Nov. 30: Have I Burned it Out?, Ethan's Public Adventure | Bowhunting Whitetails w/ Bill Winke

We head back to the ridgetop corn plot hoping to finally cross paths with one of the two shooters that live nearby. In the blind, I discuss whether we have burned this spot out and how to tell, in general, when you have burned out a spot. I run through 11 day's worth of trail cam photos from the camera that was in front of the blind, showing every single photo on the card to help understand what is happening here. Finally, Ethan takes us along on a great adventure he had that morning to a piece of public land in search of a huge 9 pointer.

[@mudell.hunter0426]

Makes sense as to why a person doesn’t see anything because almost all the movement is at night, they’ve become nocturnal for whatever reason ?? Makes for tough hunting. I have until 1/31 to try to fill a tag but it will definitely take a lot of luck to put one on the ground.

[@GARBOW-dm1eg]

Great videos guys..maybe try having somebody drive the 4 wheeler out ..drop off and drive out ..pick up later at a longer distance away from blind..worth a try..take care.. NE OHIO out

[@bill-winke]

Garbow, I don't have anyone in that area who I would obligate to do that for me, other than maybe once or twice a year. I am saving those favors for the late season when it is absolutely critical. But, yes, that is the very best way - especially the pickup at the end of the hunt - to run them off without spooking them from the blind or stand. Thanks for the support.

[@cdp50359]

Hey Bill, your knuckle sure is close to that broadhead while at full draw 2:26 . Please be careful. Thanks for sharing your videos

[@bill-winke]

I know it. Thanks. I have shot that way for probably 30 years and have not nicked that finger, but I appreciate the comment. Have a great day.

[@cdp50359]

@@bill-winke thanks, u too

[@wyattcraig739]

How long after gun season do you think it takes for deer to return to somewhat normal patterns?

[@bill-winke]

If there is a fair bit of pressure, I think it takes about ten days. If it is super cold they will head for food in daylight sooner than that. If there is limited pressure then the timeline shortens. Good luck.

[@danieljaeger9800]

Bill needs to designate a field to alfalfa with corn on both sides!

[@bill-winke]

That top field would work for that. Maybe sorghum instead of alfalfa. It is a dry field so something that does well in dry soils (alfalfa and sorghum) would work best.

[@JackFrostTheDeerHunter]

I wonder how much of this relates to the process of creating "The Pattern of Use" during the 1st year? Learned behavior is going to take 2 to 3 years IMHO. Also, how far away are the winter greens and brassicas from the bind? I think it will come together for you in the near future. GOOD LUCK

[@bill-winke]

I believe there is something to that. They are such creatures of habit. One year I planted a corn food plot on a farm with a high deer density. They didn't touch it until December. The next year, after they knew it was there, they ate the thing to the ground in August! I appreciate the comment and support. Have a great day.

[@robertfmccarthy2360]

Well it’s not the food (corn & green), acorns are not going to hold in them timber till 1am. You would get pictures if coyotes are the problem. I think it’s the pretzel 😅 Good luck , assuming there’s another episode with all those deers piling out

[@bill-winke]

Keep in mind that was 11 days worth of photos. Maybe six or seven photos per 24 hours. Not much since many of them will be the same deer over for multiple exposures. I don't think they care about the food I am offering them right now. Another thing I have thought about is the fact that this is the first year there has been standing corn on this farm and the first year there has been anything planted in that field. I wonder if they are still just adjusting to the changes as they are definitely creatures of habit. Even when it seems obvious, sometimes it takes a year for them to include something new into their patterns.

[@Kanook99]

Love the format and all the Info. Always looking forward to the next episode.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Kanook. Much appreciated. Have a great day.

[@charleywalker2982]

👍

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the support.

[@edwardclark5211]

Dream Big brother 🙏

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Edward. You too.

[@alexpinnow6509]

Bill was this bumper crop of acorns something that hadn't happened in a long time? Does that mean good things for deer health through the winter? Looked at a very small farm that was absolutely loaded with acorns recently.....

[@bill-winke]

I think so. I have never seen them like this before where multiple species of oak were all loaded up on the same year. Yes, it should produce much healthier deer as they enter the winter in good shape.

[@mikedee5641]

Things are lookin up Bill! We dig, love the Dot's!!

[@bill-winke]

Dots pretzels are like the carrot that you hang in front of the dumb donkey to keep him plodding along. They keep us going to the blinds. Not sure what Dot puts in them, probably crack cocaine, because they are sure addictive.

