Erienna Hunt Club

Today's story takes us to the Erienna Hunt Club in Morris IL.  I was finally able to get out and try my new Mossberg Maverick 88 out.  I was also able to go hunting with my Dad, Joe Spizzirri, which was the first time we've really been able to do that, and a client of his, Don.  This would be my second time hunting pheasant and from what I was told, this location was a little different then hunting wild pheasant.  The Erienna Hunt Club manages the birds and actually places them out in the field about 15-20 minutes before you are ready to go out.  You tell them how many you want, we took 9, and you pay per bird.  It was just our luck that the day we picked to go was the first snow of the year, and a pretty heavy one at that.

I woke up around 6:30am and started the coffee.  The first time they had to hunt was 9am so I was excited and ready to head out long before then.  When we arrived I snapped a pretty nice picture to the left there and realized it was going to be a cold wet one.  I dressed as best as I could for the weather and it actually wasn't that cold out.  When we got inside the club it was filled with all sorts of different mounts, deer, pheasant, duck, you name it and it was probably up there.  The people working the club were very nice and accommodating.  They were more then happy to answer any questions that I had as well as give me some deer hunting tips on different property in the area to try out.

Map is from the Erienna Hunt Club website at http://www.eriennahuntclub.com

We had 9 pheasant thrown out for us and we were on our way.  We drove to our area Cackles End and parked.  We loaded up and made the plan to work our way over from the second field in, down to the end.  We made note of the tracks were from where ATV had dropped the birds.  We were unable to flush out any birds our first run through so we made our way to the far left area, if you are looking at the map, and were able to kick up the first bird, which was a rooster.  He took off to Don's side and I heard the two shots ring out from his over under, I attempted a long shot but it was too far out by then.  We walked the rest of that field and headed back over where the rooster took off to.  We were able to track it into some tree's along a creek where my Dad scared it up and took a solid shot.  That was the first bird we took.  We made our way through the rest of the fields slowly, stopping to listen for the cackle and to look for tracks.  I quickly was able to figure out the track patterns and follow them.  The snow was still coming down and pretty good I would say.  We were walking into the snow which made it difficult to take a shot when the store hit your eye.

The third field in we made our way up and down the rows.  We flushed out another rooster, this time it came up near me and made it's way over to my Dad's side.  The first shot I took feathers kicked up but the bird didn't go down, I then heard a shot from Don and my Dad; each time more feathers flew off.  The bird struggled in the air, went down, then out of nowhere went right back up in the air, over a fence and some train tracks and out of reach.  All three of us hit that bird and it still made it, it was very impressive to see.  As we continued to make our way through the rows of the field a rooster came up in my area.  Don took a shot which missed, I took aim and pulled the trigger and the bird dropped.  That was my first bird of the day and second pheasant of my hunting career; it was very exciting.  We kept working the rows and another bird came up, a hen, I was told that hens were legal here and I did not hesitate.  I raised my Mossberg almost as fast as the bird left the ground and instantly put it down.  I should have waited a second or two because the feathers were everywhere and a good part of the rear was M.I.A.  We made our way down the rows once again and a hen came up on Don's side which he was able to take down.  It didn't sound like the shot killed it so my Dad attempted to spin the neck, and now I understand why they say to press on the chest, because that head came off about as quick as he spun it.

We kept on going to the farthest part of the field.  We took a detour into some tree areas, following some deer tracks, and was able to find about 4 fresh beds, too bad they didn't allow deer hunting here, it was shotgun weekend and everything.  We made our way back to the fields and flushed out a rooster, this time everyone missed.  As we continued to walk I could feel my thighs burning and the snow from the brush was starting to seep through my pants.  We made another pass back to where our cars were and continued to follow the tracks.  This was getting a little harder to remember where we had already been and if we had followed the pheasant tracks already.  The snow made it easy at first because we were the first ones out there.  As we made our way down I found what looked like some more tracks and approached it slowly.  Not knowing for sure if they were tracks or fallen snow I kept approaching the brush and out came a rooster.  It took flight in front of my but caught me by surprise pretty good.  I took two shots at it, I heard Don's two shots and I heard at least two from my Dad, all missed.  Then out comes a hen to my right back and behind my Dad.  I took my last shot but missed.  I explained that another one had flown up behind us and they had no clue.  I suppose I should have said something but everyone had taken their shots and it wouldn't have done much good.

