Location: Southeast Colorado
Temperature: 54 degrees and rising
Wind: 5-8 mph from the WSW
Barometric Pressure 30.01 and holding
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
I had an idea back in April that I was going to step outside the norm (something I often do) and plant a small kill plot in a pinch point where multiple trails converged. What makes this plan so unusual? Well, I have limited access to water through a tiny creek, and rain in my neck of the woods is about as common as a suit and tie at a Motley Crue concert. But my turkey tags were punched, and I wanted something to do, so I did it.
Using nothing more than some shovels, hoes, rakes and Roundup, my wife, three kids, a few good friends and I went to work. My seed of choice was Heartland Wildlife’s TopSeed Trophy Clover. Many of you followed my food plot efforts right here on Grand View Outdoors, and yes, this is that very same plot. Clover is a perennial and sends down a deep root. I figured if I could get it established, maybe — just maybe — it would develop into a fall plot.
The work and time my family and I spent down at this little plot was insane. We bucketed water out of a not-so-nearby creek, pulled weeds and did our best to foster the little plot. I often wondered about our sanity. The area isn’t known for quality bucks. In fact, my plan is to bowhunt mule deer not too far from the location. Yep, we were doing all of this for a doe and for extra meat on the table.
I wasn’t able to slip into my Millennium M25 Hang-On until October 11. My Stealth Cam G42NG told me a few does and even a few descent bucks (surprise, surprise) were nibbling on my established stand of clover.
The wind was perfect, but, as is often the case, the deer came from the exact wrong direction. I know you’re all probably sick of hearing about my love affair with my Ozonics units, but my HR 300 once again saved the day. The second I spied the pair of does coming downwind, I pressed the Boost button. They never even lifted their heads. At a distance of 22 yards I settled the pin on my Black Gold Ascent 3-Pin and let my Hoyt Defiant Turbo eat. The arrow was perfect, and the doe collapsed in sight. It was awesome! I couldn’t stop shaking. I’ve skewered a number of does over the years, but this one was plucked from a food plot created by my family that took hours and hours of work.
Ok, I got my doe and fall turkey kick out of the way, and now it’s time to focus on horns. Stay with me over the next few months as I chase deer in South Dakota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma. It’s sure to be a great adventure.
