WHAT YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR

[snow leopard]

patience-----. and that i need yet more of it.

[Archie]

I learned to never, never draw someone else's 72# bow multiple times without being up to it.  I learned that from the doctor, and the MRI lady.

[Jerry Jeffer]

I learned that the deer I am hunting are learning about me too, and it is time to change it up.

[LongStick64]

I learned that the blank bale is my best friend.

[sj_lutz]

I learned (not for the first time) that it's stunningly easy to be made a fool of by a turkey. I also learned, as have others, to do a better job clearing shooting lanes...

[Shad]

I learned that watching your 12 year old son, take his first deer, a beautiful 1 1/2 year old 6 point, from 60 yards away in his own ladder stand (he was 60 yards from me not the deer), waiting for the perfect 1/4ing away shot while showing patience of a seasoned woodsman, having that buck tak his last steps directly infront of my stand after Brennon's well placed shot, is better than any hunt I have ever been on.

It's a moment I will never forget.

[Sheepshooter]

Originally posted by Earl Jeff:
PICK A SPOT.  PICK A SPOT. If you don't you will be looking for a arrow instead of a blood trail.

Amen Brother, Amen!

You would think after all the years I've been doing this I would know that.  

[KEG]

When picking a spot, pick a low spot. I missed several shots this year. All were over the deer's back

[Jmgcurve]

When getting into a new place on the first day, I need to be more careful and hidden. In a tripod to see down a sendero for where deer are crossing, and a little bit above the brush is not good enough when a monster ten-point walks into the sendero at 40 yards.

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I learned so for is that I should not have bought a Pronghorn Longbow just to go to a shoot, becase I fell in love with it, and now I want another one or two more. :}

[salemons]

First time in December so I'm not a very good hunter yet but if I ever see a deer I should be able to do a kill shot out to 15 yards.

[Blaino]

i learned 2 things.... 1) deer aren't shy about going for a swim.  2) it is possible for me to kill deer with my recurve.  great year!

[lablover]

I learned two things this year. No matter how well you plan for the season and schedual it don't mean you'll actually get into the woods as often as planned. Two when you pick your stand site three things comes to mind "location location location". Who knew a big buck could hide behind that little tree you didn't think would bother you.

[snag]

There just isn't enough time to do all the projects I want to do! I learned that if I ever retire I'm going to be a busy, really happy, but busy guy!

[Schultzy]

Last year (2009) I hit a mid 150's buck and did not recover It. He lived through It, saw him 4 more times that year. The last time I saw him (December 18th, 2009) I had him at 30 yards but didn't take a shot as It was to far away for me and my recurve. While he was standing broadside at 30 yards I looked at where I hit him and I thought to myself, damn that don't look like to bad of a shot!! Yes It was a little far forward and high but to me I still should've had a dead buck.

Fast forward to 2010 I saw this buck again 4 more times. Had him as close as 11 yards but couldn't get a shot off, too thick of brush. During our ML season he got shot by the neighbors. I heard word of It and went over to the guys place to check out the buck and see where I wounded him In 2009. I hit him In the shoulder blade where I've hit one other deer before. Problem Is, this time It didn't penetrate the shoulder blade enough to get Into the lungs. In 2009 I tried a bigger Snuffer (1 1/2 cutting diameter). 14 years prior to that I've always shot the 1 1/4 cutting diameter Snuffer. If I would've still been shooting the smaller Snuffer that buck would of been mine. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the big Snuffer but It more then likely did cost me a great buck on a not so good shot on my part. It was just too much bone for that big of a cutting diameter broadhead and my 60lb recurve. I really love Snuffers so In no way am I knocking these heads down. Really It don't matter the head you use, just hit the Intended spot and you'll have a dead animal. I was off by an Inch or 2 but still should've been a dead deer. Still, It's on me though as I didn't hit the spot I was aiming for. 3/4ths the length of the shoulder blade had calcium build up on It. I damn near blew through It but there was just to much metal to get through on an Iffy shot.

[Fletcher]

Don't glass for mulies from the ridge saddle.

[tradsniper]

Be patient wait for it to get in a position were you can make a move without being seen

[Hopewell Tom]

I learned that I was right - November 20 can be a very magical day here at Greenhill, NS. This year snow and activity all over our 250 acres. Nothing got killed, but what a day afield with my son. Many Nov. 20th's in our 18 years here have been outstanding. Kinda spooky...but good!

[RC]

I learned that if you don`t pick up your feet and stumble and trip on vines it can cost up to 7 weeks of prime South Ga. hunting time.

 I learned that sitting on the couch watching hunting shows with your foot in a boot/cast aint near as fun as hunting.

 I learned that said boot/cast cost MUCH more than a new bow.

I learned that time spent online with TG buddies eases the time spent at home wearing boot/cast.

I learned that if your shooting is not at normal get closer to where you expect the deer. The Lord blessed me with 4 deer this year all under 11 yards.Thank You Lord ,RC.

[Lonnie bailey]

I learned that you dont have to harvest an animal to be succesful, but it sure is nice when you do.