Ah! What a relief it is. A for-real cool front pushed through and put an end to an unseasonably hot fall season. It has been hot and wet, and as any outdoorsman can attest, that adds up to mosquitoes. Standing water and warm air are a perfect breeding climate to get them swarming.
People who hunt areas where they think there are beaucoup mosquitoes don’t have a clue. Louisiana breeds a big, bad, pesky insect that will get you scratching hard. If you get dizzy from loss of blood, that is a good thing. Do not proceed without bug spray and/or a therma-cell.
But thank you Lord for small favors. Right now, we have got blue sky with a north wind, and life is good!
Duck season kicked off with a bang, and some very decent hunts, considering the funky weather. Mixed bags of mostly teal and gadwalls filled out more than a few opening weekend limits.
It is always a thrill, and nice lagniappe, to bag a banded bird. It is interesting to be able to learn the history of the bird, and see where it’s been.
Seth Sibille was hunkered down duck hunting near Bell City. He made a long shot on a wood duck, and the bird was in fact banded. This woodie drake was four years old and was originally banded near Port Barre, La. It obviously agreed with the good life in the bayou state, and so does Seth.
Dave Query’s monster buck.
Likewise, deer season is underway, and several exceptional bucks have already been scored. Dave Query, formerly of Lake Charles, scored a monster buck in the Arkansas Mountains. These deer rut hard and early, and Dave was ready. Armed with bow and arrow, he could shoot.
When the rut is on, the bucks drop their guard, and have one thing on their mind. They breed once a year, so they will make the most of it. The only pattern is they will latch on to a receptive doe and follow her lead.
Dave spotted a mature buck hooked up with a doe and set up a ground blind on their trail. Just like clockwork, the next day, the doe appeared with her “suitor” trailing close behind. The hot doe eased by the blind, leading the big boy into the kill zone.
Dave was at full draw when the buck stepped into the zone and he let fly at 15 yards. It was a sweet, fatal shot, and the buck piled up, not far away.
He was a dandy. An Arkansas 12-pt. with long tines, and with mass to boot. Every once in a while, a hunter’s best laid plans all come together. This was one of those rare occasions when Dave could do no wrong. Chalk one up for the hunters!
A cool front approaches, bringing much-needed relief to all Louisiana sportsmen. Bring on some winter weather, and it will begin to feel like hunting season. This is a special time that only happens once a year, so take advantage when possible. Happy Hunting!
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