We went back with 4 birds; two roosters and two hens.  Afterwords we sat at the table near the fire they had and warmed up and dried off while enjoying some peanuts and a cold beverage, while they cleaned our kill.  Overall it was a great time, I got to get out there and hunt with my Dad, which I hear and now know is always a great thing to do.  We missed a few but went home with something for dinner.

Below is the information for the hunting club if you are interested I recommend checking it out, it was a lot of fun.  Thanks for checking in!

Erienna Hunt Club
This hunt club requires no annual fees and offers a wide range of fields.  The hours are great and they also offer guided hunts with dogs.  This was my first trip out here and won't be my last.

Pheasant Hunting

So I ran into a friend of mine, Clint, on Monday and we got to talking about hunting and how I've been out in a tree stand a few times this year but have yet to find that elusive whitetail.  He gave me the option to go out pheasant hunting with him and another friend of mine Mike.  I thought it over for a few minutes, "Did I want to give up a chance to get a deer and try my luck at bird hunting?"  Since I've never gone out hunting with a shotgun, none the less, did not own a shotgun, I voiced my concern.  I was offered to use an older Mossberg pump 12 gauge and couldn't turn it down.

Mike knew a spot down 55 South near the Dwight area that we got to just about sunrise.  Mike and Clint both explained a few things to me and we got started walking the area.  We started walking slowly stopping every few steps or so to see if we could hear anything.  The wind was crisp and bit at the only openings I had, which happened to be my finger tips.  I packed a few extra hand warmers which I shared with Mike and Clint.  I seemed to have dressed and layered warm enough for the weather.  After a little while walking, out of nowhere something flew out from the brush and just about scared me dead.  I struggled to get the Mossberg to my shoulder in time to realize that it was a Hen.  Since we were out hunting wild pheasant and not somewhere that breeds them to hunt it is a no-no.  We kept walking down that side for quite some time and came to a stream that lead to some farm land.  When we approached the stream right on the other side was a good sized doe standing there, who turned tail and ran once it got sight of us.

We made our way back down the trail in an attempt to flush out anything on the other side.  When we finally reached the end, back where the car was parked, we kicked out another bird; this time a Rooster.  Another nervous raise of the Mossberg after I heard a few shots from my friends.  I saw a few feathers fly off after Mike's shot but the bird took off flying.  Sure that it had been hit we set out after it, but not before taking a breather to rest our legs and get a bite to eat out of my day pack.  It was probably about 11am by now and we headed down the other direction after the one that got away.

The long journey down took us through some great country side.  In a group of trees we were finally able to track down the wounded bird.  I heard a rustling on the side and swung to shoot, forgetting the very important rule of don't shoot the pheasant on the ground.  Luckily, I more then likely missed the bird and it was still wounded from the first shot.  Mike put the bird down and we threw it into the pack.  We made our way down as far as we could before we hit what looked like a man made river or soon to be river.  We trudged our way back to the car attempting to flush out more birds but only another Hen as we ended up back by the car.  We took a break to rest our legs and decided to go grab some lunch at the local gas station.  By now it was about 3pm or so, we've spent a lot of time walking around through some thick waist to chest high brush.  I would have never though my legs would be so sore and we weren't done yet.

