[ojibweindian]

I've started my pre-season scouting in the Bankhead National Forest. The past couple of years, acorns have been large and numerous. This year, however, things aren't so good.

The oaks on the ridges where I've been snooping around have not produced as well this year. Additionally, the acorns are much smaller. Green leafies are also turning brown from the absence of rain (since July) we've been experiencing in Northern Alabama. This winter, I believe our deer will be moving around more, looking for food.

How are things faring for y'all in your neck of the woods?

[Dan Morris]

Took a quick trip through the elk area this morning. Aspens have started changing colors, ample water and lots of green munchies.Looks good! If it will hold for 30 more days,should be good.
Dan
;)

[ojibweindian]

Was out in Colorado Springs earlier this year. May, as a matter of fact. Thigns were bone-dry there; I'd never seen so much dead grass. Glad to hear things are getting greener!

One of these years, when money is not so much of an issue, I'm gonna take an Elk trip out there. The Rockies are simply awesome!

[ojibweindian]

Went back out to check on things yesterday afternoon, and I must say, things are improving. Acorns are bigger and more numerous than the trip out into the woods on Labor Day. Rain helped, I guess.

Also found more sign; droppings, hair on low-laying branches, chewed-up acorn hulls. The weather is getting colder, too.

Most importantly, I haven't seen any sign of other hunters in the area I plan to hunt. The ridge is quite a ways back from the main road, and there isn't any means by which 4 wheelers can travel.

[Joe Demko]

We had mondo rain all summer long and into the fall. Banner year for fungi. Plenty of mast. Fall colors will be spectacular, though it looks like all we will have is overcast days on which to see them. Deer and squirrel populations are huge. Turkeys are plentiful. Not seeing as many rabbits as I would like, possibly the torrential rains drowned the baby bunnies over the summer.