Welcome To J & S Trophy Hunts. As our guest, we hope you enjoy your stay with us.
Our goal is to produce trophy class animals. In order to help us achieve that, here's just a gentle reminder.
If you have to ask yourself if it's a shooter, please do not shoot. If you say to yourself, "it's probably
close to the meeting the minimum policy", then let the deer live to see another day.
We are counting on you just like you are counting on us to do the right thing.
Don't settle for an okay buck, go after that "OH MY GOSH BUCK" and we will all be happy.
Remember the camp motto------"Think Before you Dink".
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7-27-10
I am looking for lucky hunters who drew an Iowa tag but have not commited to an outfitter yet. The draw results opened up several hunts. Love to have you give us a try.
The economy has finally made an impact on our hunts. Never before have we had so many hunters transfer their Iowa hunt to a following year instead of applying for the Iowa draw. The draw went pretty well for the guys that actually put in for it....minus a couple of disappointed groups.
Good things come from even this I suppose. Our hunting land in Iowa will be getting a pretty good rest this year and that's probably not a bad thing for future hunters.
The unsuccessful Iowa hunters are filling up the saved spots in both MO and TX now. so, if you have any interest in hunting either of these states where tags can be purchased across the counter, and big deer roam, contact me right away. They are going fast. Thanks, Donna
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The Iowa draw results have been posted. If you did not draw, we have some awesome hunting available in both Missouri and Texas.
Click the link below to see if you drew. If you are booked to hunt with us this year, I will be in touch. If you were one of the unluckier ones that now needs a different place to hunt. I can fix you up with that too! You won't be disappointed. http://programs.iowadnr.gov/wildlife/nrdeer.aspx
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June 30, 2010
We are getting lots of good trail cam pics thanks to Steve's daughter Kala. She is enjoying her new "career" as wildlife photographer
and is doing a heck of a good job. Check out the "Trail Cam" page.
The crops and food plots have been planted and in some cases replanted due to the excessive amount of rain we've received. However, the forecast is for dryer and warmer temps throughout the remainder of the summer.
We actually had some time on our hands (that never happens). Since it was too wet to get in the fields to plant, Steve took up a brand new hobby. He began rebuilding antique tractors. Pictured is a 1941 Farmall M tractor that he just finished. We named it "Pearl" in remembrance of the attack on Pearl Harbor that also happened in 1941.
Click once on the picture to enlarge.
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Check out our Texas page and pictures of bucks that were captured on trail cam AFTER the season ended in 2009. They are even bigger this year.........
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THINK TEXAS AND WARM WEATHER.
Even though it has been known to snow at our Texas ranch, it normally has less drastic weather conditions than the Midwest although it can get windy.
We have taken back the Texas operation for the 2010 season ONLY, and for those of you not booked somewhere else this year, I want you to know that Texas hunting is an absolute blast. We have over 20,000 acres of private land for you to hunt. We will place you over feeders or do the old spot and stalk on big Texas whitetail.
Then at night, you can set in the back of our truck on a raised platform while Jeff calls in varmints of all kinds. Take as many as you like. It is so much fun. Fill up the camp with a group of 4-6 hunters. Jeff, Jack and Dex will take good care of you. Don't miss out on Texas. You won't regret it, and the will be the last year that we offer Texas. Don't miss your chance.
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2010 BUCK CONTEST
Last year's big doe contest was such a hit that this year we've decided to try a big buck contest. This is sure to encourage you to
wait for a great big buck. The hunter with the biggest buck will receive 1/2 off their next hunt with J&S.
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2009 Doe Contest Winners
Iowa - Dennis Weber - 122 lbs. IOWA WINNERMissouri - Charlie Sahannas- 120 lbs. MISSOURI WINNERThe winner receives 1/2 off their next hunt with J & S Trophy Hunts!
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Gun Season Results in Iowa
It was cold....(what else is new?), but the late season gun hunters did well. Check out the pictures on the 2009 photo gallery.
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Crazy Christmas....Steve and I went to St Louis to celebrate Christmas and also our grandson Luke's 2nd birthday.
New baby, Aaron decided he wanted to be born and join the party. It was just like the crazy movie you see when a women goes into labor and everything falls apart...It was crazy. Aaron was 3-4 weeks early but is doing well.
It has been a very busy December and just got even more expensive with the birth of another grandbaby. I spent an extra week in STL helping with the babies. So now you know why I haven't been answering my phone calls.
