SHNF hunting 2021-2022 - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

jnewberry18 · 08-29-2021, 08:26 AM

Wanted to start this post to see what people are seeing out there in the forest.

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TXOUTLAW · 08-29-2021, 06:48 PM

Going out Wednesday to set a couple cams. I’ll post anything interesting

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08-29-2021, 07:22 PM

I used to do well off McBeth road, behind a pipe gate. Anyone hunting around there?

MetalMan2004 · 08-29-2021, 07:29 PM

Tagged! It’s been a couple years but I applied for the antlerless again after a few years off.

hot_rod_eddie · 08-29-2021, 07:34 PM

Tagged for the old timers.

Etxbuckman · 08-29-2021, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hot_rod_eddie

Tagged for the old timers.

I think most of the OG’s don’t come around much anymore.

Texas hog shoot · 08-30-2021, 06:59 AM

Any one ever been right off of 75 just south of 2296

C-dubyah · 08-30-2021, 09:17 AM

It is to dang hot to be out there scouting around. Season will be over before it cools down.

hot_rod_eddie · 08-30-2021, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etxbuckman

I think most of the OG’s don’t come around much anymore.

I noticed that last year.
I've been gone for 5 years, but I remember the get togethers and the opening morning lunch. And of course a little smack talk.

jpdarby2 · 08-31-2021, 11:18 AM

I can confirm it's way tooooo hot to be scouting and the spider webs are out of control! I put in some miles on Sunday to my typical spots with no major changes. Good luck to everyone this year!

PineyWoodsBow · 09-04-2021, 07:17 PM

Tagged. Going to go check my cams tomorrow

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PineyWoodsBow · 09-04-2021, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hot_rod_eddie

I noticed that last year.
I've been gone for 5 years, but I remember the get togethers and the opening morning lunch. And of course a little smack talk.

Been a long time, but I think your the guy I bumped into many years ago in the Archery section. I was toting the recurve. Looks like this thread has really died down over the last few years. It used to be the go to forum for the Sam!

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sp-bow · 09-05-2021, 11:59 AM

planning on setting out a few cameras tomorrow.

Matthewc131 · 09-07-2021, 03:00 PM

I haven't hunted the SHNF since back in 2013, mainly because I got into duck hunting and that took all my time & money during the season, but I've been thinking of giving it another shot!

jnewberry18 · 09-07-2021, 03:13 PM

Put some cameras out this morning can't wait to see what class comes up on on them!

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Rivershack21 · 09-13-2021, 08:23 PM

Use to hunt it years ago Loved it then. Last year was first year back in SHNF. Had tons of good hunts didn’t get close enough to kill a big buck but saw several small ones and countless number of does. Did kill a few coyotes while deer hunting.

Hunted two of the spots off 2296 and 75. They were really good spots to hunt but they get lots of other hunters there as well and groups of hikers walking around during the middle of day. Have to hunt there early mornings only

MattGrupa · 09-14-2021, 12:40 PM

I was out there a few weeks ago on the north east side and saw some promising signs plan on going out in a few days to place cams

MTXHUNTER · 09-14-2021, 08:24 PM

Hello fellow Big Sam hunters. I’m new to the forum, but I have been exploring and hunting the SHNF for a few years now. Pretty cool seeing a group of people sharing their experiences and helping each other out. I’ve been doing some recon and thought I would share some game cam pics, but apparently I can not do that until I have 5 posts on the forum. So far I’ve found a bunch of spikes and small bucks, a ton of doe, boat loads of pigs and a few shooter bucks. One spot in particular had a real trophy. I will post pics when I am allowed. Also who on here has satellite cams with lock boxes and python cable locks? I found one of your spots this afternoon and you should have a picture

jnewberry18 · 09-14-2021, 08:31 PM

I have a few cams in the forest with python cables.

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TXOUTLAW · 09-15-2021, 02:27 PM

I put a couple out last week but I’m not getting as many pics as you. Probably not my spot. Lol. I did struggle to find any acorns. Found a mature willow oak that had some but that’s about it.

