The Rub Line - News, Notes, and Hunt Reports from the Deer & Deer Hunting Staff

Sheboygan Buck Not a World Record

DDH Staff — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:50:47 GMT

Claims that a buck shot near Sheboygan, Wis., is a world record are unfounded, says Deer & Deer Hunting Editor Dan Schmidt. Although impressive, the buck (which can be seen here) will not score 217 5/8 as asserted by the hunter who shot it.

"Although this Sheboygan Falls, Wis., buck is incredibly massive, we highly doubt it will live up to what early reports claim to be a 230-class nontypical and/or a 218-inch typical," Schmidt said.

"It appears to us that the buck’s rack will be subject to large deductions from at least one common base, possibly two, and major side-to-side differences.

"In any event, the hunter who shot this buck should not let those differences detract from taking such a fine whitetail."

Congratulations to him from the entire D&DH staff!

Buck Killed in Staff Food Plot

DDH Staff — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:06:55 GMT

The staff food plot produced another memorable moment when friend Jennifer Bates killed her very first buck with a bow. She made a perfect shot as the buck fed just 5 yards from her stand. Congratulations Jennifer!

The Staff Food Plot Hunt

DDH Staff — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:03:02 GMT

On Oct. 27, D&DH managing editor Jake Edson returned to the staff food plot with designer Dusty Reid and a video camera. The pair watched as a breeding frenzy exploded in the woods around the plot.

Up to eight bucks converged on a doe that must be coming very close to estrus. Then, one large-bodied 3-year-old staked a claim to the food plot, centering himself in the field and snort-wheezing every few minutes to assert his status.

Unfortunately, the only buck that came in range of Reid's bow was a 2-year-old. With breeding activity ramping up, the duo plan to spend a lot more time around the plot this week.

Here's that 2-yo they saw last night.

Photo: 11 Year Old Kills First Buck

DDH Staff — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:57:09 GMT

Samantha P. killed her first buck this season in Ohio with a crossbow. The burgeoning hunter is only 11 years old, so this surely isn't her last buck. She gets big thumbs up from everyone at D&DH.

$5 Off Auto Service with Unused Deer Tag

DDH Staff — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:30:59 GMT

This business in Appleton, Wis., shows how seriously Wisconsinites take deer management. The Earn-a-Buck changes sparked strong feelings in areas beyond the sporting outdoors.

Video: 90-Year-Old Hunter Finds Success

DDH Staff — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:20:58 GMT

Staff Food Plot Update: First Success

DDH Staff — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:48:32 GMT

Those of you who watched the progress of our food plot this summer, saw as the staff prepared a new hunting area, planned layouts and planted (with a lot of luck) at almost the perfect time to take advantage of summer rains.

Now, the staff is beginning to reap the rewards of that hard work.

On Sept. 29, D&DH managing editor Jacob Edson killed this 8-pointer on the edge of the Frigid Forage Big-N-Beasty plot planted in late July.

Trail camera photos showed several nice 8-pointers were using the plot, and with a perfect wind, he headed out to hunt the plot for the first time.

Temperatures had dropped more than 20 degrees in 48 hours and Edson was sure deer would be on their feet early. He was right. The first deer -- a
yearling 8-pointer -- entered the plot 2 hours before sunset. After feeding
for a while in the rye that abuts the BNB plot, the little buck looked into
the far corner and began to posture.

Soon, the buck we photographed on Sept. 4 appeared. The larger buck
stiff-legged his way down to the smaller deer and a light pushing match
ensued. Then both bucks entered the Frigid Forage plot and began to nip the carrots that are part of the BNB mix.

After feeding for a few minutes, the bucks were startled by a fawn that
entered the field at full sprint. Luckily for Edson, both bucks charged
toward his stand, then stopped to offer a 25-yard shot when he drew his
Reezen. Edson's arrow entered on the edge of the closest shoulder and the
Rage broadhead lodged in the far shoulder after severing the aortic arch at
the top of the heart. The buck ran 30 yards and died within sight.

Next up is graphic designer Dustin Reid. Stay tuned as he takes his turn in
the stand.

First Hunt at Staff Food Plot

DDH Staff — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:04:46 GMT

by Ben Sobieck, online editor

F&W Media designer Dusty Reid took to the D&DH staff food plot yesterday as part of its inaugural hunt. Amongst the Big 'n' Beasty Brassica, he counted 20 deer from his stand 26 feet up on the side of a hill.

"I mostly saw young ones. One had a nice rack," Reid said.

Reid reported several young bucks fighting in the plot. He said he held out in hopes the noise would attract a more mature buck. That did not happen. Although he came back back empty-handed, Reid said he did not feel disappointed.

"It was really satisfying to see that many deer on a food plot we worked hard on all summer," he said.

Reid snapped several images of the deer with his cell phone. The resolution was not high enough to post here.

"Take my word for it," Reid said. "It's going to be a great season."

Look for more reports about hunts at the D&DH staff food plot in the future.

Post your hunting stories on the forum.

Buck Killed Near D&DH Offices

DDH Staff — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:36:40 GMT

This buck was killed Sept. 12 mere miles from the D&DH offices. A hunter doesn't have to travel far in central Wisconsin to see quality deer, but this buck is truly exceptional. It scored 208 B&C.