With pretty much 1/2 the season behind us, what have you learned during the first 1/2 that will make you a better hunter the 2nd 1/2 of the season? The good and the bad, lets hear it. It'll also help each other to share so we wont make the same mistakes. Here are two of mine 1) Put nabs or any lunch food in a zip-lock bag instead of leaving them in the wrapper. Too noisy 2) This one...Im not sure if you can call it a mistake. Just one of those experiences that any bowhunter will one day come across... Just b/c you see a shooter and he's in range doesnt guarentee you tag him or are even offered an ethical shot
Dont be lead by a spot that looks like it holds a good deer, be let to a spot because it holds a good deer. -We've put strong emphasis on monitoring with cams and glassing fields as much as time will allow us, this year. With my bro down for the beginning of the season, we didnt get to employ a boots on the ground scouting method, but, we still located some giants. Instead of picking out the spots that look awesome, we paid no mind to the spot and went strictly for the deer...He lead us to an area and THEN we keyed in on good ambush spots, within.
I've learned that my woods are awesome.....when I don't overhunt them. I'm seeing deer every sit. I just haven't seen the right buck (but I have seen two 2.5 yr olds in the last 2 sits....with one directly beneath my tree). I've seen a total of three 2.5yr olds. All have been in the 70-80" range, though. Not what I'm looking for. Looking forward to the next 6+ wks. I haven't set foot on my biggest farm.
If I have any doubts that the Buck im about to shoot wont make me happy, then he probably wont. I wont make that mistake again, its got to be OH, now thats the Buck I want, no question about it. Dillegent scouting during the off season has made me a better hunter. I know my area like the back of my hand!
I've learned that when I get what I believe is a slam dunk opportunity, it doesn't always work out that way! I lost a nice (for my woods) 8pt this season that should have been in the bed of my truck. It's a crappy feeling not finding a deer.
I learned that just as soon as I figure out the deer movement, they change it and I have no clue on what they are doing. I also learned that putting in the hours is worth it. It's better to be where the deer are, have them around you and maybe not get a shot off, but not spook them than it is to push for a shot and potentially push the deer away.
1) Dont compare myself and my success or failures to others. 2) The combination Primos Silver XP spray combined with Deer Dander is an unbelievable combination in the scent game.
I learned that my sites are higher than my rest so make sure to open the window to the blind all the way!
I doubt this will make me a better hunter, but it will help me be smoother. I've used lone wolf sticks & a hang one every sit this year so I really got my system down pat for climbing and descending quickly, quietly & safely. One thing I still have to learn is how to remember to unscrew the EZ Hanger every time. I've forgotten it twice now.
I have learned to trust my killer instinct .... if the spot says deer should be there ... they will .. maybe not every sit, but they will be there Also confirmed that I would much rather hunt pre-rut than rut on the land I hunt on...
This may sound really stupid but, I have learned that in order to kill mature bucks, you have to hunt on property that they are on!! Honestly, I have always wondered why some people kill big bucks every year and I never even see one. Then I started to hunt a different piece of dirt and I am seeing them practically every time I hunt. To sum it up, ALL LAND IS NOT CREATED EQUAL (when it comes to big bucks). Sal
I'm in the same boat as Sal. On the 75 acre farm, I've found one little rub. Really doubt there's any shooters. I need more spots... I did learn the value of staying mobile. Don't be afraid to pack up a stand and move it to a better position
I learned that passing a buck is not always the best choice. I passed a solid 130-135 in OH, because I have pics of a double droptine and a massive 10, but have yet to see either. I've struggle to see a buck over 120" since. Should have went with my instinct as that 130+ would have made me happy as hell but i got greedy.
I've learned that tagging out early isn't all it's cracked out to be. I've had a bow in my hand twice this fall, both on opening day sits.... Been behind the camera since, while I enjoy filming it's just not the same when it comes to an entire season.... The right sit is worth 10000x more than ample time to hunt often. Spots can burn out easy...
