Yes, these days, there's no cure for deer on the brain

I have deer on the brain.

I was at Camp Ripley recently for the first of the two archery hunts, but it wasn't super exciting for me or my hunting partner. We had fun, but we didn't have any exciting stories.

One thing I will take with me is the scouting that I did. I now have a much better clue on where I will set up for my next trip to Camp Ripley - if I go again.

We did not see a deer on the first day of the hunt and found that somewhat difficult to believe. The second day was a bit different. We hunted a different area and we each had opportunities to get a doe, but didn't take them. I had a doe and fawn at about 10 yards, crunching on acorns and giving each other baths.

According to a number of people I have talked with, it is their belief that the deer population is down compared to a few years ago at Camp Ripley.

Besides the few deer I saw, I had a flock of turkeys come by and a few ruffed grouse walk under my stand.

Among other things, I still have another guide trip or two in the books, but we are winding down fast from another busy season of open-water guiding. Won't be long before the ice is here.

But for now, I have deer on the brain. Time to get back after them.

WALLEYEDAN Eigen may be reached at (218) 839-5598, walleyedan@brainerd.com or www.walleyedan.com.