Post by: huntingbaldguy on December 07, 2016, 08:53:48 AM
My year in review is i have not hunted deer once this year. Last year whole different story of course, all my my time went to deer, not much to elk. This year I've hunted elk hard. 8 days in early archery and now 6 in late not including this weekend. Last year i only hunted elk for 6 days. We've seen elk every day but 2 but haven't been able to seal the deal. Had a great bull we were chasing every day in early season, heard him, saw him and was within 30 yards twice, but made mistakes. Rookie mistakes mostly, like rushing things, disobeying wind, approaching wrong, etc. My wife had him screaming to come fight him the last day we hunted early season. I tried my hardest do get down there but took too long and he gathered his cows and exited the building.
We have learned so much that maybe someone could have taught us... but the mistakes resonate more when you make them yourself and i feel like we're going to put it together soon. Last year by contrast, the closest i got to elk was 90 yards. This year we've been inside 40 7 times and in early season (3 point minimum) cows walked past me at 15 and 20 on 3 occasions and didn't spook. Incredible year and regardless of the outcome this weekend I'm thankful for all I've seen and learned this year.
As for this weekend, snow in the forecast, we have a good plan that hopefully comes to fruition and results in meat in the freezer. Looking forward to hunting in the snow for the first time.
Post by: cbond3318 on December 07, 2016, 08:59:49 AM
Post by: Sandberm on December 07, 2016, 09:48:44 AM
I stayed in my travel trailer by myself on Sunday and Monday nights up at my late archery deer hunting grounds. Knowing the weather was going to get too cold to keep water in the tt, I blew the lines out on Saturday and dry camped. That wouldnt have worked if the wife was with me as the spot I camped at didnt have an outhouse. It would be a little too much of me to ask her to squat in the bush for two days. :o But man do I love my old travel trailer! As it got down to 19 on Monday morn, I was as snug as a bug in my sleeping bag waiting for the gas furnace to warm the inside up a bit before getting up.
As far as learning new stuff, I have found that getting older is a blessing as I just move slower and notice the deer more often then not before they see me. My stalks are very slow and patient and Ive had more luck this year sneaking up on deer though I havnt been able to seal the deal(almost had one on Monday,very close). I've also become very knowledgeable of my hunting grounds and this fall I have really started to notice trends which I hope to capitalize on in the future. Ive also learned not to waste my time trying to hunt herds of does. There senses are too good! And they just always seem to be on high alert.
Anyways, rest today and hit it hard tomorrow for the last day of my late archery season. Good luck all.