Great Stretch, Go Hunt!

On my way into work today I spotted no less than 22 deer amidst the frosty fields. Only a handful were bucks, and small ones at that, but after a stormy weekend it looks like we should see a great stretch of hunting weather! Here's what will make it so great; rut activity, high pressure, chilly nights, weak weather disturbances casting clouds, and a bright moon. Hunters in central Iowa are reporting spotty great movement with big buck sightings and all out chasing in the fields a few days ago. More signs are pointing at 'lockdown' in central Iowa. And this can be tough to hunt, especially if your idea of a trophy is 150 or better. But the weather for the next few days will cooperate as the rut continues and chilly nights should prolong morning activity. Fields should be smokin' hot in these cool conditions as will pinch points between them. Big woods ought to be a good bet for random midday activity, especially if you can find a preferred doe travel route. The moon is coming back around to a waxing gibbous and in my notes, I have seen muted evening movement when it hangs bright in the afternoon/early evening sky. But one thing we all have going for us is the high pressure which is giving us relatively comfortable, quiet weather. Weak disturbances at the roof of the atmosphere will cast clouds suggesting a storm is brewing on the horizon. So, does will be instinctively switching to survival mode and feeding more to prepare for this, while the bucks' attention will be on them. You wont want miss the mornings this week. Go hunt!