...as the season goes along? I have not, but boy did I come close tonight. This has (so far) been one of the worst hunting seasons I've ever had over 20yrs. Sightings way down, buck sightings almost null, and no sign of the rut to speak of. I have a stand by a creek that is in a great funnel. There are 4 crossings in 45yds, and if they are gonna cross...that is where they do it. Over the years I noticed they like to use the farthest one left 35yds away. Last spring my son and I blocked that trail, forcing them to use the other 3 instead...all are 25yds or less. Tonight, I had a change in plans....and decided to head out for a quick evening hunt. I've only hunted this stand one time this year. Tonight the wind was perfect for it, so I jumped in it. Got settled in at 4:05. Right at 5pm I see a deer across the creek running parallel about 60yds away. I put my binos up and it looks like a doe, but its in the thick stuff and gone pretty quick. Within 20-30 secs, its on the way back...and I immediately think - maybe a buck is chasing it? (I'm praying!!!) I grab my bow....she runs down to the crossing right in front of me and jumps right in the creek - splash! LOL Next thing I know...I see another deer coming from the same way and assume its him. It stops up the creek at the farthest crossing left, and I see horns. It comes on across and right where I wanted...20yds, broadside. About a 80" tall racked 7pt....2.5yo. Nice buck, decent body size. She stood in the creek for 5 mins, and he stood there broadside waiting on her next move. I had no intention of shooting him from the minute I saw him....but MAN WAS I TEMPTED as he just stood there!!!! I haven't shot a buck in a long time with my bow, passed a ton while holding out for what I want to shoot (100"+ buck). I watched them for a while and it was a great hunt. I sure wish it could have been THE buck. I was VERY happy that my strategy worked though, that was a plus. He would certainly have come across the "main" crossing if I hadn't blocked it. :D I'll admit to being discouraged this year, and seeing everyone on this and other boards whack nice bucks hasn't made it any easier. I could have whacked him so easy....he just stood there forever it seemed. I just know that it would have been short lived excitement, and I would have had some remorse in the end, because of my personal goal. I could have probably killed one or two like him every year for the past 10yrs, I just don't want to - I'd rather shoot a doe or eat tag soup. Passing so many up and going buckless year after year does kinda make you feel like you suck sometimes. I gotta get better at getting on the bigger ones. After 20+ years, I know I still have alot to learn, I have no clue what I am doing wrong. Whats the saying...even a blind squirrel can find a nut once in a while. I appreciate everything you guys offer up on this site, great stuff....I soak it up. Long story to ask - do you guys ever lower your standards, or do you just stick to your guns? Would you go over 10yrs without taking a buck like I have, or am I smoking wacky tobacky for doing it? I know a 100-115 buck isn't squat to some of you, but around here that is a big one. Few and far between. I've shot a few in that time period with a gun....so I know some are around, just not many. Mike
Stuck to my guns (pun). Passed 2 3.5's this season and several 2.5's, even the last week, even on my birthday which would have been my 2nd only bday buck. Why? I was in pursuit of a larger buck, a 4.5 year old and am thus far, buckless with archery over. I'll be archery hunting our rifle season. (2 weeks starting the Monday after Thanksgiving).
If you had to really think about it, then it probably wasnt going to make you happy. I have ate tag soup many times on bucks, but If I had shot one that I would not be happy with then I would have regrets. no shame man, no shame! I love how you made it happen by blocking the other trail I have done that to, it works!
I haven't lowered my standards In 15+ years In the woods I mainly hunt In. Don't matter If It's the 1st day or the last day, the same buck will get the pass on either day.
I've gone this far this season, so its either a big buck or no buck at all. Some of the best bowhunting here in Illinois is during the last two weeks of December so I'm still upbeat.
Mike, I know this sounds corny, but do what makes you happy. The entire hunt you described tonight sounded awesome. For some reason, the overall nature of a hunt plays a role in wether I shoot at a deer or not. For me, an 80 inch buck just might do it for me if I were in your shoes. And to be honest Mike, before this season, I had never passed a buck below 80 inches b/c that might be the biggest buck I had within range the entire year. Fling an arrow at a cool looking buck, 80 inches/100inches/120 inches be danged. Good luck and I hope you have an incredible hunt tomorrow.
