The Minnesota archery deer season came to a close today. I've been bowhunting for 25 years. 15 years ago I sold my compound and picked up a custom made take down recurve that I still use today. This year Is the 1st year that I did not take a deer with It. Hunting In a one tag area makes deer hunting a ***** at times but that's how It goes. It's not that I didn't have chances as I passed up many, many opportunities at doe's up until 10 days ago. In the last 2 weeks we've gotten right around 2 feet of snow that added to the previous 10 Inches we already had. 95% of the deer that were living In the woods I hunt packed up their bags and went looking for food. Deer hunting the last 10 days has been very tough. Deer sightings were very few and far between. I've never took a deer from the ground with my recurve so I figured why not challenge myself. The last 2 weeks I committed to only doing ground sits. 2 evenings ago I had 2 doe's and a doe fawn at about 25 yards but I just didn't feel right In taking that far of a shot. 20 to 22 yards Is my max comfort zone usually. Had a few 1.5 year old bucks with In range but they'll get a pass regardless. Saw some other doe's and fawns but nothing was ever remotely close. I also had a great year In seeing bucks. Saw more 3.5's this year then any other year and I was almost able to close the deal on a 5.5 year old buck that I had tons of history with the last 3 years but he ended up getting shot November 22nd during the ML season here. None of the 3.5's were what I wanted but none the less It was great seeing some age In the buck herd here. Seeing bucks get age on them around my area Is not a common thing. I did how ever get myself a Minnesota bear In late September so at least I was able to connect on something with the old recurve. I was also fortunate enough to meet up and hunt with some pretty good folks out In Colorado that were from all over the world. I also got to be part of 2 very nice animals that were taken by my family. My dads 400 pound dressed Minnesota bear and my brothers 155 Inch gross Minnesota buck. Both were longbow kills. Just being part of them recoveries makes It a great year for me as far as I'm concerned! If time was on my side I'd go and buy a Wisconsin deer license but I just don't know If I can get enough time off. Best of luck to you others that are still hunting and congratulation's to you all that had a successful and or enjoyable season.
Cheers Schultzy, to a hard fought season in the Northwoods! Glad I got my doe when I did. Too many projects and a much delayed vacation took a big chunk out of my hunting time this year. I do enjoy the late season still-hunts though Happy New Year buddy!
Steve it was still nice reading about your season, made me kinda feel like I was living it somewhat through you Your a hell of a hunter man I will get to go out 2 more times Sunday then ours is over also. Happy new year
Sorry you didn't fill your tag. I remember what those one tag days were like and it sucked if you decided to take one early. Good luck next season and Happy New Year.
Steve, way to go man. You pushed the limits of your abilities, got on bigger bucks, and almost killed the buck of your dreams. You became a better hunter this year. Thanks again for all your help with the recurve mentality, it made a world of difference to me when I started to really doubt my choice to use a trad bow this year.
G'day Steve, You'll knock one over next season, I'm sure. Good to meet you in Colorado and congrats on your Bear. Grant.
Better to let the 3.5s walk and pick up their sheds, hunt em next year Steve! When ya only got one tag ya gotta decide what your priority is, you did that and like you said were on more and around a better age class of bucks than you've been around in a long time. I remember my 1 tag years here in Idaho..It makes you hunt differently forsure! Tip my hat bro, I know you hunted hard and I know how much that big boy meant to you. Sorry your arrow didnt find him and I know it was tough to see him go to another, but in the end, its all meant to be. I look forward to the next buck that gets your blood boiling! Its been fun the past couple years following your adventures! Keep them coming. Got a spring black bear for you in Idaho if you want to come visit. Your always welcome in my mountains brother!
Congrats. on a great season. There is way more to the hunting season than just killing something. Sounds like your education level just increased about four-fold. Blessings.....Pastorjim
Steveo, great read ... not just this post but all of your posts throughout this season Like someone said, you are a true outdoorsman .. God Bless you, my friend!
Steve, you still had a great season. I enjoyed seeing your trail cam pics and hearing of your efforts to kill a buck/bear. I also enjoyed hearing about your dad's and your brother's efforts as well. I remember back in the mid 70's when Pa only allowed a hunter to kill ONE deer per year! Now, in my WMU, you can take a buck and unlimited antlerless deer (with required tags)! What a differance time makes. Thanks Steve!
Steve, I really enjoy reading your stories and looking at your pictures. I hope you have great luck shed hunting this season.
Sounds like a heck of a hunting season. A lot of accomplishments. I enjoy all of your posts and trail cam pics, keep them coming. I'm thinking you'll get a dandy buck next season. Good luck
Your season has had some ups and downs this year for sure, and I have sure enjoyed you sharing it with us. Can hardly wait to see what the new year brings, hopefully a couple of them 3 1/2 year olds put enough mass on to get some real attention this season ->>>>----------------> you know what I mean ! Happy New Year, Hope you have a great one Steve.
Sounds like a good year to me Steve. My congrats to you on letting some of those 3 year olds walk.. It was my first year letting a few slip by... I only hope it pays off for the both of us.
Today is my last day of the season too. Sorry you didn't connect this year but I did enjoy the stories and the trail cam pics.
Boy your season has been a roller coaster ride. Sounds like TeeJay's season has also been the same. Wishing the best for for both of you in 2011 !! Tim
