Ralphie
It has returned to a more normal late April in NE Ohio. The temps have dropped back down into the thirties at night and forties and fifties during the days. We finally received some much needed rain this week and it had everything shooting out almost over night. The leaves have came along so far this week that the woods almost look full and the blossoms are are coming to an end. I finally had enough sunshine this morning to take a few pictures before the blossoms disappear for another year. It looks like we should be getting close to getting all of the mast into a safer place as far as the frost is concerned and I think we should have a good year. The oaks, hickories and apples were all in full bloom the last seven to ten days and I did not notice in frost damage. There were several days with frost covered mornings but I do not think they were killing frost.
The bucks are all showing the antlers from a distance now and I was able to see a couple that are starting brow tines and actually one that has started to come around on the main beam. It should not be to much longer until they all show us some main frame development. They are still in the process of losing their winter hair and look a bit ragged right now but that will continue to change as the warmer weather finds its way back to Ohio.
We have found a few grouse in the preserve and there is one that seems intent on becoming quite friendly. I have been able to get a few photos of him and he is always fun to watch as I move throughout the evening chores.
April has been great here at the preserve. The temps are well above average for this time of year and the plants are all showing the effects. I hope that one of our late season frost doesn’t decide to wipe out this years apples and mast. If we continue on the current path with the weather we should have everything flowered out and beyond the danger of frost within a week. I have been busy with the food plots and currently have all of the clover/chicory plots completed and will be moving to the soybeans and corn once the ground has warmed up. I can not remember a year when the ground has dried out this early. I have the plowing completed on everything and if it was early May I would have already planted all of the food plots.
The bucks are all showing antler growth now and in a couple of weeks we should be able to start seeing some actual frames. Currently the antlers are about 3-4 inches above the hairline and while you can see the actual bases forming it is still a lot of guess work on who’s leading the pack. I have seen two bucks in particular that show real promise for this year and several others that will also be fun to watch for this summer. All of the bucks have joined up into bachelor groups and I normally see five to seven together. I hope that this means they will all be trying to out do the others with their headgear!
