What did you learn this year?

[Caleb the bow breaker]

I learned that if I dont get in shape that i will have to quit hunting before I am ready to quit

I learned that there is no such thing as a chip shot (seems to be a widespread lesson)

I learned that practice is very important by attitude, belief in my abilities, and positive thoughts may be more important

I learned that heavy arrows hit hard and light arrows fly fast but compromise is the key

I learned that i have too many types of broadhead

I learned that I can no longer fit all of my archery gear in a single closet.

I need to make it more important to hunt with my family


And finally,
I learned that if I needed to hunt to keep my family alive I would use a gun. LOL

Caleb

[GingivitisKahn]

I learned:

* passing on immature bucks isn't at all painful at the end of the season even if I don't take a mature one.

* I'm a better finder of downed deer than the random compound wielding, gut shooter I met this year.

* my son is a better finder of downed deer than I am.

* I stink at finding deer after gun season has moved them all around.

* wool pants (big thick ones) make cold weather hunting MUCH more enjoyable.

* a big, goofy mad bomber hat improves the whole cold weather hunting experience too.

[HcSmitty]

Hmmmm well im in the phase where a young man who likes to hunt is really starting to come into his own as a TRUE outdoorsman.  I had a rough year. Didnt see many deer, wounded one and came up empty handed.  I learned to not second guess what ive already learned from my dad(if id had faith in my own scouting) i might have seen more deer. Ive learned the importance of being a student of deer.  Ive learned that the ride is FAR more fun that the destination.  Its really cool listening to the old man talk about his early days hunting and learning.  Right now im making those memories and im enjoying it.

[Earl E. Nov...mber]

Well let's see:

1. Prepare for an East wind.

2. Just as there is the Nov. Rut, there is an Oct lull.

3. It is doubtful the Nebraska Bowhunters will ever support bow hunting during the Nov. Gun season.

4. I am reminded that in the face of adversity there is opportunity.

5. Every year is similar, yet different.

[Skipmaster1]

I learned a lot this year.

I learned that you can get turkeys to come into under 4yds!

I learned that if I over think my shooting, it WILL fall apart

I learned that "fatally hit" deer can be way tougher than you think...so stay on the trail

Put a tow rope and bow hook in ALL of your stands.....so your buddies don't scratch up their bows!

I learned that a properly sharpened woodsman can pass through a deers heart without making him run

I've learned to keep practicing ALL the way through the deer season

The most important things I have learned are to cherish the time you have with close friends and family and spend as much time hunting with them as you can.
Good friends are hard to find but your chances skyrocket if you're meeting them on tardgang
Always keep your eyes and ears open because there is ALWAYS more to learn.
Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today...get out there and live your dreams...such as elk hunting!

There is so much more I have learned and am learning. Because of traditional archery and Tradgang, I am slowly finding myself and great friends to share the journey with.

[johnis]

I learned about TradGang.Great place for a beginer like me,graet warm people,a great big familly of real tradbow lovers.
   YOU ARE GREAT.    

 Thanks  

[Bone lake]

I learned teaching your 12 year old son to hunt is as much fun as hunting when you were 12 years old.                                          If you take your 9 year old fidgity, talkative daughter hunting you can still shoot a big buck in less than 5 minutes.                                                                       It is worth climbing up to that little piece of dark timber even if the rest of your body tells you it's not.                                                            You learn more from the screen on your computer than the screen on your TV !

[Bone lake]

Opps, forgot one.  Trying to shoot a big old doe is as hard as trying to shoot a big old buck.

[Aeronut]

I learned, long ago, that hunting doesn't just mean bagging game.  Just being there is enough for me.

Dennis

[HATCHCHASER]

I learned that I like the slender handle of a one peice longbow.  I'm not done buying, selling, and trading but I can stick with one style.

I reconfirmed.....
My family is everything.
Don't take nothing for granted.
Live like there is no tommorrow.
God is in control.

Fantastic thread, Thank You.

[vermonster13]

Life is a gift only on loan to us so take advantage of every moment you can, you don't get any of them back.

[joevan125]

I was hunting with my recurve on our private lease and had a big Bama 10 pointer at 60yds.

I could have easily killed this deer if i would have been carrying my rifle.

It didnt bother me not one bit so i learned a lot about myself as a hunter that morning.

It is no longer about the kill for me but more about the hunt and my love of trad archery.

[Roy Steele]

I learned you must capialize when opportunities.
You must try on all opportunities.
You can go when you think you can't.
You can't judge a season from past.
Alls not as bad as it seams.
Things change in seaconds.
  That I already knew all of these.And a lot others.Sometimes you just have to remine yourself.

[awishanew]

I learned that if I got to full draw on a deer I don't have to rush the shot. Relax and take time to pick a spot.

[ChuckC]

I learned something many of you others have learned, but I will say it differently.  

I learned that I am getting old.  Not old enough yet to keep me from doing things,  but so much closer to that point that it is in my mind a lot.  

I learned that if I don't just go do it, soon, regarding several of my dreams,  well I just won't likely ever do them.

I pass that thought on to the younger folks here.  Dreaming is good, and fun, and healthy, but if you ever hope to actually do those things that you dream of, you need to get going, plan it and do it, ASAP.   Don't wait
ChuckC

[Paul Collins]

I learned from my brother to make better use of the deer I kill.  Ribs from a corn-fed deer are excellent when slow-cooked in the oven with a dry rub.  The leg shanks make for an excellent and festive dinner when made into osso bucco (sp?) and served on the bone (browned and then slow cooked for at least 8 hours in wine, beef broth, and traditional Italian spices).  My brother has focused on hunting for does and cooking them well, while I've been trying to kill a big buck, and I admire his values.

[Jim Wright]

That if you make use of natural blinds, like a wind downed tree, keep yourself clean, well camo'd and shut your eyes to a slit when they look right at you, it's amazing how close Whitetails will come to you and offer a shot.

[kestimator]

In regards to archery...

I learned that I prefer tabs to gloves.

Some pigs see better than I thought.

Even really big pigs can walk quietly when they decide to and sneak up right behind you.

Face masks should be worn by me when hunting, even though I feel like a dork with one on    

I have the strength and determination to finally go without venison and not wimp out and finish the end of the season with a rifle  

[Roger Moerke]

NOT ENOUGH

[Arwin]

I learned just because a very nice buck is 15yds in front of you doesn't mean you'll get a shot.
 I learned that if want to bear hunt in Michigan, save your money and go to Canada.
 Most important I learned there are many people around me who care and are eager to help which is worth more than anything. My cup is overflowing.