We took a drive over to another spot that looked like it had some potential.  We got out and geared back up.  It wasn't about 10 minutes into walking when Mike flushed out another Rooster.  I jumped out by him and he took two shots with his over under with no report, Clint took a shot his way and the bird kept on going.  By now the bird was a good 50 yards away.  I took up the Mossberg and followed it a second or two before squeezing the trigger, one shot and down with the pheasant.  I had taken my first bird.  The excitement I felt after seeing the bird fall was almost unexplainable, it was a rush of joy mixed with a little shock.  I gave an excited yell and rushed over to verify that it was dead, and it was.  We bagged the bird and kept on moving.  We went as far as we could there and turned back around.  This time the rustling we heard resulted from a rabbit.  The first one ran out quick past and I didn't have a shot.  Not 2 minutes after that another came out, this time it was not so lucky.  I took one shot, saw some dirt kick up, thinking I missed took another.  It was a good shot and the rabbit was down.

We came out of the area across from that to meet another hunter on an ATV.  He recommended that we check out another spot a little ways away so we did.  Not thinking to ask more questions about where this spot was we headed aimlessly to were we assumed he had been talking about.  The drive was not a total loss though; on our way over in the car I was able to catch a view of a few bucks in the field fighting it out, I have not seen this in person so it was very interesting  We worked that area till sundown.  We didn't flush out any more pheasant but I did see the biggest buck of my life.  From a ways away you could see the massive build of this animal and a rack that puts many to shame.  I stood there for a few seconds and took off.  I am still thinking of going back here with the bow and trying my luck at it.  You all will be the first to know if this happens.

We took the long drive home with 2 pheasants and a rabbit.  Not bad according to how difficult I've been told wild IL pheasant can be to get.  I was very excited to have my first time out be such a great experience.  Nothing beats being outdoors with some good friends.  Below is the photo of my first pheasant taken by Clint Rife.

Area C

I wanted to change things up a little bit today and try out Silver Springs area C.  I didn't think this would be the best idea because I have never been to this area before.  I had researched it a bit as I did area B through maps and google/bing maps and had a good idea of where I wanted to setup shop.  I woke up at about 4am but unfortunately fell back asleep and woke back up at about 4:45am.  I wanted to be at check in at about 5 and on my way to setup before sunrise.  I had also forgotten that daylight savings had kicked in and sunrise was actually going to be at about 6:30am today.

I jumped in the shower, de-scented, grabbed my gear and started the Jeep; only to realize that I was out of gas.  I headed over to fill up and by the time I got to check in it was about 6am and it was already getting light outside.  As soon as I stepped out to go sign in there was a young buck just standing outside the office.  I was able to grab a quick picture with my iPhone but it didn't turn out too great.

I pulled out of the check in station and headed over to C only to see more deer off the road.  All of these deer were in areas where hunting is not permitted, go figure.

I got to area C and got all setup.  By the time I was done and sitting in my stand it was probably about 6:45 and the sun was clear up.  I was pretty sure that I missed my prime window but sat it out.  The weather was great.  The sun came up and threw some heat down my way, so much that I had to shed some layers and hang them up on some branches.  I alternated between doe calls and antler rattles and didn't hear much of anything, I thought I heard a grunt response to one of the doe calls but didn't hear anything walking my way, I gave it a few more tries and waited a bit.

I probably sat up there until about 10am before I got the itch to check out the rest of the area.  I walked around the back part and crossed a stream over a log and wandered around a while.  I didn't see anything around the back part.  I heard another hunter rattling some horns, it didn't seem like he had much luck either.  I turned back to tear down my gear and head home.  Before I left I snapped another picture of my setup.

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Second Hunt

I went out to Bass Pro Shops a few days before I hunted and picked up a tree stand.  After talking to a few different people I chose this over a ground blind.  I kept hearing stories that the deer are very observant and would notice a ground blind out of place and steer clear of them.  I was also told that they would be able to easily smell you from the ground blinds.  This directed me to make my decision on the tree stand.  I went with a King Kong HX Hang-On tree stand.

I took it home and played around with it.  This is my first experience with a tree stand of any sort so it was very unfamiliar to me.  It took me a few minutes to figure out the workings and how I planned on carrying it in and out of the hunting area and really didn't seem all that heavy.

