The 2012 white-tailed deer season will be remembered, by most, as a year of promise on both sides of the river.
As we climb our way out of a major whitetail decline dating back 4 years or so, there are signs of recovery all around us. Some guys were luckier than others, of course, but all in all, deer numbers appear to be on the rebound over much of eastern ON and western QC.
You’ve all heard about my gang’s deer hunting experiences this fall(I’ve been telling everyone) and my personal record of seeing 5 bucks during hunting season.
Here’s your chance to share your tales of the season and post of few images. Let’s all reflect on what a great fall it has been. (I know, I know it’s not completely over year)
Here are a some more images of my hunt gang and the terrific 10 point I was fortunate enough to harvest this year:
(A nice shot of 4 of the best hunters I know, well 3 anyway)
Sent-in by Rick Poulin:
Here is a picture of the 8 point that committed suicide by trying to get by me last Friday morning just after 7. I have not scored him yet. He was an older deer based on checking his teeth. I would guess he was at least 7-8 years old.
Sent-in by imacdon:
Deer camp 2012 started like so many other deer camps, full of high anticipation. Most of the group arrived on Saturday. My 82 year old father and brother arrived from the big smoke. I had another brother fly in from cow-town out west. My three sons showed up, two taking a few days off university. Those who had not sighted in their guns did so Sunday. A few of us went out duck hunting Sunday night. The traditional sea food chowder was severed up thick with home baked rolls.
Monday morning arrived and after a quick breakfast, dogs where put in dog boxes and ATV’s where mounted, it was off to the deer stands. A few deer where observed but no shots were offered. We set up a chase about 8:30. My brother Phil and son Todd where going to walk thru with the dog. The dog started right away. Everyone was ready. The dog brought the deer back between the two dogger’s. The dog chased the deer for about 45 minutes, then brought the deer back and presented
A shot to Phil who connected. 4 pt, 138 pounds. Next morning during another chase the dog brought another buck between son’s Kyle and Todd who connected on a 7 pt 145 pounder. Unfortunately Kyle and Todd had to go back to school, and Phil had to go go back to work, that left four in camp. Latter in the week I connected with 6 pointer early in the morning. Weather was great. Camp was cleaned up, everyone was already talking about next year. I went over to my place for another week of deer hunting.
But that’s another story.
(Todd and Kyle taking Phil’s deer out of the swamp)
(Todd and Kyle with their deer)
(My three sons, myself, my 82 year old Dad and brother. Another brother took the photo.)
Sent-in by Maple(see Farmer’s buck story):
Sent-in by Iggy:
A moose at the deer camp caught on a trail cam, no season though, and Bill’s 9 point buck.
Sent-in by Mr Bounder Magazine himself – Brian Warren:
Hi jeff, here are some photos from the bogieman hunt camp..we got 4 bucks
Sent-in by Hunting Mom:
Sam’s first deer
We were on our last day of hunting because I had to get Sam back to school. Our group had already got three does and one buck. Sam actually fired at a couple but missed. I squandered two good opportunities but I won’t bore you with that sad story. We were on one of the last chases of the day. I was on a watch when I heard a shot which I knew was from Sam’s gun. One of our group asked via radio “what are you shooting at Sam?” (This was an important question because we were on our last doe tag). There was no response.
The question was asked again and again, no response. My motherly instinct was in overdrive imaging all kinds of terrible scenarios. After what seemed like an eternity, a breathless Sam responded that he thought he got one and he was trying to find it. Again came the question “is it a doe, Sam?”. Sam didn’t hear the question, so again no response. Finally, Sam confirmed that that he had a deer down. The question this time was, “Sam, did it have antlers??” I was imagining the poor members of the group frozen in their tracks waiting for the answer. At last, Sam confirmed that it was a doe. He was then instructed to mark the kill with bright orange and continue dogging the chase. Sam replied OK, he’ll leave his hat. I couldn’t help myself, my motherly instinct kicked in again and I blurted out on the radio “Sam, keep your hat on your head, use the bright orange tape in your pocket”. Hunting with your mother definitely has its downsides.
Sent-in by Trapper:
We had a great hunt this year both Moose and Deer.
Saw at least 8 different adult moose but could only harvest them with camera lens. Did manage to harvest 2 small 6 point bucks. On the trapping front we’re off to a good start with 25% of our beaver quoata and 30% of our Fisher quota. Mink have also been very productive.
As for the Bobcat-vs-Lynx debate. There’s plenty of Lynx in the North Bay area. The tell tale signs we use are that Bobcat are more spotted than Lynx. Lynx appear Greyer, Bobcat tails are striped (both have black tips though). Lynx ear tufts are much more prominent as are their paw prints.
On another note, if ya’ll ever get the chance to eat Lynx meat, take it. It is by far the best meat I have ever eaten (even better than moose).