Aaron let me (Nana) love and love on him. Steve and I are so wrapped around both Luke and Aaron's fingers. I'm shocked at how
much love my heart has for my grandbabies. The heart never runs out of room.
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A special "thank you" goes out to all of our 2nd season shotgun hunters in Iowa. Those folks hunted hard and endured some low temperatures but their hunting abilities and desire was impressive. Thank you hunters for giving it your all.
That's the way it's done and we admire your effort.
At the end of the Iowa Shotgun Season, Bonnie Graber took a nice 9 point buck. She hunted morning until night in
freezing temperatures. Her husband Larry caught it all on film and it will be airing on a hunting show in the future.
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Dec 16, 2009.
6 bucks taken out of 8 hunters. Shooters were seen by all but as is the way with hunting, not everything goes as planned.
Hunter, Ed Giza was having trouble getting on the deer, so last night Steve went out to sit with him and see what would
come out. Well, it paid off for both of them. Ed harvested a fantastic 12 point buck which scored 153 1/2.
I wish Steve was as good at filming as he is at guiding. No such luck. Filming seems to be something that he and I both
have to work on. Let's hear it for all the camera men out there! That is a tough job.
I bought Steve a new and very expensive video camera this year and I don't think we've gotten one thing on it yet. I wonder
if it's too late to return it ???
From what I understand, Ed is an expert shot and has shot hundreds of deer in his years. He can drop a deer in its tracks.
That's exactly what happened this time as well. Congratulations to Ed and everyone during the second shotgun
season in Iowa. It has been a great week.
Thank you Mother Nature for leaving us in piece for a while.
Dec 14, 2009
Number 3 for this week!
Ron VanGurp is the next lucky hunter during the Iowa second shotgun season. He took a big beautiful buck with kickers
last night. His picture is already posted. It's going to outscore John's buck by a bit. That's funny since they came together.
It's shaping up to be a great week. It's foggy today and the temps are going down to almost zero sometime today.
Brrrrrrrrr
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Dec 13, 2009 Now we're beginning the second shotgun season in Iowa. With snow on the ground and the temps not all that bad, the hunters are on the deer. Two nice bucks down already. John Wehrs took a heck of a nice buck yesterday with points everywhere and today David Groff took another nice one with us. Check out their picture on the 2009 photo gallery. So far...so good, but the weather is supposed to get below zero. I know that these hunters are tough and good at what they do. All of them except two have hunted with us before......we love you repeat guys!
Keep it up. We also have one female hunter in camp but she knows her stuff too. I'm looking forward to have her come in with a big buck. 4 1/2 days more to go.
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The Iowa first shotgun season hunters were put to the test by the weather, however, several of the six hunters had a first day opportunity but opted to delay their shot in hopes for bigger bucks. Unfortunately the weather of course turned bad. We hooe a good time was had by all regardless.
Dec 9, 2009
Oh man! It is nasty outside. Seems I never get to talk about anything but the weather, but this has been the year for it.
It has delayed the harvest of the crops and it has affected our deer hunting. Thankfully we have finished our crops but so much later than normal. I shelled in the snow but I got it done by golly.
The first week of gun season has brought us one buck in the mid 130's and two does. Today, Steve did a deer drive which is not a common practice but you have to know when it is necessary and those deer need to get up!
Yesterday gave us several inches of snow and today we have 50 mile an hour winds. So, the snow is drifting, near blizzard conditions and the temperature is going below 0 later. It's like deer hunting at the north pole!
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Dec 4, 2009
It's a new day and the Iowa gun season begins tomorrow. I've got my 6 hunters in camp...great group of guys who are looking forward to the morning's hunt. The weather is freezing cold but the shooting houses are set up with heat. Hopefully the weather will force the deer to get up and feed. There's some big bucks that survived our archery season this year. I'd really like to be able to show pictures of the gun hunters that got the deer that got away earlier.
I don't have all of the archery pictures this year. If you have one that I missed, please let me know.
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I had a call earlier from a hunter who commented on the pictures of our bucks and why other websites only show HUGE bucks. While I can show pictures of monster bucks we've taken through the years, my pictures are only from the year we are in.
His suggestion was good however. I will try to add a page of the biggest bucks through the years. Kind of a trophy room.
