Keefer , you are right. I do dream of moose while hunting deer, and dream of deer while hunting moose. We are always careful to worship the creator and not the creations. I have memories of these deer captured on film. The Canon XA30 camcorder takes the video and I can get a digital image of any paused frame.

John, The hunt started with hanging stands in July, and scouting sign made from deer that lived there while hoping to take an unknown buck that moves into the area and interacts with the deer I got to know so well. Some of the bucks I passed up at less than 20 yards from five different stands. Soon the gun season will be upon them and their world I shared with them will not be the same.   

Really good stuff Mike! Awesome pictures of some great bucks!

Awesome pics as usual Mike!  Some of those bucks are pretty darn nice. I don't think I could have lasted 21 days of watching those walk by!  Iowa is a special place for sure.

Great pictures Mike!

I would be shooting , my self control knob don't work so good...

,,,Sam,,,

Mike, I know how you hunt (or at least see it anyway lol!) and I know you don't just shoot to kill it's got to be what makes it right for you and that's how hunting should be.  I too hope you continue to chase and share!  That blue jay is phenomenal! So blue! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you Mike, I enjoyed them.

Outstanding as always.......must be nice to hunt where deer numbers are good. You see more deer in 21 days than I have seen in hunting more than 50 years. 

That will change now -you're not in NY anymore

Beautiful pics.  Thanks for sharing with us!

I love the feeling right after a buck stares me down at length in the tree, and then looks away. To watch that video footage takes me right back to the intensity of eyes, followed by immense relief in knowing that indeed I could have taken him. 

Mike, thank you for all the effort you do to preserve the moments on film AND share them with us all... You are one dedicated and determined fellow.

There is no doubt the Majesty & Power of our Creator comes through in your work, film, pics, and posts....

Well done...

Mike,

Super photos!  I have a little spot in PA.  I have been watching two bucks all year.  Hunted hard from October 25th to November 12th when the PA Came Commission ENDS the archery season.  I saw both of my hit-list bucks multiple times but never within the 25-yard line.  Trail cams showed that I needed a couple more days - that's all.

I'm quietly praying that my two boys make it through the gun season.  I heard rifle shots all up and down the mountain from November 1 on even though the fire-arms season didn't start until the 26th.  Pennsylvania has a problem!

But I still had a good season - action every day, loads of "skippers" walking by totally unaware I was there.  Next year I will be a little wiser for having had this year. 

I'm waiting for your next video!

JMC

Thanks for sharing

I really enjoyed the photos. I copied and sent the link to my son and grandson. Both are getting pretty serious about photography, especially outdoor subjects.

I mostly gave up picture taking when I couldn't find flashcubes any longer. 

Very cool, Mike! Thanks for sharing.  Love the owl!