[@ethan_stubbs]

They definitely keep us motivated!

[@seangaul4618]

Love to see a great hunter hunt like an average person. Yes you have a very large farm but everything about this journey is real. Not hundreds of cameras, more acres of food plots then the average man can lease or even hunt. Building a great team, and having fun trying to shoot good bucks and keeping it real!! Everything about this season has been parallel with yours. Keep up the great content and enjoy the moment!!!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Sean. I really appreciate the comment and the support. I enjoy this kind of hunting. It is not fun if it is too easy. I would love to see the farm produce a few monsters some day though, just because that is satisfying and a fun part of the process. The odd monster thrown in would be pretty nice! Have a great day and good luck.

[@artbrennhofer8283]

Hi Bill, I have the same thing going on here in central Mn. Unfortunately when these deer decide to come to my food plots it is usually all does. I am not sure why the bucks don't come to even my small plots this time of the year. I think my 40 acres was hunted hard/wrong by the previous owner. He said he hadn't hunted it the last year he owned it and this is my 3rd hunting season. I have only hunted 7 times and have not been busted this year. Last year I was busted 1 time in about 20ish hunts. I hope you and Ethan's luck changes to the good.

[@bill-winke]

I think it takes them a while to change their nervous habits. Maybe it takes a generation or two of deer to see that change. Interesting perspective. Good luck to you too.

[@russellshelton1600]

It’s the pretzels. Little Debbie cakes bring better luck

[@bill-winke]

My fear on Little Debbies is the sugar high that leads to the crash finding me asleep during the critical last half hour. Plus, we can throw Dots at the deer, I would hate to throw Little Debbies at them.

[@HucksDad08]

Gorgeous farm Bill. Those views are unbeatable. Nice to see some seedling bucks!

[@bill-winke]

Yes, it is a really pretty farm. Lots of seedlings. There are about 30 nice 2 1/2 year olds on the farm based on my September camera inventory. Should be really good in three years!

[@JimBowSlice]

Sure is a beautiful farm your building bill. Thanks for sharing

[@bill-winke]

It really is Jimbow. That is what I love about it the most. Hunting is not up to snuff just yet, but hopefully I can help that. You can make the hunting better, but you can't make it more beautiful. Only God can do that!

[@guardianminifarm8005]

More great information. Glad deer showed up. Thank you gents.

[@bill-winke]

Much appreciated. Thanks for the comment and good luck.

[@jbilly24]

I can confirm, Bill that most of the daylight activity has been deep in the timber this year. I've had several great hunts next to bedding areas this November. In contrast, the guys who have been hunting field edges and foodplots have not seen nearly as many deer as a "normal" year. I hunt a similar farm to yours (topo-wise) in east-central Missouri. The acorns will be rotten soon, and I predict some good foodplot hunting for you after the Iowa firearms season. Good luck!

[@bill-winke]

I agree and appreciate the input. Looking forward to the late season now. Have a great day and good luck.

[@joshhale8576]

Starting to wonder if I have burned my spots out...but 2 new shooter bucks have showed up on my cams last night so I'm gonna keep after it lord willing...as always Bill thanks for the info Goodluck from NC

[@bill-winke]

Thanks and good luck to you too Josh.

[@warbirdflyerF4U]

Best of what guys for the Last couple days of archery 😊 The deer here in Central New York are acting awful strange too but our gun season's been open 4 2 weeks

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Warbird and good luck to you too.

[@Pwrcritter]

Low pressure here too. Not sure why they move at dark.

[@bill-winke]

It has been a really strange year. I have never seen one like this. I can't tell how much is related to this farm and how much is common to what others are seeing too, but it seems a lot of people are scratching their heads this year.

[@PassionfortheWildandWonderful]

It doesn’t explain the whole season, but in our area of Ohio and West Virginia I feel we see limited daytime activity during the full moon both approaching and leaving the true full moon as well.

[@JimRyser]

Never a disappointment! It’s real hunting!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Jim. I appreciate it. Would be nice to show you a good buck though!

[@randyh.6019]

Great job Bill, Im with you on the acorn theory. Here in S.E. Mn. I have sat and Not seen deer as many times this year as I have the ten years I have owned my property! I watch many u-tube deer habitat and hunting videos and alot of them say "if your deer is showing up after dark he is coming from several miles away"....Dont think so, at least not this year. I believe (to answer Eathon's question) due to the late freeze and the layer of acorns this year, the deer did not have to move. Even the rut really didnt get them moving. So whats the answer? would you get a logger and thin out the oaks? On vacation this week going to sit on food....good luck!