The day came up a little quicker then I was ready for.  When I woke up it was about 4:30am, I showed with the Primos de-scent, sprayed down my clothes, and thew everything in my Jeep.  The morning air was very crisp and it was pretty dark outside.  It was a little awkward to be up and ready to go when it still felt like night.  I made my way to the sign in station at Silver Springs.  I was a little intimidated when I saw about 5 cars in the parking lot, after walking in I noticed they were all for pheasant hunting.  There was only one person signed in to B.

I dragged all my gear out of the Jeep and prepared myself to walk in.  After my tree stand, 2 small tree ladders, my day pack, and my bow, it was a little overwhelming.  I realized I should have geared up and practiced with everything before I got out here.  I was fumbling around trying to figure out the most comfortable and least noisy way to carry everything back.  I had a spot in mind of where I wanted to setup and found it.  I would have been in some trouble if it weren't for a headlamp a friend gave me this summer.  I put everything down next to the tree I had picked out.  I strapped the ladders to the tree and made sure they were stable.  I then realized how difficult it was going to be to climb them with a tree stand in one hand and secure it to the tree.  After a few frustrating minutes I was able to get everything all setup.  I also realized why the salesman at Bass Pro had suggested 3 ladders, I was not up as high as I had thought, but for my first time in a stand it was as high as I was comfortable.  By the time everything was good to hunt it was probably about 7:15 or 7:30 am.  Light had begun to peak over the hillside, which would have helped when I was setting up, but it seemed like I may have gotten in early enough.

I sat for quite some time with no movement.  It was a little cooler up in a tree then walking around on the ground.  My hands and feet took most of the punishment.  I found myself alternating a hand in each hunting jacket pocket and standing up from time to time to keep the blood flow through my feet.  I sprayed out some doe scent and did some calls throughout the 4 hours I was up there.  About an hour into the hunt I heard some rustling around behind me.  I got a little excited and turned to look.  Unfortunately it was a stupid squirrel.  I say stupid because it had me thinking that there was a deer walking up on me.  They did this a few times to me, running past and around the tree, through some leaves, but no sign of the deer.

I held out as long as I could up there and finally packed it in.  My feet were cold to the point where I could not feel them and my hands were getting there as well.  I think I am going to need some warmer gear.  I am planning to go back out on Tuesday and see what else this area has to offer.  I am thinking about checking out section C.  There is a lot more area and appears to have some good funnel points.  The pheasant hunting area is pretty close to so maybe they will be able to scare some deer my way.

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First Day at Silver Springs

Today I wanted to get up at about 4 AM and get there real early.  Little did I know a huge storm was coming through that would ruin those plans.  I was up at 4 to hear the wind pounding the sides of the house.  I checked the weather reports and not only was it a storm but a tornado watch had been issued for the greater part of IL.  I tried to get some sleep but the wind kept me in and out.  I finally woke back up at about 9 AM and stayed up.  The storm seemed like it was going to pass but it was still windy to the point where there was a wind advisory.  I waited until about 11 AM before I decided that I was going to give it a shot.  I knew I missed the prime morning hunting time but I figured the deer may be active after the storm.

I checked in and found that I was the only person listed today.  This was good because I wanted to browse around and get a little more familiar with the area.  I geared up and headed into the woods.  The weather was a little chilly with strong gusts of wind.  Once in the woods the wind didn't seem to play much part in anything besides being aware of which way my human smell as going.  I kept checking up ever so ofter to make sure a branch or tree wasn't about to come down on top of me.  There were a few spots I remembered from last year that I wanted to check out.  I found a nice little area with a little cleaning, some water, and green plants.  I sprayed some doe scent around and sat on it for about an half hour or so.  I wanted to explore a little so I left that spot and made my way up the hillside.  I found a lot of tall trees, good spots for a stand if I ever get one, and some scent packets that someone had left a day or two before.  I sat on this spot for a while.  I sprayed a little scent and used my Primos call every few minutes.  I didn't see any deer activity, a few squirrels and a hawk that was playing around with something on the ground.  I moved around until I pretty much explored everywhere I wanted to check out.  I took note of a few spots that I wanted to try out with a ground blind and a tree stand, both of which I do not own.