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MattGrupa · 09-15-2021, 03:51 PM

I’m new to SHNF and I was thinking about putting cams out have y’all ever experienced someone trying to steal your cam I’m trying to price what I should get if there’s a lot of theft out there

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jnewberry18 · 09-15-2021, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattGrupa

I’m new to SHNF and I was thinking about putting cams out have y’all ever experienced someone trying to steal your cam I’m trying to price what I should get if there’s a lot of theft out there

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Buy a camera you can put a cable lock around... I have never had one stolen but people have removed them and stolen sd cards out of them

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MattGrupa · 09-15-2021, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnewberry18

Buy a camera you can put a cable lock around... I have never had one stolen but people have removed them and stolen sd cards out of them

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Ok cool I thought about the cables

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MTXHUNTER · 09-15-2021, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattGrupa

Ok cool I thought about the cables

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I just run the $30 tasco and Muddy cameras and cheap cards. We ran about 30 last year and 20 this year and have only had one come up missing. I do like the lock box and cable if I had nicer cameras I would go that route. When I saw the other camera I got out of the area and did not put any of mine close to it. I try to be respectful and hope others would do the same.

MattGrupa · 09-15-2021, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTXHUNTER

I just run the $30 tasco and Muddy cameras and cheap cards. We ran about 30 last year and 20 this year and have only had one come up missing. I do like the lock box and cable if I had nicer cameras I would go that route. When I saw the other camera I got out of the area and did not put any of mine close to it. I try to be respectful and hope others would do the same.

I thought about the muddy cell cam out there

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09-15-2021, 04:44 PM

Use a climber to set some cameras. Not 100 percent but makes em work harder.

MattGrupa · 09-15-2021, 04:47 PM

That’s my next purchase before going back out is a tree climber

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TXOUTLAW · 09-16-2021, 11:47 AM

Check your emails, slick head tags are out. Got mine, now I just need to find some.

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E.TX.BOWHUNTER · 09-16-2021, 12:51 PM

I don't think they like me having doe tags any more. Been drawn once in the last 10 or so years it seams. Only saw 1 doe last year and I had a permit but she was just a baby. Could have been a nubbin buck too. I was covered up with young bucks but nothing I would shoot. Going to have to have horns on it this year now.

Rivershack21 · 09-16-2021, 03:26 PM

My son got draw for the second year in a row on the slick head hunt. But I can’t get one lol just how it works out.

jpdarby2 · 09-16-2021, 09:21 PM

Got my antlerless tag, now I'll only see small buck all year!

Ruger92 · 09-17-2021, 03:47 PM

No antlerless tag for me either once again. Oh well. I put in about 120 miles of driving and 4 miles of walking today. I found a couple deer. I've been hunting the east side for the last 3 years and decided I needed a change of scenery so I went for a Drive. I did see many more people today than I have in the previous 3 years put together. Maybe the areas I went to are just popular. Good luck to everyone I'm hoping this thread will pick up a little, it's been pretty mild the last few seasons.

FlyGuyy · 09-18-2021, 09:32 PM

I’ve had the worst luck pulling an antlerless tag at SHNF. Nada again this year.

I typically see lots of does pre-season and in archery (always out of range) and then ONLY does during rifle. but the one year I drew the antlerless tag I couldn’t find a single one!

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MTXHUNTER · 09-19-2021, 07:58 AM

I antlerless tag for me this year, guess I have to get it done in October.

MTXHUNTER · 09-19-2021, 07:59 AM

For those of you who use a mountain bike. How do you pack out kills? Carts, backpack, strap them to the handlebars?

Ksig512 · 09-19-2021, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hot_rod_eddie

I noticed that last year.
I've been gone for 5 years, but I remember the get togethers and the opening morning lunch. And of course a little smack talk.

I still step in just to look around. I dont hunt the Sam anymore. People posting locations on the internet , its gotten really crazy. Its definitely not the same as it used to be. The first few get togethers were fun, pizza shack and the fish pond.

MetalMan2004 · 09-19-2021, 08:49 AM

Back when you had to mail in a post card for the antlerless tag drawing I got one every year. Once they switched to online I haven’t gotten one since. Oh well.

Etxbuckman · 09-19-2021, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksig512

I still step in just to look around. I dont hunt the Sam anymore. People posting locations on the internet , its gotten really crazy. Its definitely not the same as it used to be. The first few get togethers were fun, pizza shack and the fish pond.

Yep. Those were good times. It’s turned into a **** show though, and all the folks who were hunting out there back then kinda moved on.

E.TX.BOWHUNTER · 09-20-2021, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTXHUNTER

For those of you who use a mountain bike. How do you pack out kills? Carts, backpack, strap them to the handlebars?