[@bill-winke]

You make all good points. I think this was just a really strong year for acorns. Most years, you won't get nearly as many species of oaks all dropping. So, this was just an anomaly from that standpoint. Something to remember and learn from though.

[@charleywalker2982]

Have to give you guys an A for effort. Good luck and stay after them. You have the food so it should only get better.

[@bill-winke]

That's right. I should keep getting better. I am hoping Jordan can get back to hunting before the season is over. That would make my year if she could shoot something.

[@brandonlowe5706]

We have similar issues in my area. What I noticed is they are pressured from other surroundings. I only have 14 acres. We are doing some select timber harvest this summer to thicken it up and create more browse.

[@Huntnfish74916]

How long will acorns last after they fall Bill? We are also covered up with acorns this year and deer movement has been very slow.

[@bill-winke]

Some of them get weevils and go bad right away - you can because they are basically hollow. Otherwise, they should last until spring - especially the red oak acorn family that germinate in the spring. If a white oak starts to germinate int the fall and then dries up, it will die sooner and start to dissolve. Good luck.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

There is a bowhunter that scored on a nice 9 pointer on his land on the last day of November. The morale of hus story was that he didn't have a single sighting of that buck & multiple cameras all year. Just yesterday @ sundown on my way 🏡 a pretty large doe walked out on a road coming out of a swamp. A car facing me stopped & had to wait. She was in a daze & when she stopped in the center she stood still & flicked her tail back & forth for almost 10 seconds. Then she calming walked off to the west to get into another swampy area. It was kinda like 'if a 🌳 falls in a forest" scenario. I've witnessed it b4 & it didn't surprise me @ all. 80% of the doe herd is probably bred if not more. But the ones that r left r being pursued or these kinda does r finding them. Many young bucks that lack experience don't have the drive to continue. To this point they have become so emasculated that going back to work after working hard has not yielded even one dollar or doe in their case that they have given up. So late season is that your odds r down but finding a spot with doe #'s can reward u a respectable buck that is no spring chicken. It sucks that states have gun seasons with no bow hunting. Muzzleloader is open now & the other gun seasons r done & the bow season is continuous. My plan all week is pushing from one area on public that hasn't panned out all season (2 hunts) to an area I can access by bike & cart that is adjacent to corn on private. There's no bedding on private but I will be between a swamp & a thicket with a nice cross wind that blows out to open pasture. The deer heading to corn late in the day will have the nose in their face. Go back one week when they had a 30 mph wind to their back. So i like my odds much better by waiting a week & being another week away from gun season. The moon not rising until about 9:00 PM I believe also helps. But I will take a doe that moves early & sit back & wait for something later if that opportunity presents itself. Especially if it means keeping her closer to my area if she poses like the one that did yesterday on the road 😮🎉.

[@bill-winke]

That is a good point Joseph. Hoping the late season brings a few new bucks onto the farm.

[@Oldplace-xc7pb]

They generslly get nocturnal after the rut. Deer just being deer

[@bill-winke]

Good input. I am hoping the late season cold temps and maybe snow will bring them to the food later this month.

[@Oldplace-xc7pb]

@@bill-winke me too. Love your videos

[@trevorlamble3645]

Come late season those deer will b forced to feed in daylight. Don't give up n stay positive Bill

[@bill-winke]

Trevor, that's what I think too and that's why I am not hunting more in the timber than I have. Keep them here on the farm and then go after them fresh after the gun season.

[@Jay-hu1pc]

Yea they will be hitting that hard in couple weeks.

[@ronaldkrause891]

Been following u for years sorry for your experience in the woods. Here in Northern pa. That is the norm. After the leaves fall the deer are nocturnal. In my area we have no acorns the only good food is apples which we did not have this year. The only food is the clover fields we plant. I couldn't even grow winter rye cause they ate it all so it didn't grow. I agree with u its touch. I'm 72 years old been hunting a long time. But I know for a fact that the moon here does make some difference. Full moon they are more active in mid day and good on a rising moon. My 15 cameras tell me that Keep at love the videos

[@bill-winke]

That is all great information Ronald. Thanks for the input. Have a great day and good luck.

