cflhunter

When you say don't "booger" stands I'm assuming you mean we need to be stealthy when hanging 'em? Should we definitely wait until mid-day for doing this? We're used to hunting Florida deer and I'm sure whitetails from the midwest are a whole new ball game!

I personally like those that include the "whole experience." The preparation before the hunt, during, and after. I learn more from watching pros prepare and setup their location than anything else. It gives me the opportunity to see the types of terrain they prefer as well as how to properly prepare a tree for hanging a stand. I think these are much more informative and enjoyable rather than just picking up the story while the hunter is already in the tree.

We're scheduled to hunt in southern Illinois, Marion County, November 3rd - 7th. Is anyone familiar with hunting this region? Hopefully this is a great time to be in the woods! Attached are the two pieces of property that we have access to. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated! Good luck everyone.Ryan

Hope you don't mind this post in this forum. I am curious...has anyone found as easy and accurate method to sight in your hunting rifle? If you do a search on the web you can usually bring up many different opinions. I'm tired of going through several rounds before finally getting pretty close.

For those of you using the Hunter Safety System or any other similar safety vest... What rig are you using to strap yourself in to the tree? I've got a few of their "Quick-Connects" but at $21.99 a piece, I'm looking for a less expensive option. What have you been using?

Opening day was this morning. How great it feels to be back in the woods! However, my serene experience was quickly interrupted by the sounds of a logging crew on the north side of our property. Do you think that this would severely disrupt deer movement? I would think that most deer would be use to the sights and sounds of vehicles and equipment. I didn't see squat this morning! Of course experiencing September in Florida doesn't help I'm sure. 72 degrees when I climbed in my stand at 6:15 this morning. Maybe it's just too darn hot. Anyway, what do you think?

Thanks again for all of the responses. I'm countin' down the days!

I'm new to bowhunting so please bare with me... I've read a few posts and I've seen these put on at our local archery shop but I've never really asked: What's the purpose behind an arrow wrap? Do they serve a purpose or are they for looks? Looks like I've got a lot to learn!

Thanks everyone. I'm leavin' the dates the way they are. Boy I feel a whole lot better now!

This makes me feel a bit better! Thanks guys.

Hey everyone, I have a trip planned to southern Illinois for November 1st - 8th. I've been pumped to say the least. However, I grabbed this month's Deer & Deer Hunting magazine and read that this year's rut forecast is predicted to come at least two weeks later than last year. Meaning the rut will supposedly not kick off until November 15th (Give or take). My heart sank after reading this. My question to all of you lucky enough to have Illinois as your primary hunting grounds: Should we reschedule for a week or two later? Or should we follow everyone else's advice and stick to this 1st week in November? Any information you would mind sharing would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks! Ryan

Sorry for posting this here...I figured not too many people would be able to respond through the classified section. I'm looking to buy my first Bowtech, preferably any model from the '06 to present range. I have attempted to buy one or two off of Archery Talk over the weekend but my registration has not been completed. For whatever reason I have not received a confirmation email to complete the process. If you have a Bowtech that you're willing or wanting to sell please let me know. I've been looking at a few Commanders and I've noticed the Tomkats are fairly easy to come by as well. I'm a RH shooter and would need an adjustable draw length up to 29 or 30". I'd settle for a bare bow or one that is setup as well. If you would spread the word or offer your opinion I would greatly appreciate it. I need to stay within a $400-$500 budget. Thanks for your time! Ryan

Hey everyone... I'm looking for a Bowtech...anything anyone is willing to sell. I would like a model at least '06 or newer. RH shooter, 60-70# limbs, and I need at least a 28" draw (preferably adjustable). I've tried purchasing several on Archery Talk but they must not be adding any new members. I've tried registering several times and I have never received a confirmation email to complete the process. Right now I've seen a new Tomkat package ready to shoot for $425 plus $25 shipping. But, I can't even post a reply. So, if you have one that you are looking to sell or know of someone trying to sell one please pass the word. I need to stay in a $400-$500 budget. Thanks everyone! Ryan

Thanks for the replies...think I'll sight 'em in at 20, 30, and 40 from the ground.