I rig up a game cart and pull it with the bike. It is fastened to the bike in such a way the bike won't fall over. Think of it as a big set of training wheels. It fastens to the rear wheel and up to the post under the seat forming a triangle to support the front bar of the game cart. I put my climber on it going in. I also installed washers and neoprene between washers between any noisy connections. Camo tape is your friend.

jnewberry18 · 09-20-2021, 07:44 PM

Anyone seen their game cam pix yet? And see anything good?

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09-20-2021, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTXHUNTER

For those of you who use a mountain bike. How do you pack out kills? Carts, backpack, strap them to the handlebars?

Back when I seriously hunted the Sam, I would bow hunt in Oct but also used that time to pack in what I needed for rifle season like 2 carts, one at 3 miles, one at 4 and hide well. I would pack in climbing stands, cases of water and Gatorade. One time when my wife and I were dating, we were hunting and getting thirsty so I asked her if she wanted something to drink. I stepped off in the woods about 75 yds and returned with two Gatorade bottles from my stash, I had them all spread out near the road where I hunted. I didn't want to carry heavy stuff when I was hunting.
One time I shot a nice buck and the doe it was following. That was no fun bringing both out, making two 7 mile round trips. I swore I would never do that again.

Miketex2016 · 09-22-2021, 08:17 AM

Asked this question last year and didn’t get much response from green screen or from emails with park rangers.

I found a couple trails with blue aluminum circles nailed into trees every 20-30 yards. Walked about half a mile along both trails and markers were still there. Couldn’t find them listed on any map though. Any idea what trail system that might be? Found a few promising spots in same area as trails but since I had no idea where trails went was concerned about 150 yard rule near roads and trails.

E.TX.BOWHUNTER · 09-22-2021, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miketex2016

Asked this question last year and didn’t get much response from green screen or from emails with park rangers.

I found a couple trails with blue aluminum circles nailed into trees every 20-30 yards. Walked about half a mile along both trails and markers were still there. Couldn’t find them listed on any map though. Any idea what trail system that might be? Found a few promising spots in same area as trails but since I had no idea where trails went was concerned about 150 yard rule near roads and trails.

I don't think those are trails. I could be wrong on that. It maybe tracts to be thinned or sold. Did you see any papers or placards posted in the area? Were these in areas of pines that were of the same size and fairly thick? Do you think they could have just been fire breaks? These are on borders and around younger pine stands. I find fire breaks often circle the planted pine stands. How high were they? Did they have anything other than just being blue? Any numbers or such?

Miketex2016 · 09-23-2021, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E.TX.BOWHUNTER

I don't think those are trails. I could be wrong on that. It maybe tracts to be thinned or sold. Did you see any papers or placards posted in the area? Were these in areas of pines that were of the same size and fairly thick? Do you think they could have just been fire breaks? These are on borders and around younger pine stands. I find fire breaks often circle the planted pine stands. How high were they? Did they have anything other than just being blue? Any numbers or such?

No placards or signs that I could see. Area was not super dense and trees were different sizes. Some older some younger. It was clearly some type of trail because it looked like it had been cleared out but you had growth along sides like marked trails had. At one point it crossed the main trail. The markers were about 10 feet high easy to spot.

CALopez · 09-24-2021, 05:02 PM

I’ve never hunted SHNF, but I’m thinking out going out there and doing some scouting and maybe doing some weekend hunts. Couple of questions, can you camp in the designated areas during hunting season? Which would be most effective, a climber, sticks and a lock on, or a pop up? Thanks

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NF HUNTER · 09-25-2021, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etxbuckman

I think most of the OG’s don’t come around much anymore.

No we don't, I just check in from time to time. How you been doing john and Eddie?

hot_rod_eddie · 09-26-2021, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NF HUNTER

No we don't, I just check in from time to time. How you been doing john and Eddie?

Moved back close to home about 5 years ago. Bought 60 acres last year full of deer and turkey so no more public hunting for me. Hope you and your brother are doing well.

MTXHUNTER · 09-26-2021, 07:39 PM

Pulled 5 cameras today lots of doe, fawns, pigs, two bobcats, some coyotes, a few young bucks and one mature 8 point. The 8 point was working a trail I found a huge scrape on, but I don’t think he is what made it. I’ve run a lot of cameras over the last 3 years and only found a couple of true trophy deer. I have a few more to pull wrote the season it was getting crowded out there today.

Romulan · 09-28-2021, 10:37 PM

I haven’t seen much acorns in my usual areas - have you guys noticed a difference from last year?

