Final Prep for Elk Hunt

 Pumpkin Patch perimeter was compromised this week.

I guess that the smell must have worn off the tape and I'm guessing that the pumpkins are a good source of moisture in the dry weather that we've had.  I didn't find the time to reapply the stink to the tape.

 This week's harvest.  Slowing down a little.  There are some nice green pumpkins still out there.  I hope that they eventually turn orange.

 The dinner that I cooked for myself Friday night.  Don't worry, I only ate half.

The field edge oaks appear to be pretty naked but the oaks down in the woods are definitely producing nuts.

Saturday morning I stepped out of the barn and watched 12 turkeys wander down to the pond edge for a drink.

 They left their mark and it is obvious that many other critters have been visiting the pond too.

 Graham caught this bass which we thought might be the biggest of the day.

 Then Dave caught this one which we thought might give it a run for its money.

So we went with the "Hollywood shot" to make it look bigger.

 Ok, the super Hollywood shot.

I had quite the time with the 30-06.  I started with groups with the Boss setting around 5.5.  It was shooting about 2" high but the groups weren't great.  At 5.45, the group tightened up but dropped down almost to the aim point (bottom right).  I shot another group - not bad (bottom center). Then I shot another group and it widened out (hot?).

 Then I shot another group - worse yet.  I let it cool.  Then I took the aim up 2".  The group went up 5" and was worse.  So I took a break.

 I shot the 223 and it shot under 1".  Repeatedly.  So after going for a Ranger ride, I took 1/2 of the scope change out on the 30-06 and decided to just shoot a bunch at a fresh piece of paper.

 Center of group is about where I want it but I'm still not happy with the spread.  I went back to 180 yards and shot a few more off sticks - barely tight enough to stay in the kill zone of an elk.  Gun was smoking hot though.  At this point, it is what it is.  I better get close. 

Trailcams this week had a nice assortment.

 Lots of interest in the block and salt on the stump.

 These guys always seem to travel in a crowd.

 This buck doesn't seem inclined to share.

Nor does this buck.

 I think that he's the guy that keeps knocking it off the stump.

 Coyote

 Hard to see but three of them.

Many turkeys.

 All over the place.

 A couple of nice bucks.

 Archery opened this weekend.  I never made it to stand.