Smitty Posted October 4, 2012 Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 This is just my second year of deer hunting, I'm 28 I took 4 doe and 2 bucks last year one smaller and one nice 10pt. But I want to learn how deer move and act amongst each other, feed, and all that kind of stuff... But my hunting friend allows that I'm just wasting time that I need to go ahead and kill the first thing that comes by cause I'm out there to stock the freezer up, which in a way he is right but that's not how I want to do it.. Any suggestions on waiting vs. killing and going home? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckrich Posted October 4, 2012 Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 Wow, congrats on last season! I'd say you're doing something right with that record. How bout you put the first doe that walks by in the freezer, then sit back and watch a bit. That way, the pressure to fill the freezer is off a bit, and you can let the next one come right on in and learn what happens when you let one pass. I don't see how killing the first thing that walks by every time will let you achieve your goal of learning. The important thing is to do what you want to do and strive to achieve the goals that you set for yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailfreak55 Posted October 4, 2012 Report Share Posted October 4, 2012 Agree with what was said above. Buy a doe tag shoot her then sit back and learn. Heck i learn something new each season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruttinbuc Posted October 5, 2012 Report Share Posted October 5, 2012 Do what you want to do to expand your horizons. As others have suggested shoot the freezer meat and then sit back and observe. Whitetail deer are a challenge on their terms. The more you learn the better you are as a whitetail hunter. Here in NJ there are many who sit and shoot deer over a bait pile. They will never learn to hunt a deer any other way. That in itself is kind of sad and a long way from "hunting" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted October 5, 2012 Report Share Posted October 5, 2012 I think that is something you have to decided and not decided based on other's choices.... Trail cameras are a great way to learn deer behavior and movement to an extent... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layin on the smackdown Posted October 5, 2012 Report Share Posted October 5, 2012 experience is the greatest teacher. The more you hunt (not kill) the more you will learn. Ive been at it hard for a solid 12+ years, and i learn more and more each year. Eventually you will start putting the pieces together as to why deer do what they do when they do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted October 5, 2012 Report Share Posted October 5, 2012 This is just my second year of deer hunting, I'm 28 I took 4 doe and 2 bucks last year one smaller and one nice 10pt. But I want to learn how deer move and act amongst each other, feed, and all that kind of stuff... But my hunting friend allows that I'm just wasting time that I need to go ahead and kill the first thing that comes by cause I'm out there to stock the freezer up, which in a way he is right but that's not how I want to do it.. Any suggestions on waiting vs. killing and going home? I always buy 2 tags each year. I use the first one to kill the first thing that is legal, to stock the freezer. I use the second one for a greater challenge. Not sure how you were able to kill 6 deer last year. What state is that??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowhunter97 Posted October 5, 2012 Report Share Posted October 5, 2012 I agree with ckrich and Shoobee when we had a lease in GA we could kill 2 bucks n 10 does if we wanted to per person. But we didnt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty Posted October 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2012 Oklahoma, and I asked my question to early, I have seen plenty of activity today it's not a matter of waiting and learning, heck they haven't been close enough for me to shoot with a bow today.. Thanks for all input I really appreciate it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty Posted October 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2012 Be patient and learn, or kill and go home? Bowhunting must be where you learn to develop patience and hunting skills Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoobee Posted October 6, 2012 Report Share Posted October 6, 2012 Bowhunting is where you learn to read trails, sign, and how to stalk up close. It is a good warmup for the rifle season to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoosierhunter Posted October 6, 2012 Report Share Posted October 6, 2012 Be patient and learn, or kill and go home? I agree to take does that come by. I'm like you and I killed 6 does and one buck last year. On the other hand I've killed about 50 with my bow. I did not start trophy hunting until 2005 with a gun and now bow only since 2008. You learn so much by taking does it is not measurable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowhunter97 Posted October 6, 2012 Report Share Posted October 6, 2012 all of this is good advice. You learn with every deer you take. Also bowhunting is a great time to scout for rifle season too and it is easy to learn since for the most part you have to watch them until they come into range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbHunterNY Posted October 9, 2012 Report Share Posted October 9, 2012 the more you're in the deer woods the more you learn, see, and hear. like what was said do what you so desire shot early or wait. generally it's best to take the opportunity as it presents itself. however, if you don't get an opportunity early on with a doe or nice buck then just sit back and enjoy the show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smitty Posted October 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Be patient and learn, or kill and go home? Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions, it has been much help.. I have another quick question has anyone started tickling this early in the year? I tried yesterday morning and it brought a nice 10 in a little closer but still to far for a good shot... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PriceRacing35 Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Be patient and learn, or kill and go home? I've been doing it for 2 weeks now. Nothing aggressive. Just before dark when movement slows a little ill tickle some tines together. Nothing loud. Just hoping that whatever has been rubbing these trees might be get a little agitated and come in. But I feel as if it's still to early for a big mature buck. Had plenty of little bucks come check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Early on when hunting I would thump every deer I got the chance to shoot. After many years I let many, many pass before shooting. It comes with time and experience. Just ask yourself the question, Why are you hunting? If meat is the only reason youre out there then by all means fill the freezer. If youre out there for the experience, sit back and enjoy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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