I posted last year that I had hunted 17 years with no luck. Well last season was the best I've ever had, but still couldn't close the deal. I missed 3 deer last year in archery and busted my chance at a big buck during rifle. A lot of guys come in and ask for stuff and so on about not having luck. Here's what I've learned: 1. It pays to have private land. This is kinda a duh-huh thing, isn't it? Up until 3 years ago, I could solely hunt public land. Where I live that pretty much is only national forest. Growing up, I did not have the guidance or confidence to scout like is needed for that area. Hence, no deer. The past 3 years, I've had places to go that are private land. I've seen more deer in the past 3 years than the previous 14 combined. It has been really fun. But, as most of this has been bowhunting, there have been a lot of random circumstances that just didn't allow me to close the deal like shots that aren't clear or too far. 2. If you don't have enough time to put in, don't complain about not getting deer. I've been on deer the last 3 years, but have limited time to hunt. I'm sure if I was in the woods just 25% more, I would have venison in the freezer. When I was growing up, I was limited by my family being able to take me...it just didn't happen due to various things. As soon as I could drive, I had other duties that had to be completed first. When I did go, I was so inexperienced it was comical. In college I might've been able to go 2 days out of the year. You gotta be in the woods. I know when I first started I wasn't there even close to enough time. 3. I need to practice under pressure. Last year was the most accurate I've ever been with my bow. But once I got deer in front of me I got too excited and didn't go through my process. This year instead of shooting groups, I change my shooting location around my yard and I get one shot to make it count. Playing games like this isn't a deer in front of me, but I hope it will help. 4. You master your destiny in most ways. Bottom line: if you wanna make it happen you can. I could spend all year scouting national forest and I could probably come away with big deer every year. But there are other priorities. You gotta balance life the way it works for you. I ain't gonna complain when I choose my priorities and how I spend my time. If you have private land, consider yourself blessed. Work hard and make it count. If you do not, you're not a victim. Put in the work to get it done or do something else. Hope ya'll have an awesome season!
Awesome, I'm in NW GA, not too far away. Hoping this year will allow for more time in the stand as you continue to balance life... Sounds like you have a good handle on priorities
I always say that every hunt you are not successful you are another hunt closer to success. Not sure I could subscribe to that thought over 18 seasons but I admire your dedication and I am wishing you luck for this season.
A lot of that time was when I was a kid or in school. I've only been hunting real seriously for a 2 year period around 2005-07 and the past 5 years. And Sota, a lot of your info has been real helpful. Thanks for all your posts.
Probably a little late this year but 3d shoots are great for shooting under pressure. Sign up and pay to enter and you will be under pressure shooting at targets in different places and ranges. You may not do well but it will help you. It is a good way to meet other archers and get help. Most States have bowhunting clubs and they put on shoots as well as archery stores.
Another suggestion is to practice from a stand or sitting in the blind(depending on how you hunt). A lot of mistakes are made because we don't practice hunting situations. Like dropping your bow arm while aiming from the stand instead of bending at the waist. Shooting from a seated position is also tricky if you never practice it. I'm hoping this is your year, you've waited long enough!
Thanks for the info. I do practice from my deck. It is about a 12 ft drop to my target. I also stand on a small table to simulate the platform of a treestand. Biggest thing I did wrong last year is not go through my shot process. I just kinda reacted. This year I have mental cue words I'm saying every time.
Plus just relax when it comes to shooting an arrow on a deer force yourself to spend an extra second making sure the pin is settled low and bending at the waist, pays off in the end.
Did you ever check those spots on TVA I pointed you to? I've killed a few in there just giving my little private spot a break Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Matt, I hunted there for 3 evenings. Evry other time I hunted I had access to other land with some friends. Will be going back again this year. Actually just went dove hunting there last wknd and did well then scouted a lil. Lots of deer sign in the north west field and in the flat you pointed me to. Sent from my VS985 4G using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
Good deal. I may be out there a few times this year, just depends on how the year goes Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
