North Dakota Adventures

North Dakota Adventures

2008 Newsletter

The 2007 Archery season has come to a close. As we look back, we see that it was a year like no other. The weather was out of the ordinary for North Dakota and the wildlife was in great abundance. We had a great bunch of hunters that left us with an above average harvest rate.

The weather was exceptional through out the entire hunting season. It is still hard to imagine that the area did not get any rain after the first of June. We had record highs in September, October, November, and December. The first light snow was in late November, approximately 1½ inches. September was a great time to be hunting, as the deer had to come into the water tanks or stock ponds for a drink. The deer drank off and on all day or at least came in early in the evening. This fact alone made it easier for us to see what was out there and to know where the big ones were hanging out. The season's weather stayed nice with warm temps and no significant amount snow.

Another great contribution to my hunting year was all the hunters with high hunting standards. It is nice to see these great hunting ethics practiced both in and out of the stand. Most hunters proved to have taken their time by making some perfect killing shots. Others chose not take the marginal shot, or not to take the big buck after good shooting light. The hunters that held out had to made the decision between wounding a deer and going home empty handed. I wish I could have given them all a trophy buck with the perfect shot but then it wouldn't be called hunting. The deer that were left will be bigger and better next year.

Eric and Tom, two of my hunters, were able to get the great camera footage of the large mule bucks shown on this web page. These bucks were still alive at the end of the season. The last week, one of my hunters seen that 5x5 and the next day saw one that was even bigger. Three very large white tail were also seen at the end of the season, These deer were thought to be in the 170's class. All of my clients had seen nice deer but no massive bucks were harvested.

Besides all of the big bucks that were seen, the hunters had spotted more interesting game than usual. Three mountain lions and a large wolf were seen through out the hunting season. One hunter took pictures of the mountain lion while setting in one of my hunting blinds. The cat was only 35 yards from the window of the blind. Merriam Turkeys were out in great number this year. 20 to 70+ turkeys were seen at most stands through out the entire hunting season.

I have been an avid buck hunter all my life but have not shot a buck since I started guiding eleven years ago. This year I had a hunting experience that topped shooting any buck out there. I had the time of my life this year when two of my grandsons, Tyler and Josh, got to hunt with Mossy Oak. I was their "Guide". That was a week of hunting that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thanks Mike McClouskey for helping us make such a great hunt. Their hunt will be aired on the Mossy Oak channel about July - August of 2008.

The overall year was as good as a guide could ask for. Many weeks of excellent hunting along with good fellowship and awesome meals. The clients must feel the same as I have almost 95% return customers for the 2008 season. I hope you all have a great year and stay healthy. I am looking forward to some excellent hunting again this fall. Keep watching my webpage for new updates that will be added throughout the year.

Jerry DeFoe