Lessons learned from last season

With most seasons over or close to, I thought it would be interesting to see if anyone learned anything that will help them be successful in upcoming seasons.

So what are three things you'll take from this season?

I'll start with 1. Scouting 2. Better hiking gear and 3. Be in better shape.

 

I learned to scout and hang multiple stands so that you don't have to over hunt an area, I need to practice more shooting my bow with different amounts of clothes on and angles of targets in site; and scout scout scout to find where the deer are.


Sent from my iDen

 

I learned not to schedule "season ending" ankle surgery during the peak of the rut!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I learned that as beans start to turn find the most shaded spot in the field as these beans are last to turn. That's where the deer will be!

 

1. Cut more Fire Wood.
2. Pack more Food.
3. Bring more BHs

 

I learned I don't always have to hunt high on a hillside to kill deer. I will be mixing in creek bottom hunting in to my game plan.

 

Learned im not big on mechanical broadheads goin back to fixed, learned that evening hunt can be as rewarding as a morning hunt. Never really have luck in the evening but got my buck this year in the evening time. And to pay good money on a good bow and dont go cheap

 

I learned that I underestimate the size of deer, and that I have been passing on deer I should have been shooting. I thought the deer I shot this year was a 100" 10 pointer, but after measuring him it turns out he was 120". Some of the deer I've passed in recent years that I thought were 115-120 were probably 130-140.

 

I learned that i need to set up more cameras. I got nervous and took them down just before hunting season so they didnt get stolen. Had a kept them out, it would have made it much easier to pattern deer , especially with the weird patterns they seemed to have this year.

 

I won't be passing up good shots at deer (does) I can legally take early season. I wanted to take 2 or 3 total to fill the freezer. I ended up passing on plenty of early season does thinking I could take a doe anytime only to have them disappear late season. I'm thankful I took a nice buck, but would have preferred more meat in the freezer in the end.

 

I learned that I need either a better late season spot or some late season food for the deer.

 

1. What it feels like to miss
2. Hand more stands for SE-SW winds
3. Learn the area/deer travel routes better

 

1. Find a different route to my stand.
2. Hang a certain stand on back of the tree.
3. Always, Always Hunt the Wind!

 

Don't let opportunity pass. Had a good 8 at 10 yards first day, and several other good bucks within range through the season. Passed because I wanted to shoot my "target buck." Target buck was poached and found later. I had been passing good bucks for a dead one lying in the creek a quarter mile from my stand.

 

1- take quiver off when get to stand
2- practice shooting bow from treestand
3- don't rush the shot

 

SHOOT!!!!! I passed a big deer waiting for the great big deer and it never showed up.
Also, pressure. Put less pressure on the land. I'm moving my feeders and trail cams so I'm not in the woods as much.

 

I'm just to embarrassed to mention all the things I learned this season. I still have a couple more chances to get out, including four days I took off for shotgun season. My first year hunting since I last hunted with my dad as a kid. Still hoping to bring one down.

 

Just have fun. I learned to just have fun and what it takes for me to just have fun.

 

1. Practice from my stand.
2. Grunting works
3. Stay out as late as legal.

 

1.) Scouting is key (and not just 2 weeks before season)!
2.) Trimming shooting lanes is vital.
3.) Disciplined shot-selection makes for happy endings.