Week in Review, Hot Does and Ridge Funnels | Bowhunting Whitetails w/ Bill Winke

[@slurugger]

Bill and Jordan - I find your series very realistic and engaging because it's so relatable. I have had many of the 'greatest rut days' when I didn't see any bucks. When watching some of the other online Whitetail series, it can be discouraging that they're seeing great bucks every single hunt. Watching your series I realize that it can be hit or miss on many farms, including yours. Seeing your ups and downs encourages me to stick with it and get back to hunting. Thanks for being real and look forward to future episodes!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Byron for the comment. I wish I could see great bucks more often, but that just isn't the way it works here. The more work I do on this farm, the better it will be, but I doubt it will ever be so good that I see big bucks regularly. They are rare gems that don't occur often in the real world. Good luck and stick with it.

[@miller2478]

Found this looking for euro mounts! Man bill you still look amazing! Good luck Jordan!!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Miller. I appreciate it and hope you have a great day.

[@zacs8239]

Thanks for the great info Bill, could you do a video on your preferred way to hunt the ridge top funnels you described? As far as how you would access them and which way you would want to blow your wind. Thank you!!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Zac. I can answer that quickly here, but as usual, there are always tradeoffs. If it is a wooded ridge, I love to access by walking up the bottom of the draw that forms the top of the funnel. This keeps me out of sight, pretty well, and covers some of my noise (if it is windy). I then just hunt when the wind is blowing from the ridge top toward that draw so I am entering it into the wind and my scent (once on stand) is blowing out over the draw (the same direction I walked when entering). My stand is then below the main trails at the top. Any other way to hunt these spots has too many problems with crosswinds while on stand or while entering. Like I said, every situation is different, but that is the best way to hunt them unless the ridgetop is an open field, in which case I come straight in from the top field and hunt it with the wind blowing up and out into the field. In that case, you set up above the funnel at the top of the draw. Good luck.

[@stevebostic9812]

I didn’t read all the comments, but just want to say thank you for leaving all the “drama” music OUT when you are filming deer in their natural state. I don’t here music when I’m up in a tree or blind! Much appreciated.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the comment Steve. We have gotten that comment a lot and appreciate all the feedback. Good luck hunting.

[@garywest2250]

I shot my biggest buck of my life, on public land, on November 9th. 2022. It's a giant 9 with stickers and junk to make it have 12 scorable points. I couldn't be more proud as I worked SO HARD to get within bow range of that deer. I had confidence all year long in my stand location, and I kept going back to it. I don't run trail cameras, had no idea that deer was there, but with the rut I knew that eventually there would be a shooter through the area with a doe. Thanks, Bill for the info. You helped me immensely in my pursuit and I couldn't be more grateful. I stopped him at 21 yards, quartering to me (I wasn't pleased with the shot angle but I absolutely drilled him through both lungs and he only went 40 yards down hill).

[@bill-winke]

That is awesome Gary. Congrats. I wish you could post a photo on KZbin comments. I would love to see him. I am very happy for you and love to see when hard work pays off.

[@bryanroberts]

Congratulations on your buck! Public land makes it even sweeter!

[@ericbowhunter]

Great information Bill! That sure was a nice looking 8 point.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks. Yes, I would have been happy with that buck. Good luck.

[@cdp50359]

I wish that rocket still made the steelhead broadhead in the 125 model. Even make a 150 grain 4 blade would be great

[@bill-winke]

I know. Maybe that's my calling-to make a head like that.

[@cdp50359]

@@bill-winke please do!

[@coreylambert5313]

I took your advice from a comment a few videos ago! Paid off! With high temps andnot the best winds(it worked for 1 of my stands). But it is the rut! I finally arrowed my buck on Nov 7th, after passing him the 5th in early light, and missing him the 6th(hit a tree). He grossed just over 150!

[@bill-winke]

Excellent Corey. I am really happy for you. Congrats!

[@ragingryhino5817]

This property looks absolutely insane!

[@bill-winke]

Yes, I love it. Eventually, there will be more good bucks on here.

[@ragingryhino5817]

@Bill Winke thanks for the content Bill. I learned something about ridges and pinch points at the top.

[@HoughGroup]

Thirty nine years later I still think Bill is the best at explaining why and how he hunts! Ridge hunting is his expertise, I love seeing him back in his native countryside - teaching! Outstanding Bill, as always thanks! TH

[@bill-winke]

Thanks H Group. I appreciate it. Man, 39 years! Now I know why I have been feeling old - it's because I am old!

[@HoughGroup]

@@bill-winke Me too Bill - thanks! Tony Hough

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Love the common man you bring to it like the brown jersey gloves , and the loin fest , sadly many ppl wanna shoot a buck but don’t consume the meat

[@bill-winke]

We love venison but it has to be handled right. We ate the other loin last night and the rest of the deer is in the freezer waiting for when I have the time to cut it up for jerky. The key is to keep it cool. If the meat stays warm for too long it gets gamey.

