Off Season Summer Prep

[Texas Grown]

As to minerals being legal on public questions, it depends on what public lands you are on. Some places feeding is legal. Some places not. Most that allow feeding usually require it be done by hand. That means carrying it in. But I do know of one place that allows feeders. I'll refrain from listing the name of that place for those who already hunt there.

The fish are biting and there's hogs to be kill-t. Gotta go!

[Mr. Public]

Got a new string on my old bow last month after having an issue right before season and not being able to get it replaced. Had to borrow dad's to hunt.

Been looking at some areas to access by water. Trying to determine if I should get a kayak for deer access and ducks.

As far as minerals go, I didn't know you could use those on public. When I had a lease the trophy rock was always popular. I would also use the granular cattleman salt. Dig the dirt up quite a bit then pour the salt and mix dirt back in. Deer would be digging at the ground for months.

When I had strings replaced, It took a while for my strings to stretch and settle, which caused some fine tuning my sights. Think it dropped form 75lbs to 72lb over time.

I know some public allows it and other places it’s not legal. I’ll give a trophy rock a try on some private land. I tinker with stuff on private land to see what comes of it, but I have noticed that deer are attracted to minerals more in some eco regions over others.


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[Mr. Public]

Yeah they are spypoint, just getting the cheapest I can so it doesn't P*** me off when one is stolen and I can cover more areas.

I got about 20 more new cameras early this year, I hope the only reason I end up with less is because I can’t remember where they all are and not stolen. I keep cameras on cameras too, nothing would tickle me more than to catch a thief and expose them until I feel that’s enough.

I agree, I use cheaper cameras for that reason. I’d rather cover more area with cheaper cameras then have hundreds of dollars in a just a couple that could walk off.


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[Mr. Public]

As to minerals being legal on public questions, it depends on what public lands you are on. Some places feeding is legal. Some places not. Most that allow feeding usually require it be done by hand. That means carrying it in. But I do know of one place that allows feeders. I'll refrain from listing the name of that place for those who already hunt there.

The fish are biting and there's hogs to be kill-t. Gotta go!

I think you’re right! I also think I know which place you’re referring to[emoji850][emoji850][emoji850][emoji106]


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[troy_w_7]

I have the same feelings, I dread it. It is miserable and I tend to get pretty disgusted with my “big plans” very quickly and usually cuss myself for trying to do too much.

I am going to make myself go do just the same as far as cameras, I have a few soaking but mainly just looking for a single buck if he still exist. The others are for new areas I’ve never been and some for recon on previous target bucks. Summer time is the hardest for me to capture mature bucks on camera, I’ve spent a lot of effort, fuel, time, and sweat and been highly disappointed numerous times. My chigger bites out numbered my buck photos 1,000 to 1. I also wanted to try horizontal rubs this year to see how and if bucks took to them like on some YouTube channels. What type of timber do you plan on using? I thought a pine limb, but would prefer a cedar limb. I like water sources but it ticks me off when some piece of shyt has the same idea, and steals my card or camera when I saw there’s and waved. That steers me away from water sources.

I’m very excited for this season. I’ve been preaching for a couple years to my hunting buddies and my dad that 2022 is going to be the year for alot of big mature TX public land bucks to be taken, this dry climate is stunting growth though.


I too want to get some more practice in, especially for Sept. I have some unfinished business in Colorado to do. I’d love to make a scouting trip up there but don’t think it’s necessary, my confidence level of finding elk there is greater than me finding another big buck In TX if that means anything.

I’d like new sticks, I have XOPs and have no complaints. But lighter ones would be better.


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There's one buck I've been after since 2019. He's grown every year and he was really nice 8 pointer last year, tall brows, big body. I had him on camera in multiple spots. So I'm hoping he'll still be around.

I think Ted Miller uses cedar for the horizontal rubs if I'm not mistaken. So I'd probably try that.

For whatever reason, I've only had 1 camera stolen since 2014 and I run quite a few of them in various places. I'm hoping the good Lord keeps people away from them I guess, but I haven't had much issue.

Elk is definitely something I want to get into over the next few years. Do you just buy an over the counter tag?

[Mr. Public]

There's one buck I've been after since 2019. He's grown every year and he was really nice 8 pointer last year, tall brows, big body. I had him on camera in multiple spots. So I'm hoping he'll still be around.

