10/1:
Warm weather has really shut us down here in northeast WI. Highs this week will be in the 70s, with lows in the 50s. Not good for seeing big deer on their feet. That being said, however, I saw my first bonafide "shooter" of the year on Saturday. He was in a bachelor group with two yearling bucks, which was quite odd. I only saw him for a minute at about 80 yards out. If I had to guess I'd say he was a 3-1/2 year old 10 pointer, but that was through brush and thicker cover. Still enough to get me excited. About 20 minutes later, I spied a "first" for me here in this part of WI ... a black bear. Actually had to do a double-take on that, because I have never seen a bear while bow-hunting. The bear was about the size of a black Lab, which my buddy says indicates it was probably a yearling. It was merely walking through the woods eating acorns, from what I can only assume. A trophy sighting in my book, no doubt!   

No big buck photos to share this morning, although we have heard of a 160-class buck being taken this weekend not far from Iola. Will post the pic as soon as I get it.  --Dan Schmidt