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Yeah I have ppl say they don’t like it then I make some say just try it and they want more lol

[@ChrisJones-mw8cn]

Love the new "format" Bill. It reminds me of the old days of MW when it was raw. You don't realize it now but your documenting your daughters young life and sharing it with the world. You'll watch these videos back some day with your grandchildren and smile. The whole time she thinks your just dragging her out hunting all the time. 😂

[@bill-winke]

For sure Chris. She shot a doe last night and that was an epic adventure just blood trailing and recovering in the snow. That is the kind of stuff you remember for a lifetime. Life is all about relationships and memories and hunting is a good way to do both!

[@benstercoples]

I like that the camera man is an acknowledged part of the team and can be seen in many of the shots. I like that approach a lot better than pretending he isn't there.

[@mattwilkie9713]

Agreed! It's like a music video that only shows the lead singer. I hate that

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the feedback. We will keep doing it that way whenever possible.

[@SchusterFishes]

Killed a stud 9 point on November 14th, after I’m pretty sure I missed the same deer on November 8th (which is my favorite day) I killed a 11pt last year on that day. I’ve really been grinding it out the past 2 weeks and knew I just needed to be up in the tree and I would get a chance, no one can say I don’t deserve it. . Enjoy the videos Bill

[@bill-winke]

That is a lot of hard hunting. It can definitely be a grind during this part of the rut. Some years I take these days off hunting and do office work, etc. Congrats on the buck! That is a great season Well done.

[@LetThemGrow]

This is the kind of content that hooked us many years ago. Keep it coming Bill!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the comment and the support. I appreciate it. Have a great day.

[@tysonames5016]

Can you do a video sometime on your take on “lock down period”

[@bill-winke]

Maybe I will do one today and post it tomorrow. I think it is a really good topic. Though it doesn't fit the "Setup" video series model, it would be a good thing to cover right now.

[@hayleybrandt6189]

I really like your videos…this one gives us a look at just soaking up some enjoyable sits. It’s not always about the kill. And You share your knowledge, that will help others. Love it✌🏼 keep’em coming

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Hayley. I appreciate it. We will keep them coming.

[@JayN4GO]

I always wanted your take on ridge tops. Thanks Bill. I hunt mountain areas like this in KY. It’s crazy to see how they run almost uphill after that hot doe.

[@bill-winke]

Those slopes mean nothing to a deer. Unless it is straight up, they climb it like it is nothing. Good luck.

[@stevegermain1222]

Great video again bill, it's really awesome that you're taking your daughter with you. I was wondering if you'd share the site where you got all the acorns, ballpark figure on a bag of them

[@bill-winke]

Steve, I bought them from a local acorn collector. He does it as a side job to increase his income, along with other things. You can find those guys by starting with the state/district foresters in your area and then asking them for contacts which should include a list of the private foresters in your area. Call them all. Someone will know someone who does this in your area. You want to use acorns from as close to where you will plant as possible (within a couple hundred miles north/south) so they are acclimated to the conditions there. I paid roughly $50 per bushel for white and red oak and more for other varieties. For example, swamp white was $80 per bushel and species with the smaller acorns (more seeds per bushel) were also in that $80 to $90 per bushel range. At 5 bushels per acres seed rate for red and white, it should cost roughly $250 per acre for the seeds (depending on the market for acorns in your area). Good luck.

[@stevegermain1222]

@@bill-winke thank you so much for the reply it's very detailed. I'm in upstate South Carolina and will probably use a company out of Georgia called b u l o trees they have 18-in seedlings for between $4 and $10 each yes it's more like for an acre.

[@edwardclark5211]

Dream Big brother 🙏

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Edward. Same to you.

[@rfcorreiaiv]

good stuff, nice to see the pro who know so much still not always have the outcome on a given day but still enjoy the process.

[@bill-winke]

I love the chase. I enjoy shooting them, but hunting them is the true joy. I remember reading a quote once that stuck with me: "I don't hunt in order to kill, I kill in order to have hunted."

[@brettbuckmaster5128]

Over here in Southern Maryland we were burdened with super warm weather the first half of November. Morning hunts were essential for me to experience deer moving from the night to late morning, the evenings were slow. I also find morning hunts to be super forgiving: thermals are in your favor, the leaves are damp and quiet so access seems better… but I notice y’all were mainly hunting evenings. Just curious if that was due to life’s constraints or by choice? Thanks and best of luck!

[@bill-winke]

I agree with you. When it is warm, mornings are definitely better. We hunted mostly evenings so far, as you say, due to life's constraints. Seemed that every day we had a long list of stuff we needed to do here and since Jordan is not a morning person anyway, we elected to hunt evenings instead. I want to be with Jordan when she shoots her first buck with a bow, but assuming it happens this year, next year we will probably have two cameramen - one each. I can hunt the harder core stuff and she can focus on the blinds and staying warmer. It is one of the differences between men and women I guess. I would rather freeze and shoot a buck, she would rather be comfortable and shoot nothing.

