The Promise Land

     The unmistakable sound of bacon sizzling with the sweet aroma of fresh coffee surrounds me as I gaze on the freshly fallen snow in the Ozarks. Thinking to myself,"If it was bow season I would be out there keeping my stand warm", I realize just how far away bow season really is.  Turkey season is a little over a month away and Missouri Deer Archery opener is not until September 15th. The thought quickly vanishes when I think of all the things needed to prepare for this years deer season.

Jacob Wease with Doe 2013 Youth Season

      It started last November on a Youth hunt.  I had the pleasure of taking Jacob, AKA Sharpshooter, on his farm in Camden County, MO. Jacob got his nickname by making an impressive shot on a doe later that evening. His father then gave me permission to bowhunt the farm and told me of a nice eight pointer that was roaming the area. I scouted, popped up a blind, and hunted it two days before harvesting that buck. We have now nicknamed the farm, The Promise Land.
       My relationship with with the landowner has grown and we are now implementing some plans on the farm.  This once cow pasture, it is now vacant of all cattle.  Deer, turkey and other wildlife roam these 250 acres of prime Ozark hills. What used to be cattle pasture is now grown up briars, buckbrush, and small cedars.  This place has plenty of cover, but no food.  We have looked at arial photos, walked the land, and looked at arial photos again to decide best placement for food plots, tree stands, etc..
     Our Goal is to turn Ten acres into Food plots. We will have four "kill" plots with one large feeding plot. These "kill" plots will be anywhere from 1/4 acre to one acre in size.  We would love to go with more planted acreage but with only a disk and brush-hog, most of these overgrown fields will have to be cut down by hand. Chainsaws and leather gloves will be my best friend for the next couple weeks. My mind gathers back to reality as I realize the bacon is nearly burnt and the coffee is getting cold. I sit down to enjoy this relaxing wintery day because next week is going to be knuckle busting, back breaking, flesh eating chaos fighting those darn ol` thorn bushes.

                                                                                                     Justin Sapp