[@davidvvv501]

Bill, that is strange that you are not seeing more deer over the plots. Do you think your neighbors have educated the deer making them more nocturnal? Or do you think they have better food sources or even feeders out? Even the two bucks that came out seemed nervous and pressured.

[@bill-winke]

No, I don't think so. Not tons of hunting pressure around me. Also, not tons of deer because a lot of this country is pastured pretty hard. I am not 100% sure what is going on here. Maybe it was hunted very hard before I bought it and nocturnal movement is kind of baked into the DNA of the ones that live here now.

[@stevenschmidt5712]

Acorns, definitely hindering your late rut hunts. You will have plenty of food for your deer in late season. I would bet you will have ton’s piling in to the plot in late season if you get the cold temps. Enjoy your 15 day “gun” break. I’ll be doing the same down here in Southern Iowa. Trying to put together a plan for late season on public. Right now I have no idea…time will tell.

[@bill-winke]

I agree. Thanks. My former employees that hunted public all the time did OK late but they hunted with muzzleloaders. Late season on public with a bow will be really tough. I guess you have to find the nearest food and set up betwen that and where you think they are bedding. That will be some cold evenings in the tree! Good luck.

[@johnfarmer9847]

Been watching you since your first MW episode many moons ago! Thanks for all your tips that have made me a better hunter! Agree the daylight deer movement this year has been the worst I have seen. However, thankful for the Lord blessing me with my biggest Buck to date back on Oct. 30th! Have a blessed day brother!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the years of support John. I appreciate it. And congrats on the buck! That is awesome. I wish there was a way to post photos with comments here. I would love to see it as I am sure other viewers would be too.

[@johnfarmer9847]

I know the Whitetail Watch link you put together years ago had to be a lot of work but it was a nice way to post hunting information and pictures. @@bill-winke

[@bill-winke]

Yes. I just got burned out during those years trying to keep it all on the tracks. That Whitetail Watch needed to be a cool app. I just ran out of energy. I regret that one.

[@gouchmcdougal7831]

If anyone can figure the deer out. It will be you Mr. White Tail. Your videos are rich in knowledge. People can go buy a deer at any high fence and make a video. What we learn watching and listening to you , people can’t , just go buy that. Soak it up young man. (Ethan) And one more thing on the C. O. S gear. Do you have a code to put in when purchasing to help your channel out? I’m fixing to buy the heavy jacket and bibs. Thanks guys. Luke 9:62

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Gouch. If you just call them and tell them you heard about it from us that will go a long way. I think Ev realizes that we have been helping him a lot, but anything you can do will help. I appreciate it. You will like that stuff, by the way.

[@user-br6zd3bv6i]

The acorn crop this year was booming and also EHD has been taking a lot of deer this year in certain areas as well, I think if they don’t have to travel far for food they just don’t move, now if their was 8-9 inches of snow I’m guessing the plots would be loaded !!!

[@bill-winke]

Agreed. That is my hope. I may not see good hunting until well into the late season. I am going to bide my time until it starts and then make a few well timed hunts. Keep from educating them before they are moving in daylight.

[@user-br6zd3bv6i]

@@bill-winke I only hunted 3 days this year and first two sits were slow that cold front end of October deer were moving think it was Sunday Oct 29th shot two and tagged out, I usually take a rut cation but switched jobs and went from 4wks to no vac.. so I was lucky but sad at same time, bow hunting is a passion, I’m 49 and I’m hoping I can keep doing it as long as god let’s me !!! It took me a couple years to learn the permission farm I hunt , and maybe some luck involved but my season was complete when my nephew shot his first deer youth season my deer were just a bonus, good luck in Nebraska god bless you and your family Bill, looking forward to picking back up late season!!!

[@mitchellgenz1373]

Keep at it guys.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Mitchell. Have a great day.

[@taylorjackson7908]

I think bumper acorn crop dry conditions preserving acorns is a lot of it maybe.

[@bill-winke]

Agree. I can't see any other reason that they have more or less ignored my food plots all fall. They are just starting to come to them now, but mostly at night. Should keep getting better.

[@ryanfarmer5155]

Honestly, I would lay off the does for a couple years. Build up your doe population. Im no bill winke lol thats for sure, but on my Missouri farm we seen a huge difference once the neighbors quit shooting 6 does a year. Doesn't seem like much but i think it matters.

