What have you learned from this hunting season?

[ishiwannabe]

I learned it is awesome to walk the woods with a stickbow, arrows that I have made, fully confident I can perform when the shot presents.
Feathers make more noise than vanes.
The spirit of the hunt is back with fervor.
Hunting with my fathers equipment brings back great memories.
There are some things in life more important than hunting.

[Dawn Patrol]

I learned that the look on a  hunter's face when they kill their first Trad bow buck is priceless. I also learned that when you are having chest pains everyday of a two week hunt it's not a good idea to wait till ya get home to have it checked out.

[joe c.]

I learned I hope? It's A bad idea to use a cheap lock blade to try and fix something. the first day of A nine day hunt in southern ohio  on nov,4 I just about cut my middle finger off.

[Gordon Jabben]

I learned that I need to stick with one bow.

[Brian Krebs]

seize the moment.

the older I get: the harder I have to think.

I am just as happy when I get a shot opprotunity-to not take a shot; as when I take a shot....almost.

wolves have to be subject to control measures.

[DRR324]

My lesson, don't rush the shot choice- have a touch of patience, even if its the last day of your week long hunting trip out of state.  Wait for the right shot opportunity- it will happen.

[tjjsidekick]

I've learned the following..

Cherris every second in the woods

Preparation and anticipation of the hunt is as important and fun as the hunt itself

It's good to be alive

[hickstick]

I learned that I need to befriend more of my tradgang brethren of the midwest or south so they will invite hunting and rescue me from the god-forsaken deerless state called Massachusetts!

I also learned that the season is long and to shoot in all you hunting clothes from warm weather to sub zero.  I found I had a hard time shooting with my cold weather gloves until I rolled a piece of bike innertube over the handle of the recurve.

I learned to send in my Centennial Watershed (CT) Permit ON TIME in '08!

[GingivitisKahn]

Originally posted by Dirty Bill:
"Lord loves a workin man,""See a doctor and git rid of it,""Never trust whitey...."      

Lol - now I need to see that movie again. :-p

[Angus]

I learned not to hunt deer in California.

[wapitimike1]

I learned that poachers once turned in and pinched can get real ugly. Four stands and three walked through hunts later. You have to ask yourself, is it worth it?

[Bobby Castello]

Learned
1. Always have a game cart close by! At 53 I can no longer drag deer miles back to the truck.
2. I will never take a straight down shot at a deer again! I passed on the biggest buck I have ever seen in the woods because I hate that shot. Saw him a day later and he offered me the same shot and I hit him just to the left of his spine.
Had 1/3rd of the arrow in the deer but did not pass thru. No blood sign, looked for 5 hours and did not find the deer. I'm sure he died but I'll never know. Was sick about the shot for days. I will know better next time!

[Bruce Martin]

Speaking of shot placement, last year I was 3 for 3 (does) and this year 0 for 2. the 0 for 2 were both passthroughs but must of hit a bit far back and probably got only 1 lung and liver rather than 2 lungs. Shooting for the 'big' kill zone. Never found the 2 deer that I know I killed. Next year shots will crowd the shoulder with 2 bladed broadheads with tips that wont bend on bone.

[ozarkcherrybow1]

I've learned to watch for those Game and Fish meetings and to show up and voice my opinions!
 We need to stand up and be heard!!!
 This was a major lesson learned for me....Terry

[Boneyard Bowhunter]

Ok I'm going out on a limb. This just theory and some may think I'm wrong but here goes. I have noticed a change in the way deer have been moving over the last 3 to 5 years. I am seeing deer sign from May to the beginning of October. Then it all but disappears. I am seeing the same thing in more than one area. The first thing that comes to mind for me is food. The deer are finding a good easy source of nutrition. The next thing that comes to mind is food plots. I'm not against food plots in fact I also think they are the reason for bigger deer taken in my area. Has anyone else noticed this pattern.

[tim roberts]

This year was another for the learning books!  The one thing that will stick with me more than anything is don't get greedy, oh and remember to pick a spot, concentrate, follow through, and pay attention after the shot!

[McDave]

The thing I learned from this season is that shooting in my backyard from a perfect stance when I am relaxed and warmed up is not very good training for shooting from under a live oak tree cramped from sitting for several hours on a three legged camp stool when the deer walks in from my right and I'm set up for a deer walking in from my left, and I can't move to change my set up without spooking the deer.

[Bonebuster]

I learned that patience really is a hunters` most deadly weapon.

[Mark U]

I learned (from another hunter) that the small can of pepper spray will run out before the grizzly gets done chewing.  ALWAYS carry the large economy size.     This was after I found out there were seven confirmed grizzlies within two miles of a spot I usually hiked around in when it was still dark.

Also learned I more problems with interference from other hunters than I did with wolves when both were in the same area.

[fatman]

If you're hunting an area where the landowner wants you to only shoot does....you will have a buck walk under your stand...twice....