February 2nd, Searching for a Creek Crossing

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Frozen Out: When the Creek Says No, bu the Corn Says Yes

I had every intention of scouting a couple of waypoints on the far side of the creek this afternoon. I chose the area because it is rather secluded, with limited access, and contains some cedars surrounded by young hardwoods that looked like prime deer bedding. I donned my warm gear and began my hike—nearly a mile to a crossing I had used before.

The Decision: Safety vs. The Scouting Mission

My pins were on the other side, and my goal was to find a way in that most everyone else would avoid. I followed the creek bank and peered over between every “S” in the system, hoping to find a shallow crossing between the high banks of the curve.

The water was frozen, but I wasn’t comfortable testing the ice's strength or the creek's depth without a partner. The last thing I needed was to be halfway across and hear the crack of the ice under my feet. I was way too far back for a mistake, and developing hypothermia was not on my list of things to do today.

A Disappointment Turned Tactical Win

I followed the creekbank for another mile and a half, still with no safe way to cross. However, I used the time to mark several promising travel routes and likely crossings leading from the opposite side of the waterway.

My journey eventually brought me to the end of a service road, about a mile and a half from my truck. My disappointment lifted when I saw how much food the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) had left. Tracks weaving through many rows of uncut corn confirmed that this remains a major draw for the area’s wildlife.

Meandering Back: The Long Game

My findings on the walk back weren't earth-shattering, but they were informative. Along the edge of tall grass near a swampy area, I found a decent bedding spot marked with some rubs and a scrape under a willow tree. While there aren't many trees for a stand, it’s a perfect spot for a ground blind setup. I doubt this will be my first choice in the fall, but it’s a valuable play to have in the book for later in the season.

The trip was far from wasted. I now have a much better feel for the local habitat and topography. Much of the cover surrounding the ag fields was so thick you’d never get a shot through it. I’d love to have a bird’s-eye view of what is going on in that five-foot-tall grass—perhaps an aerial map study is next on the agenda.








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