[@brettbuckmaster5128]

@@bill-winke Yessir I understand that completely. The more work she puts into it the more meaningful the success will be, it may grow on her, or it may not and that’s okay too. We both know bowhunting is far from easy and even when you do everything right it has it’s challenges, it ain’t for everybody. Love the videos! Keep up the awesome work

[@afeef745]

Thanks a lot for explaining how to hunt ridges. Keep it coming.

[@bill-winke]

I appreciate the comment and the support. Good luck to you.

[@bradcain5364]

Hey Bill, I have a question about calling. I never seem to see you do much of it. Ratting, grunting, etc. Do you just have that much confidence in deer movement for a spot that you are set up in? Don’t want to disturb things? What’s your take on it? Thanks!

[@bill-winke]

I have tried blind calling some, but feel like I am advertising my spot too much to bucks that will likely circle downwind if they come in at all. But I do call very aggressively to bucks I want to shoot that are passing out of bow range. That approach has worked very well over the years. I wait to see them before I call.

[@perryrusso3764]

Always a pleasure Bill to see you at it

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Perry. I appreciate the support and hope you are doing well. Good luck if you are still hunting.

[@uglyfrog7263]

Great content Bill, thanks.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Frog. I appreciate it.

[@nickcannon1558]

Always teaching and transferring knowledge! Thanks again Bill. Best whitetail hunting content out right now!!!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Nick. I really appreciate that. I hope you are having a great season.

[@nickcannon1558]

I’m the appreciative one! Seasons going great so far. Shot a great mature 10 here in my state of Virginia. I don’t always harvest a buck every year since I’ve made the decision to hunt for mature bucks. Your shows have been a true joy and inspiration. I’ve been able to come together with my family and neighboring farms to make the decision to manage for age and it all started from coming across your original show of Midwest whitetail ! Every time I write or think of those words ( Midwest whitetail) I hear your son drew lol. Thanks again

[@bill-winke]

@@nickcannon1558 Those were great days for sure. I miss the simplicity of our mission. We had no idea what we were doing!

[@takurghar1621]

Loved this "week in review". I never understood the ridge stand site like you explained it. All I have is public land and usually quality and deer are scarce but this will help me hunt smarter. Thank you so much

[@bill-winke]

Thanks for the comment Takur. I appreciate it and hope you have a great season.

[@stevenschmidt5712]

Had my target buck here in Ohio (12 point) tending a doe for 2 hours at 60 - 80 yards from my stand yesterday. Fended off 3 smaller bucks during that time. My eyes hurt from looking at him through the binos. Awesome show it was, however, bittersweet at the same time because I knew they were gradually getting farther away as she fed and he followed. Will I see him again without a doe before heading home. ?? Lockdown is tough, hunt hard and long. Hope for the best. Hopefully Jordan’s spirits are still high!!

[@bill-winke]

Steven, I know that feeling. It's impossible to know. You could definitely see him. You just need to spend as much time as possible near his core and hope he loops back through when he's between does.

[@oceanpyrate]

Bill, do y,ou think, now that Jared, has left MWW, that you 2, will reconnect, at some point? That's something I'd love to see. Pretty sure you've seen the awesome Buck, he took, in late October.

[@bill-winke]

Yes, I did watch that video. It is an amazing deer and an amazing hunt. We plan to sit down together after the rut and discuss. But it will really come down to Jared's goals. Just producing another series may not be it. This is a real grind and he knows it now as well as anyone. Maybe we can figure out a way to work together that is good for his goals.

[@oceanpyrate]

@@bill-winke Agreed Bill. I know it has to be tough. All the work that you guys have put into, producing the best experiences, to share with us, Doesn't go unnoticed. Especially, for me, the editing skills. I'm not an exclusively Big Buck Hunter. I still love filming my own hunts, for memories, later. Personally, can't afford the Cameras, you guys use, and I surely, don't have the editing Skills, LOL I'm pushing 62, and it's hard, to "Teach An Old Dog, New Tricks"

[@dougkraemer8327]

Bill you need to give us an honest review of those electric shooters.

[@bill-winke]

I can do that. They are fun and make sense in a number of applications but they are not a complete replacement for my 4-wheeler. What I really want is a full sized electric 4 wheeler. Maybe I can talk the TuoreV guys into making one.

[@TDrennan]

Great job guys! Bill I’ve been watching you since the Midwest whitetail days. I have learned a lot from you. I noticed your daughter is shooting your rocket steelhead and I think I remember you saying her bow is drawing at 40lbs. I’m surprised that would be enough for a mechanical. If you could elaborate that would be great! Thanks!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks. I appreciate it. I set up a penetration test many years back comparing all the mechanicals at the time and most of the popular 3 blade fixed heads. It was a scientific test using a shooting machine, a very consistent target media with a piece of leather across it to make sure the mechanicals opened on impact. The Steelhead beat them all. That's one of the main reasons, other than accuracy, why I shot them exclusively for so many years.

