I spent all weekend hunting the archery deer opener here in MN. I public hunted alone at the St. Croix State Forest. One morning in my blind and two evenings in the nosebleed section I didn't so much as see any deer but I had an awesome time and am going out again this weekend(different location though). I feel like I followed all the normal precautions and don't know if I got smelled or heard or what but I didn't get to field dress my first deer. I have until December 31st to make it happen so maybe it just wasn't my time yet, who knows? Anyway here's a few self taken pics with my cell phone. Oh, I did go out today und upgrade my stand and sticks to the Lone Wolf ones, a little bit spendy But for a guy who's a regular weight lifter, I'm ashamed to admit how my 20lb climbing sticks had my arms BURNING carrying them in !!!!!! I'm proud to join the ranks of the brothers and sisters before me who for thousands of years now brought home the bacon with a few sticks, a string and perfectly chiseled 100gr stone Thanks for the warm welcome............................
You'll like those lonewolf sticks. Good luck! Looking forward to seeing your picture with your first deer.
It's addictive and frustrating at times, but I love it. Keep at it and just keep your cool when you do see them. I got so excited when I first got to shoot one everything I had practiced went out the window and got weak in the knees after the shot was so full of adrenaline. Took awhile for me to be able to safely climb down.
go get em brother! i too am looking forward to my first bow kill, so i understand how you feel. best of luck. looking forward to seeing your first deer.
I've known folks who have gone years and years before finally scoring. Hang in there, learn all you can and keep at it, it will happen.
If you are still not seeing anything by the end of your next sit, perhaps you should revisit your strategy, perhaps experiment with a new approach. Like for instance, try setting up in a different area. On public land it's sometimes more effective to set up in those less likely areas, because the deer will be pressured after the first day of hunting. How late are you staying in the stand? I always stay until at least 10 AM, but I would suggest 11 AM if you can stand it. It's still early in the season, heck my season hasn't even started yet, so stay with it and you'll start seeing deer sooner or later. But try not to overdo it so early in the season. Most of us can get burned out after several sits with not seeing anything. Best of luck 2 you buddy.
