Signs of an early rut?

Will Choctaw County have an earlier rut this hunting season? Traditionally, our rut begins in earnest around the 15th of January and continues through February.

Based upon several deer that were killed this past weekend, several bucks were taken that had swollen necks and that "smell" that all hunters know as the one of the signs that the big show is about to begin.

If you don't have plans for New Year's, you might want to consider spending time with us. I don't think the bucks will know that it is a holiday!

Gobble, gobble - It's Turkey Time!

TURKEY DAY AT MARK'S OUTDOOR SPORTS

Congratulations to Mike Steele who won a free day of turkey hunting at the lodge just by stopping by our booth at the Mark's Outdoor Sports' Annual Turkey Day and registering. Alan is excited about having you come hunt with us.

For those of you who registered but didn't win, please stop by and visit us next year and register again for your chance to win. A special thanks to Mark Whitlock and his wonderful staff for doing such a great job putting the Turkey Day event together. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

It's Getting to be Turkey Time!

Another deer gun season has come to a close and Alan and Ernest are busy burning and other wildlife management activities to ensure that our hunters always have the best opportunity to harvest game. They also will be taking care of some hog hunters headed our way in late February and early March.

For those of you who know Alan, he is a guy that just doesn't get excited about too much, but big bucks and gobblers get him worked up! Since deer season has passed, he is getting real excited that turkey season opens in one month.

Actually, one month from tomorrow on March 14, Alabama's turkey season opens with a youth weekend. Turkey season for everyone 16 years of age and older begins on March 16 and continues on through April 30.

Similar to what we did last fall with our youth deer hunt, we are offering a youth turkey hunt on March 14 and 15 for youth ages 15 and under along with their parent:

• Two mornings of turkey hunting one on one with an experienced guide
• Lodging on Friday and Saturday nights
• Three meals on Saturday and two meals on Sunday
• Total cost of $800 for both youth and parent

What a deal! Bring your fishing pole or four wheeler for Saturday afternoon fun. If you want to hunt on Saturday afternoon, there will be a $75 charge for the guide.

Don't miss a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your child while hunting a turkey and getting a chance to eat Mrs. Jewel and Mrs. Kim's Southern cooking. It will be a great weekend!

For those of you 16 and older, the season cranks up on March 16 and the cost of a two day hunt including your morning guide is $1100 per hunter. We are currently taking reservations for what promises to be the best turkey season every at Pushmataha!

Based upon signs that the guides have seen and what our deer hunters observed, we have an awesome turkey population this year so make your plans early to join us!

Don't forget - It's Turkey Time!

The deer are ruttin' and the guides are rarin' to go!

The rut is on! As you can see from the pictures, Alan, Ernest and Billy have been working hard trying to make sure that our customers get a chance to kill the big one. Despite the terrible weather that we have experienced over the past few days, some nice deer have been taken.

This morning, Todd from Michigan (top picture), was able to kill this nice 8 point and a doe. He told me that if Alabama sold lottery tickets, he would definitely buy one today. Of course, Mrs. Jewel, one of our cooks, attributes his good luck to the fried chicken, turnips, rutabagas, grits and cornbread she has been feeding him. By the way, Allyn from Louisiana, this is the deer you missed earlier this year!

Alan's eyes are getting big again this time of year because he is pumped up. For those of you who know Alan and have hunted with him, you know how excited he gets when hunters start killing deer and he sees signs of rutting going on. Well, both are happening and he is one excited guide.

Thanks to Todd's deer this morning, Billy is in the lead among the guides in their annual contest for the largest deer; but don't you worry! Alan and Ernest are determined not to let him win 2 years in a row.

The weather forecast for the next several days couldn't be better for deer hunting - cold and clear. We have a few openings for this week and the early part of next week so come on and try to help Alan and Ernest beat Billy in the Pushmataha Guide Big Buck Contest. Billy can't have bragging rights two years in a row!