1..dont be afraid of failure. Who cares 2...if you are exhausted and start stumbling around in the woods like an idiot making noise and leaving scent...just slow down. Better to be on stand quietly after Sun up than loudly 1 he before sun up. 3..shoot your bow. With broadheads...as much as you can. 4...value each hunt. Once it becomes a chore you lose your most important asset, your intelligence and creativity.
Even during the rut. I like it. We get all excited and throw out this important piece too often when "bucks are dumb".
1. Think outside the box, and when that doesnt work, think inside the box again and if that fails, think like a box and….yea just dont give up. 2. Burnout may set in and we all need rest but we need to be in the woods, as long as (conditions allow). Meaning dont burn your best spot out hunting a risky wind or bad approach cause you think “you cant kill em on the couch” …because you really wont kill em if you hunt dumb. I would rather sit on the couch and study maps of new potential areas and watch richard gene the fishing machine and eat bowls of deer chili and fart my brains out till my wife gags than jack my spot up. 3. Ive said it before. Slow down, Hunt safe. “Use that lump thats 3’ above your ass” -Tom Hanks a league of their own. 4. Shoot your bow before every hunt. Just an arrow or 2. You will want to puke if something goes way wrong on the buck of a lifetime (or any deer). I carry a target with me. Its so easy to bump a rest or your sight move or something come loose etc. I missed the target once last season and turns out some how my stringstop twisted and was making contact with my cables. Threw my shot off enough i would have missed or worse, wounded a deer. It takes 2 min to shoot a couple. 5. Have fun always. Thats what we are doing this for. Yes there will be moments when we are stressed and tired and depressed and even mad about things but if those moments overcome the beauty and enjoyment and fun that this hobby and lifestyle are to me then i will hang it up. I already have a job. I dont need another one. This is a freaking blast. God and his creation are Great.
Don’t forget a back up to your back up pb&j during those all day rut sits. Also bring an extra back up and maybe one more. Plus caffeine and water.
Get off your GD phone. You will have plenty of time to post on the forum during your next BM In Venatione Veritas
I need to do a better job with this as well. I used to really enjoy just reading a book while I was hunting for long periods. In fact I'm gonna do that this year.
Just have fun, there deer! Don’t lose track of what’s really important in life to chase deer. I been guilty of this BIG TIME in the past. Since I took a step back I have been enjoying the time I get out more and I’m being more successful.
I agree. I can sit still easier and like to read. But my head is always on the lookout. Last year I had one earbud in listening to the post season. It was pure bliss! Tree stands and baseball.
Dry your boots out every night with a fan. This really helps with cold feet in the morning because of the sweat soaked into the insoles. Comfort is a high priority and dry boots keep you in longer.
If you're boots are getting wet (or pants wicking into your boots) crossing damp fields and incidental streams /standing water look into a pair of gaiters. If they're getting wet outside and seeping through it may be time to seal them (check manufacturer recommendations for sealant).
I'm guilty of this. I've gotten lucky the last 2 years and it hasn't bitten me in the ass yet. End of October through the rut I will simply hunt my best rut stands every single day. Once chasing starts I feel we can get away with this more than when they are seeking. Probably the wrong way to think about it but I only have limited time in the field and want to maximize my opportunities.
What gets me (a few times a year) is wind that changes direction... I need to bail (sooner) and leave, or maybe switch to spot/stalk (public land) while it's shifting.
Excellent point. With time to kill why not just break it down and move even just 100 or 200 yds to out the wind in your favor? Mental note taken.
Im guilty as well. Pure laziness. Im going to get more strict about this. Pack up and set up somewhere else or go scout.