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Let me rub it in just a bit.... I got word from Jeff Dudgeon who closed up the Missouri camp to go run his operation in Texas (Cactus Country Outfitters). Jeff had been seeing a deer just behind the house that had to be in the 190's. He set an 11 year old girl on that buck. Guess what! She got it. Can you believe it? Fantastic. See the picture on the 2009 gallery.
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Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! As many of you know, I run the combine to take out the crops. When we first start on a field, I love seeing all the deer come out As of yesterday, the bucks are still chasing the does.
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Email from hunters posted on this page and the "Hunter's Email" page as well.
Received Nov 23, 2009
Donna & Steve,
I just wanted to say thank you for a great hunt in Missouri. Jeff did an outstanding job as a guide. He gave
120 percent everyday .I shot a 139inch buck and saw bigger ones. Don had 3 chances and just didn't come through.
That is a GREAT hunt. We had a blast at camp eveynite it was awesome.
THANK U ALL SO MUCH
DAVE RUSS
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Received Nov 23, 2009
Steve & Donna,
I'm back to work here in NJ but my mind is still in Iowa. I was in camp last week with the 'Jersey Boys'. I got to spend
some quality time with my son John, brother Bruce, friend PJ and the rest of the camp, old & new acquaintances.
It's funny but four days of steady rain couldn't dampen our spirits. I've learned long ago that the kill is not the thrill
of the hunt. The excitement on my son's face, seeing so many quality bucks, will be etched in time. The stories of
other sightings, as well as the video of the drop tine, made getting up at 4:00 AM a lot easier. Our guide Terry did
all he could to put us in the right spots. Dinner was great and lodging was comfortable.
This was my first out of state hunt. I think if I decided to book a hunt somewhere else in the future, a standard has
been set that will be hard to beat. My son wants me to book another hunt with you ASAP. Hopefully, we'll be able to
do that sooner or later.
I usually don't write these types of e mails but I just wanted to commend you for your efforts.
Well I better get back to work.
Thanks for a great time,
John Caporale
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Nov 20.2009
We've had such a great group from New Jersey in camp this week. It has been a pleasure to have them here.
By the way, I'm told that one of you took a picture of a very big buck that was under his stand. I'd love to have a copy.
Congrats to Paul Hroncich who took a nice 8 point buck. Thanks Paul!
Tim Fenton has recovered his buck (130's) , and now hunter Joe Pittiluga has another one on its way to camp.
The weather makes such a big difference.
This group's hunt started out with days of rain but the have remained in great spirits and are having fun in spite of the less
than perfect conditions they began with. The weather is looking good right now, so everyone is waiting in anticipation
for a great evening.
It is AMAZING to me how a nicer day can just make everyone feel better.
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Charlie Sahannas has won the Missouri Big Doe Contest. The prize is yours to use whenever you make it back our
way to hunt. Thank you Charlie for the phone call today.
You are a gentleman and a fine hunter in my book.
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Nov 19, 2009.
This year has been the worst weather for hunting we have had in the history of J&S Trophy Hunts.
Started pretty good, but turned hot and windy, then it rained and rained and rained for days.
However, a good number of hunters took some great bucks. We are especially proud of both the hunters that got
their bucks and the guys didn't but still gave it their all. It was Man vs. Wild for sure. Thank you guys!
The Missouri actually went very well. The archery season produced some great bucks.
We may not have gotten the MO super giants that we normally do but we got some great bucks.
The same is true in Iowa. We missed some great big ones but that's normal.
However, the gun season got tough due to the horrible weather.
Jeff gave me an example that one week during archery season, we had 10 hunters. 7 deer killed / 5 over 130".
During gun season, no one was to blame for the tough hunting except Mother Nature.
Deer hunkered down or hid in standing corn. We tried the best we could to remove as much of the corn before the
hunting season, but what good is it to remove yours when the neighbor can't get in the fields to remove his?
The deer will find another field to hide in and you sure as heck want them to stay on your property so you
at least get a chance at them before the neighbor does. Farmers are one month behind in taking out their
crops this year and from the wet fields, we'll all be waiting until a hard freeze before we can finish up.
Rumor is that the statistics are going to be coming out from the Iowa DNR and MO Dept of Conservation and the deer kill
was affected in a big way across both states due to the weather and the standing crops. Well, good. At least it wasn't just
us. I'll add the stats to the updates if I can find them.
One last thing about Missouri. Our Missouri guides did not lose one single deer. If it was shot, it was recovered!
