By Scott “Coach” StankowskiSeptember 20, 2012
Stevens Point— It is time to shake off the cobwebs and get out into the woods. With opening weekend behind us we can really start to get serious about the days ahead. Already the leaves are changing colors and if you have had time to go up north then you will see that the foliage is over a quarter of the way turned. This summer’s drought has also played a role in the foliage in the woods. The trees have fewer leaves and it will not take long to be able to see further through the forest.
That is good for the squirrel and grouse hunter who needs the leaves off of the trees in order to see the flushing bird or the bushy tail. The squirrel hunter should be able to find plenty of work to do around oak flats. The oak trees had a bumper crop and depending on where you are in the state will dictate the size of the nuts. One thing is for sure; the acorns are falling early this year. Finding yourself an oak tree is not good enough. If there are enough white oak trees around the animals will feast on those well before they start hammering away at the red oaks. How does one tell the difference between a red and a white oak? Look at the tree itself. A white oak has a bit more of a shaggy look to it. But there is an easier way, just look at the trees leaves. The lobes of a white oak are rounded and the red oak has pointed tips to it. Knowing which is which will greatly strengthen your odds not only for squirrels but anything that relies on oaks.
The past few rains we have had have been enough to get some of the farm fields life. The alfalfa has greened up and the soybeans in many areas still show some green. Not all fields are this advantageous but if you have one, target it and consider yourself lucky. Speaking of farm fields, have you noticed the increase in cornfields getting cut already? According to Paul Kirk, the corn was not very strong this year and picking it would not make much sense. So farmers are chopping the stalks and everything while it is still green so it can be nourishment for feed for their cattle. This bodes both good and bad for the hunter. On the positive side the deer will not be hiding in the corn. On the negative side the deer may not be around at all and may have moved off to somewhere else. I was on a cut cornfield last week and it looked as though it was cut from last year, it was really barren.
A reminder that the youth deer hunt is coming up October 6th and 7th this year. If you are a bowhunter keep in mind that you will have to wear blaze orange that weekend. Also remember that there is no October antlerless hunt this year as well, so the youth hunt is the only one you need to adjust your clothing for.
Hopefully in the near future I will be able to tell you a tale of the bear or deer I harvested. Or better yet, the first deer Austin will have taken with a bow. The freezer is getting low just like the temperatures and I can feel a change in the air.
Until next time,
Shoot straight
