Hey guys. Since Ohio is usually one of the top forums I thought I'd go ahead bump it up and get the season started.

Good luck to everyone. I've been scouting Delaware State Park and hope the nightmares of public hunting aren't true. Can't wait!!!!!!!!

Hope everyones ready, just a couple more days. I'm finishing up my last little bit of scent free clothes washing today. Good luck to all, let's hope for some cooler temps soon.

When does everyone start hunting...Day 1 or do you wait until the temperatures drop a bit? What is your philosophy on this?

I typically like to go out the first weekend in the AM just to see some activity. Hopefully the temps will drop over the next few weeks.

I'm driving up on October 1st to hunt the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. I'm coming from North Carolina to hunt and finish up setting a couple stands and filling some corn feeders. My week long trip is Nov. 7th to the 15th.

I will be hunting in Barnesville which is in Belmont County. Keep me updated with the weather and activity if you can.

Thanks,Jason

I will try to get out early in the mornings. Still going to be in the 80's in southwestern Ohio. Have already seen some rubs close to my stand site. Looking forward to a good fall of hunting. Good luck to all!!!
Modified by Muzzy 75 at 9:05 AM 9/24/2008

Just checked the weather, looks like it's going to cool down a bit. Maybe even some rain. I'll be out there saturday.

I'll be out Sunday and Monday. Have a previous commitment on Saturday, but I can't bring myself to wait to later, when I know hunting season is in. Just wanted to know what everyone's thoughts were about going out right away or waiting a few weeks. Not sure how the warm weather effects the bucks. I know they move less during the day with the warm weather, but hopefully they'll be moving in the mornings. Do you prefer setting your stand/ground blind in the woods or on the edge of "bean/corn" fields?

I start as soon as the law will allow me to....time in the woods is time well spent. I found a great rub line in Logan county around Sept. 15th.

Best of luck to everyone who can hunt this weekend. Looking forward to hearing about some encounters after the opening day!

Quote, originally posted by JSagraves »

I'll be out Sunday and Monday. Have a previous commitment on Saturday, but I can't bring myself to wait to later, when I know hunting season is in. Just wanted to know what everyone's thoughts were about going out right away or waiting a few weeks. Not sure how the warm weather effects the bucks. I know they move less during the day with the warm weather, but hopefully they'll be moving in the mornings. Do you prefer setting your stand/ground blind in the woods or on the edge of "bean/corn" fields?

I like to hunt evening food sources, usually bean fields, but with all these acorns on the ground after the wind storm, I'll probably split my time between the both. Sometimes early in the season you can still catch bucks in there summer feeding patterns.

Good luck to all. I'll be at a soccer game saturday morning but plan on going out in the evening.

This time of year I hit public delaware lands....I have "money stands" for later in October on private land. I qualified for a controlled hunt at Alum Creek. Hope to catch a big boy back in there. Obviously there is a ton of deer in the corn in front of Delaware Stete Park. I have always concentrated on that. Also in the mornings they travel way to the back toward lake...setup next to some white oaks back there and I gaurantee a doe. My Uncle shot a 2 year old beauty in December about 100 yards south of beach just off of the beach...there is a dish washer in a tree right in that area. Point is, u have to be willing to walk way off the map.

What is the general agreement on the best week to hunt this year's rut? Nov. 10 - 14 or Nov. 17 - 21? Since the full moon is late this year, "Oct. 14th", the experts are predicting around Nov. 15 thru Nov.19. NOTE: The moon expert "guys" have be dead accurate 4 of the last 5 years. The only time it was off, was two years ago due to a unusual warm spell. If it is later, I just can't imagine not being in the woods in those magical days of the 8,9,10 of November. More trophy buck have been shot on Nov. 9th, than any other day of the year. Maybe the solution is to hunt Wed. 12 to Wed 19? ???????????????????? I could really use some opinions of this debate, in order to schedule advance vacation time at work. Thanks.

