Hey everyone. I am new to bowhunting, and the forum. To be honest, I am new to hunting in general. I went a few times when I was in the Army, about 12 years ago. I picked up a bow about two years ago, and since then I have been learning as much as I can through books, podcasts, websites, forums, etc. I do not really know anyone who can mentor me, so that is my method of learning. I did join a nice archery club, so I hope to pick some brains there. I have yet to get my first deer, and I plan on putting in the work to be ready for next season. Last season I did some scouting late, found some does moving through some woods to an agricultural field. I was excited that I was able to even find signs, and get pics of deer on my trail cam. Opening day comes and I set up in a tree about 50 yards from a dirt road that they had been crossing to get into the field. To make a long story short, I was about 50 feet in the wrong direction, on county land instead of state land. I also was clearly not high enough in the tree since they saw me while driving. A ticket and $250 later, I never stepped into the woods again during the season. So here I am, getting ready to get out there and put some work in scouting. Hopefully I can punch my first tag in the fall. I live in a populated area, with a lot of deer, but not a ton of public land. I have narrowed down my search one area for now. I figure it is better for me to scout one chunk of land really well, instead of scouting a bunch of different areas half ass*d. I am open to all and any advice. Looking forwards to being part of the forum.
Welcome! Congrats on picking up one of the most humbling, frustrating, grueling, tiresome, yet probably the most rewarding hobby you could pick up. Don't worry, the good by far outweighs the bad. There will be times you want to throw your bow in the deepest lake and curse yourself for ever thinking about getting into this stupid sport. Then there will be some of the best times and memories you could ever imagine making with family, friends, and even by yourself. Enjoying Gods creation and getting in touch with your primal roots. That's what it's all about. Keep scouting and asking questions. Research treestand placement, hunting the wind, how to approach stand locations, scent control. Practice with your bow until you almost get sick of it. You can't kill what you can't hit. Practice from elevated locations. Even if you have to go to the woods with your stand and a target. Practice the art of concealment. You already knew you didn't climb high enough cause a truck picked you out. If a truck can pick you from the road imagine how easy a deer will pick you out. You are in a guest THEIR house. Also don't overhunt the same areas. Be versatile. I could keep going on and on but this is enough to start with. And I'm one of the dummies on this site so keep asking questions. A lot of knowledge on here. Good luck. Last thing I will say is you definitely get out what you put in. Go get em! Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Howdy! New to bow hunting and the forum myself. Had My first bow all of like 2 weeks then dislocated my shoulder. Had Surgery, Hoping Physical Therapy gets me squared so I can make deer season this year.
