Bow season opens Saturday here in Wisconsin. I went out to my cabin today to get some more of my clothing washed and to do a little scouting, checking out some areas to whittle down which stand I'll be in.
I did a double-take when I found a scrape. Not your ordinary, garden variety small scrape that was done half hearted by a buck just passing by, but one that was really torn up. In three places under this knarly old-oak tree the ground was ripped up pretty good.
About three weeks ago, I saw a 130 class (more or less) buck in the area. I didn't get a great look at him. As I'm usually pretty prepared, I actually rebuilt an old stand in this very tree last season. I have two other stands within 75 yards of this spot, which is in a pretty unique location.
If the winds are favorable, I'm going to hunt at a stand furthest away from this spot this weekend, but still in the general area and see if I can catch a glimpse of the boy who's been marking it and when he's visiting (morning or evening) before moving in on him.