Things you learned this year....

[JimT]

Re: Things you learned this year....

I learned that the deer have a way of making me look bad year after year... Other than that i would say that the one thing I learned i should have done a better job at is scent control. I slacked on it this year a little and it cost me I think.

[ODH]

Re: Things you learned this year....

I learned that early in the season, like before rut, to pass on smaller bucks a does and wait for a good mature buck.

[PAbowhunter86]

Re: Things you learned this year....

I learned ground hunting can be productive if you are hidden well enough.

[mossyhorn]

Re: Things you learned this year....

I need more warm clothes. That wind will cut right through ya.

[HarvDog]

Re: Things you learned this year....

[ QUOTE ]

I need more warm clothes. That wind will cut right through ya.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like you need some Under Armour. I start with my UA then add layers including a pair fleece lined vinyl running suit pants and top it all off with some RT camo. Toasty!!!

[ODH]

Re: Things you learned this year....

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

I need more warm clothes. That wind will cut right through ya.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like you need some Under Armour. I start with my UA then add layers including a pair fleece lined vinyl running suit pants and top it all off with some RT camo. Toasty!!!

[/ QUOTE ]Actually, here in Ohio, we have had a really good year weather-wise. I mean it was 70 degrees back in October and I think even into November. But it still was really good hunting weather though.

[Guest IADEERDUDE]

Re: Things you learned this year....

i learned when you miss a doe on the first shot and she gives you a second make sure you have a broadhead on and not a field point...i did recover her but there was hardly any blood and she went twice as far...things you do when your rattled and the adreniline is flowing needless to say there are no field tips in my quiver

[Guest OntHunter]

Re: Things you learned this year....

move stands for success, dont over hunt a stand even no it may be hard so times lol

[atthewall]

Re: Things you learned this year....

I learned reading extra large deer droppings in prime feeding areas narrows down big boy patterns. Finding extra large fresh droppings consistently in a general area means it’s only a matter of time. Rubs and scrapes are fine but....it's tough to determine size. That litte pile will tell you all you need to know.

I learned if you do read deer droppings in prime areas....who needs to buy an expensive trail camera. The cheap models scare many mature deer so don't even go there.

I learned, hitting the woods immediately after deer season with a camera, hunting with a lens, will add more data for the next following year and it will help you vaildate the things you learned during deer season.

I learned if it's raining don't worry too much, the minute it stops, deer will move to feed before it starts raining again. To do this you have to be in the blind otherwise you might miss that opportunity.

I learned extra cold nights, stay longer on the stand during morning hunts. Deer will move later in the day.

I learned hitting the woods 2 months before deer season hunting with a camera will help you dial in that first few weeks of the season opener.

I learned to get to “It’s only a matter of time” go in 2 hours before sunup no lights and stay late morning no matter what. Go back out at lunch time and leave well after dark. Once again no lights or use a red lens light if absolutely necessary to get a fix and then turn it off. GPS with illumination keeps you on track during low light conditions.

I learned, marginal wind for scent control...... don’t even think about it. Go to a secondary or tertiary stand and think positive. Scout, scout, scout and work the prevailing winds during the seasonal change well before deer season when setting up stand locations.

I learned, no deer stand is the perfect stand. If you start to think so.....some of the mature deer already know this and found a better hangout elsewhere.

I learned, rotate stands as much as possible, change the view and keep you’re mind fresh and positive in spite of the lack of action.

I learned even if they aren't what you are looking for, count, age and judge rough score to provide input to the landowner and fellow hunting partners for long term management goals.

I learned shoot everyday in deer camp and make you’re hunting buddies do the same. Make it fun and competitive and never take it for granted your gear is DeadNuts.

I learned, broadheads riding in a quiver day after day after day need sharpening touch up to keep that edge.

I learned brushing in tent blinds 2 months before deer season on all ground based deer stands will increase the odds of blending in with you're surroundings.

I learned building a brush wall as a big old bird nest makes setting up your tent blind that much more easier to conceal as well as giving the deer or turkey something to get used to before season starts.

I learned always use a light before you get into a tent blind to scan for critters is the safest way to not find out you have unwanted guests in the blind before sunup.

I learned clear night skies with a full moon means I need to get on stand for the afternoon hunt before 1:00 pm, the deer will move earlier in the afternoon. See cold night lesson learned for even earlier get into the stand for the afternoon hunt timing.

I learned, never forget you're camera. Take it with you every time so you have something to reflect back on during the offseason keeping the memories fresh and the lessons learned up on the mental forefront.

I learned snake boots save your butt in rattlesnake country.

I learned, always carry a huge long piece of shoot through mest to use as additional cover if you need to setup a quick blind on the ground. The shoot thru mesh material can simply cover your shooting lane hide behind a quickly made brush pile or cover the front of a cedar bush as you sit inside the cedar bush for a natural blind. Using this techique literally opens up a whole lot of shooting options most particularly if the wind is on the wrong side of your primary blind. See brush pile. Having two setups in one primary spot to play the wind keeps you in the hunt.

I learned sharing the hunt through close friends and family is truly what hunting is all about.