Buck-Chaser · 09-29-2021, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksig512

I still step in just to look around. I dont hunt the Sam anymore. People posting locations on the internet , its gotten really crazy. Its definitely not the same as it used to be. The first few get togethers were fun, pizza shack and the fish pond.

We still do get togethers but not as often Facebook group is where some of the old members are Dmack, hunting fool, Tod middleton and a few others.

08-29-2021, 08:26 AM	#1
jnewberry18 Four Point Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: spring	SHNF hunting 2021-2022 Wanted to start this post to see what people are seeing out there in the forest. Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

09-14-2021, 12:40 PM	#17
MattGrupa Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Aug 2021	Few weeks ago I was out there a few weeks ago on the north east side and saw some promising signs plan on going out in a few days to place cams

09-14-2021, 08:24 PM	#18
MTXHUNTER Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Sep 2021	2021 shnf Hello fellow Big Sam hunters. I’m new to the forum, but I have been exploring and hunting the SHNF for a few years now. Pretty cool seeing a group of people sharing their experiences and helping each other out. I’ve been doing some recon and thought I would share some game cam pics, but apparently I can not do that until I have 5 posts on the forum. So far I’ve found a bunch of spikes and small bucks, a ton of doe, boat loads of pigs and a few shooter bucks. One spot in particular had a real trophy. I will post pics when I am allowed. Also who on here has satellite cams with lock boxes and python cable locks? I found one of your spots this afternoon and you should have a picture

09-19-2021, 07:58 AM	#34
MTXHUNTER Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Sep 2021	Antlerless tag I antlerless tag for me this year, guess I have to get it done in October.

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08-29-2021, 06:48 PM	#2
TXOUTLAW Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2006	Going out Wednesday to set a couple cams. I’ll post anything interesting Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08-29-2021, 07:22 PM	#3
SabineHunter Guest	I used to do well off McBeth road, behind a pipe gate. Anyone hunting around there?

08-29-2021, 07:29 PM	#4
MetalMan2004 Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2017	Tagged! It’s been a couple years but I applied for the antlerless again after a few years off.

08-29-2021, 07:34 PM	#5
hot_rod_eddie Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: North Carolina Hunt In: NC, SC	Tagged for the old timers.

08-30-2021, 06:59 AM	#7
Texas hog shoot Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Aug 2021	Any one ever been right off of 75 just south of 2296

08-30-2021, 09:17 AM	#8
C-dubyah Eight Point Join Date: Aug 2018	It is to dang hot to be out there scouting around. Season will be over before it cools down.

08-31-2021, 11:18 AM	#10
jpdarby2 Four Point Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Houston, TX Hunt In: Texas	I can confirm it's way tooooo hot to be scouting and the spider webs are out of control! I put in some miles on Sunday to my typical spots with no major changes. Good luck to everyone this year!

09-04-2021, 07:17 PM	#11
PineyWoodsBow Ten Point Join Date: Jun 2010	Tagged. Going to go check my cams tomorrow Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-05-2021, 11:59 AM	#13
sp-bow Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Magnolia, TX Hunt In: SHNF, MI	planning on setting out a few cameras tomorrow.

09-07-2021, 03:00 PM	#14
Matthewc131 Four Point Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Houston Hunt In: Texas Coast, Central & East Texas	I haven't hunted the SHNF since back in 2013, mainly because I got into duck hunting and that took all my time & money during the season, but I've been thinking of giving it another shot!

09-07-2021, 03:13 PM	#15
jnewberry18 Four Point Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: spring	Put some cameras out this morning can't wait to see what class comes up on on them! Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

09-13-2021, 08:23 PM	#16
Rivershack21 Spike Join Date: Sep 2021 Hunt In: All over Texas	Use to hunt it years ago Loved it then. Last year was first year back in SHNF. Had tons of good hunts didn’t get close enough to kill a big buck but saw several small ones and countless number of does. Did kill a few coyotes while deer hunting. Hunted two of the spots off 2296 and 75. They were really good spots to hunt but they get lots of other hunters there as well and groups of hikers walking around during the middle of day. Have to hunt there early mornings only

09-14-2021, 08:31 PM	#19
jnewberry18 Four Point Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: spring	I have a few cams in the forest with python cables. Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

09-15-2021, 02:27 PM	#20
TXOUTLAW Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2006	I put a couple out last week but I’m not getting as many pics as you. Probably not my spot. Lol. I did struggle to find any acorns. Found a mature willow oak that had some but that’s about it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-15-2021, 03:51 PM	#21
MattGrupa Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Aug 2021	I’m new to SHNF and I was thinking about putting cams out have y’all ever experienced someone trying to steal your cam I’m trying to price what I should get if there’s a lot of theft out there Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-15-2021, 04:44 PM	#26
SabineHunter Guest	Use a climber to set some cameras. Not 100 percent but makes em work harder.

