July 13, 2025 – Mike Lake: Glassing for Bucks

What’s going on, everybody? Hope you’re all having a blessed Sunday.

Coupe and I have been out doing a little scouting this weekend—just soaking in a beautiful stretch of July weather. Yesterday we had some rain move through, but once it cleared out, the evening turned picture-perfect. Tonight’s shaping up the same way. Couldn’t ask for better conditions to glass some fields and check in on what’s moving.

There’s a lot going on with the farmers right now. On this farm—and the one next to it that I also hunt—they’re finishing up taking the wheat off and getting double-crop beans in the ground. Looks like we’ve got more rain coming this week, so those beans should take off pretty quick. All great timing for the deer and for us.

Right now, I’m sitting here glassing a couple nice bucks about 500 yards out. Just enjoying the process and taking inventory. It’s that time of year we all love—watching bachelor groups and trying to figure out who’s going to be on the hit list come fall.

Last season, I’ll be honest—I was on the struggle bus in both Ohio and Kentucky. But that’s just how it goes sometimes. This year, I’m hoping to flip the script. July and August are going to be full of prep, scouting, and fine-tuning. We’ll keep you posted along the way.
Stay tuned. Let’s make this season one to remember.

—Mike