.

Early archery season is Sept 1-9, providing a good opportunity to get a buck still in full velvet. Being out every morning and having plenty of close encounters, I got this buck on Sept 7.

.

Two days after arrowing the deer above, I went out early and set up in the same area to watch the early morning traffic in hopes of getting some photos. It was still a little dark for good pictures when most of the deer came by, so this is a bit blurry.

.

October 14, another in a long string of gorgeous fall days, saw my wife and me in a favorite haunt before dawn. Since I failed to draw a moose tag this year, she decided the only way we'd have enough meat in the freezer was for her to kick in. That she did, when this nice 4-point sauntered past at 75 yards. A well-place shot from the .243 did the trick.

.

During the final week of archery season, which ended Dec 10, my hunting partner managed to tag a buck. At this time, does are also open but - alas - we couldn't quite get in the right position to put any in the freezer. Thus ended another enjoyable season.

.