I think Ted Miller uses cedar for the horizontal rubs if I'm not mistaken. So I'd probably try that.

For whatever reason, I've only had 1 camera stolen since 2014 and I run quite a few of them in various places. I'm hoping the good Lord keeps people away from them I guess, but I haven't had much issue.

Elk is definitely something I want to get into over the next few years. Do you just buy an over the counter tag?

Hope you get an encounter with him and put a photo and a period to the end of the story.

I want to find some cedar, may have to take a road trip.

You can purchase them OTC, I applied for a tag and got it again. I’m not very knowledgeable about the process of OTC or units. I am still a complete newb, this is only my 2nd season for elk hunting.

I did get me another dozen set of eyes in the mail this morning
I’ve got some leg work and sweating to do, should make for decent physical training for Colorado and yield a better buck photo to chigger bites ratio[emoji23]


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[BlueDuck91]

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/ccannon/Pictures/Feed%20Weekend.jpg[/IMG]

Feed cottonseed and corn year round. It was a hot one in the panhandle last weekend. Gonna have some good ones this year but need some more rain bad!!!

[Mr. Public]

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/ccannon/Pictures/Feed%20Weekend.jpg[/IMG]

Feed cottonseed and corn year round. It was a hot one in the panhandle last weekend. Gonna have some good ones this year but need some more rain bad!!!

That sounds like a feed bill I couldn’t afford[emoji15]
Yes, I sure hope everyone gets rain soon. My water bill is enough for me![emoji28]

I like the handle, BlueDuck. I’m a big fan of that series, I can recite every characters lines.

My feed regimen is on hold, I can’t justify feeding coons and a hand full of deer with no potential shooters at the current price of corn.


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[LivinADream]

That all sounds like a tremendous amount of work. What type of mineral do you use?


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I'm trying to move away from store bought products, and move to making what I already have be the best it can be through habitat improvements. In other words instead of buying 1000 lbs of corn, I'll burn and cut and disc to make the land produce an extra 1000 lbs of better feed.

I'll try to explain the mineral stump concept pictured above.
The idea (proven) is that you can take a mostly useless tree, (sweet gum in this instance) cut it down, and the new growth on the stump is 1000's of times more nutrient per lb than anything else around it.
The reason is there is roughly the same size root system under ground as there is above ground. Let's say this massive root system carries 10k lbs of nutrients to it's 1 million leaves per year. Cut it down, and the roots are still carrying 10k lbs of nutrients per year, but only to 100 leaves, therefore making them full of minerals, hence the name mineral stump. The deer somehow know this, and now will gorge on a sweet gum that they would otherwise never even sniff. Hope this makes sense.

Picture of deer this morning eating on the same stump pictured above.

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[Mr. Public]

I'm trying to move away from store bought products, and move to making what I already have be the best it can be through habitat improvements. In other words instead of buying 1000 lbs of corn, I'll burn and cut and disc to make the land produce an extra 1000 lbs of better feed.

I'll try to explain the mineral stump concept pictured above.
The idea (proven) is that you can take a mostly useless tree, (sweet gum in this instance) cut it down, and the new growth on the stump is 1000's of times more nutrient per lb than anything else around it.
The reason is there is roughly the same size root system under ground as there is above ground. Let's say this massive root system carries 10k lbs of nutrients to it's 1 million leaves per year. Cut it down, and the roots are still carrying 10k lbs of nutrients per year, but only to 100 leaves, therefore making them full of minerals, hence the name mineral stump. The deer somehow know this, and now will gorge on a sweet gum that they would otherwise never even sniff. Hope this makes sense.

Picture of deer this morning eating on the same stump pictured above.

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Wow, I fully grasp that but never knew of it or thought of it. Very interesting! Thanks for sharing that.


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[troy_w_7]

I'm trying to move away from store bought products, and move to making what I already have be the best it can be through habitat improvements. In other words instead of buying 1000 lbs of corn, I'll burn and cut and disc to make the land produce an extra 1000 lbs of better feed.

