When the vegetation starts to die in mid-September the bucks descend to lower ground. They recluse themselves into the nasty thick stuff, become more nocturnal and move little. This combined with monsoon season makes hunting very difficult during this time and for most islanders the deer hunting is largely ignored in October. This is the time to gather firewood and smoke the salmon you caught during the summer.
By the end of October the deer breeding season starts up. The bucks become much more active and less timid in their search for does. The hunting is just going to get better every day now for 3-4 weeks. Bucks can be lured into range with skillful and judicious use of various calling techniques. It is a very exciting way to hunt.
Last year I largely missed this time being busy with Board of Game, being deathly sick and moving. So with this years rut commencing I'm re-packing my hunting gear and getting ready to take to the field again. The wood is stacked, the salmon smoked, it's deer season again.
Autumn has been practicing her buck calls so she'll be ready when she's old enough to come with me.
3 comments:
You'll be real proud when she learns how to control the tone of her burps to sound like a buck.
I liked the description of the different hunting seasons. Thanks for that. It's fun to think about. It's in the 60s here. The 60s! So much different than the old snow by halloween scene back home. I think I like it... but I do miss the more rugged aspects of Alaska. Sigh...
am i old enough to come with you?
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