arrow32 Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 What a frustrating season this year. I saw 20 plus bucks and atleast 5 shooters. A couple of these bucks pushed around in the 130's and thats big for the area. We were all seeing them I'm not complaining this was my best year to date for seeing big bucks and more bucks. Everytime something went wrong just a little to far or in one case when a P&Y 8pt was within 25 yards and I needed one step to get the shot off the wind swirled around. That was my luck this year always out of range or in range and out of range to fast. I could have shot smaller bucks that were decent but its not what I wanted. I worked hard alll year on just getting stand postions right moving stands around getting them in the perfect spots. It litterally(sp?) got to the point this year when I wasn't having fun anymore and wasn't even enjoying going into the woods at one point. At that point I had to take a step back and look at why I bowhunt and not get stuck on the taking of a buck. I went a week and a half without bowhunting at that point and normally I don't got 2 days without going out. When I stepped foot back in the woods it felt like it should just enjoying seeing the deer and watching the sun rise and set. When you loose that sence of why you really hunt it becomes more like everything else in this world just some fast pass game that you have to get done before the car engine gets cold. Anyway I'm done rambling just thought I'd give some thoughts on my season:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodnottygy Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 frustrating season We, as bowhunters have all encountered years that seem to frustrate us. If it was always easy, then we would not bowhunt. The challenge is why I do it... not just the kill. Then when it all comes together and you bag a bruiser, I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.I get down every now and then, but if you're seeing deer, it is just a matter of time before you have one stroll by and send an arrow on its way! Hang in there, it makes it all more rewarding, when it happens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kid Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 We, as bowhunters have all encountered years that seem to frustrate us. If it was always easy, then we would not bowhunt. The challenge is why I do it... not just the kill. Then when it all comes together and you bag a bruiser, I feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.I get down every now and then, but if you're seeing deer, it is just a matter of time before you have one stroll by and send an arrow on its way! Hang in there, it makes it all more rewarding, when it happens! very nicely said,, i'm going to say it just like u did,, when everything comes together and all your hard work pays off,, thats what makes bowhunting so special!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layin on the smackdown Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 Dont get too down about the rough season...It seemed to plague quite a few people around the country. I know this wasn't my best season, by any means, especially in terms of encounters with big bucks, or even mature does for that matter. While last year was titled "The Year of Giant Bucks" by several of the subscriptions i receive, this year wouldnt suprise me if it was titled "The Year of...Where Did All the Deer Go?", as the IL harvest was down substantially in reference to the amount of tags purchased and the amount of deer harvested. I did have several encounters with quite a few 2 1/2 year old and 3 1/2 year old bucks, of which several would have ran into the mid 130's, and only one encounter with a true brute (of which i misjudged the distance and shot underneath him, thougth he was at 35 yds, and when it was all said and done, he was really at 42 yds). However, years like this one will come and go, and as we log them into our journals and close the book, it brings a new beginning filled with high hopes and anticipation for the next season, God willing we make it there. So keep your head up, be thankful for what you had the opportunity to expereince this year, and apply the new things you learned from this season into the next...as hunting white tails is learning process that never ends, and an education that will last a lifetime... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 Since I gained permission to bowhunt the farms in big buck country IL three years ago the good Lord has kept the fire burning in me. I'm constantly trying to figure out how I can find a few hours to hit the woods even when I'm not seeing much. Prior to that I was very frustrated and would take long breaks from bowhunting. Prior to 3 years ago I had seen a total of 2 bucks that would score over 120 inches (that's over nearly 20 years of bowhunting)!! Granted I didn't bow hunt that much because most years I had to drive several hours to hunt public land. When I did hunt I'd often never even see a deer. Bowhunting this way would have either caused me to drop it altogether or appreciate the things you mentioned arrow2. Well I'm still bowhunting so you know which way it went for me. Glad to hear you did as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goodnottygy Posted January 14, 2009 Report Share Posted January 14, 2009 frustrating season I thought of this after I posted earlier. This is true, not only in hunting, but life. I told this to my bowhunting son who was getting frustrated. You will learn more from your failures, than you will from your success". Since then, he has killed bucks that would be envied by most hunters... including myself! One with a rifle 178"gross, another with a bow grossing over 180". I would like to claim that he had a good teacher!! LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted January 17, 2009 Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 Dont feel bad...I never shot a buck this bow season either..had several average bucks under me, but not what I wanted. I did shoot two does with my bow, and we'll just have to wait til next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted January 17, 2009 Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 What a frustrating season this year.... When I stepped foot back in the woods it felt like it should just enjoying seeing the deer and watching the sun rise and set. Anyway I'm done rambling just