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.