This episode of DSC's Campfires features host Larry Weishuhn and guest David Cotton, covering a range of topics from charity events to thrilling hunting adventures with a special emphasis on family experiences.

David Cotton begins by discussing his participation in a Toys for Tots golf tournament at Pinnacle Club on Cedar Creek Lake. This is his fourth year playing in the event, which raises funds to buy toys for children whose families are struggling. While the local tournament is smaller, it's expected to draw 144 golfers and could collect 200 to 300 toys after donations.

The conversation moves to a memorable bear hunt David and his 85-year-old father, Dave, experienced at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge in Oklahoma. The father and son were placed in the same blind by their guide, Dusty, with the goal of both killing a bear.

David's Father's Bear: Despite early issues with crosshairs in low light, David's father later killed a large bear. The bear was hit with a perfect shot, traveled about 65 yards, and David noted the distinct "death moan". The bear weighed 347 pounds.

David's Bear: Within just 15 minutes of the first kill, another bear appeared. David made a good shot on the second bear, which weighed around 150 to 160 pounds.

The Gear: David mentions their use of Stealth Vision optics, noting the excitement of capturing the hunt on video.

David then recounts a recent second rifle season elk hunt in the Pagosa Springs/Chama area of Colorado.

Initial Challenge: Earlier reports from a friend indicated very few elk were being seen.

A Successful Hunt: David convinced his father to hunt a specific area, setting him up with a chair at the base of a stand.

The Shot: His father used a Stealth Vision scope with a customized turret that uses yardages instead of mill dots. He ranged an elk at 346 yards, turned the turret to 350 yards, and hit the elk, dropping it. The bull elk was a 5x4. In a follow-up shot, his father hit the elk in the head when it tried to get up, confirming the kill.

The discussion shifts to the current whitetail deer season in Texas, which both Larry and David describe as "different" and "difficult".

Unpredictable Rut: The rut has been highly unpredictable, with bucks either being absent or showing up unexpectedly.

Weather and Food: Despite ideal cool, cloudy, and overcast weather for hunting, deer activity was low. David notes that a large number of acorns means deer have ample food and do not need to move much.

Extended Season: David expresses optimism about the extended season through the end of February due to the Managed Lands Deer (MLD) program, hoping to see more mature bucks become active later on.

Larry reminds listeners about the upcoming DSC Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled for February 6th, 7th, and 8th.

⛳ Holiday Charity and Community🌲 Double Bear Kill at Choctaw Hunting Lodge🏔️ Elk Hunting in Colorado🦌 Tough Whitetail Deer Season📢 DSC Convention

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