thought I'd give some thoughts on my season:D If you lean forward a bit more.... I'd SLAP THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF YOU:D:D:D You realize how priveleged you've been this season to have seen that many deer...let alone Bucks...and some nice shooters at that! Why boy If I had half a piece left I'd give you some of my mind:rolleyes: You've been blessed with more than you realize. You've added pages of information to your mind's bag of tricks. You know if you organize it all into something you can understand it may turn out to be the best season yet! All the sightings, wind directions at the time, temperature, and everything else you can remember...Brother hunter that's a goldmine with your name on the deed;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straight Shooter Posted January 17, 2009 Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 I feel your pain as this was my most frustrating season since I started bowhunting 16 years ago. If I didn't know any better I'd say that was me starting this thread. One of my low points was having a 140+ 9 point at 10 yards being at full draw and needing this brute to take a step two feet either way and he's mine. Doesn't happen, he hits a licking branch, looks straight at me then there's a stand off or eyeballing eachother. He wins, blows at me and take off. That is just one instance so I'm with you on your pain. Just hang in there and do as I have by learning from our mistakes, misfortunes, and mishaps; using them to your advantage in the coming seasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted January 17, 2009 Report Share Posted January 17, 2009 Past on a couple deer this Oct. not to see a single one after that, and missed a couple great Antelope in Wyoming this past Sept. :( But you know what,, I still had a BLAST as usual .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted January 18, 2009 Report Share Posted January 18, 2009 Now you have squirrels to look forward to chasing,lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adjam5 Posted January 18, 2009 Report Share Posted January 18, 2009 Cody, you never stopped trying. Seeing 5 shooter bucks, thats 5X times more than I saw! I have become a doeaholic to ease my pain of not taking any bucks and it seems to work. I was proud to have you on my team this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WHISKEYSWAMP Posted January 18, 2009 Report Share Posted January 18, 2009 I still have a couple weeks of bow season left but have been burnt out for a little while.. had to take a break to get myself back motivated. I've spent 400-500 hours in the woods this year and seen 2 definite shooters and a couple borderline but nothing was close enough to shoot. I did take 3 does with my bow so I have plenty of meat in the freezer. I'll be out as much as I can the next couple weeks to catch a late season buck... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m gardner Posted January 18, 2009 Report Share Posted January 18, 2009 I had a rough season myself. Had two new hunters that ruined one hunt for us and won't be invited again. Saw lots of bucks but got no good shots at the ones I wanted. But it was a priceless year. I'm taking a few days off now to get over a cold. I tried to hunt friday but was having to clear my throat or drown so it wasn't working. So it's down to one more long weekend and that's it. They used to tell me when I was young and testosterone ridden that I needed to enjoy the journey, not just the stellar moments or I'd be miserable. I never knew what that meant until I became disabled. Now I'm somewhat recovered and cherish every moment. The first photo is a P&Y buck I passed at 27.5 yards the second day of Utah's archery season. The second is the doe I finally took at the season's end. The third is why you need to look up occassionally.Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tectonic007 Posted January 18, 2009 Report Share Posted January 18, 2009 I have been there too. I understand how frustrating it can be. Next year, when you do shoot big boy, it will be all that more rewarding. Best of luck in 2009! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambar Hunter Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 bad luck mate, happens to all of us at some stage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrow32 Posted January 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 Gary. I swear now if you'd slap me I'd have to drive all the way up there and beat the crud out of ya:D But your right. Just frustrating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted January 19, 2009 Report Share Posted January 19, 2009 Gary. I swear now if you'd slap me I'd have to drive all the way up there and beat the crud out of ya:D But your right. Just frustrating. LOL...Like your car would make it here:p:D I know about the frustrating part of Bow Hunting...trust me I Know all too well. Just when you think that you have them figured out something happens to throw a wrench in the works. Hang in there and score the experience as a benefit everytime out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumper_89 Posted January 20, 2009 Report Share Posted January 20, 2009 I thought of this after I posted earlier. This is true, not only in hunting, but life. I told this to my bowhunting son who was getting frustrated. You will learn more from your failures, than you will from your success". Since then, he has killed bucks that would be envied by most hunters... including myself! One with a rifle 178"gross, another with a bow grossing over 180". I would like to claim that he had a good teacher!! LOL! Ya you may be an alright teacher. haha. But my year went really rough and I spent 44 sittings in the stand this year, had one shot and many close encounters with 150" plus deer, I just couldn't close the deal. It made it really hard when me and you went and put up a stand, then you hunted it the next morning and shot a 157".(heck of a buck) But that is hunting, on the other hand I passed on some great young deer in the 130-140" range. And that is what it takes to have those opportunities at good bucks. It was one of those years I guess, but I had a blast even though I didnt kill anything. Moral of the story, Let the young bucks grow and keep your head high. PS dad, he grossed 184. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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