On my way out I took a different path.  I had seen someone the other morning with a head lamp on setting up over in that general area and wanted to take a look on my way out.  While I was walking I took note of some good spots, I went around a downed tree and heard leaves moving just in time to see the famous white tail waving good-bye to me.  I followed her into the area but was unable to locate where she had run off to.  I packed it in a headed back to the check out area, where 3 does were eating off of a tree across the street.  No hunting is allowed over there but I'm pretty sure I heard some snickering.

I had a pretty good time over all.  I was a little disappointed that I wasn't keeping my eye open and just walked right past the only deer I've seen all day to scare it off.  I'll never make that mistake again that's for sure.

Keep checking in with my progress, hopefully I'll have some interesting stories for anyone that wants to hear them.

First Hunt of the Season

So I woke up at about 4:30am to get ready to go hunt the Silver Springs area.  The night before I had washed my hunting clothes in Primos Silver XP Scent Eliminator, I also used the shower wash and spray on the clothing I couldn't throw in the wash.  I have Rage 3 mechanical broadheads on three of my arrows currently.  I have a Primos can caller and a set of plastic antlers that I took off of my practice buck.

So I arrived at the sign in cabin.  There are a set of rules for the area.  There are two sections B and C.  I will post the link for the map of the area below.  I have hunted B last year and planned on using this area again this year.  You are allowed 10 hunters for the whole area, not 10 each section.  I got there at about 5:15am to find that the area has already been filled.  I was pretty disappointed about this.  The earliest hunter signed in at 4:25am, looks like I should have gotten there earlier.

Silver Springs Hunting Map

I packed it in and decided to hunt the back yard.  There is plenty of room here and it is about 7 minutes from the area I wanted to hunt.  I have spotted a number of deer crossing the empty corn field behind the property a few times.  I set up shop on the deck and started a few calls and a little antler rattling.  I did this a little bit on and off but I made sure not to over do it.

After about an hour of motionless sitting I saw three does come out from behind a tree.  I got so excited my hands started shaking.  I've heard of this happening before so I calmed my nerves down a bit and waited to see if they would cross the fence into the yard.  The deer were about 120 yards away, too far for me to take with my bow.  They started walking farther away so I attempted a little call and rattle.  The stopped, moved a little more sideways and a little closer.  I thought for sure they would cross the fence but ended up taking off the other way.

A little while later I noticed a big buck a ways away.  I waited to see where he would go and crossed over into the farmers field.  I did a little calling and rattling, he stopped.  I got down off the deck to see where he was headed because I lost him in the tree.  By the time I got to see behind the tree he was gone.

I stayed out there until about 9 am and packed it in.  Not a terrible day, at lease I saw some deer, which is better then I did last year.  I'm looking forward to Tuesday morning.  I want to get out there on a weekday when I may be able to get the jump on the other guys.

Thanks for checking in!

Hello All

My name is Mike, or as I am commonly called, Spizz, on account of my last name.  I am a big fan of the outdoors; hiking, fishing, shooting firearms, and hunting are a few of my favorite activities.  The only thing is that I am pretty new to is hunting.  I have been shooting bow for a few years now and last year was actually my first time hunting.  I went out and stalked around for a while and ended up empty handed on the two runs I made in the end of the IL season.  I have been fishing for as far back as I can remember.  I can chalk that one up to my Grandfather Darrell Taylor, who is a pretty well known outdoors writer, who had gotten me into and progressed my fishing skills and interest.  I have a great respect for the outdoors, wildlife and the capabilities of firearms and projectiles.  I feel like this is very important and may not be instilled in many people these days.

I wanted a way to share with everyone the experiences that I have.  I am pretty new to the hunting scene and am attempting to learn anything that I can about it.  Please keep checking in with my blog to see how I am progressing.