[@TDrennan]

@@bill-winke Good to know, it’s too bad they don’t make them anymore. (At least you my knowledge) I tried to copy the steelhead with the grim reaper fatal steel mechanical with an 1.25 cut. Haven’t shot anything with it yet but I assume it will have similar results. I shoot a Hoyt nitrum 30 at 55lbs, it’s a 60lb bow.

[@bill-winke]

@@TDrennan You should have no trouble getting penetration with that one though I have not shot it.

[@TDrennan]

@@bill-winke Thanks Bill!

[@bryanroberts]

I'd say that 8 pointer is happy to have the run of the ridge now that you harvested that other buck!! He looked like a solid 8. I'm looking forward to the ridge/ funnel hunt as I do a lot of that here in the mountains.

[@bill-winke]

Yes, that pattern should work there too. I am sure the deer bed high and feed low there. If so, then the ridges would be prime rutting areas for buck cruising most of the day. Good luck.

[@deerestcoupleofiowa8157]

Enjoy your show Bill. These NE Iowa Bucks are built differently than Southern Iowa bucks. Smart deer.

[@bill-winke]

It has been slow for us but possibly the backside of the rut will be better when the bucks (and does) go back to feeding.

[@alexpinnow6509]

Nice informative episode Bill. Any future plans to modify that timber so you can get up into that draw and hunt the ridge?

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Alex. The whole farm needs TSI but I am going to do it carefully and in stages. The biggest problem we had that day was the still conditions. That is what the deer were picking up on. If it had been windy (like the day before) we could have skated right in there no problem.

[@alexpinnow6509]

@@bill-winke thanks for the reply! I was wondering if you might do that! This sounds similar to your writings of the previous farm and that one turned out ok! Hope you continue to bring us along for the ride when the work picks up after season

[@bill-winke]

@@alexpinnow6509 Yes. Will do. To be honest, I really enjoy that part, maybe at least as much as the hunting.

[@tylerjoseph8108]

Bill is the best I love your videos every time I see you on KZbin I think of the video of those two big bucks fighting In that thicket then you killing the one. Sickest footage I've ever seen.

[@bill-winke]

Tyler, that was a amazing hunt. I am 100% sure I will never see anything like that again.

[@jasonmowen9668]

What’s the story about that little old building in some of your shoots

[@bill-winke]

That is a good question, Jason. I have not looked in their yet, but I do see a stove pipe out the roof. One local called it the "Old Church". Sure doesn't look like a church to me. I will check it out in the spring, maybe fix it up. Would be a cool video.

[@jackburks9492]

I shot my first archery buck on Veterans Day and I can say that you were my biggest inspiration for working so hard to get it done the last several years

[@bill-winke]

That is great Jack. Congrats on your success. Nothing like that feeling when you shoot your first buck with a bow! Nice job.

[@jeremiahjohnsoniii3892]

Do you think those bucks were the same that you heard going to the ridge?

[@bill-winke]

Good question, but I doubt it. That was quite a ways away, maybe close to a mile by the route the deer would have had to take. The one we heard on the way to the ridge was blowing at us. I doubt he would have ended up coming our way when we left.

[@mattglomski5408]

Where do you buy your acorns for planting?

[@bill-winke]

I bought them from an old fella in southeast Iowa who collects them to supplement his income. He came up a little short on my order but I got really good seed. There are others in this state who do it professionally that I have also used. Contact your state district forester and ask him/her if they know of anyone. If not, ask for a list of private foresters and go through that list calling everyone. One of them either does it or knows someone who does. If you are ambitious you can collect them yourself at places like parks, golf courses and even people's yards. Anywhere that's mowed. There are devices out there called nut rollers that make the job a lot easier. You want to get your acorns from trees reasonably close to where you will be planting them so they are somewhat adapted to the climate. Good luck.

[@mitchellgenz1373]

Excellent week in review, love the content.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Mitchell. I appreciate it.

[@Honkerdown]

What's the little old white shack I have seen in several videos?

[@bill-winke]

I have never looked in it yet. A local farmer called it the "old church". I need to go check it out. I have only owned this farm for a few months. Less than a year. Lots of stuff I still need to check out.

[@naturescoper3936]

Lots of great information as always Bill ,thank you !

[@bill-winke]

Thanks. I appreciate it. Good luck.

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

Bill I like the rednecks on the trailers.i have one and need to move it but want to go with more mobile trailer setups.where you finding the trailers? Also I have same type of terrain in Ohio. Big bucks but the hills give me fits after being in Iowa Davis county and in Illinois.