[@bill-winke]

I will when the time comes. I have seen way too many farms that have gotten out of control and will never be brought back to take any chances with that. Once I get the habitat work done and get a better feel for the overall herd dynamics I will start to let the population go up. That will probably be in a few years (two or three).

[@buckydoedowner9040]

Bumper crop of acorns and apples here, corn and winter wheat fields are full every evening the weather cooperates. Seems to me there just isnt a lot of deer on your property. The lack of doe in your pictures is crazy to me. But who am i to argue with Bill Winke? lol... goodluck guys!!

[@bill-winke]

I think the does are still in hiding here. They will surface soon enough. When the late season comes they will be on the plots, I am certain of that. Good luck and thanks for the comment.

[@homeinthewhiteoaks]

My theory is that you need some shortage of food to make the doe groups have to take turns on the food, as they would rather not tolerate each other if they can avoid it. Just to keep them all from feeding all night. Low food acreage or high populations give good hunting over food. Or thick protective cover right up against the food, so does are on it just after they get out of bedding. That's not the bedding they use most of the year, but the cover doe's like when they have been hunted for a few weeks by both people and bucks... think nasty stuff. Making the best farm for deer is great for them, but sometimes that's a hard place to hunt as the deer just have so many options for food. They don't need to feed for long to get full stomachs. I have 7 plots and on years when I have some fail, I get better hunting on the few good ones, then when all 7 look amazing. I also don't like to have 3 corn plots, or 3 winter green plots. I want a season for each plot planting to be the one place the deer want to be most, and create some social pressure on that food source. Then move to the next when it gets consumed and the deer and I move to the new hot spot together. Clover Alfalfa for early season till first frost. Then on to the Winter Wheat and Oats, and when there is not much sun to keep them on green. (If your deer are like mine, the green plots seem to draw best on an evening when it may be cold but have lots of sun.) Finally during the last few weeks of season and food (Carbs) are in shot supply I bush-hog the corn if I still have a tag to fill. (If all goes well I can leave it stand so they have a source all winter that stays above the snow) If I time it right, and its rare that I do, I can have lots of food, but give each its own peak time, when I burn one out I can move to the next and have fresh sets for at least a few hunts on the hot new food plot. Get a super cold day in December with high winds and a front coming, you can bush-hog corn in the afternoon and deer will be on it the next couple evenings hard before sunset. I think they salivate at the sound and smell of corn being hit with a bush-hog in December. And if I can smell it for 100 yards they probably can for a thousand, Harvesting or Bush-Hogging corn has a distinct smell.

[@jeffamckee]

Man Bill, your property reminds me of hunting high pressured area's here in Michigan. You can have all of the food in the world, but if you don't have those really thick bedding areas, the deer end up bedding on the neighbor's property where it is thick, and are too cautious to move too far from those thick areas until the cover of darkness (because of pressure from the neighbors). To solve the problem here in Michigan, we did a lot of hinge cutting. To kill mature bucks in the highly pressured state of Michigan, we hunt right on the edge of those really thick area's (when the wind is right).

[@nakedfreak1]

What state do you live in?

[@bill-winke]

I am in Iowa.

[@bill-winke]

I do need to do some TSI on this farm, but it is surprisingly thick for an old pasture farm. That really surprised me when I came to look at it before buying it. This farm will look, and hunt, a lot different in three years. Thanks for the comment.

[@MatthewSmith-ju6fl]

Just curious, do you use or put any faith into the apps like DeerCast or HuntCast that forecast deer movement? I have noticed, at least in my area, that there is some truth to what those say. When it says it’s not a good day for movement, I don’t see much of anything. And if I do, it’s at last light like what you saw there. are you possibly hunting that spot on those lesser than average days for movement?

[@bobbryant4292]

Couple of things, just asking, I'm curious about, is it possible those deer are seejng you coming in and out? The days you did hunt and saw no deer, were there deer on camera that same night? Also just curious with low deer density how come you're shooting does? Not judging at all just curious if the buck to doe ratio is way outta whack? Or is it a carrying capacity thing? I'm always trying to learn, thats why I'm asking. Thanks

[@Kenzie13nicola]

Got same thing going on on my property in Ohio. There are more hunters on our mountain last few seasons and I can only assume the increased pressure has caused deer to be devoid the area except occasionally coming through middle of night. I have only hunted my property 3 times and monitor it with cell cameras. I think it’s time to move on

[@bill-winke]

Sounds like it could be. Hunting pressure is hard to overcome. Sometimes that changes, but you can never know. To control your own destiny, you need to be very intentional about who you buy next to. Good luck.