Gosh, that's good be able to say. All of our guides are fantastic and they work their tails off.
This season has been a test of a hunter's personal character and a test of their hunting skills. Many hunters saw
shooters and some had missed opportunities at close range while other bucks remained just out of reach or
came out just after dark.
The deer were able to sneak around without being heard due to the saturated ground as well. Naturally hunters
were frustrated. The chance can come and go so quickly. Sometimes you win - sometimes you lose. A real cat and mouse game.
Then the buck would be gone. But it is especially sweet when that big buck does walk out and you're ready.
We have one last archery hunt in Iowa going on right now and the sun has arrived....
The hunters are good to go and excited to get out there. After this we take a break.
Finally, we realize that a hunting trip is something that hunters plan and look forward to for possibly years. We work all the
time with the hunting season in mind, and during the year see such promise in the deer herd. Everyone is hopeful for
the next season and I pray that those huge bucks that we continue to see get taken this year. Then Mother Nature,
a smart buck, and common mistakes that all hunters make can foul things up for sure, but those bucks that got away are
still here to be hunted another day. It happens so many times...a hunter wants to move and bumps a huge buck that
may have been bedded down not too far from his stand. Well, these big bucks didn't get big by being stupid.
Hunting can be a tough hobby. Now hunters are able to text from their treestands, which has messed them up more
than once. Hint....don't text in a treestand. Never stop looking around. I know it can be boring but the pay off sure is
better when you get your buck.
Hunters come in all shapes, ages, cultures and dispositions, but we do everything we can within our control to get each
of our hunters on a great buck. Your success is our success. We take that seriously.
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11-11-09 Well, what I was afraid would happen seems to have become a reality. The 74 degree weather we had for
two days plus the remaining temperatures in the 60's has slowed this rut way down. This week started out with bucks running everywhere. Then the buck sightings got very patchy.
I see a little discouragement on the faces of some hunters this week but there are still some days ahead. Discouragement
is a hunter's enemy. When that big boy does walk out are you going to be in the right frame of mind to react appropriately
or will your negative thoughts cause you to mess up? How much of a hunt is attitude anyway? Good question. I personally think a lot. We've only got 2 bucks down but there are two days in this hunt to go. Still time to turn this week around.
Things can change so quickly when it comes to hunting.
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Rick Seavey....Missouri week in review.
Nov. 7-12
The week started in a very tough way!!! When the guys started to arrive Fri. morning the temps were hovering around 75deg and the ladybugs were out in force. None the less the mood was positive after hearing how the week before guys were doing. The bucks were just starting to run even in the heat. Sat. went by without any shots even though a few deer were seen. The guys would have done well to bring suntan lotion as the temps were at 80deg in late afternoon and the forecast was for a few more days of the same. Sun. came Russ Gunthrope from sunny Fla. arrived late in the morning and decided to head out for an afternoon hunt even in the HOT weather. While walking in Russ and Rick bumped a nice shooter buck which was a good sign that the bucks were up and moving. Russ started up the tree and before he could even get his bow up into the stand Russ had 3 deer around him. 2 bucks and a doe were within 10yards. They left and Russ went back to securing his safety belt and getting settled. Once getting his stuff up and in the tree he turned to sit and a nice 9pt was standing at 20yards looking right at him. Well he was busted and that deer moved off only to have a doe with 2 small bucks run right by him on the same trail as the 9pt. Not quite believing what was going on in only 30min Russ heard something walking again on the same trail, so he turned back to see what it was and there stood a Big 10pt. Russ picked his shot, but the deer didn't stop so Russ led him and took a walking broadside shot at 18yards. His arrow he thought hit back a little so Russ slipped out quietly to his pick up spot shaking his head realizing that all that took place in 45min. Jeff, Rick and Russ went in the next morning and recovered the deer which had gone about 200yards and died. Russ' 10pt scored 146 2/8. Once we got Russ' deer back to camp Jeff got a call from his hunter Greg saying that he had shot a buck and that it "Was just an 8pt". Jeff, Rick and Russ all went to get Greg's deer. Once there we met Greg in the field and proceeded to walk in. As we were walking in we could see that this was not only an 8pt, but it was huge!!! Greg stood behind us smiling and laughing saying "Oh Ya it is just an 8pt, but it has 6 sticker pts and 6 1/2inch mass measurements". We all laughed and congratulated Greg on both his buck and his good joke!!! Greg's buck scored and impressive 165inches.