[@bill-winke]

Those big hills make it a lot more work, but they do also make the deer more predictable as they follow the terrain in more or less the same way everywhere you find them. I bought my trailers from Theisen's (farm and fleet store here in Iowa), but they are Carry-On brand, I think. I bought the 6 X 8 size I think. I believe they are the 2.4k 6X8 Utility Trailer from their website. www.carry-ontrailer.com/trailers/2-4k-utility-trailer/ Good luck.

[@brandongeorge7060]

Always excited to see your content! Keep at it bill!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Brandon. Much appreciated. Have a great day.

[@paulcrave3112]

I didn’t catch why you changed from your intended stand location. It sounded like you could hear a buck up there. Is that right?

[@bill-winke]

Paul, he was blowing at us. It was too still to cover our sound of walking. There was no point in pressing it farther. Every deer on the ridges bordering that valley knew something was up. Would have been a nightmare trying to get up in there.

[@matthewjeffersom4414]

do you just drive over the corn with an ATV to knock it down or mow it

[@bill-winke]

Just drive over it with the ATV. Serves two purposes: gives the deer a place to focus on when feeding and creates a shooting lane, a place to shoot where the stalks aren't in the way. It is the perfect setup for Jordan as it produces a predictable close range shot.

[@matt-nl2hr]

Bill just curious if you hunted anymore on the 11th then what you had on film and what you saw for moment if you did? Se Mn was on fire for movement all day and I shot my buck that evening. Best day of movement we saw all fall. Great stuff as always

[@bill-winke]

Matt, no unfortunately. What you see is what we did. Has been a strange year for me as I have spent most of the good days helping Jordan and she is not yet ready for the harder core hunting that I like to do in the rut. She is not a super serious hunter. That may come, but she doesn't wake up each morning thinking about where we are going to hunt that day, like I do. The last thing I want to do is drive her away so we are progressing at her pace. That means some pretty soft-core hunts that produce comfort and predictable shot opportunities - AKA Redneck Blinds.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

Hey Bill, I hunt 2 public areas. Both areas I setup in March with paracord for my climbing rope. One area is basically flat with miles of woods that r all thin & surrounded by huge amounts of cattails which r the size of small lakes. So in that area there really isn't as many terrain pinchpoints that the other area offers. In that area every spot is basically a pinchpoint. ➕️ it's closer to 🏡 by quite a bit so when I hunt I can hunt longer. I like to hunt higher on the ridge but not where the terrain creates buck hubs which don't exist anyways cuz u will only see deer in these areas when they r on their feet like u had on the 13th on your plan B hunt. Season opened in September & we had nice weather then that only offered yearling & 2 yr old close buck encounters. It pays to know the human traffic & fortunately I learned from another bow hunter only on Friday that many were in the river bottom areas. That guy was out when I was working & it's sure nice to have brothers in arms that share so we all don't waste the precious time we have. We both have had similar encounters with similar deer & it's getting later but giving up is not an option. Hope Jordan gets back out & has a chance @ something more suitable than that up & coming yearling.

[@bill-winke]

Joseph, thanks for the comment and well wishes for Jordan. There are not a lot of deer here. I have had only one doe within bow range myself and Jordan has had none. So just getting any kind of adult deer within range is an accomplishment because she can't shoot very far just yet. I have not done a lot of public hunting but I know that paying attention to human patterns is even more important than deer patterns. Good luck. Never give up!

[@keithkristoff9419]

I keep kicking the can down the road when it comes to buying a couple of redneck blinds, but father time keeps pushing me closer to opening my wallet lol

[@KrummyProductions]

Fix that old structure (shed?) in the woods into something cool!

[@bill-winke]

Agreed Ekul. It would be a really cool spot for an overnight hunt. I have not been in it yet, but I do see it has a chimney (stove pipe) so there must be (or was) a wood stove in there. I will put that on the project list.

[@KrummyProductions]

@@bill-winke awesome, can’t wait to see it! FYI, If there is a stove in there, I’ve heard stories of “hidden spots” near or behind or inside the wall behind paneling near the stove where “goods” were stored. I know one fella who pulled two colt revolvers out of one of those spots behind a wood stove in an old “cabin” in the middle of nowhere on land that was gifted to the state decades earlier. Can’t wait to watch and learn as you develop this property. Strictly because of you, I tried getting red oak acorns this year but my state didn’t have any to sell, to get regrowth in old pasture.

[@bill-winke]

@@KrummyProductions I will take a look, that would be really cool.

[@andrewsteck11]

Ironic that you discuss the ridge top funnel between two draws. I have two mature shooters who have been working that same type of funnel. Last weekend I had the one at 36 yards while his doe was under my tree. He didn't budge for 26 minutes. Had a big branch covering his vitals. Hoping one of them cruises by sometime this week again. Wishing you the best. I worked with Shawn Ryan for years and always saw you at Iowa Deer Classic. You provide so much knowledge and I am so glad you're back producing this content. Good luck!

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Andrew. I appreciate the comment. Good luck with those bucks!

[@sandmanjdl966]

Do you hunt on a landowners tag that allows you to take multiple bucks with a bow in Iowa?