The "rutting moon" this year will be 11/13/08. The moon expert guys believe that:

- bucks will be "seeking" "testosterone is at a max; rubbing/scraping activity; bucks are on the move but not yet chasing every doe they encounter" from 11/9-11/17

- bucks will be "chasing" "does are almost in estrous; fighting; bucks will chase every doe they encounter" from 11/17-11/21.

- bucks will be breeding 11/21-12/4/08.

I would think that based on this info, I would want to be in my tree stand as much as possible from 11/9-11/17 if I had to limit to a certain period of time. The bucks will be actively cruising but not necessarily running through the woods chasing every doe in the county.

Hey, thanks for the feedback and good advice. You helped me with a tough decision. Unfortunately, living 360 miles away I can only hunt quality trips vs. quantity. I was really torn and needed a confirmation from someone I can blame later when the wife is upset about me having to hunt again if the rut is later! I put in for week of Nov. 10 - 17th just this morning.

I'd like to get out again before then for a 3 day trip. Any suggestions for best time in October?

I'm coming up tomorrow to hunt Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Anybody seeing any deer yet??? It looks like the weather in Belmont County is going to be a little cooler so hopfully they will be moving....

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and wish all the best of luck this year. As far as the best week I would have to put in my opinion and say the second week of November. So good call on taking off the 10th and hunting that week. It seems like the last 4 years I have had an encounter with a dandy buck on November 11th out of the same stand. It has not been the same buck but just luck perhaps....Anyways good luck to all!

had gf out sunday morning and got her on film connecting on a real nice 9pt!!!right now fellas is a great time to catch a big boy slipping back to his bed or coming to a field....cooler temps meens next couple of days should really be good.....be in the woods these next couple nights...i think you wont be disappointed!!!good luck to everyone

Just checking back in and catching up on some of the info, good luck to everyone hunting and be safe!

Getn a later start in Perry county on a friend's property, at least one stand should go up this Sunday. I've noticed one relatively large deer track in the area I'll hunt. Got some Biologic deer plot seed put down almost 2 weeks back. Min 30 day's prior to frost is what the bag said - hope we beat that. 2 other plots on the ridge are being well eat'n on planted early in the summer. Last year I was blessed with 3 shots / 3 deer "shotgun & Ml" - my 1st productive season. This year I'd like to get at least one with a bow. B safe.

I just got this huge 8 pt. on my NE Ohio trailcam. Can anyone help me score this big boy?

http://s371.photobucket.com/al...n.jpg

great tine length, great brows, long main beams, and good mass...helluva 8 pt...without having any reference to body size I would guess around 160

I'll be in Wayne County. Havent gotten out yet this year becuase I'm up at college now. Will get out next wed. tho and will hunt until sunday. Good luck everyone
Modified by andymoss018 at 4:12 PM 10/3/2008

Made it out Saturday morning to Circleville and smoked a doe at 12 yards, had 5 all together in the group and harvested the largest one. Hunted Sunday morning/afternoon below Laurelville with my oldest son, he saw a couple does but I saw nothing but man was it raining acorns the size of golfballs and it seemed as if the critters were feeding all day. I did get a chance to look around for some sign and found a huge rub line with trees destroyed the size of my leg and the property owner showed me pics to verify with her digital camera.. gotta get down there more often. Here are some pics of the doe from Saturday.

Beautiful doe. Was your stand on a trail or near a plot? cover scent? bait? "generally what's working for you?"I might get down to Tar Hollow before all is said and done. I plan to get to Perry co to hunt from Sat evening to Mon evening ideally.Again - nice deer.

I was in Barnesville off Gobblers Knob Road on Thursday Morning and Friday Morning and Afternoon. I took a doe both days. Here is a picture of the doe taken on Thursday morning at 16 yards. Shot her with the rage 2 blade broadhead. Saw 3 does on Thursday and only 1 doe on Friday. No time to look around but didn't see any bucks.

Congratulations fellas. Keep up the good work! Any buck movement at all?

