Since the birth of IDO Hunting, reading and being reminded of all the hunting oppurtunties that I used to partake in,I decided to get back into the hunting side of things a bit more this year.
Living on the river is unique in that I have the ability to hunt both states,and with limited time off to hunt during our busy season here at the resort,I decided to pursue the Mn gun season this year.Hunting big river bottoms is a complete change from what I grew up with farm and woodlot country.
Both of these areas are shotgun only.With some help from IDO members I picked up a 20 ga barrel for my Thompson Pro-hunter and topped it with a Leupold grand slam 2×7 range finding scope.After trying 4 different loads,I settled on Federal 3 inch vital shocks.Looking back,I am very appreciative of the recomendations made by the IDO guys.Everything worked as they told me it would,a one shot kill and I found that fresh venison heart was not meant to be from this animal.
My stand location required access by boat only, and with very skinny water this fall,my little jon boat with the Stumpjumper mud motor was just the ticket to get me there.After a 25 minute boat ride in the cold dark morning snow and rain,I decided to pass on my wind bending tree stand,and opted for my groundblind and heater instead.
Once I set-up and sunlight finally broke, there is always a recollection of the opening days that I have experienced years past.Today,a new one would be made,not because this was a monster buck. But because this hunt reminded me of the old field&stream and outdoorlife articles I used to read as a kid.Reading of hunters accessing remote areas by boat and seeing the pictures of the buck laying in their boat as they concluded their hunt feeling that they had accomplished a unique hunting experience from what they may have ever had in the past.I found it difficult to believe that I only heard one other shot in the area this morning,a far cry from the barages of years past.This is a hunt I will remember for a long time and this 9 pointer was only a small part of it.
Special thanks to Craig and Tom for their help with river bottom hunting and Sean for taking part of his fishing trip time, to help me drag the deer back to civilization!
Finally,I would like to introduce you to my newest addition.Gus,a 2 month old Chocalate Lab,his favorite treat is sugar cookies.I hope he can live up to the paw prints that his Uncle Ziggy left.Either way,were gonna have fun trying,and hopefully be ready to fetch some river ducks next fall! I hope everyone can get the oppurtunity to enjoy at least a portion of all the oppurtunities of the fall harvest that exist wether hunting or fishing,it is a dang special time of year.Be safe & hope you can make a new memory too!
Great report Dean and what an awesome looking pup!
Pete
Nice buck and great read Dean!
Congrats!
Great report, thanks. Good looking pup.
Congrats on the buck and the pup! Chocolate labs are the best!
Eric
Nice buck Dean! Look at the size of the paws on your pup. He might turn into a beast! Great looking dog.
Nice deer.
Cute pup, now Molly has someone to play with down there
Congrats on the Buck and the Pup.
Dean, nice looking deer and really nice pup too.congrats
I met Gus today at the shop….what a charmer! He’s got some mighty big paws for an 8-week old pup, so I think there will be a LOT of Gus to enjoy in the years to come.
Nice buck Dean.
Nice looking dog also!
Congrats Dean
I hope Gus will take it easy on Riley, He’s not getting any younger
Great first Minn. hunt. The old man always says ” Luck is when Skill Meets Opportunity”
Great buck Dean! Thanks again for the use of the motor on Friday. I owe ya and will be looking you up for any rods I need in the future.
Congrats Deano!
Good to see you getting back into the Hunting thing! 
Great report and pics! 
You still need a bow harvest
nice buck Dean & sadie will really like your pup when she comes back next fall
Congrats Dean on your buck!
What a great experience and a memory that will last forever. 
Hope to see many pictures of you and your new pup next fall!
Nice buck Dean!!!!
Great job Dean!
Good looking pup, can’t wait to meet that little guy!
Jami
Nice Buck, pup and report Deano!
One thing about your set-up though….It looks like the scope is set a bit too far back.
Great job on the buck Dean!!
I can’t wait to get up there to meet the new pup. Hopfully it will be soon. 
Mine looks the same way Tuck…the ol eyes need a LOT of eye relief…
Deano, I told ya that TC 20ga felt mighty sweet!
Awesome read bud… I’m happy for you, especially with that little chocolate treasure to help around the house!
I’ll be talking to you soon…have a great Thanksgiving!
Tom