After four years of applying, I was finally selected for a SOA Hunt. I was chosen for the Upper State Game Sanctuary archery hunt starting on October 14. I expect it to be a hot and tough hunt, but I’m looking forward to it. I figured the rut would be in January or so but I hope to catch one slipping to and from food. Anyone have success on the Upper State SOA or in the immediate area during that time of year?

Jan 20ish and later is when rut is usually hot in Clarke

I am not an experienced oct hunter so I want comment on that part

I Lov first time sits in November/December on unhunted spots

Being first to have a shot is what I’m most excited about.

UState is a cool place. Plenty of deer and hogs. River bottom to uplands, what's not to like.

Thanks @treemydog. We don’t have hogs where I normally hunt. I hope to get a shot at a few!

PM to you Snipe

What unit are you in?

@Bama_Bow_Hunter I haven’t received any information on what unit I’ll be in. I’ll post it when I get the update.

I’ve done really well around this time in Clarke. Do y’all get to shoot doe?

@Spec yes, one buck and three does per person. Unlimited hogs.

Went and scouted Unit 2 on Sunday. Found a few oaks dropping acorns and the ground looked like it had been tilled under them. Hog sign everywhere along with deer tracks. Drove up on a group of 10-15 hogs but didn’t see any deer. I’m looking forward to the hunt this weekend. Anyone else go down?

My dad was supposed to go scout unit 5 at US while I was scouting Portland landing this weekend but he didn’t get to. Hopefully we’ll be able to find something to shoot at on his hunt on Nov 11.

We hunted unit 2 last year on the February hunt. It's a good area. Just be careful around the pond and the Creek that separate 2 and 6. There a nest of baby Alligators on the creek. In between 15-20 babies . Didn't see moma but there about 8"- 9" long. So I'd bet she not far away.

I appreciate the heads up Rip50! I was planning to walk that creek tomorrow in the middle of the day. I’ll be extra cautious now. I was thinking about snakes and not alligators!