I'm trying! I keep telling him I'll buy him whatever bow he wants...what's on his Christmas list? A 3rd Schecter guitar... I'm even taking him to Salt Lake City for the BowCast at the Bird event in August in hopes that he'll see that you don't even have to want to kill things to be an archer. Perhaps in time he'll come around... ~ Carrie
This is such a mixed bag for me,there are so many "small" things that make all of us the hunter that we are. I would say like Dubbya and MagicMan that it is mostlythe application of knowledge based on experience.I really feel like I can size up an area and really understand how deer will use it.I have the good fortune of having a number of friends locally and here that serve as a sounding board when I am struggling to put some thing together. I get a kick out of scouting an area and coming to conclusions like knowing you would never be able to kill a buck in a particular spot because of all the elements that would have in their favor.I actually grin some times when this happens.The benefit though is that it gives me more knowledge of what they (Mature bucks)are looking for,and what I would have to do to kill them.
That is so true and told to me along time ago by a friend who is a killing machine that you need to believe about 5% what you read in books.. I also believe it is my ability to run and gun and read what is happening at the time and make my adjustments.Also getting to where the big boys live..Walt
2 things come to mind: -I can't deny that I live if fantastic deer country with high densities...that would help anyone -15 years of bowhunting and watching/paying attention to how deer react to our steep wooded terrain. I spend a lot of time in a stand thinking about every deer encounter I've had in that particular area...then refining my position each season. But this also helps when hunting a new spot on public land, as I have good ideas how the deer use the ridges/ravines/saddles/creek crossings etc.
My unbelievable good looks. After all, how successful is a success photo if you are sporting an ugly mug? (not very) :d
Preparation plays a huge role in being a successful bowhunter, from having the right gear to practice. Some people are better at preparing than others. However, good instincts and common sense are hard to replace, some people just don't have it. Then, like the qoute I saw on bz-711's profile which I aspired to achieve throughout college with extreme difficulty, "80 percent of it is just showing up." (80% may be an exageration in bowhunting) But, you gotta be in it to win it and you just have to put in the time. Another thing I found that really works for me is to kind of daydream as I sit in the stand. By that I mean, I constantly think of possible scenarios that could unfold and how I would react. Then when that unexpected thing happens, maybe you have played that scenario out in your head and already have a plan to react. It can limit the number of times you say, "man, that was the last thing I expected to happen."
Exactly what I was going to say. Success is all in the eye of the beholder. If it is enjoyable, then it is successful to me. We are blessed to be able to hunt. I am really focussing on that these days and darn if I am not enjoying it more.
I think managing and understanding the wildlife that are on my farm. We have converted a 100 acre cattle farm into a wildlife paradise. This helps to attract and hold deer. I've been successful on public land as well and I think it comes down to some common sense, overall knowledge of the game you're hunting and a little luck.
30 deer per square mile probably. I'm enjoying it while I can because the land is a lease and i'm sure things will change in the future. When they do I will still have the family farm and lots of public land to hunt but I will have to up my game again in those areas. Which of course will be no problemo. Massive flower garden styled food plots is another tactic I like to use.:d