Quote, originally posted by Sea »

Beautiful doe. Was your stand on a trail or near a plot? cover scent? bait? "generally what's working for you?"

Thanks, I was set up on a trail leading from a beanfield to a bedding area with pleny of acorns to draw them in and have a bite before laying down. I am trying something new with scent this year and I have had no negative reactions from the deer. I had been thinking of trying it for the last couple years and finally did it this year, I bought a Scent Smoker at the OBBC banquet this summer. It helps smoke your clothes,body, hair, etc before the hunt to eliminate human odor. I have not had a deer spook or snort... they do smell something but smoke is natural so they just move on... really kinda neat.. but an old idea. Good luck to you!

Hey guys congrats on the deer! It's good to see some success.

As a stockbroker I could really use an afternoon away from this madness. Even though we have a moderate drizzle today in columbus I was thinking with the cool air and dark sky we might see a good amount of movement. Any thoughts?

After some research yesterday, a scent smoker is on the way. I wasn't committed to any specific scent regiment other than scent free clothes and shower, I'd tried some fox or coon wiz as cover, but I saw it punch a young one in the nose last year.. I'll give this some time try. Thanks for the info.

Well I got out last night. Weather was perfect. A little warm of course but the fresh air was better then recycled office air. I had two fat does hang out under my stand about 6:45. Didn't take a shot hoping a buck would cruse in...too much work to do today anyway to deal with a deer this am. It sure feels good to get out. I think I had a "deer buzz".

I'm going to take out the carry lite with a tail wagger this weekend. This is my first attempt at decoying so we'll see how it goes. Good luck everyone!

Which smoker did you guys buy?

ScentSmoker.com is what I presumed ohiobowhntr bought. That's what I have coming. shipping seems a bit steep, but some day's I've got more money than scents "haha".

Quote, originally posted by Sea »

ScentSmoker.com is what I presumed ohiobowhntr bought. That's what I have coming. shipping seems a bit steep, but some day's I've got more money than scents "haha".

That is correct and this is my first year trying out the new regiment. I dont think it could be any easier but just remember the most important tool with a smoker besides wood chips is a small torch, it will cut alot of time off you process. I just drop in a hand full of chips to get the blaze started.. let it burn for a minute then throw another handful of chips in to smother... be careful working the bellow after that to quickly because it will shoot a flame out the end.. it only takes once and you'll know what I am talking about. I was lucky enough to pick mine up at the OBBC banquet in August so no shipping paid here. Good luck with it and ask away with any questions.. I would be glad to help.

By the way SEA where in Circleville are you located? I do some hunting around A.W. Marion... thats where this doe was taken.
Modified by ohiobowhntr at 4:10 AM 10/10/2008

I'm in Ashville. Life-long Pickaway county resident. I am familiar with that area.
Modified by Sea at 7:23 AM 10/10/2008

Hey everyone. Hows the hintin goin? I took a doe last Saturday 10-04-08. She was a healthy old gal. She weighed in at 125 lbs. after field dressed. Good luck to everyone.

Modified by Rackattack at 9:19 AM 10/11/2008

There must be some really good hunting in Ohio these last couple days. No one has been on posting what they are seeing. I only have 4 weeks before my weekly trip so keep me posted. I will be there Nov. 8th to the 15th.

saw a really nice 8pt. on 10/10. He was feeding in a hay field. Been finding some very impressive rubs...if it cools off they will be out moving. It is just too hot.

I went out Sat in Jefferson County and saw a young 5-point at first light. Also saw a few does.

In the evening, I saw a nice 10-point chasing two does. I heard him grunt twice and then saw all three crashing through the brush. He split the does up - one went my way and the other went the opposite way. Of course he followed the one that went away from me. Also saw a few more does that evening.

I was able to make it out Sunday morning in Athens, I saw two does and was able to harvest another doe at 9AM. For the Sunday afternoon hunt I saw three does but too far away for a shot. Seen some more rubs popping up so hopefully next week I will see some bucks..

