What have you learned from this hunting season?

[Wudstix]

I learned the hard way (and was very lucky) not the climb a wet Oak with mud on your boots.
I'd probably been killed, but I landed on my head, literally.

Also, account for the sun coming over the trees in your face at 0930, muffed a shot at a spike.

[GingivitisKahn]

Deer season in Ohio goes until the first weekend of Feb, so I'm no where near finished making my mistakes for this year yet.  :-D

The big thing I am learning this year is that you can't connect if you don't shoot.  I see lots of squirrels and a few bunnies and always manage to come up with a good reason to leave my arrow on the string.  That needs to stop.

[sgrogg]

Shoot first, ask questions later!

[Legolas]

Always bring 2 sets of gloves cause the first set will have at least 1 glove fall to the ground...

Don't spit without looking down...your'e going to hit your glove...

Smile more and remember that sitting in a tree on the edge of the Milkyway beats any day at work

I learned that sunshine can cause trees to drop their leaves as I observed this at daybreak on a frosted fall morning (and I thought it was wind and rain)

Keep my shots under 20 yards and aim low. This years deer are smarter cause after taking a well placed arrow they run straight for my truck...    


Leg

[tamure]

Originally posted by Bob G:
Over time I have learned that I am a deer hunter for 2 months out of the year. The deer are deer for 12 months a year, and are much better at what they do than I am.    

LOL, so true!

I learned:

-Pick a spot. No, really, I mean it. Concentrate, grasshopper.
-All the hoping, praying, and wishing in the world will not get you a deer (or anything else for that matter). You have to make it happen.
-I'm doing something right, because I was surrounded by deer. Sometimes too many!
-Beware the barbed wire.
-It's much more fun with friends!  :D

[PastorSteveHill]

Never use a climber when I have a stomach virus!

[pintail_drake2004]

Ive learned this season:
-dont wait to shoot fill a doe tag on ANY doe.
-Beaver bite HARD!
-Not to let someone else hunt from you stand, cuz they will ALWAYS shoot the biggest buck in the woods.
-Getting a decent target is worth the $$$

even though i could not do any scouting, or food plots this year due a construction accident, it was a great deer season. still have a few tags to fill but not too worried bout it.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Spend less time building bows and arrows...and more time playing with them...Kirk

[Weekend Warrior]

Trophy Hunting for a big buck leads to an empty buck tag  :D  and less meat in the freezer.

Patience,Patience,and then more Patience.


We've still have untill Jan 21 here in KY,so it isn't over yet  

[Labs4me]

Been at this "traditional thing" for a quarter century this year. Still, I am constantly reminded that when it comes to quality bowhunting equipment, you get what you pay for.

Chippewa Stands are top shelf. Second to none!

Make a friend out of your local leathersmith.

[macster]

I learned I can hunt from daylight to dark three weekends in a row and still only see the big boy chasing a doe at about 60 yards away, but did have shots at 14 other bucks and umpteen does.

[hogless]

If your invited to hunt from one of JC,s stands do so

[Slasher]

Lot's of good info on here...

For me... The big three this year...

1.)  Trust yourself- when you feel you can, you probably can!!! When you gut tells you this is a good place, or to move the stand, move it...

2.) Be patient and never quit..

3.) To thine ownself be true... bow season was real slow, So I grabbed the rifle to make meat... results were fruitful shots @ 12 yds & 18 yds- woulda been nice easy bow shots from the stands I was in...

[PICKNGRIN]

Being adaptable, but also being persistent!  Just when you think things are'nt going to happen, they do.  Had a great season with 59 1/2 hours spent in my stands.

[brmize]

Scout, Scout and Scout.
Have plenty of options when the wind doesn't cooperate.
Scout
Stumping may very well be the perfect hunting practice.
Did I mention Scout?

Brian

[Mudd]

I learned that I can't make a BW recurve quiet enough to use deer hunting. I am getting older and it isn't a thing for the faint of heart.
God bless,Mudd

[rascal]

Well I didnt make meat this year, first year back to traditional gear, but Ive accomplished that feat before using some pretty fancy bows.  As for what I have learned...hmmm lemme reflect a bit.

1. Ive learned that hunting with a stick and a string in my hand is just as exciting now as it was when I was 8 years old.

2. Ive learned that I can.......I can complete an entire season without the urge to pick up my gadgets again.

3. Ive learned I can get the same adrenalin rush from drawing my trad bow on a spike buck that I have no intention of shooting as I can get from shooting a nice one with my compound.

4. Mostly Ive learned that even when Ive limited myself I am capable of enjoying the pursuit, the journey, the hunt so much that the kill is secondary.  

I have no regrets from this season, my goals were met.  I stuck it out and enjoyed every minute and every failure.

[NativeArcher]

Ive learned that I work way to much to get in any real good hunting time..

[SKYLER W]

I learned that game camaras and tag out rocks. I also learned to pay more attention to the distance of the game. Skyler

[Dirty Bill]

"Lord loves a workin man,""See a doctor and git rid of it,""Never trust whitey...."