I'll try to explain the mineral stump concept pictured above.
The idea (proven) is that you can take a mostly useless tree, (sweet gum in this instance) cut it down, and the new growth on the stump is 1000's of times more nutrient per lb than anything else around it.
The reason is there is roughly the same size root system under ground as there is above ground. Let's say this massive root system carries 10k lbs of nutrients to it's 1 million leaves per year. Cut it down, and the roots are still carrying 10k lbs of nutrients per year, but only to 100 leaves, therefore making them full of minerals, hence the name mineral stump. The deer somehow know this, and now will gorge on a sweet gum that they would otherwise never even sniff. Hope this makes sense.

Picture of deer this morning eating on the same stump pictured above.

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I've heard about this, cool to see!

[da_pepper]

I sit outside in a long sleeve shirt and pants so that I sweat like crazy and let the mosquitos eat my face, neck and hands for hours on end.

Best prep for early season texas public land hunting I have come up with.


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LOL Right on!

[Mr. Public]

Well I took off to do something I haven’t done In a couple of years:

I went solo scouting some new ground. I knew it was going to be hot HOT Friday so I woke up at 4:30 and arrived by 6:15 and hit the ground shortly after the sun rose. Sky’s were clear and morning temps started at 78.

I was prepared: treated clothes with fresh permethrin the night before, had 100% deet, 5 bottles of water and 2 big powerades, a back pack FULL of cameras, accessories, tools and my little secret chunks for deer about 35lbs.

It wasn’t long, I was already bumping deer on my way in. The first deer I saw was a buck that any bow hunter would be excited to see on TX public. I knew he had to be close to his core area so I did my thing, and continued onward.

Bumping multiple other deer I figured it was time to slow down and start really putting eyes into the woods on foot. I tend to get to fast paced and it’s amazing how much sign you can run over without noticing when your focused on one path and the ground ahead of you. I pulled the throttle back on my mission and started seeing more sign and not only bumping deer but walking up on bedded deer within 25yds. I covered just under 12 miles by 1pm. I was having a lot of fun and enjoying myself until about 11:30 when the heat got to me. Feet got heavy, legs just couldn’t move quickly, I started getting confused and contemplating if I turned cameras on causing me to turn back just to go check and verify. I knew it was time to get the heck back to the truck. I had a couple more places I wanted to see though.

I shouldn’t have. I cooled down and chugged most of my liquids by noon, had plenty left. Went forth with getting back in the woods. Finished my plans.

Luckily I am chigger free which is never the case, but I stumbled into something fierce I believe was bull neddle. Man I’ve made that mistake before but never to this degree. I was high knee-ing it through some thick stuff and vines about 3’ tall, just trying to get the hell out of it. I must have kneed a few bull neddle plants and it’s pretty graphic. Left knee is about twice the size of my right knee. Full of rash and **** and big festers. I thought maybe it was poison ivy, I’ve got it a couple times but generally I can roll around in ivy and not be affected. I felt the bull neddle when I ran over them, the sting and pain. I looked back in frustration, seeing the plant and cussing telling my self to slow down, yet I was in a **** hurry to get out of the sun.

Thus far I’ve put about 4 different topical medications on it, it keeps it at bay. Any advice on severe bull neddle reactions welcome [emoji28]

Hoping the extreme efforts are worth it. Last time I did this was the last time, I swore it. 600miles round trips, more sweat than imagine, heat exhaustion(this time again), legs cramping up, dizzy, hearing heart beats in your ear drums: and the last year I did this yielded tiny bucks and a whopping 7yr old 6pt later killed by another hunter. Wasn’t worth it then, but I have confidence in a few of these areas from what I saw.

The rash will subside eventually. Comes with tromping through the woods this time of year.

My goal is the capture images of something mature to target and devise a plan to get my father one and potentially last bow kill, specifically on public ground. My efforts this year as last years are for him. I will continue to give it my best and as always with a little luck, maybe we will enjoy the success together.

My plans for this season were cultivated from last seasons learning experiences: involving hunting pressure, bedding and remote access.

I will say: my efforts were extreme even for my standards. I went solo, but made sure to let a couple people know where I was at, what I was doing and knew my plans. Guys I could count on In emergencies. I advise anyone going solo and DEEP to make certain to tell someone your location, intents, and time frames. It could save your life.

Hope this rejuvenates some older spirits to get out there and encourages someone new to hunting, make a plan and execute it.

Key Notes:
Go early and get out early.
Prep for insects:
Over pack liquids.
Plan your route.
Provide someone your whereabouts.
Beware bull neddle.