09-15-2021, 04:47 PM	#27
MattGrupa Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Aug 2021	That’s my next purchase before going back out is a tree climber Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-16-2021, 11:47 AM	#28
TXOUTLAW Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2006	Check your emails, slick head tags are out. Got mine, now I just need to find some. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-16-2021, 12:51 PM	#29
E.TX.BOWHUNTER Ten Point Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: East Texas Hunt In: Texas Public Lands	I don't think they like me having doe tags any more. Been drawn once in the last 10 or so years it seams. Only saw 1 doe last year and I had a permit but she was just a baby. Could have been a nubbin buck too. I was covered up with young bucks but nothing I would shoot. Going to have to have horns on it this year now.

09-16-2021, 03:26 PM	#30
Rivershack21 Spike Join Date: Sep 2021 Hunt In: All over Texas	My son got draw for the second year in a row on the slick head hunt. But I can’t get one lol just how it works out.

09-16-2021, 09:21 PM	#31
jpdarby2 Four Point Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Houston, TX Hunt In: Texas	Got my antlerless tag, now I'll only see small buck all year!

09-17-2021, 03:47 PM	#32
Ruger92 Spike Join Date: Dec 2019	No antlerless tag for me either once again. Oh well. I put in about 120 miles of driving and 4 miles of walking today. I found a couple deer. I've been hunting the east side for the last 3 years and decided I needed a change of scenery so I went for a Drive. I did see many more people today than I have in the previous 3 years put together. Maybe the areas I went to are just popular. Good luck to everyone I'm hoping this thread will pick up a little, it's been pretty mild the last few seasons.

09-18-2021, 09:32 PM	#33
FlyGuyy Four Point Join Date: May 2017	I’ve had the worst luck pulling an antlerless tag at SHNF. Nada again this year. I typically see lots of does pre-season and in archery (always out of range) and then ONLY does during rifle. but the one year I drew the antlerless tag I couldn’t find a single one! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

09-19-2021, 07:59 AM	#35
MTXHUNTER Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Sep 2021	For those of you who use a mountain bike. How do you pack out kills? Carts, backpack, strap them to the handlebars?

09-19-2021, 08:49 AM	#37
MetalMan2004 Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2017	Back when you had to mail in a post card for the antlerless tag drawing I got one every year. Once they switched to online I haven’t gotten one since. Oh well.

09-20-2021, 07:44 PM	#40
jnewberry18 Four Point Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: spring	Anyone seen their game cam pix yet? And see anything good? Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

09-22-2021, 08:17 AM	#42
Miketex2016 Spike Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Houston Hunt In: TX	Asked this question last year and didn’t get much response from green screen or from emails with park rangers. I found a couple trails with blue aluminum circles nailed into trees every 20-30 yards. Walked about half a mile along both trails and markers were still there. Couldn’t find them listed on any map though. Any idea what trail system that might be? Found a few promising spots in same area as trails but since I had no idea where trails went was concerned about 150 yard rule near roads and trails.

09-24-2021, 05:02 PM	#45
CALopez Four Point Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Angleton Tx Hunt In: Anywhere I Can	I’ve never hunted SHNF, but I’m thinking out going out there and doing some scouting and maybe doing some weekend hunts. Couple of questions, can you camp in the designated areas during hunting season? Which would be most effective, a climber, sticks and a lock on, or a pop up? Thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-26-2021, 07:39 PM	#48
MTXHUNTER Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Sep 2021	Pulled 5 cameras today lots of doe, fawns, pigs, two bobcats, some coyotes, a few young bucks and one mature 8 point. The 8 point was working a trail I found a huge scrape on, but I don’t think he is what made it. I’ve run a lot of cameras over the last 3 years and only found a couple of true trophy deer. I have a few more to pull wrote the season it was getting crowded out there today.

09-28-2021, 10:37 PM	#49
Romulan Six Point Join Date: Oct 2018 Hunt In: Public Lands	I haven’t seen much acorns in my usual areas - have you guys noticed a difference from last year?