Tues. Jimmy scored on a beautiful 9pt after seeing a few Big Bucks and even taking a picture of one from the stand that could have scored in the 160's, but just wouldn't come close enough for a shot. Jimmy's deer scored 142 and the story is already in the updates. Jim shot a nice 11pt Wed. after having a morning filled with action. He had numerous bucks chasing does all around him. Jim's buck scored 135 2/8. Jim followed that up by shooting a doe the next day. Wed. at noontime Mike shot a real heavy 11pt after watching him run does and small bucks in and out of the corn all morning. After a good track job by Rod, Dexter, Jimmy and Rick. Mike's deer was found dead 200 yards from the shot in the corn. Mikes deer scored 137inches and he shot a good doe on Thurs. afternoon. Thurs. morning both Allen and Dan scored on nice 8pts. Both had seen multiple deer in the morning and both made great shots. Allen shot a doe Thurs. afternoon completing the week. 7-10 on bucks and a few does to help the management cause. The drop camp boys had seen quite a few bucks and had a few missed shots at Big Bucks. They took one doe and had a Great week according to them. Now its time to trade the stick and string for the bang sticks!!!
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Jimmy Walls just harvested a 143 2/8 this morning in Missouri. 11-10-09. This deer is the same one Rob Weaver hit last
Fri morning that we couldn't find. Fresh arrow hole right where Rob said he hit it, out of the same stand, on the same trail.
Way to go Jimmy and sorry Rob. The picture is on the 2009 gallery . See the entire story on our "Hunter's View" page.
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MISSOURI RECAP
Oct 31-Nov 5
The week started out good. Some of the hunters had seen a few bucks and other had seen as many as 9 in the
1st sit. The hunting was a little tough with a lot of the crop still in due to the month long rain levels. As we know this will
hold the deer in the corn with it being the perfect cover for deer. Even still we were seeing quite a few deer. Ed W. started
the week off by shooting a nice 10pt that was recovered after a short track job by Dexter and Rod. AJ was next to shoot
a deer and he took a doe. Jeff T joined in later that day shooting a 9pt on a drop camp hunt. Sunday it was Russ' turn
and he shot a Big 10pt after seeing multiple Big Deer during his hunt. The next couple days were warm slowing things
down as far as the deer movement goes. Still a few guys had some close encounters with some Really Big Deer. Bart
scored on an 8pt late Tues afternoon after seeing quite a few bucks. Jeff Y scored on a great buck Wed morning.
He grunted it in from 150 yards. Jim harvested a big doe the same morning and had a couple bucks come right to her
as he was waiting for his ride back to camp. Later that afternoon AJ shot a nice 9pt that was recovered at 1st light Thurs morning.
Thurs afternoon Bart shot a nice doe and again like Jim had a buck stand right over her after she fell, only
Barts buck was a 150 class 11pt. Something to remember for sure!!! The week ended with no other deer being harvested,
but with a lot of Big Deer still being seen and still out there running around.
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I really appreciate everyone who says they enjoy my updates. That is really funny to me but I'm glad they do. Here we go...
Week of Nov 1-6, 2009. Everyone is asking how this week was...well, it was great. The rut was happening and the
weather was perfect. The hunters had lots of opportunity. Many hunters got their deer. A couple of deer managed
to shake off the shot only to be seen chasing a doe the next day. I will have details as soon as my guides slow do
wn enough to share them with me.
Tomorrow starts our next hunt. Indian Summer came today... it's incrediably hot (70's) and the beetles are vicious
with their bites, but the bucks have been seen chasing doe's without a thought of the heat or cars or anything else.
Their tongues hanging out and even though they are about to have a heat stroke, nothing stops true love.....
or something like that.
We'll see what the heat does to the rut. I'm afraid it may slow things down a bit. We'll see....
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The rut is on this week. The full moon and the wind no longer matter. At least it's not raining. However, we are
expecting temperatures around 74 on Saturday then getting lower as the week goes on. It will be interesting to
see if the higher temperatures will affect the deer during the rut.
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The weather has improved and so has the hunting this week of Oct 31. So far Iowa has taken 4 bucks, Missouri has
taken 2 and the week has just began. For some hunter's stories, check the "Hunter's View" page.
