Anybody else scout Oak Ridge today?

[Black Titan]

Just got home from being out since 8am. Went up several hollers and draws, not finding much of anything. Finally found a spot I think might pan out, couple of scrapes, a bed about 40 yards away, but I have not seen a single rub all year. Even hunting Norris last week, nothing. Did see a few old rubs today, but they were last years it seems.

How did everyone else do?

BT

 

[jcbarnard21]

Saw a lot of rubs and several scrapes. Scouted for about three hours but really covered ground quickly. All was along ridge sides and creek bottoms. Rubs weren't huge but were plenty.

 

[arctic_cat]

Little to no sign where I was but did see a few deer. I feel confident about my spots as long as I can get in before everyone else does

 

[Blockhouse]

How crowded is this hunt typically?

 

[M T Pockets 000]

My buddy and I scouted around. Saw a track or two.

 

[Black Titan]

How crowded is this hunt typically?

Don't quote me but I feel like I read over 600 hunters. I could be wrong. Don't remember if that was just the first weekend archery only or if it included both weekends.

BT

 

[Blockhouse]

All I saw was a bunch of folks wearing orange

 

[deerfever]

The hunt is usually crowded, wait until you get set up and someone walks in right before daylight that scouted after you did and they let you know their stand is already on a tree 50 yards from you .Lol, unless it's changed and they don't let you hang them on scout day anymore . I never did but lots of people usually do . Good luck to all.that got drawn , weather should be way better next weekend.

 

[Shooter77]

The hunt is usually crowded, wait until you get set up and someone walks in right before daylight that scouted after you did and they let you know their stand is already on a tree 50 yards from you .Lol, unless it's changed and they don't let you hang them on scout day anymore . I never did but lots of people usually do . Good luck to all.that got drawn , weather should be way better next weekend.

TRUTH!!!

 

[arctic_cat]

Don't quote me but I feel like I read over 600 hunters. I could be wrong. Don't remember if that was just the first weekend archery only or if it included both weekends.

BT

450 shotgun/ muzzleloader and 600 bow drawn for each weekend.

 

[CrossVolle]

They miss a golden opportunity to make these particular hunts great.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

The hunts are purely for population control to reduce deer vehicle collisions. The hunts cost the taxpayer a lot of $. There is a long term plan that may come to fruition that will improve the hunts for hunters in some areas but many areas will just be the way they are for the foreseeable future.

 

[bigjohn]

Anyone else hear that they are starting to have wild hog problems? My cousin works at ORNL and has been seeing them as he travels to and from work.

 

[Black Titan]

Anyone else hear that they are starting to have wild hog problems? My cousin works at ORNL and has been seeing them as he travels to and from work.

Have not heard this but did hear about a bear running down the railroad tracks along Blair Rd near poplar creek.

I wish we could carry on these hunts because of bear, and now hogs. I hate going into the woods in the dark, unarmed.

BT

 

[PickettSFHunter]

Anyone else hear that they are starting to have wild hog problems? My cousin works at ORNL and has been seeing them as he travels to and from work.

Yes there are some wild hogs now on the ORR.

 

[bigjohn]

Yes there are some wild hogs now on the ORR.

Someone must have transplanted them?

 

[PickettSFHunter]

Someone must have transplanted them?

Just simply due to where they showed up at first, yes, they pretty much had to be dropped off.

 

[TheLBLman]

The hunts are purely for population control to reduce deer vehicle collisions.

Exactly.
This acreage really shouldn't even be called a WMA,
and it's baffling why TWRA has an area "manager" assigned to it.

 

[mike243]

Ok there are 37000ac there and all of it can't be hunted but why shouldn't they call it a wma? all property's need somebody to call the shots, can't let it run wild. common sense dictates that.

 

[arctic_cat]

Anyone else hear that they are starting to have wild hog problems? My cousin works at ORNL and has been seeing them as he travels to and from work.

I haven't seen any in person but there was an article on our homepage that had a picture of them and that they were now around. I haven't personally talked to anyone out here that has actually seen them either but per the article they are definitely here on the reservation