Should you be sitting in a tree stand when sighting in your yardage pins? Someone recommended to sight in my 20-yard pin while sitting in my tree stand. I can understand why this would be a good idea but do most of you do it this way? When you sight in a bow aren't most people on a shooting range or at least shooting from the standing position? I have a 3-pin Trophy Ridge sight. Should I set my 1st pin @ 20, 2nd @30, and 3rd @40? I'm sure this is mostly personal preference but are there any guidelines that need to be followed? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm having the same darn problem with my newly installed G5 Meta Peep. And, my strings are two seasons old. I've already had an additional twist added. That worked for a short while but now it's doing the same thing again. Should I add another twist?

Thanks for your time... very helpful!

For a beginning archer like myself, what are some tools for adjusting and tuning my bow that I am capable of doing? Is there work that can be done without a bow press, or is a bow press one of the first items to invest in? I am hoping to learn the basics of setting up a bow and adjusting it to meet my individual needs. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Recently had a G5 Meta Peep installed on my Instinct. I haven't had the time to shoot much but I'm having trouble keeping my peep aligned correctly. While at Gander Mtn. I was able to shoot a few rounds after the peep was installed. Everything was perfect! The bow has been sitting since and when I picked it up tonight and drew back (using my release) my peep was off. It was turned to the right just a bit and I struggled to focus in on my sight. What causes this? Am I drawing back differently? This thing has really been a pain! Is there a way I can keep my peep trained permanently?

Ok...I've got to admit, God didn't bless me with a stellar sense of direction. I can get turned around in a mall parking lot (maybe not that bad). In the past I have used fluorescent ribbon to identify my path to and from my tree stand. However, ribbon isn't as noticeable in low light conditions. I have thought about using reflective tacks, but I wonder if I would be able to identify those during daylight hours. I try to make a clear trail to each of my stands. During late season, this isn't so much of a problem. But during the early season, when everything is still real green my direction will sometimes get the better of me. Are there any different methods that have worked for you?

Thanks guys...makes me feel a whole lot better! Dogdoc, I hope our experience is half of what you've got there!

I was wondering if anyone has come up with an alternative, inexpensive:D, method of preparing small areas for plots. This year my huntin' buddy and I have prepared two small areas for food plots. We are planning on using Evolved Habitat's "Throw-N-Grow" food plot seed as well as their Gain fertilizer formula. So far we have been able to clear these thick, overgrown areas using our weed eaters followed by Roundup. Throw-N-Grow does advertise a "no-till" approach but I'm thinking Better Safe Than Sorry! We do have access to an ATV, however, no disc. I know there are several walk behind tillers available but man, those things aren't cheap! We might as well break down and purchase an ATV disc. Anyway, have any of you rigged or fabricated your own device to "quick till" and prepare your area for seeding? Any advice on how to go about using this product? Anything you'd be willing to share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

wtnhunt, I am familiar with the show that you're referring to. It was on Woods & Water. I had it recorded for quite some time and watched it a few times as well. Very interesting!

In the September 2008 issue of Deer & Deer Hunting magazine an article focusing on the effectiveness of the bleat call caught my attention. I would recommend reading it if you haven't done so already. My question is this, What type of bleat calls are you using or have you used in the past? I still use a Primos can call for the simple fact that is has lasted the longest. Last year I experimented with a M.A.D. Heat Bleat. For some reason I've had bad luck with the those things...I've broken three! Anyway, another topic. I don't really like the can calls. To me they tend to be noisy in my pack. Occasionally something blocks the call's vent hole or it rattles against another object in my backpack. Are there any calls similar to the M.A.D. on the market that you would recommend using? Thanks!

Thanks Dan and huntermg32!