[@kurtpearson2793]

They are hitting another favorable food source at sunset. (And are likely bedded by it) then hitting the corn late. (My guess!)

[@bill-winke]

That's what I think too and I think it is acorns and/or browse. There is nothing else even close to this field. Thanks for the input. Good luck.

[@user-xv7us9jx8c]

Ethan, I hope you realize the magnitude of the situation you have placed yourself in. You are hunting and spending time with one of the all-time greats. Bill winkie has forgotten more than I will ever know. Ethan, enjoy this moment in time. Bill, Even though this is an off year, with an unusual abundance of acorns; I still believe you have your work cut out for you with this dream farm. But, if anyone can turn it around, it is you. Guys, keep working hard; I love the content, and l am looking forward to the annual Christmas story! Thanks again!

[@bill-winke]

We will definitely do the Christmas Story. I am looking forward to that one too. My favorite episode of the year. Give this farm three more years and you won't recognize it (or the deer that live here). I see the vision. It will keep getting better.

[@Biggtimers]

Maybe drive farther around the first field edge to the closest funel between fields.. cross there then back up the edge then your not pushing the wood block with atv. Worth try good luck 👍

[@bill-winke]

I can only go where that lane is. In this country you are really limited in where you can drive because it is so steep. Most of the lanes have been there for generations. I know how to get there without bumping a single deer but it would take a man's effort. We would have to come right up through the area we cut back last spring - the bluff edge to the south. It is super steep and for sure that would get us in the backdoor undetected. If the bucks I was hunting were big enough I would probably do that, but man what a ton of work that would be. Good comment.

[@takurghar1621]

Question on why the deer are arriving so late into the corn, Is it possible that they are coming from a distance away and it just takes a while for them to get there and then they travel back before it gets light?

[@bill-winke]

Takur, I think they bed fairly close - with 1/4 mile. Granted, it can take a deer a while to cover 1/4 mile if he/she is browsing, eating acorns and maybe chasing a bit along the way. Good luck.

[@JRBooth-xx2jm]

Do you think they are eating the apples as well as the acorns?

[@bill-winke]

I do, but the apples are a long ways away from this food plot, at least a half mile. I think there are more deer on that end of the farm, but my cameras didn't show any mature bucks there so I have focused on this spot where these two live.

[@taylorjackson7908]

Curious why you can’t hunt with a bow during the gun season. Is the archery tag no good then?

[@bill-winke]

Correct. I think they do it for safety. Iowa has a long tradition of drive hunting during the gun seasons and it just wouldn't be safe sitting in tree with a drive going through.

[@johnfogerty2425]

If I gotta guess: they might have been pressured in this area too much in the past, maybe even long before Bill hunted here. That´s something I see with our Red Deer. And the other problem might be that there too many deer were harvested in front of others, that´s what we call the problem of the eyewitnesses. But that´s normally primarly a firearm-harvesting problem, the eyewitnesses learn that a certain area is dangerous and avoid it during daylight. Sorry for my English, but I hope it´s understandable what I meant.

[@bill-winke]

John, I think this farm was hunted pretty hard before I bought it, especially by gun hunters. Now with a lack of stress (all that food) they just aren't very daylight active in general. We saw that a bit last year too. But I wrote that off. Now, I am having to rethink the behavior of these deer. They were plenty active in September, but man it went to nothing (on all my spots) starting in October.

[@Jay-hu1pc]

@@bill-winke maybe your to close to Minnesota and all there gun seasons that shut the deer down😂

[@davidhuennekens1606]

Just curious if there is generally low deer density in NE Iowa because of it being a CWD area or if EHD hit them hard up there? Or is there still a high deer density in that area? Just wondering if that has anything to do with the deer numbers you are seeing?

[@bill-winke]

No, some areas have a lot of deer. Talked to a guy at the sport shop a few days ago who said he sees about 45 deer in his plots every evening. When I told him I had not seen 45 all season long, he just laughed at me. The area where my farm is located is well known for a low density. Lots of pasture around here and moderate hunting pressure during the gun season. Like I said, some other areas have way, way more deer.

[@The-Michael-Corrigan]

Hi Bill…. Is there a reason why you do not use cellular cameras? Do you have trouble receiving adequate cellular signals in your area?

