Hows the rut progressing down that way? I'm watching the weather and it's not looking good for the up coming WMA hunt next week. Full blown chasing might trump the weather trying to decide on making the trip.Same thing last year warm and raining on the late Jan hunt.

The rut is going to happen, regardless of the weather. I took off all next week to hunt in Pike Co. and it ain't exactly going to be enjoyable hunting in the heat. I would hunt if I were you.

It's been slow hunting. IMO the rut get going around the 25th. I don't think the weather will effect the rut, but I wouldn't complain about some cooler weather.

I'm heading down to Clayton from Chicago on Sunday the 22nd for at least 10 days. Looks like heat and rain for the first couple days, but should be looking good thereafter.

it is slow but there are plenty of fresh scrapes and rubs. It could happen anytime.

Thanks that was what I wanted to hear.

Traditionally before the extended season it is the last week of January around there. Not many folks hunt around there until this week really cause its not worth the effort.

I'll correct my earlier post. After hunting this morning I saw several fresh scrapes in just a short walk. I agree it should open up in the next 10 days or so. I'll be in the woods every day from 1/24-1/31.

Depends where you are. Around mt Andrew there is a Christmas to early Jan rut.

There were all kinds of genetics in that area. We use to hunt the Mt. Andrew area, behind the old school house on the Dr. Bush property.

I've seen a spike and a 3 yr old six point chasing does around a greenfield but that was it. Big boys aren't out yet on our land.

You're not the guy that had the pet deer are you? I think his name was Allen Miller.

Haha negative, but I do know him. I can't say I ever knew he had a pet deer though.

That was forever ago. Like 1975 or so. I think he lived in Midway. I may be wrong because it was so long ago and I can't remember yesterday.

A lot of deer are getting shot at around there right now.

I sat Saturday and Sunday afternoons over a green plot. I saw 10-15 does with several small bucks that would occasionally chase them around the field. Scrapes are everywhere and I think in just a few days it's going to take off. I'll be off all next week hunting in Clayton.

It's about to get good any day now.