Deer and most big game seasons seem to be over, except for a lucky few. So let's review some game footage... What worked well for you this year? What went off the rails? What are you going to change up?
After years of hunting out of tree stands exclusively the last several years; I decided to ground hunt allot more this year. I got close, but got picked off most of the time. Time for a mass movement of ladder stands coming for me this year. I've been patterned and it's time for a change. Out of 7 stands I have out 6 need moved!
Beans in the spring are great for pics...terrible for hunting. I used up all my left over beans. I have a supply of rape and clovers. Also some field corn and lots of short grown sorghum. Lots of spring planting of all those for summer with heavy rye in late summer. Also more time at camp with a few trips to local state forests after scouting this winter with AJ.
I learned I still suck at killing deer in Mark Twain national forest, but I still didn't let it take away from the fun of hunting with some absolutely awesome folks. I also learned how to deal with changing where I hunt geographically. Next season I need to get some permission to spread out a bit and I have less time off this time. Gonna be interesting.
I learned... When you don't change any variables the answers tend to remain the same. Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
Beans work great here for fall hunting. Clover, rye also good. The deer aren't so sure about radish and turnips...but and miss here, where they may work.
I love ground hunting, I haven't connected with the bow, have with the rifle...nearly had a doe step on me before legal light one morning. Rifle shots have not been over 50yds. Some front & back cover with the bow for those ground sits?
I had double marks on my sight tape for the different arrows I had...one wore off and I thought I could swag the yardage...nope. Let's just say there were misses. When I did connect, I was very happy with my have arrow and magnus bh. Both pass through...the first via the spine. I never shared the pic, but shortest blood trail I've ever had...about 8". Just wish I didn't miss, more than once before connecting. I also got picked of a few times in stands. Both times in good sized trees ~14-16" diameter. I'm gonna have to lose weight, rethink the setup or something...
For the last 3 years, you can't hunt if you are working all the time. Now that I am 60 it is time to change that. I've killed all but one deer off the ground. Not much for trees here. I love being able to adjust/move during the hunt if I need too. Hard to do that in a tree stand without a commotion. Not a fan of ground blinds or baiting so that has never interested me. Most bowhunters here bait and ground blinds are becoming very popular. They have good success with it. As I get older, I will not rule it out but for now I will stick to stalking, still hunting and ambushing from the ground. I was starting to use a deer decoy and have had fun with that. Killed a few doe and pulled young bucks in. I will keep playing with that. Most of the deer I have killed have been 5 - 12 yard shots. Intense rush and I love that!! I should still have a few good years left in this old body. Looking forward to finding out.
I've had an open invite from a buddy from Idaho to come chase elk for years. Work has always stopped me from doing it. Another reason to change things in life before it is too late. That would be fun!!
Do it, don't wait if you have the opportunity. I started chasing them at age 50. I regret I didnt start earlier.
I learned it is OK to stay inside by the woodstove on days I would have went and sat in a tree freezing my ass off in years past.
I know we've talked in the past about this. My goal is to go before I'm 50, so I have 4 years to execute a plan. I don't see it happening this year and my priorities have shifted to building a house in the next year. I don't know how I'll pull off an elk hunt, but I'm pretty determined.
If you're in the big city or wanna do a spring turkey hunt we can talk and I can offer some thoughts... I'm probably gonna start on my retirement place (nearer to Uwharrie) later this year also...
I'm always gonna take a turkey hunt offer. Appreciate any advice on elk while we're at it too, so we may have to plan something up. Be in touch.
I’m glad I had four sons. They did a great job of packing my Elk out. Honestly they have helped me get my elk out the last couple years.