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What can I say? The week of Oct 24-30 was about as bad a weather week as we have ever had. Mother Nature never
let up. The rain and high winds just kept on coming. We had 6 hunters in Iowa and 4 in Missouri. We took one buck
in both states early on and then a couple of doe but then it shut down. Our hunters saw some shooters and perhaps
one of two of them could have been harvested but for one reason or another it didn't happen. The high winds
made it impossible to hear anything. I don't know if a hunter could have made a good shot with the winds whipping
around the way they did. Through it all, our hunters maintained good attitudes and their experience has taught
them that hunting so many times depends on the weather. Thank you to all of you for giving it all you could in spite
of Mother Nature. We have invited some of these hunters back to camp later in the year since the weather totally affected it.
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10-26-09
Hunter, Matt Richard took a great 141 1/2 inch buck on his first evening in camp at 20 yards. Matt says that he had been
in the stand for 3 hours and hadn't seen much before this big buck walked out...obviously with a death wish. The buck
wasn't found until the next morning. Just as it was time to give up the search, Greg, the super tracker found the
buck by fanning out just 50 yards farther, and there it was.
Now Matt will be sleeping in, and going out to take pictures and compete in the largest doe contest.
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From what I hear that's going on in Missouri...the hunters are having a ball trying to win the biggest doe contest.
I'm not sure they are worried nearly as much about their bucks as they are in trying to get a half price hunt
in the future. Chad's not worried at all as he has already harvested his buck. I think they're having fun going to
town for more doe tags, and we're happy to have some doe harvested. Whatever makes our hunters happy,
makes us happy too.
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Iowa 10-24-09
Our first hunters just got to camp in time to enjoy as extra evening of hunting tonight. The weather is finally perfect.
Cool, dry and not much wind. They are a great group of 6 who are all friends, and all ready to hunt!
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10-24-09
Missouri is on fire!
Morning update...Missouri. We had 3 hunters come in last night to the Missouri camp . As a little added treat,
our wonderful MO guides were able to take them out for an extra night's hunt. Chad Pfitzenmeyer shot a nice 137 inch
buck on his first evening in the tree. David Deck took a doe in hopes of winning our doe contest. Watch for pictures
They say the Missouri property the prettiest place they've ever been. Great start to our hunting season in Missouri.
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10-22-09
Get ready, get set.....The season has begun. We had one early hunt in Missouri and hunter, Tom Pedley,
got a tremendous buck in spite of the crazy, hot weather that showed up last week out of nowhere.
Tom has had a loosing streak going in Missouri and had never taken one there. He broke his loosing streak
in a big way. Thanks Tom. Look at the 2009 photo gallery for pics of Tom's 146" MO buck.
The hunters came in today in Missouri and will come in tomorrow in Iowa. The weather is extremely nasty.
Cold, wet, windy. Terrible conditions. The ground is saturated to the point that some hunting areas are inaccessable.
I had my hopes up for an pleasant fall season, but it looks like it might be a long winter.
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Oct 3, 2009. Steve and Erik have been out hanging treestands this week. They both commented that there seems to be
more buck sign than in years past. Many fresh scraps and lots of rubs. Is it possible the there's going to be an early rut?
Who knows?
The weather has been very cold this week. The entire summer has been cool. This season is setting up to be
an unusual one. "It is what it is!"
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Lucky To Be Alive
One of our hunters had to cancel his upcoming Iowa hunt this November. This cancellation was not because of the
economy, but instead because a treestand came down with him in it as he was trying to rig up a safety system.
Sherwood Haddon takes extra pride with his personal treestands to insure they are safe. He told me that he has
a special system at home that allows him to be safe both on the way up the tree and while in the stand.
Unfortunately, the stand had been put up before the system could be installed.
I'm not sure of the particulars of Sherwood's accident. All I know is that he is very lucky to be alive.
Two weeks after the accident, Sherwood is still in the hospital. Our best wishes go out to you Sherwood.
Speedy recovery. Hope to see you soon.
Sept 2009
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For the first time since 1985, Steve hunted in Missouri. This is not normally our practice, but he just couldn't help
himself since he didn't plan a hunt anywhere else this year. The desire to hunt became too strong.
At least we're honest about it unlike some.
Just after the Missouri season opened in mid Sept., Steve went hunting. He stayed in one stand only.