Took a doe tonight in Darke county....around 130 Lbs.....nice mature deer. Mark another one up for team Mathews !!!!!!!!

Just checking in, trying to get caught up on whay you all are seeing and killing. Congrats to all who have already taken some does. Front going to be moving through today and tommorrow hopefully it will bring some cooler temps.

Bagged a nice 12 point "5 x 7" on 10/4 "Ashtabula County". I was set up about 40 yrds inside a field/fence edge. Seen him walking the edge with a few does, figured he would pass without a shot... Before I was on stand, I used some mature buck urine in the general area of my stand. He made a good size rub and scrape, hopped the fence and stopped 20 yrds broadside. Walked right over to where I used the urine. Temp outside was around 40deg with a gentle breeze from the North West. I knew he was on the property, luck and dedication took care of the rest. Battle tested buck, one broken tine and several fresh wounds. This is my first time to write on the forum, but I've enjoyed reading everyones feedback. Good luck, and get out there. Should be a good weekend coming up.

Congrats JRader....

Marston...The bucks are chasing in good ole Columbiana County?

I believe some are starting to chase in Columbiana/Jefferson counties..........I don't believe the does are close to being ready yet but some bucks seem to be looking for some action!!! Have you ever used decoys with any success?

Congrasts JRADER52....do you have a picture?

No to be honest with you I have never even tried a decoy...The whole bother about lugging it around just doesn't interest me one bit.

I am excited about the temps dropping because I get to go home this weekend and hunt for the first time....Finally get some time away from school and work

I tried to post a photo, but only shows a box with a red dot. Any suggestions on how to load a picture...?

The following was posted in another forum - see if this helps you post pics to this site.

As this topic seems to be coming up a lot lately, it was suggested that we post this info as a sticky here in the photo gallery. Here are the basics, but for more tips/info, check the Rules, Questions and Tests section of the forum. http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zeroforum?id=19You can also practice posting your pictures over there. If any questions, feel free to contact a mod for more help. ************************************************************

HOW TO POST A PIC ON THE FS FORUM:

1. Get your picture on your computer in the .jpg form.

2. Go to a site like, http://www.photobucket.com or http://www.myfishingpictures.com

3. Sign up or whatever you have to do and follow their instructions on how to post the picture on their site.

4. Once you get it on their site, when looking at the picture uploaded on their site...right click the picture itself...click properties and highlight and copy the URL that is there...

5. When in the FS reply/post box, click the INSERT IMAGE icon under the reply/post box...

6. You will see two "IMG's" in brackets...paste the URL in between these 2 brackets.

7. There should be NO SPACES in between the URL and the brackets. For example {img}URL-HERE{/img}

"I had to use the wrong brackets to fool the system, if I would have used the real brackets [] a red x would have popped up, these brackets are the right ones [] ."

An additional tip on sizing your pics: Nobody enjoys scrolling from left to right to see a picture. Therefore, to reduce the dimensions you'll need to go into a graphics program and adjust the size before you save it on the host server. Sometimes this can be done when saving the file and selecting the resolution you want to save it "640X480 is a good size". If the file size is too large for the host server, save the file in the JPEG format. If that doesn't work, you can try cropping the picture to reduce its size, which in turn should decrease the file size.

The instructions for posting sound much more complex than they really are, and it takes longer to read through them than to post a pic.

And if you need any assistance, this little icon on the left side of the screen under your name/avatar/info will alert a mod that you're having problems and need help.

Here's to posting your pics with much success!

Modified by marston at 8:46 AM 10/16/2008

I use a doe decoy alot during the time when the bucks are out "cruising" for does. I have had great luck while sitting it on the edge of a field where the bucks can see it long before they get to it. When they do come into it they are "glued" to it. I have missed deer already and they just stand there or run off then turn around and come right back.....like they are trying to figure out what just happened. They biggest advantage I have found is they will give you all the time you in the world to get a shot.. and at different angles as they walk around the decoy.