5:30 am. You had to know I was going to follow up on Jalepeño! Headed in for a quick hunt (or long depending on him) in about 15 minutes…
0759. Lots of deer moving but I haven’t spotted Jalepeño yet.
0915 No sign of him. Headed out. I’ll give an update on conditions later today
11:00 am. Got in there by 6:30 and sat down well before first light. I could see the main canyon I’ve seen him in so many times plus the south facing wall where he’s often made his escape. Around 7:00, I saw a doe and fawn working their way up the draw below me, exactly where I was hoping he’d show. By 7:30, they’d climbed that south wall and I couldn’t see anymore deer. I climbed the north side of the canyon slowly using the ever-increasing vantage to glass the country.
About 20 minutes later, I saw a big herd of 20 or more does and fawns feeding up the canyon but no bucks. I climbed out and headed for another deep draw where I’ve seen other bucks. There were two bucks there, but no Jalepeño. It’s quite different than when I was there on the 11th. The leaves have fallen from many of the maples so he can’t hide as easily and might be making him move in the twilight hours. Also, it’s quieter as the relative humidity is higher than earlier in the month. The does and fawns area really bunching up, too. That could help if I find him away from them as there are less deer to sort through. Season closes Tuesday and I’ve got one more day I can get in there. We’ll see if he shows, and God willin’ if he does, be in a stalkable place. It was enjoyable to be in his haunts again.
Stay safe Robby! We’re all rooting for you.
Good luck!
Have fun.
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