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[jkelbe]

Nice report. I went out a few weeks ago on a hot day and when I got in the bottoms, man it felt good, it made me realize, ahh that's the deer will be here too as it feels great here. Then I started noticing browse and started bumping deer. I do expect them to shift areas once cooler weather and acorns start to fall.

I too get in a hurry and plow through areas insisting my map scouting is better than my boot scouting. I have a few more scouting trips to learn my public lands better but I need to focus more following sign than onX.

[StickFlinger]

Well I took off to do something I haven’t done In a couple of years:

I went solo scouting some new ground. I knew it was going to be hot HOT Friday so I woke up at 4:30 and arrived by 6:15 and hit the ground shortly after the sun rose. Sky’s were clear and morning temps started at 78.

I was prepared: treated clothes with fresh permethrin the night before, had 100% deet, 5 bottles of water and 2 big powerades, a back pack FULL of cameras, accessories, tools and my little secret chunks for deer about 35lbs.

It wasn’t long, I was already bumping deer on my way in. The first deer I saw was a buck that any bow hunter would be excited to see on TX public. I knew he had to be close to his core area so I did my thing, and continued onward.

Bumping multiple other deer I figured it was time to slow down and start really putting eyes into the woods on foot. I tend to get to fast paced and it’s amazing how much sign you can run over without noticing when your focused on one path and the ground ahead of you. I pulled the throttle back on my mission and started seeing more sign and not only bumping deer but walking up on bedded deer within 25yds. I covered just under 12 miles by 1pm. I was having a lot of fun and enjoying myself until about 11:30 when the heat got to me. Feet got heavy, legs just couldn’t move quickly, I started getting confused and contemplating if I turned cameras on causing me to turn back just to go check and verify. I knew it was time to get the heck back to the truck. I had a couple more places I wanted to see though.

I shouldn’t have. I cooled down and chugged most of my liquids by noon, had plenty left. Went forth with getting back in the woods. Finished my plans.

Luckily I am chigger free which is never the case, but I stumbled into something fierce I believe was bull neddle. Man I’ve made that mistake before but never to this degree. I was high knee-ing it through some thick stuff and vines about 3’ tall, just trying to get the hell out of it. I must have kneed a few bull neddle plants and it’s pretty graphic. Left knee is about twice the size of my right knee. Full of rash and **** and big festers. I thought maybe it was poison ivy, I’ve got it a couple times but generally I can roll around in ivy and not be affected. I felt the bull neddle when I ran over them, the sting and pain. I looked back in frustration, seeing the plant and cussing telling my self to slow down, yet I was in a **** hurry to get out of the sun.

Thus far I’ve put about 4 different topical medications on it, it keeps it at bay. Any advice on severe bull neddle reactions welcome [emoji28]

Hoping the extreme efforts are worth it. Last time I did this was the last time, I swore it. 600miles round trips, more sweat than imagine, heat exhaustion(this time again), legs cramping up, dizzy, hearing heart beats in your ear drums: and the last year I did this yielded tiny bucks and a whopping 7yr old 6pt later killed by another hunter. Wasn’t worth it then, but I have confidence in a few of these areas from what I saw.

The rash will subside eventually. Comes with tromping through the woods this time of year.

My goal is the capture images of something mature to target and devise a plan to get my father one and potentially last bow kill, specifically on public ground. My efforts this year as last years are for him. I will continue to give it my best and as always with a little luck, maybe we will enjoy the success together.

My plans for this season were cultivated from last seasons learning experiences: involving hunting pressure, bedding and remote access.

I will say: my efforts were extreme even for my standards. I went solo, but made sure to let a couple people know where I was at, what I was doing and knew my plans. Guys I could count on In emergencies. I advise anyone going solo and DEEP to make certain to tell someone your location, intents, and time frames. It could save your life.

Hope this rejuvenates some older spirits to get out there and encourages someone new to hunting, make a plan and execute it.

Key Notes:
Go early and get out early.
Prep for insects:
Over pack liquids.
Plan your route.
Provide someone your whereabouts.
Beware bull neddle.


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Are you scouting in the Sam? That's the only public near Cstat I can imagine having that much wandering around available lol. If so, I'll be home from work here in a month or so and I'll be doing my scouting (kind of late and no ideal but better than nothing), and I go in by boat if you wana tag along. Could save you some miles on foot to get away from people.