Hunting journal

[mmgrode]

Hey Gang,
   I've decided to start keeping a journal of all my hunts this coming year including dates, locations, animals seen, hunting partners, weather, etc..   I have been trying to remember a couple hunts from last year and forget the details. I figure why not write it down!  Anyone else going to keep a journal?  How has it helped you?   Cheers, Matt

[John Scifres]

I keep one.  My wife bought one from   These Folks.  It has come in very handy if for no other reason than to relive the hunt.

[AnointedArcher]

I have tried off and on since 1998 to keep one, usally I make it half way through the year and then give up.  However they are kinda of neat to go back to and read what I did write down!

[Orion]

I've been keeping a journal for about 30 years now.  They make good reading in the dead of winter.  I carry mine in my backpack all the time.  I jot down notes when I'm on stand, taking a lunch break, etc.  If you wait to the end of the day to make the notes, you often forget to do it.  Have fun.

[pseman]

I have kept one for the last 4-5 years on my computer. Just make a MS WORD file and make notes from each hunting/scouting trip. I make a new one each year and note the year in the title. It is fun to read and remember hunts of the past and it is useful information for future hunts. I especially use it to mark when the rut starts each year as well as to document those areas that deer only seem to use at certain times during the season.

Mark

[GingivitisKahn]

I started one last year as well.  Like pseman, I'm using a word processor which gives the added benefit of being able to paste in my pictures.

Seems a good way to document those interesting hunts that would otherwise get lost in the fog of time.

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

I've been keeping one for the past several years. I used to jot notes on a small pad of paper, but started using one of those little digital voice recorders last year. It makes keeping things straight (as well as patterning certain stands) a lot easier.

[Bonebuster]

Last year my 11 yr old got to hunt for the first time. I kept a journal of several outings, and of all the outings where something really memorable happened. I can`t count how many times I have read through those pages. Will continue to do so for sure.

[Killdeer]

I get those five subject spiral bound folders at the drug store. Each section accomodates a year's deer season. I have been getting a little slack about writing every day during the season, it takes discipline and an empty campsite to make me force myself to put it in print instead of having a beer and jawjacking with the buddies.

Killdeer  

[joseph_valencia]

Killie; I love your comments, they usually make my day. thanks for being you. P.S. and they are funny.

[joe c.]

Ive kept one since 98,they can be a pain in the behind during hunting season,but come march or whenever they are priceless.
Love the idea of a hand held recorder just might have to try that.

[Jason Jelinek]

I've been keeping track since 2000 for hunting, fishing, and outdoor stuff.  I started in a notebook, but have since been keeping it electronically.

Jason

[Reg Darling]

I'v kept a journal since 1971--not just a hunting journal, but an ongoing ramble about whatever moves me to write--it's something I would highly reccomend as a source of clarity, growth and insight. I learned bookbinding in grad school so I make my own notebooks.

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

Joe,

They work great. The one I have is made by Olympus and came with a cable and software to download audio files. You can whisper into it extremely quietly and it picks up the sound great. At the end of the day, just download the files into your PC and transcribe at your convienence.

[joe c.]

jason,

Thanks for the info,I dont know about taking one hunting,I'm trying to cut down on the things I carry while hunting.
But after the hunt would be a great time to reflect and record for future note taking.

[Tom Leemans]

I never kept one before, but my girlfriend, who's writing would give Torges a run for his money, keeps a journal and has inspired me to do the same. One of the perks of working at a printing company is that I'll make a custom one, just how I want it.  

[Wary Buck]

I've used a logbook since 1981, and have been using my own forms since maybe '86 or so.  The results, at least to me, are priceless.  Even if you've been at the game for a long time and regret that you didn't do it before, it's not too late to start and I believe you'll be glad you did.  I originally did it to try to learn something, but one of the side results has been a diary (so to speak) of all my hunts since 1981.

And that number is now over 2,000 individual hunts for deer in 26 seasons.