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I have really been anticipating this post-rut hunt at our
family ranch just outside of Encinal since I scheduled it
back in October. It is a rare opportunity for me to
get away from work for a five day hunt. It took some
negotiating with my family to pull it off, but after three
straight weekends of Christmas celebrations with family
and friends, I'm sure they were ready for a break,
too!
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hunt during the
peak of the rut, which traditionally begins around
December 12, or so. However, if given the choice of
one or the other, I actually prefer to hunt during the
post rut/second rut. We typically see more bucks
during the week after New Year's day than we do during the
peak of the rut, in part because the bucks are looking for
any easy source of energy to restore themselves from the
rigors of chasing the doe. Strategically placed corn
on a sendero often results in some impressive pictures and
video, and with any luck, perhaps even a trophy buck on
the ground! One drawback, of course, is that
sometimes the impressive bucks have broken tines, which
significantly reduces the quality of the rack.
My plan is to spend long hours hunting from my ICE
Blind at two different locations on the ranch.
Depending on the deer activity, and also depending on if
I'm joined on the hunt by either of my brothers, Martin
and Mark, I may revise the plan as needed.
Get ready for some hot and heavy action! Let the
hunt begin!
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