Tag results are out, and I've been blessed enough to draw another tag. I have come to enjoy re-reading my threads from previous years (found in the West section), so I figured it was time to start one for the upcoming year. There are a few things that are different from the last year (my only successful season, so far). So I'll break it down this way: State: Nevada Area: 10 Early Archery (8/9-9/10) Species: Antlered Mule Deer Bow: 2013 Bear Encounter with Blue and White BSD Strings Arrow: Cabela's Carbon Stalker Extreme(28") Broadhead: 100 grain Muzzy MX-3 Rest: Whisker Biscuit Sight: Trophy Ridge 5-pin (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60) 8" Stabilizer Tru-Fire Patriot Release I haven't quite got my hunting plans locked down, but it includes at least 2 overnight deer camps with my boys, mom and stepdad, and maybe a couple of quick weekend hunts. I'll post updates as I figure them out, to include maps, plans, scouting trips and through out the season. Hopefully you guys enjoy following along as I look to repeat the success of last year. I'll post links to my previous season threads later.
So here is the link to last year's thread: http://forums.bowhunting.com/west/bowhunter448s-2015-season-thread-72299/ And the year before: http://forums.bowhunting.com/west/wreckless448s-2014-season-thread-58287/
So, my work schedule has been finalized. It throws my initial plans off, but I actually gain more hunting time. I'll be off on opening day and plan on hunting an area where a co-worker pulled out a beast a couple of years ago during muzzleloader season. Then I'll have another set of 4 days to hunt, where I'll probably try and take my family and set up camp. I'll go back to work for a couple of days and then have 7 or 8 days off to hunt (providing I haven't already filled my tag by this point). I've got a couple of spots picked out, so I'll post some maps here later.
I went through and read your posts from last year. Very interesting and exciting. I will keep up with your thread this year. Good luck and God bless! Blessings.........Pastorjim
So, I've finally looked over maps and sort of have a plan. Here is is: I'll hunt the following days: Opening Day (August 10), 16 - 19, (vacation approval pending 22 - 24) 25 - 29, September 3 - 7 would be the last hunt. Opening day will be in an area close to the house (approx 20 minute drive, hike in TBD). Here's the maps: This is an area that a co-worker hunted and pulled out a nice 170" buck a few years ago. It's close to the house, so I'll be able to go check it out more frequently. This might be one of the areas I hunt later in the season, if needed. The second hunt will be in the area that my brother in law, Marshall, took his first deer with a bow a few years ago. Maps: I think that for the most part, Starvation Canyon will be my focus. I have heard of big deer coming out of this area, and there's even a chance of an elk sighting or two. This area is one that I know enough to feel comfortable, so this might be a hunt that is drawn into a couple of days. This will also be the first of the year's deer camps. The long week, and the area that I'm most unfamiliar with, will be hunted in an area pointed out by my father in law, Marvin. It's the farthest drive from the house, but has the potential to be extremely rewarding. Maps: The area, from what I'm told, is a nice hike in, not very steep and has a nice little creek running. I'm currently looking at heading out that way sometime in July to check it out.
Now that my plans are in place, I've began shooting broadheads with practice blades. My quiver currently has two arrows with field points (my bow is currently field point tuned and I'm still shooting squirrels (3 today, 8 total for the spring)) and three arrows with broadheads. I shot a couple to see how much tuning will need to be done, and there won't be much. And I was able to shoot field points out at 70 yards off my 60 pin and 60 off my 50 pin. My only problem now is working to bring my arrows in. I'm right on at 20 and 30 yards, but at the farther distances, I'm way left. I'm sure that practice will help, but I think my form has something to do with it.
The boys and I are planning on hiking into my opening day spot next week sometime. We'll camp down by Brown Creek at the end of the month.
We didn't hike into the Opener like I had planned, but we did have a nice hike up another spot I've always wanted to check out. We didn't see anything, and I think it's a combination of heat, deer being in the higher elevations and hiking with a 3 year old. I'm not sure, but we might have us a new camping spot in the future.
I saw the biggest deer I've ever seen at work yesterday. A nice 5x5 with antlers spread at least an inch over each ear. He walked right up to me at about 10 yards. I can't wait for the season to start.
I haven't posted in a while. I've been shooting with practice blades on when I'm not busy with yard work or work itself. I'm planning on getting into the Opener tomorrow morning. We stopped into where we would camp if we hunt off Secret. I did find another Forestry access road that might be worth checking out.
So, I talked with my dad tonight and I'll have a side by side for at least opening day. I've gotten some new information as far as a place to hunt. The highlighted spots are rumored to have monsters hanging out there. Just over a week left until opening day.
Hunting blades are on, string waxed. I'll run some laundry a little later. Wednesday can't come fast enough
good luck!! All my Draws are finished for the year. I have all my plans made and flights booked!! Busy fall for me is the cards ...
