I really got into archery whitetail. It was awesome tp hunt less than 20 miles from our Nation’s Capitol and there were plenty of deer.

Florida was gators, pigs, and deer. We were able to take two gators, countless fish, and my son’s first deer.

Now to Texas...
I was able to draw a public land archery hunt for whitetail. I arrived this morning and my hunt runs from 12:00 today to 12:00 Friday. This is open land with no high fences.

Warmed up a bit today but did see 30 plus deer this morning while driving around and two shooter bucks. The GW has seen 160-170 class whitetail in my unit but just looking for a little fun. I can take one buck and one doe.

Found an aggressive little snake out and about in the way in. There was 8-12 inches of snow two weeks ago but warm and windy this afternoon.

In the stand for the afternoon.

 

[utah400elk]

The boot shot is a bowsite thing but...why not.

 

[vanish]

Any chance of exotics?

 

[utah400elk]

Not in this spot. Coyotes and pigs with great deer. Two does 70 yards out feeding...but they are almost down wind.

 

[utah400elk]

This is the direction of the does. It’s very thick! They are only 40 yards away. Expecting them to slow out any minute.

 

[Cm7727]

There are for sure some great deer there. I put in for that hunt every year. Good luck!

 

[utah400elk]

Well the night ended with three does and one hog seen from the stand. It was a little slower than I had hoped but...on the way out (driving) I saw a small spike in the headlights and an absolute monster! Deer would easily have gone 160-170. Just standing on the side of the road. His neck was huge. Hopeful for tomorrow.

 

[utah400elk]

Back in the stand. It’s clear and calm with very little wind. 30 degrees and ready for a great day.

 

[duckhunt]

Good luck

 

[WildWill]

You drew my tag. Seriously though you should have a good hunt lots of deer in the area. I've been applying for that hunt for a couple years it'll be interesting to follow along. Goodluck and keep us posted.

 

[utah400elk]

Well...I kind of blew it. I had three bucks all around my stand at first light. One was a solid three year old eight point. He was walking into my shooting lane. I ranged the place I thought he would go and it showed 42 yards. He stopped exactly where I ranged and I shot over his back. He stayed in the area for another 1/2 hour never more than 70 yards. I re-ranged the spot trying to figure out what happened...now the range finder keeps showing 27 yards. Not sure what happened but there you go. He was not a giant but would have been my biggest archery whitetail buck by a fair bit.

There is a little buck in the photo but not sure if you can see it with my I-Phone camera.

It’s only 8:00 so I guess there is still a chance this morning.

Good thing is I still have three days to go!

 

[Pucky Freak]

Oh man that stinks - nice try

 

[utah400elk]

I might need to move my stand. Every deer I have seen so far has been behind me. I would guess I am not the only person guilty of this...I have my stand over looking a great area with a solid transition zone to my back. It’s not as nice looking but that is where all the deer have been.

I am newer to whitetail hunting and often find myself trying to will deer into ideal spots. Never works out that well for me.

 

[utah400elk]

Back in the tree for the night. Windy and warm conditions. I watched four does across the field but a bit slow tonight so far.

 

[utah400elk]

Out for the night. One shooter buck seen but he was 100 yards out. He showed up with only 10 min of shooting light left. Overall it was a very slow night.

 

[utah400elk]

Back in the stand for the final sit in this location. Fog has settled in and it’s way warmer this morning. I plan on moving my stand midday. I will try and get photos a little later. It looks really cool with the fog. Wish me luck.

 

[KipCarson]

I’m anxiously waiting a good report, good luck!!

 

[utah400elk]

First light...

 

[JV842]

Which unit u hunting? I’ve hunted the Chaparral, Kerr, Daughtry all w good results
Honestly haven’t put in; other tha pronghorn, in a few years

 

[utah400elk]

Gene Howe unit