[@bill-winke]

Yes. Went two years without land but now I have that second bow tag again.

[@OscarPerez-mn3po]

Thanks so much Bill for sharing your wisdoms on hill country hunting. Why do you think that valley with that scrape tree is so popular for deer to hang out? Would you consider that to be a thermal hub area? Thanks again, and I’m truly addicted to your woods knowledge.

[@bill-winke]

Thanks Oscar. I appreciate it. I think that valley is so good because it is one of the only food sources around and there are five ridges that circle that spot, so plenty of bedding areas nearby to draw from. It is centrally located in a big area so that is also a key, I think. It really is a great spot and I am trying not to over-hunt it. Good luck.

[@iowapointfreak]

bill, i heard in 1 of your high point videos you did consulting. How much do you charge?

[@bill-winke]

Chris, I would rather you contact me directly about that. Please email me at [e-mail]. Thanks.

[@btownbu5979]

Isn't iowa a 1 buck state? I thought u both tagged a buck this season already? Either way i love your content keep it up!

[@bill-winke]

No, if you own land you can get a landowner tag that you can specify for any legal season. Of course, I specified mine for the bow season. Thanks for the support. Good luck.

[@btownbu5979]

@@bill-winke thats good to know is that only for in state residents? or can non resident landowners draw one every year?

[@tjruff17]

Could you take another stab at explaining your ridge location. I thought you were pointing at the fact that 2 ridges pinched close in the bottom, but that clearly wasn’t it. Are you focusing on the narrow ridge line, with side slope on either side of you?

[@bill-winke]

The ridge top itself is the target. Where along the top do you sit? If you can find a spot where the deer traffic funnels near the top, that improves your odds. The draws that come off the ridge serve as those funnels. The deer tend to squeeze just a bit closer to the top as they go around the heads of these draws. That's the best spot along the ridge line for your stand.

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

And what is the brand of the euv you ride

[@bill-winke]

Don, those are called TuoreV. They are fun and make sense in some situations, but aren't a complete replacement for the four wheeler.

[@noahgould348]

Curious if you’re farm is turning out how you expected it to? My dad and I bought a 220 acre farm this last year and it’s a blank slate right now so I’m super excited to apply all that I’ve learned over the years to make it better. I was luckily able to shoot my biggest buck a 4.5 155” ten point this last week which seemed like icing on the cake lol. Western Wisconsin

[@bill-winke]

Not as many mature bucks as I had hoped. But it will get better with time. Congrats on a great buck!

[@davidmosesso2573]

These videos are 100x better than watching someone kill 3 giants per episode out of a box stand based upon certain phases. Not to call anyone out but Bill has the secret sauce. Keep up the good work!🦌🏹

[@bill-winke]

Now David, you be nice. I appreciate it, but to be honest, I am jealous of those guys killing the giants! How about I get to kill giants too?

[@user-qh7df3kh9v]

Bill love the electric bike. Plz share info on where to get one.

[@bill-winke]

They are fun and useful for certain kinds of access but very expensive. They are called TuoreV and you can find them online by searching that name. Good luck.

[@daviddoely582]

How is the Code of Silence Coldfjall treating you with this recent cold snap? I have the Cabelas whitetail extreme bibs and looking to lighten the weight while still staying warmer. It has been some chilly mornings here in Iowa lately. Thanks!

[@bill-winke]

They are warm and have been performing well so far. I see that Scheels now carries them. You can check them out here: www.scheels.com/c/all/code-of-silence

[@joshtrauger3088]

Why did you back out and change spots when there was a buck in that valley you were walking up? Were you worried about blowing him out from your noise or your scent?

[@bill-winke]

We didn't get that edited into the video well enough. He was up on the ridge to my left snorting at us. I knew every deer in that whole valley would be watching for us so I just backed out.

[@joshtrauger3088]

That makes sense. Thank you. Definitely the right decision.

[@garydusang8339]

What's the brand name of the electric 4 wheeler?

[@bill-winke]

Those are made by TuoreV. Have a great day.

[@garydusang8339]

Thank you

[@ReubenOaks84]

Can't wait for Jordan to get it done. Do you ever use sents like estrus doe pee or buck pee and if so how and when do you use them?

[@bill-winke]

Rueben, I appreciate it. I hope she gets a chance soon too. I don't want her to lose interest. I have not been much of a scent user, but I do think it makes a lot of "sense" to use them with a mock scrape near your stand. I know Jared Mills has had some success doing that using a mock scrape scent from Smoky's.

[@naturescoper3936]

I make mock scrapes and hang a vine over it .I also pee into the scrape and the deer visit it all the time .

[@BandsforAdam]

Will you only hunt that top ridge stand with a morning access now? Also how do you get out of your corn fields in the evenings with all those deer around?

