Late season bow hunting..

[fnshtr]

sorry, double post.

[FlintNSteel]

Originally posted by Tajue17:
deer drives?   Please what is the ratio for wounded and lost vs lethal hits and deer where found..  

Like all hunting, each person has to know their limitations and stick to them. Personally, I am not a good shot on moving targets, but I know others that are.  So, I would not take running shots, and they very successfully did.

I used to go out to Western Minnesota with a group and push little woodlots in December.  Many times the "standers" were a quarter section away on some fenceline or the next tiny woodlot, so by the time the deer got to them, they were walking or slowed way down.  Many times they just stopped if they ran into a stander and if the person was ready, they had a close standing shot.  We had one guy that could shoot blazing deer better than Barry (if that is possible).  He took many deer at full bore.

Those hunts are some of my most memorable.  Great group of people and good times.

[RedShaft]

Man you guys put me well on my way to success!
Thanks so much for the great advice here, you guys are great.

I think I need to do some
Practice in heavy clothing too before
I even attempt this..

I have found some Areas before in late season that looked good n all tracked up. Only to be let down. Nite time activity I guess.

Those that hunt some mountains... are them deer up high or more in the bottoms?
I will have to check out the sunny sides. That makes a lot of sense them preferring that.

They don't travel far to food? So if I find some areas being hit good and tracked up, I can bet they are bedded pretty close by then? Thanks

[Chain2]

What LB said plus I look for spots that don't freeze. Springs and waterholes are not only water sources but there is always something for the deer to nibble on. They like to hit these right before bedding down. Slow movements. This is also where wool earns its keep.

[BUCKY]

Redshaft,here in NJ our winter bow season they call it is all January.It's hard but I love it! I look for sunny hillsides with beds in the snow. I will get in there before first light climb up a tree in my climber get in my Heater Body Suit and stay till dark. More then once I've taken deer like that. They love sitting in the sun! Most of those hillsides also have green browse.

[Red Beastmaster]

Tajue17,

Don't be concerned about our crew taking risky shots on our drives. Every shot that has ever been taken has been at a standing or walking deer. If it's moving any faster it gets a pass.

We are not a bunch of knuckleheads with no hunting ethics.

You did not imply that, but it needed cleared up.

[Tajue17]

Of course and true it really had nothing to do with YOUR crew I'm sure your hunters are making all good shots you may have perfected what your doing,,, "You Guys" was just an open forum question to everyone as if we where all standing there in a group.

[Joseph71]

Late season is very productive, deer are (bucks more so than does because of the rut) trying to build back up and good food is key.
Find the best, biggest food source in your hunting area and note how they are coming in and play the wind correctly.
And the cold weather... that makes them move even more. Dress properly for long sets..., evening best.
Be sure your bow is quiet, late season deer can be very jumpy especially if they are over 5 years old.
God bless.