So I ended the 2013 deer season with tag soup. Not saying that my season was unsuccessful by any means, as I did learn a LOT! So here's my breakdown of lessons from this season: 1. Early season + high country = LOTS of hiking. I averaged 6 miles on each of my hunts and was drop dead tired after each. 2. Early season = bachelor herds. I only was able to see two bucks, one I had within 30 yards, judging by the sounds he was making as I never saw him, and the other one was 1,000+ on the ridge and I couldn't get a "head count". Everything else I encountered was does. 3. Scouting is invaluable! I didn't have the foresight to scout while I was waiting on my bow. 4. Scent control is more than field spray. Here's what my next season plans: 1. I'm going to put in for late season (November) doe tags for deer and "horns longer than ears" antelope (August), and buy my point for Elk ( Dream hunt, just not ready yet) 2. I'm going to put in for the same area, which is riddled with private lands. But I'll spend the first month getting out and meeting the ranchers and asking permission to, if not hunt, have access through to the base of the mountains. 3. GET IN SHAPE!!! I've actually re-started my work out routine (I'm not a big "gym" person, but I have one in the garage and it won't hurt to build some muscle) 4. I'll be getting a good pair of waterproof boots next month with my annual boot allowance from work. I did almost all of my hikes in skate shoes (feet were killing me at the end) 5. Keeping in the theme of gear, I want to get a decent pack that I can break down for short stalks and that's big enough for a long haul. I ran into bag size issues during my hunt, and I think that was one of the major factors to missing that two point I was stalking. 6. And lastly, SCOUT! I'll use the break between antelope and deer to scout deer. Luckily, my wife's family rifle hunt, so I can go out with them and use their hunt to scout. I didn't include shooting everyday because I'll do that anyway as a form of stress relief. Something about being in complete control of the shot and everything up to it is therapeutic for me. Let me know what you guys think and any suggestions. I know that even after tasting tag soup for the first time I am now more determined to put that big buck down with my Encounter.
Tim, You are on the right track - many do the same thing each year and expect different results...you have identified the issues and how to correct them - I see bloody arrows in your future. Only thing I'll add - regarding scent control and my experience - do not waste much time with this. You cannot eliminate your scent...downwind is the only solution. Best to spend that time learning how your morning/evening wind currents/thermals work in your area. When air is sinking approach from below, when rising approach from above. I love to have a bottle of the indicator powder in my right pocket and I spray if very frequently when approaching an animal or key areas to test the wind. Above all - HAVE FUN!
