December has arrived and from the weather we are having in NE Ohio you would think that it is still September. The rut has been slowing down over the last couple of weeks and I do not see much action out of the mature bucks anymore. The routines have come back and all of the deer are no longer chasing. The cooler nights have them coming to the food plots and accorns earlier in the evenings. The leaves in the preserve have fallen now and the bucks can be seen from greater distances as the move. All of the antlers have taken on the white color of winter and without the snow so far this winter they can easily be seen in the bright sun light.
We have had several groups of hunters in the lodge now and everything is still working out great. The woodburner really makes for an enjoyable evening after a cool night on stay stand.
What a great hunt we had this week at ORWA. We had a father and son come in search of the sons “first deer”. The weather in NE Ohio was very typical for this time of year and when they arrived it was cold and rainy with just enough ice mixed in to make you wonder what the morning would bring. The trip out to the stand was very unexpected as the moon lit our path and we had no need to ever turn on our lights! There was a heavy frost and the sunrise completed a great setting for our first morning on stand. With the bucks on the move looking for does our chilly wait was rewarded when a beautiful nine point came in with his head down. The young hunter (10 years old) made a perfect shot. While the buck won’t make any of the “record books” I know that it is truly a trophy buck in his eyes and an experience that will never be forgotten. What a great time to be able to share this moment with both of them. To witness the excitement of a “first deer” and to see the pride that Dad has in passing on the torch. Thanks guys for a great hunt!
We had a great week at ORWA. Our first hunter was with us this week and we enjoyed a great three days. Everything at the new lodge worked well and the hunt came together in grand fashion. The weather in NE Ohio was the best that we have seen in several weeks with cool mornings and the temps in the low seventies thru the afternoon. We were able to see several nice bucks and the does and button bucks filled in the time between. The hunter was very experienced and after passing several mature trophy bucks made a great shot on a beautiful 165″ trophy with his bow. Both Sonya and myself enjoyed our time with Brian and have made a new friend and memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks Brian! Next year we’ll go for that 180″.