Virginia Muzzleloader Opener - 80 Degrees

[OldMaineWoodsman]

Normally I stay away from Wildlife Management Areas on weekends, but since it was the opener, I decided to go. It was in the 60's as I set out and parked myself at the base of a familiar Oak tree.

Saw lots of squirrels and some other hunters. By 1100 it had gotten pretty warm, so I headed back and called it a morning. By that time, it was nearly 80 degrees. Warmest November since 1948 I think I heard.

Doesn't look good for the coming week either until maybe Thursday. The good news is, we have a two-week muzzleloader season and we should see a drop in temps for that second week. Plus, I don't think the rut has started yet.

Can't shoot a buck sitting at home, so I'll be back at it Monday.

 

[alcessapiens]

Went grouse hunting yesterday in upstate ny… in a t shirt… sweating a bit. Weird weather.

 

[Mike Payne]

I live in central Virginia went out for a couple of hours in the morning. Got to warm for me came in started chores. I only heard one shot all morning and that was around 7:15 so the deer were not very active.

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

Two young guys dragged out a nice 8-point, so that was nice to see.

 

[OldMaineWoodsman]

With the first week drawing to a close the temps have dropped a little bit. Mornings start around low 40's and go back up to nearly 66 by noon. So far, all I have seen are a couple of does and one small spike that I let pass by hoping another buck was close, but no dice.

Looks like 100% rain tomorrow with a cold front coming Sunday. Going to hit it hard all next week. After 40 years of hunting with percussion and BPCRs, I'm enjoying my first days out with a flintlock.

 

[Patocazador]

I only heard one shot all morning and that was around 7:15 so the deer were not very active.

I hunted the first 5 days of our opener and heard only one other shot and my place abuts a WMA.

After the weekend I lucked out with small bucks the next 2 days.