Saturday Morning

Leo and Kavin dropped Daniel and me off only a short distance from the lodge, and gave us directions to the feeder/stand setup.  Daniel climbed up onto the ladder stand, and after he was strapped in, I crawled up after him into the Gametamer stand situated just over his right shoulder.  It was a great setup for filming, with the feeder 20 yards in front of us.  

We were in position well before daylight, and quietly waited for the darkness to give way to light.  Shortly after daylight, I spotted a couple of deer crossing from behind us toward our left.  I alerted Daniel through the headset of his FRS radio, and I could see him perk up with excitement. We watched as the deer made their way through the brush at about 75 yards out.  They seemed cautious as they circled downwind of the feeder. . . and us.  Apparently they caught our scent, as they blew out as quickly as they had come in.

About 15 minutes later, I again spotted deer approaching from the left.  It was two small bucks.  Daniel and I watched as they came into the feeder and browsed around on the corn.

(click on image for video clip)

After a few minutes, they seemed to become more nervous.  One of the bucks got startled, probably by his shadow, and both bolted a short distance in opposite directions a short distance in the brush.

They hung around the area for a while, but never came all the way back into the clearing.  

Daniel and I sat, watching and waiting, but didn't see any action for the rest of the morning.  We did listen though our radios as Kavin radioed Leo to come assist with tracking a hog he had shot.  Daniel was almost as excited about that as he would have been had he arrowed one himself. . .almost!

That boy looks good in his Brush Country Camouflage!  We sat in the stand until about 9:30 and before deciding that we had seen enough.  As we climbed from the stands, Daniel spotted a rabbit and decided to take a practice shot. 

(click on image for video clip)

We returned to the camp for breakfast.  Unfortunately, Kavin and Leo were not even able to find a drop of blood from the hog, which Kavin presumed he hit high.

Daniel cooked a breakfast of Papa Morris and Son's chorizo and eggs.  It was a welcome treat!  Of course, we may have to make a trip to town to get more food, as Daniel is quickly eating everything Leo, Kavin and I brought to eat!  I guess he's a growing boy!

Check back shortly after dark for this evenings update.  I've got a good feeling that we'll have a great story to tell tonight!