The Rack Report Blog Contributors - Russell Graves

Russell Graves - Believes whitetails shouldn't be photographed in the back of a truck with their tongue hanging out.
Location - Texas

The Rack Report Blog Contributors - Brian Strickland

Brian Strickland - Has 369,518 acres of land that you can hunt on. Call him at (555) 281-HUNT.
Location - Colorado

The Rack Report Blog Contributors - Tony Hansen

Tony Hansen - Is pretty confident Michigan will release at least 300,000 archers into the woods this fall.
Location - Michigan

The Rack Report Blog Contributors - Jake Fagan

Jake Fagan - He's really just here to hang out, so don't mind him.
Location - Georgia

The Rack Report Blog Contributors - Will Brantley

Will Brantley - Loves hunting in a dorag because it makes him look Ramboish. Some may call it Little Man Syndrome.
Location - Tennessee

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Start of a New Season

I was out scouting for bucks with my two little kids last week and I realized that since I'd been out to my hunting place four times in the past five days, I guess my season has started already.

I'm blessed to live just five miles from where I hunt so I am out exploring all year long. However, each July, my thoughts towards the new season become more focused. Over the next few days, I'll be hanging some stands and setting out a blind or two - you know - fluffing the ol' whitetail nest in hopes of seeing and harvesting a buck this year.

I am especially excited to get all of my stuff in order because after three seasons of tagging along, I think this is the one where my daughter will harvest her first deer so stay tuned for that.

Oh, back to scouting... I've been seeing some nice immature bucks around the place like this dandy nine-point. While I'll make sure he lives another year, I hope he makes through the gaunlet as he goes on other people's land. Check out the thickness between his right G-3 and G-4. The bases aren't so bad either.

So, I'd like to hear some feedback. When does your season unofficially start?

-Russell Graves
From the Lone Star State

Published by The Whitetail Team on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 5:16 PM.

Comments:

Well, the trail cameras are cleaned up, bought new batteries and they are ready to go out next weekend. I finished building two new protein feeders, so those are headed south to their new home in the hill country, as well.

It's just right around the corner...life is good!

# posted by Atfulldraw : July 16, 2008 12:10 AM

the road goes on forever and the preparation for the season never ends. I only own 150A but there is always something to do or tweek to get ready for deer season.

# posted by huntmaster : July 16, 2008 4:10 AM

Living in Texas, my season officially starts with the New Mexico Antelope season or as we call it, "Famous Antelope Road Trip" AKA "F.A.R.T."

This year will be our 7th year to head west to chase speed goats out on the great wide open with bow and arrow. It's a perfect way to make sure all the tools are tuned and ready for Texas.

Toss in some Labor Day White Wing shooting in South Texas to remind ourselves how fun shotguns are and suddenly it's "go time" for whitetail. The tradition of the bow season opener and the stories it generates are the highlight of the year.

# posted by Legdog : July 16, 2008 5:48 AM

There are only two seasons in the year: Hunting Season and Preparing for Hunting Season.

With exotics, varmints and my recent introduction into hunting hogs with dogs, it seems the Preparing for Hunting Season portion of the year is growing shorter and shorter.

# posted by doncom : July 16, 2008 6:16 AM

As for my season starting and ending, it seems to go year round. I keep trail cameras going 365 days a year, because I just enjoy looking at the pictures and keeping tabs on the deer in my hunting area.

During the off season I spend a lot of time bowfishing and hog hunting, so my hunting season really never ends........

# posted by bowhuntertex : July 16, 2008 8:40 AM