To the woods ...

No stick / string in hand though , instead it was a chainsaw and a gallon of gas , along with alot of low mumbled foul language . Today I cut firewood , and not even for myself or family . Were just tryin to clear out some of the left overs from the loggers and a few smaller trees . Didnt see anything while I was there besides a lizard and a couple squirrels . I did think about squirrel stew , however I didnt think the .40 cal. would leave much for stew . I am planning on hunting tomorow . We have a strong front coming in mid afternoon , calling for high winds and lots of rain . The temps have been cooler so we will see . I should be in the woods before sun - up and plan on stayin till either I get a deer , I run out of arrows , or my stomach folds me over like a warped mattress . Wish me luck , -n- good luck to everyone else who chooses to weather the storm .

Congrat's in order ...

Congrat's to my buddy Cody . He took the time to enjoy the outdoors with his son this past Sunday evening on an archery deer hunt . They werent so lucky with the deer , however , Cody did take his first archery turkey . What a better way to enjoy and savor the moment/memory than with a loved one . Especially a child . Knowing Cody , I am sure he set a good example for his boy . Im sure neither will soon forget the moment together .
For those of you that dont know , Cody Wilson is the President of the local NWTF chapter in Rogersville . I encourage all avid turkey hunters and hunters alike to give them a call and check them out . Especially if you have children . They are very child oriented and really take the time to care , as it shows . They are also very active with the JAKES program . I am a member of the NWTF , as my son is a member of the JAKES program (thanx to Cody) . There can be no better reward for us then to pass on the knowledge we have and share of the outdoors with our children . Our children will thank us , as will there children thank them . A timeless tradition dating back further than we can imagine and carying on with every trip we take into the woods with our young'uns .

No hunting today...

Didnt make it out this morning hunting . Did go out and set-up my trail cam , checked for tracks , measured and flagged for fence / gate , etc. Didnt see anything while I was out . Really windy here today . Did get a report from a friend that lives about 40 miles east of me , has a pic on one of his trail cam's of a big cat dragging a deer off by its throat . Said he couldnt tell how big the deer was but it was a buck . Had alot of reports and sightings of big cats around the area . Conservation doesnt confirm or deny the presence , they do however have a Investigation Team just for big cat sightings . Just to let you know , it is illegal in the state of Missouri to kill a cat - unless you are in immediate danger or it is doing damage to your property (ie-killing your livestock) , however , if you do kill a cat , you must immediately call the conservation dept. (phone # and web address on my website) and turn over the whole carcass/animal to them within 24 hours . Bears are the same , illegal to kill , must report it , not sure if you have to turn it over to them or not , just dont do it to be safe . If you live around me , you can travel the 45 minutes to Arkansas , which has a bear season , and kill one legally . Think before you shoot , always make sure of what is beyond your intended target , even when bow hunting . With todays modern bows shooting 300+fps , it is easy for a pass through and wounding another deer on the backside .

No luck today

Made it to the woods for the first time this evening . Got out a little late but figured I would try . NOTHIN , didnt see a thing . Did find some tracks and some coyote scat on my way in . The weather was extremely warm today compared to the past week . Temps gonna drop tonite and stay cooler for the next week or so (50's at night , mid 60's to low 70's during the day) . Going to try again in the morning . Wish me luck and 'Good luck' to ya'll .

A Gorgeous morning in the Ozarks ...

Yes Im home . Drove in last nite and arrived around 7 am . Had a nice drive and got to enjoy the sunrize over the Ozark hills this morning , low laying haze in the valleys with a little cloud cover , tint of red in the east as the sun rose , and some lightning in the distance . Glad to be home with my loving family , friends , and my personal retreat in the woods . Hopefully be able to get a little rest today and come this evening Ill be sittin in the woods , bow in hand .

Food Plots

Ok , so Ive been out of town goin on a couple weeks now . I guess the weather at home has been damp for the most part . Ive had a friend checkin my property for me since Ive been gone . Food plots and scattered forage areas are doin good . Cant wait to get home and set on stand .

Damp weather prevails ...