[@bill-winke]

No, I will hunt the ridges morning or evening, whenever I am not helping Jordan. Stand hunting is probably out of the picture for Jordan for a while. I would burn her out in a very short time if I started sticking her up in a cold windy tree stand right now. She needs the close range predictability and comfort of ground blind hunting. That's what we will focus on now. I am going to move another one today and put it up by the scrape tree so she is good to go in that area too. Good bye to the scrape tree as I doubt I will hunt it again anytime soon with a blind right there nearby,

[@BandsforAdam]

@@bill-winke understandable it feels pretty brutal right now going from highs in the 70’s to highs in the 30’s over night. Do you do anything special to get the deer away from the blinds in the evening so you can leave? Or just wait until dark and slip out even if you have to bump deer?

[@bill-winke]

@@BandsforAdam We have not had that problem, unfortunately (with so few deer), but I am carrying a small drone that we can fly out and land in the plot as evening approaches and then lift that off to spook them if needed. That is the only thing I have considered. The monster truck RC is a good idea, but too big to carry every day in the pack. Good luck.

[@brendanbaker5487]

Any window tips and tricks on the enclosed blinds? Also Jordan what under armour gloves are you wearing? Do you recommend them?

[@bill-winke]

Brendan, the key is to keep a squeegee in the blind to wisk off condensation if you keep the windows shut while hunting. But always pop them open first because they kind of seal during the time you aren't using them and that makes a pop sound when you first open them. I have heard people say you can prevent this by putting vegetable oil in the gasket, but I have never gone to that extreme. Regarding the gloves: Jordan says that she like the Under Armour gloves better than the Nike option. They are just running gloves but are thin enough to make handling the bow and release easier.

[@marijuonko7092]

wow you and your daughter look so much alike. keep up the good work bud. God bless

[@bill-winke]

Ah, that poor girl! Thanks that is much more a compliment to me than to her! Good luck.

[@shaunwatson7986]

Hey Bill, give Jordan some dialogue!! 👍

[@bill-winke]

Agreed. I need to let her lead on some of these. We did have a lot more footage on these hunts but we had to burn through those hunts pretty fast so we weren't able to use much of that.

[@marijuonko7092]

good thing I don't own one of them electric bike things u have. I'd be cruising the woods all day. lol. hitting jumps and stuff. prob why I never shoot anything

[@bill-winke]

I agree. They are super fun, but dangerous. Tons of low end torque and if you accidentally mash the accelerator with your thumb you better hang on!

[@danielcernekee29]

What is the best way to approach the ridge funnels? Right up the draw or to the side and walk the top of the ridge?

[@bill-winke]

Ideally, right up the draw, but you need some wind to cover your sound as the draw is kind of an echo chamber for the sound of crunching leaves. I think it is a bit risky to access it from above as the deer tend to be up. In the mornings always try to come in from the opposite direction of the food so you aren't bumping into the deer as they are returning to bed. Good luck.

[@danielcernekee29]

@@bill-winke thank you. Love watching your show. I have learned a lot over the years

[@calebduke6878]

Do you ever do all day sits bill? Thats what i enjoy doing during the rut. Had deer moving around me right at noon & 1 pm yesterday

[@bill-winke]

I did it a lot when I was hunting alone the past couple of years. It is tougher with a cameraman because you have to think not only of your goals, but their comfort, etc. I have bot done one this year nor am I likely to at this point, unfortunately. Good luck.

[@calebduke6878]

@@bill-winke very true i bet its a whole new ball game with a camera man & everything. Appreciate it bill 🤝🏻

[@daltonweaver2327]

Hey Bill, you mention your deer numbers don’t seem high on this farm. With that being said how many does would u prefer to shoot off there this year?

[@bill-winke]

Dalton, I have only had one in range all season and that was the evening when I shot my buck. I thought I would try to shoot five or six but that may not even be possible without a gun. It will be interesting to see how things go this coming week as more and more does have been bred and go back to feeding.

[@oldben1800]

I just shot an 8 point that is nearly identical to that one

[@bill-winke]

That is a nice deer. Congrats Ben.

[@oldben1800]

@@bill-winke Thanks Bill!

[@brandonbower2252]

Does he live there and how many acres?

[@colinselvig9635]

Great information Bill! Seems access is the hardest key to ridge top pinch points?

[@bill-winke]

Colin, normally you can slip right up the valley of the draw from below and it will work OK, but we had a still day the second time we tried it and every deer could hear us so I backed out. You can only hunt those stands in the timber when there is some wind, no matter how you access it.

[@colinselvig9635]

Great information Bill

[@joshhale8576]

Bill what camo brand/pattern are you wearing this year!!! Looks really good and warm! As always good luck from NC!

[@bill-winke]

That is the Code of Silence outerwear. It is really warm, quiet and it really blends in well. Go to: codeofsilence.com/

[@sasquatch4844]

Is there a scent proof window spray to keep windows from fogging up?