[@bill-winke]

Some spots would be tough, but I really do like checking cameras and I like not knowing too much real time. I guess I am a bit old school when it comes to that. Maybe I will change my mind some day.

[@archersexton1009]

He got a wiff of u.😢

[@bill-winke]

Yes, he did. He was straight downwind from the blind and we did have that front window open. He didn't spook badly though, so that was good.

[@jeetertoker158]

Seems ridiculous that u can’t hunt with a bow during firearm season over there. You can in New Jersey you can even use your shotgun buck tag if you shoot one with a bow.

[@bill-winke]

It has been this way since I can remember. I think originally it was for safety concerns since most Iowa gun hunters use the drive method and in days gone by, they pushed huge areas at once. Being in a tree stand during a deer drive would have been a bad idea. I am sure it is just a carry over from that time and that mindset.

[@jamesstarcher8949]

Nah... After November 9th.. the deer here (northern WV) started behaving weird...too .

[@bill-winke]

It was a strange rut to be sure. Good luck.

[@nakedfreak1]

I've hunted my 50 acres 45 of the last 60 days and seen deer every day. Gun season just closed yesterday and I've counted like 14 deer in the last 1/2 hour. Its 14:08 now. People used to laugh because I thought that 1 deer would figure me out and tell the rest. I don't think that anymore, lol. Looking at 8 right now. That buck is out there somewhere guaranteed. I need a Hoyt contract, lol. Hey Bill tell Hoyt if they donate me a Canon XF705 I'll start sending you video!

[@bill-winke]

Yes, I am sure they will do that! Good input and good action. Keep at it. Have a great day and thanks for the support.

[@independentredneck2555]

Hey Bill I have a question do you think killing all those does has an effect on the Bucks knowing that something is going on in the area?

[@bill-winke]

I don't think so. I have done this for many years. On the southern Iowa farm I used to kill a ton more does. Sometimes as many as four or five in one day. I never saw any kind of reduction or change in buck behavior as a result. I think this farm is unique in some ways that I have quite sorted out yet. Maybe, as one viewer suggested, this is just behavior left over from higher hunting pressure before I bought it.

[@Jay-hu1pc]

@@bill-winke yea maybe in four five years of you owning it and not as much pressure and all the food this place will be really good. Here in se mn it’s like the deer know when to shut down when the ruts coming on because of our gun seasons are open. Either way your shot a nice buck already this year and can’t beat that.

[@taylorwiegel5869]

You boys need a dot’s pretzel sponsorship at this point 😂

[@bill-winke]

Definitely. I need to make a trip to ND and try to find Dot and ask her about it. If nothing else buy a bulk load of pretzels!

[@joshcastle360]

Killed my public Missouri buck yesterday evening tending a mature doe. She was staging up on black oak acorns before heading to a night time food source. “Neighboring ag” right after sunset and they still had another 300 yards to go before hitting the open fields. I think if you burned out that spot you wouldn’t be seeing the mature bucks even after dark and the does would look uncomfortable and spend minimal time there. I think you can sway their behaviors down the road.

[@bill-winke]

Congrats Josh. I agree. I think it will be a different story here in the late season. Have a great day.

[@lonniechartrand]

12:23 "Merica"!!!

[@bill-winke]

Yep, we have a lot of them here. We had an active nest just down the hill from that blind. They raised one youngster this year that is still hanging around. We have nicknamed him "Screech" because he soars around above us screaming when we are out doing stuff on the farm. I think he is lonely and is trying to make friends. A few times he has been perched on the dead tree just outside the pole building watching us. Pretty funny.

[@waynemayle865]

Riddle me this it's our gun season in ohio seen 21 deer 4 bucks 2 shooters here's what's crazy there freaking still running doe what is going on this year

[@bill-winke]

Could be a doe fawn. The big chase I saw on the 22nd was caused by a doe fawn. I am not sure what is going on, though to be sure. It has been a strange year all the way around. Sort of like some of the rules changed. My guess it will be back to "normal" next year.

[@keithkristoff9419]

It doesn't make sense to me why some states don't allow bow hunting during gun season. Hunting with a more primitive weapon should be allowed.

[@bill-winke]

I think here it is related to safety. Iowa has a long tradition of drive hunting. How would you like to be sitting in a tree stand when a deer drive comes through? Not me.