The weather has returned . Alot of rain scattered across the midwest and deep south . Hopefully with cooler temps again on the way , our hunting season will dry out a bit . Remember, just because you havent been in your stand , doesnt mean nobody else hasnt . Spiders , hornets , bee's , snakes , etc. All use our stands while were not in them . Share it with caution , try to inspec before you are suprised .

Good news from Missouri ...

Ive been bummed since season has opened at home and I am in Texas. I did here from a good friend today (Damon) , who did manage to harvest a nice 6 point . Im glad some of you can get out and enjoy it .

Deer season is upon us ...

Alright folks , the weather is upon us . I have not been hearing of too many success stories . Fall is here , the leaf's are turning , cooler temps . Take your time , if you havent already got your scouting done , do it . Get ready for changing weather patterns , and rifle season .

Dont FORGET ...

Treestand Safety ... For those of you getting ready to hit the woods this weekend . Remember to wear you safety harness device while in your stand . Not only will you be proteting yourself , you can set a good example for anybody who may be with you . Dont let your families future FALL prey to your hunting enjoyment .

Nice weather in Houston

Not exactly deer hunting weather down here , it was 87 today . I talked to a couple friends back home , no luck today in the woods . I guess the rain there boogered it up . Im hearing that my job here will last till somewhere around October 22nd . We'll see how that works out . Take care and good luck in the woods if you can get out.

Bummer deal for opening season ...

Looks like I wont be making opening morning for archery . I had to travel lastnite to Houston , Texas for work . Ill be here for several weeks at the least. Good luck to everyone who gets out tomorow .

Feeder scavengers ...

Parting shot of a couple of corn thieves on my property . This is the last set of pics for awhile . Took down the trail cam for opening bow season . Good luck .

Bow shoot today

Morning everyone , spent some time on the property yesterday evening . looking around at sign and checkin movement . Should be a nice season . Dont forget , today is the bow shoot in Rogersville . It is sponsored by the local NWTF chapter , The Rogersville Strutters . They will also be having a JAKES event for the younger ones . I hope to see you there .

Dreary day ...

Weather started out nice today , then it clouded up and started to drizzle a little . One of those days that I should be sitting in a treestand with my bow ....5 more days . Food plots are lookin good , planted some more fall seed blend extending down the lane on our property , that was a chore . Long land and its only DOWN hill one way .
Dont forget about the banquet in Republic tonite , 6 pm . Grant Woods will be the guest speaker , lecture will be on whitetail , other reps will be present . Dinner I believe to be bbq . See you there , Bill

Visiting Bass Pro Shops in Springfield , Mo.

Be looking for myself and a handful of other Pro Staff members soon . We are planning on a visit to the Springfield store sometime soon . Looking like possibly the 26th of September . Ill keep everyone up to date . Hope to see you there .

What is it ???

Had alot of opinions off of several different sights , is it a lion or a bobcat ??? By the size in comparison to a deer standing in the same general area , the back and shoulders are between 20"-24" high , it doesnt have any spots by this pic , as well the body is about the same length of a fawn . You make the call ..?!?

Say 'CHEESE'

Just hangin out enjoy'n the view . Life is good .

Uh Ohh ...

Sorry no post yesterday . My son had oral surgery and was not feeling well after . Thanx for your concern . However , I did make it to a regular stated meeting for the Rogersville Strutters , a local chapter of the NWTF . If you belong or want to join , contact them and get involved . It is a very active chapter that is really focused on involvement of the children . http://rogersvillestrutters.webs.com/ .
I look forward to seein you around . Bill

Hey , who's this little guy spoiling my picture ???

Alot of events coming up ...

For all those interested , there is a slew of events coming up in my local area . I will be attending a couple few of them , if you see me , stop and say 'Hello' . On Sept. 5th in Branson is the 'Friends of the NRA' banquet , on Sept. 5th in Republic , there is a Outdoors Hunting Banquet at the Calvary Baptist Church , there will deminstrations , seminars , vendors , etc . On Sept. 12th in Rodgersville , the local chapter of the NWTF JAKES , is having a function with games , lectures , giveaways , etc . Should be alot of fun for the kid in all of us . Ill be lookin forward to seeing you out-n-about .. Bill