He hunted two evenings without success, but on his first morning, a mid 140's buck made the mistake of
walking in front of him minutes after he got in the stand. Steve saw no less than 8 bucks in the first hour he was in the stand.
Another amusing hunting story and we've got it on video.
Steve's picture with his Missouri buck is on the photo page. Don't worry hunters, there's plenty of big bucks left.
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This is the second year that hunter Dave Buckner was successful in taking a buck. Dave hunted during the
disabled hunter season. Dave got his buck on the second day I believe. The deer measured in the mid 130's
and even though this year's buck wasn't as big as last years, Dave knew that the weather was going to turn
nasty and it was going to become very difficult for Steve to get him where they needed to be.
He made the right choice, and we're all happy with what Dave accomplished this year.
This is without a doubt the biggest bodied deer I have ever seen. He's a hog.
Thanks Dave, you are always pleasure to have in camp. We have Dave's hunt all on our video.
Sept 2009
Again I want to remind everyone of the dangers of treestands. Dave fell from one when he was in his 20's.
However, Dave continues to enjoy the sport of hunting even though he has been bound to a wheelchair for the
last 40+ years. Take care everyone.
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Only one week after I mentioned that my new trees would be destroyed by a buck rub, it happened. Our grandson, Luke
is showing you the proof. Sorry, I couldn't pass up the chance to show him off. Sept 20, 2009
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It's beginning to look a lot like..FALL!
The Walnut tree leaves are falling. The corn is starting to turn along with the sumac bushes that you want to stay away
from. We have foggy mornings, cooler days. I bet there are new deer rubs on the trees.
I usually only have to look in my front yard at any new trees I planted earlier in the year to see if the deer have ruined them yet.
I have new trail cam pictures of the deer posturing. I suppose that means there's a feeling of love in the air.
Are you excited about hunting yet? Sept 2009
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NEW DOE CONTEST!!!!!!
We always encourage our hunters to help us with doe management , but it seems there's always more that needs
to be done. We have come up with a new doe contest that will help us with management and help our hunters
pay for their next hunt.
Here's the rules.
For every doe you shoot, your name will be entered into a drawing. At the end of the year, we will draw a name
out of a hat (or box...whatever).
We will choose a winner in both Iowa and Missouri. The winner will receive 1/2 off their next hunt with
J&S regardless of the hunt price.
Missouri Hunters>>>>you must purchase extra doe tags, but the more you shoot, the better your chances are for the
Missouri drawing.
Iowa Hunters, you are only allowed to shoot one doe--- but please --- shoot that one!
Remember...The doe hunts cannot interfere with anyone's buck hunt but plenty of opportunity should be available.
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When Bucks Attack
If you have looked over our website, you know that we've been in business a lot of years. But Steve has never had
anything like this happen before. He said he couldn't believe what was happening at the time and wasn't sure how to
respond to this particular problem.
The other day, (around July 1st ) Steve went to spray one of our Missouri bean fields. He had gotten several yards
from his truck and was just standing around admiring his beautiful bean field.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a HUGE Missouri buck (obviously alpha buck) running toward
him from the edge of the field. After a few seconds, he noticed that buck wasn't slowing down and wasn't just running
around in the field, it was charging full speed ahead and it was headed right at him!
The buck was big and was clear that he was going to prove that the bean field belonged to him alone.
Steve couldn't believe what was happening. This buck just kept getting closer and closer. Steve thought...
what the heck do I do? This deer intends to fight me.
Steve's truck was too far away, and he knew he couldn't out run the thing. Just then, Steve's quick mind took over,
and he recalled a comedy/ movie we had watched just the night before. A man came face to face with a bear.
All the guy could do was yell and holler, wave his arms wildly, and make a total fool of himself.
This action finally scared the bear away. (well, it was just a movie)
Steve, being the outdoorsman he is, decided to follow the example of the man in the movie.
He screamed, hollered, jumped up and down and waved his arms wildly making a total fool of himself.
It's just too bad I wasn't there to enjoy.
The deer got about 30 yards away and finally came to a screeching halt. Steve was out of breath,
the buck was out of breath and neither one of them knew what to do, so they just stared at each other a few seconds.
Finally the buck turned around and trotted off.
If that deer could talk, I bet he'd tell the other deer about some idiot he scared in the bean field.
The moral of this story....J&S, where we kill deer out of self defense.
Donna
July 9, 2009
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Updates
By Donna Shoop
Luke Phillip Dalton