[@keithkristoff9419]

Pa is big on deer drives also, but my little posted 26.5 acres is a deer sanctuary when the guns start blasting. I hunt Saturdays only during gun in PA with a bow if my tag wasn't filled yet and have seen many deer that I never had a picture of. I bet the same would be true in your piece of heaven. I definitely get the safety part. I would only hunt where the orange army wasn't.

[@jamosley96]

Hey Bill, not seeing deer can get frustrating for sure, but as you know, a bad hunt can turn great in a few moments! Just curious, as you’ve said a few times in your latest videos that you think deer may still be on acorns or browse in the timber, have you considered trying the hardwoods out for a hunt just to see if you’re right? Good luck and looking forward to tomorrow’s video!

[@bill-winke]

I talk about why I am not hunting the timber right now in this evening's hunt. It will come out tomorrow midday. Basically, I don't want to risk pushing these bucks out knowing they will be vulnerable when the late season gets going and they run out of other foods and have to come to my plots.

[@jamosley96]

Makes perfect sense. Appreciate the reply and I’ll be watching.

[@shaneshonda]

Why does your broad head look so close to your hand when at full draw?

[@nakedfreak1]

Because it is.

[@bill-winke]

It is close, but I have shot that way for 35 years! I have never nicked that finger. Good eye.

[@lisaannaallen6283]

your deer should be over acorns . i think your deer have moved off of you, they are getting to your plot late 9 10 or11 o'clock . those day time bucks around the 19th had left a bread doe . looks like you have alot of 1 1/2 and 21/2 year old bucks they can aggravate your does to the point they will move.

[@bill-winke]

There are still millions of acorns on the ground here. Many of them will not rot until next spring/summer. I do agree that the does are still in hiding. They will start to surface in a few weeks and then I think people will be surprised how many does are on this place. I saw them on the September and October trail camera photos, but not much since. Good input and good luck.

[@ametcalf1124]

Have you tried having someone drop you off with the atv? Maybe the deer are watching you drive up.

[@bill-winke]

I would love that. Especially to come and get us at the end of legal shooting time, but I have no one here that I want to obligate with that task. This farm is not in a handy location and most people have better things to do than cart me around. We could pull it off walking/climbing the bluff on the backside of that ridge, but it would take a massive effort every time.

[@ametcalf1124]

You could have your wife drop you off and have dinner ready for you when you get done. 😁 tell her it’s what you want for Christmas.

[@bill-winke]

Now you're talking.

[@zachschultz3534]

Curious you say low deer density but your trying to shoot every doe you see.

[@bill-winke]

It is low, but I want it to be low for a while longer. It is easy to increase deer numbers - hard to bring them down if they get too high. I have a lot of habitat work left to do on this farm and having a lot a deer eating everything when first comes up will limit what I can grow here long-term. I have hunted and owned farms with high numbers and it is a non-stop battle to keep them in check and to grow anything that deer like to eat.

[@nakedfreak1]

Day 1 of muzzle loader here. Noon-ish I peeked through the diamond back 15x's and watched some does sneak through a narrow treeline between 2 of my plots with a nice potential shooter buck following them. Quick lunch and a shower and its 1:25 and here I sit....last nite had 14 deer in the plot and not an antler in sight. I know there some nice 2yr olds still alive but he slipped thru too fast to see if he was one of them or a shooter. 1 tag left, no job and 31 days to hunt and im still covered up in deer. Life is good. Oops, 13:36 and here they come. Gotta go, lol.

[@jimowens381]

Not first!

[@bill-winke]

We still appreciate you Jim, even if you are slow.

[@bradhackett4078]

You can't bow hunt during gun season there?!?

[@bill-winke]

Nope. We are out of luck until December 18 here. Good luck.

[@kevinwillauer5348]

I suspect that your problem has a lot to do with just the overall amount of human activity on your property on top of shooting doe’s & all the consequences that come along with the human intrusion surrounding getting a deer out after being shot.

[@bill-winke]

Maybe but I have only shot 5 does. One year on the southern Iowa farm my friend and I shot more than 60 on less land, all with bow. That definitely took a toll on buck hunting success. Management trumps buck hunting success if you are serious about doing it right.

[@kurtpearson2793]

First

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the support.

[@korodski]

Too concerned with filming himself

[@bill-winke]

That's what I do for a living. I better be.

[@dougkraemer8327]

First

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Doug. Have a great day.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the support Doug.

[@dougkraemer8327]

@bill-winke I'm gonna be bummed if you don't put out some videos during your off time gun season. That's a long time to wait without a Bill update.