Jeff, that is a great question. I know ALOT of guys change standards based on where they are hunting. For me personally, mine don't go down. The only time I changed mine was when I went to IL two years ago, and then it was a P&Y or better. I passed several bucks bigger than any I've ever killed...cause I knew what was there. Brett, yes it was a great hunt....and it came together exactly as I envisioned it would back in the spring. The dang buck just wasn't the one I wanted!!! I hear what you are saying about shoot what makes you happy, that is pretty much how I roll. Unfortunately I haven't had one that has made me happy in a good while! I'm not saying I won't shoot one under 100"....but I know about what that sized rack looks like, and that is what I'm shooting for. Would most likely be a 3.5+ here, so that would be a bonus. Oh, and 3 weeks into the guns booming...first signs of the rut finally, I hope. I heard 9 shots tonight in 1.5hrs - nothing too close though.
Yep, I definately lower my standards. Early bow season, (before the rut) I will pass on lots, (but a 120" buck wll not get a pss at any time of the year), after the rut, I will shoot whatever makes me happy, and to be honest, meat makes me happy.
I hope the action picks up here as well. I killed two does this week; seen a total of 14 and the only bucks I seen were b/f daylight and non shooters. My days are limited from now til the end of the season, but my freezers full so I can't complain. I'd still like to take one more to the taxi before it's over. And, I don't set my standards to high (and they don't change), if I'll take him to the taxi, I'll pull the trigger.
My standards this year seem to be lowering. Kind of. My only real goal was to get a buck with at least a 15" spread that was 3.5 or older. I might take out a decent 2.5 year old right about now. Maybe.
Good memory!! Yep, I remember making that thread. Don't remember what I called It though. Anyhow the land I was talking about Is my neighbors land behind my house. I still don't know what I'd do there the last few days of the season. I probably wouldn't but who knows I guess.
I have a certain 3.5 yr old 10 pt that needs to stop tempting me. The problem is he lives in the same area as a wise old 7.5 yr old that is currently kicking my butt all over the woods. Every time I think I have some great ingenious set up, the old buck is a no show but the 3.5 yr comes to play. I lowered my standards in frustration 4 years ago and I regretted it every second from the moment the arrow hit. I don't want to relive that feeling.
It may be tempting come December, After all, i gotta beat little Will in buckpalooza just to prove Ohio's dominance.
Good stuff guys. Tim...LOL, I swear sometimes I feel that way!!! hillrunner....that is my biggest fear. I had that feeling with a gun 1 time in my life, and I never want to have it again. That was actually my turning point to letting bucks walk - the very short excitement was trumped by remorse almost immediately upon walking up to him. I said, I ain't doing that no more...I'd rather go buckless. I think one of my ONLY concerns about going buckless with the bow for so long...is will I be able to make it happen when THE buck comes in. ?? I pray I don't get too rattled. I've shot quite a few deer with a bow...probably 30 or so, and probably a dozen bucks. But its been so long of a drought on bucks, I sure hope that doesn't hurt. Am I wrong in thinking this way? I mean I still shoot does, but its obviously different with a nice buck. Part of me is tempted to get a few more under my belt, just to settle me down....practice if you will. I like to think it wouldn't be a huge issue....but I've not had the opportunity to test it out in a while.
Legit concern. I have missed the last 2 bucks I have had shots at. I misjudged the range on one last year and shot under him. This year no idea what happened. I had ranged the spot and he came by right at 30 yards. I was in a cattail slough but had made a good shooting lane out so no arrow deflection. While the heart was pumping... I was by no means shaking or had buck fever. Double checked my bow the next day and it it was on. Some how I screw up but still not sure how as the shot felt good. I think I will just wait for a shot 20 yards and under now to get my confidence back because it took a real beating on this last buck that should have been a slam dunk shot. I won't shoot any buck though... still has to be a nice one. To me that wouldn't prove anything to shoot a young buck. While I love seeing young bucks in range... it isn't the same as getting a good one in range. I do understand where you are coming from though as it is a different situation. Wished you lived closer as you are always welcome to come here to hunt. We could find bigger ones for you to test your theory on. Tim