[@bill-winke]

Not that I know of, but I have not tried them all. I have heard the RainX spray is good, but I have not tried that on. I use a squeegee to keep my windows clear but that is a bit of a pain.

[@allieandbo]

You'd commented on how that farm doesn't have many deer on it. How do you go about changing that? Is it just increasing food availability and making that a year-round thing?

[@bill-winke]

I do think year around food will make a huge difference. Deer will move in for the food during the winter and some will stay. There were cattle on the entire farm until this year. A big part of it also had cattle until late October this year. When the deer realize the cows are gone, more will just naturally stay here. Deer and cattle can live in the same areas, but deer don't like close proximity with the cows. I think it is partly due to the fact that the cows make so much noise that the deer can't detect danger. Also, I think the deer maybe feel intimidated by the much larger cows and just clear out when the cows move in. The story is yet to be written, so it will be interesting to see what this place looks like in a couple of years.

[@allieandbo]

@@bill-winke Wishing you luck with it. I'll still be here watching.

[@TNsher776]

How is the Code of Silence apparel keeping you warm in the cold temperatures?

[@bill-winke]

So far so good. We had high teens wind chills one day and it was fine. Very comfortable.

[@martypoole6804]

I noticed when u guys hunt ground blinds u don’t wear face masks. Does that not make a big difference on deer seeing u?

[@bill-winke]

It would if you were moving and your face was close to the window - or there was lots of light in the blind. The less light in the blind (keep all the other windows covered) and the farther back you can sit, the better. Good luck.

[@garyhalverson5607]

WHAT STATE IS THIS?

[@bill-winke]

Iowa

[@Huntfish8]

Why don’t you farm it yourself to help justify the cost of the land? I know in other videos you mentioned logging and paying the mill to cut your logs and market the lumber. I’ve looked into that myself but I just don’t think I can get a mill to do it for me. I’ve been looking into the farming my aspect. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks

[@bill-winke]

I don't have the equipment right now and I don't really want to pay to have it custom farmed. In my experience, when you are custom farming this small of an acreage you are at the bottom of everyone's list and get panted late (sometimes too late) and get harvested late too. Late harvest is ok, but late planting can be a killer. If I can't do it myself, I am much better off just taking the cash rent, which is what I did this year. Good luck.

[@Huntfish8]

@@bill-winke what type of return do you think you can get once you farm yourself? Is it worth the time and effort?

[@bill-winke]

@@Huntfish8 It would be about double the amount you get cash renting, probably. Considering the extra expenses of hiring the custom farming done. If I had more acres I would do it, but with just a small number of acres of tillable, it is not worth the time and trouble right now. Good luck.

[@shanetrudell4061]

? For you bill so my daughter is 11 now she use to wanna hunt with me and as of this season I can't get her to did you go threw that it all with Jordan?

[@bill-winke]

No, Jordan got busy with college, but she would always go to the blind if I asked her if she wanted to whenever she was home in the winter. I think the blind is the key. Comfort is a bigger deal for her than for me so making it comfortable, fun and snack filled is key. Also, for them it is less about hunting than about being able to just talk and tell stories, relive memories, etc. In other words, it is less a hunt than an outing. Good luck.

[@dougkraemer8327]

Someone needs to write a dictionary for hunters so that everyone can be on the same understanding. Define draw...same as valley? Saddle.....same as valley? Ridge...same as a hill? Also, do a video on reading topo maps, and explain the description words you are using.

[@bill-winke]

I will produce a video about how to get the most out of topo maps and aerial photos. Until then, a draw is a smaller valley leading up a slope from a larger valley below. Saddle is a low spot along a ridge line. Deer often cross ridges in saddles because that keeps them off the skyline and reduces how high they have to climb in order to cross.

[@masterski03]

Thanks so much for your tips ! I was hunting a small 5 acre urban property and my stand is between 2 large thick bedding areas . At 5 pm Saturday the 12th I shot one of my hit listers a nice tall 8 with good mass . He was checking the bedding areas ! The cold snap really had them moving. Keep up the great work !

[@bill-winke]

Congrats on the great buck! Thanks for the comment and thanks for the support.

[@KyleC0430]

I tried adding you on fb and followed the one page !

[@bill-winke]

Kyle, the personal pages are maxed out at 5,000 so I can't add until someone drops out. But the fan/business page is open (I am guessing that is the one you found). I will try to keep stuff coming there. I admit to being lazy when it comes to posting there, but I will make it my mission to get better about that.

[@51187corey]

Thousands of $ for Redneck blinds and they can't put a bow holder in there 😁

[@bill-winke]

I guess that is right. They have a gun holder, but you have to add the bow holder as an aftermarket accessory. Good luck Corey.

[@brandinellis2003]

Weird how your kid see hardly. Nothing. Then you go and see all the bucks.. lol fishy

[@bill-winke]

Now, now. Easy. Don't give Jordan any ideas.

[@brandinellis2003]

@@bill-winke im.just giving you a hard time 🤣🤣