As I mentioned on the previous post, I have a nice 4 X 3 coming in to one of my sets. I believe it is the same buck that I have pictures of; one in August, 2007, and one on January 1, 2008. In both previous cases it was a one-time event; a quick picture and gone. This year the buck is a one and a half miles from the other two locations. See for yourself below, and let me know what you think.

4 X 3 Coues Buck in 2008.

In August of 2007.

In January of 2008.

Opening weekend of the Arizona archery deer hunt has come and gone — for me anyway. It was an eventful weekend for sure. Opening morning found me high above the ground, waiting for an elusive Coues deer to wander by. While sitting in my stand, I got a call from my good friend, Geoff Lloyd. He had put a big Coues buck on the ground. Without hesitation, I was out of my stand and on my way. Geoff had scored on a huge buck that scored 122″ gross! A friend of our’s, Josh Epperson, filmed the hunt; perhaps coming to a TV near you soon. Congrats Geoff!

Here is Geoff admiring his 122″ buck!
 

Needless to say, I was impressed. I was also motivated to score on a big buck of my own. That evening I sat a different stand, but no deer showed up. At the end of the evening I checked the Cuddeback to see what had been coming in. I was excited with a couple of the bucks the Cuddeback had captured.

A nice 4 x 3.

A decent three point. 
 

A 4 x 4 that I would like to see in a couple of years.

For the remainder of the weekend I hunted these bucks, to no avail. This afternoon I was driven from my stand by severe lightning, unwillingly I may add. So now I am home “hunting” vicariously via The Outdoor Channel.

More to come…

Early this summer I had a picture of the following goofy-looking bull. Checked the Cuddebacks today, and, well, the bull is getting bigger, but still looks goofy. Please feel free to check out my Trail-camera website at: trailcam.drchoate.com

I recently updated my Trail-camera website. I added pictures from 2006, and a few that I have already gathered this year. Please feel free to have a look at: http://trailcam.drchoate.com.

Enjoy!

I have discussed the excitement that trail-cameras provide for me. Wondering what pictures you will have each time. Of interest to me is, an animals use of the same area year after year. When I came across the picture of a bull that I posted a picture of last weekend, I thought it looked familiar. A number of things caught my attention: g-1s that go up and “droopy” g-2s, veining in the antlers, and just overall configuration. I believe the following pictures show the same bull. Although last year, the bull had more points. What do you think? Post a comment.

8×7 in 2007

2008 bull

Over the last few weeks several people have asked me, “What kind of trail-camera do you use?” So, I thought I would post something on the topic here. I am a die-hard Cuddeback user. I own five of the Excite model, and I use them with the BearSafe product that Cuddeback builds as well. I truly believe that the Cuddeback has the fastes trigger speed, which allows the capture of photos from the side really well. Additionally, the battery life of the four D-cell batteries is great; my cameras last at leat a month, while capturing hundreds of photos. The BearSafe does protect the camera from bears, which has happened to me. However, it really offers me a little security for placing cameras on public property. The BearSafe can be bolted to a tree and locked with a padlock. At least it keeps the honest thieves away! I have purchased most of my Cuddeback lineup from Fifield Seed & Feed in Wisconsin. They are an authorized online seller of the Cuddeback products, offer great prices, and fast shipping.

A Cuddeback Excite and BearSafe in the field.

Below are a few pictures of bull elk and Coues bucks from the last few weeks. Enjoy!

A nice bull for June.

Another old, big bull.

A Coues buck.

Second Coues buck.

For a full lineup of last year’s pictures please visit My Trailcam Site.