On the last day of the 2017 gun deer season, veteran hunter Ken Voelz is trying something different.
"I have never been to this part of Sensiba," he said.
It's new territory for Voelz, but he knows the signs to look for.
"Any fresh disturbed leaves, or looking for a scrape," Voelz said.
Any of the signs could lead Voelz to a trophy buck. It's a prize starting to elude this veteran hunter.
"To be honest, I think it was about five years ago I got my last deer," he said. "So, I'm due."
For Voelz, a successful hunt doesn't necessarily mean bagging a buck. Five years without one isn't wasted time.
"Frustration is not part of hunting," he explained. "It's just being out there and seeing the squirrels or the birds. Saw a mink the other day."
DNR officials said this week that the state is selling fewer hunting licenses. Still, Voelz isn't worried about the future of the sport he loves - not when the woods has so much to offer.
"Stories to tell, whether you tell them to friends or family, it's something you want to look forward to every year," Voelz said. "We're blessed at least with the opportunity to get out."
Voelz doesn't need to wait until next year to find the deer he's been looking for. He'll be out again in muzzleloader season next week.
