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Success!!!???
Topic Started: Nov 20 2011, 09:25 PM (172 Views)
chris4570
Trophy Hunter
[ * ]
Although according to the regultations there is plenty of season left, according to my upcoming work and holiday schedule my chances of making it back into the deer woods are slim.

So that begs the question: Does a deer hunt have to end with putting a tag around a heavy-beamed giant or through the ear of a tender doe to be a success? As I go through my gear and hold the two game seals in my hands I wonder.

For the first time since harvesting my first crossbow deer in 2004, I do not have any new venison to add to the freezer. The opportunity did present itself on three (and a half) occasions. Twice I even had deer bump the tree I was in. However, with the exception of the half, I practiced catch and release hunting. So if I were to relate this to fishing, that would be considered successful.

How I hunt has changed dramatically since I first started archery hunting, and this year I targeted known and unknown mature bucks. And the results are starting to show themselves, even if the tags remain unused.

On three or four hunts I found myself in close proximity to what I felt were the deer I was after. Some were not seen but their travel routes and times were what I expected from these mature bucks. So whether it was timing (too early) or thick brush or just out of range that prevented the harvest of such beasts, there was still a measure of success having put myself in the right locations.

If a lesson is learned there is success. I've learned that sometimes being queit versus calling to deer, especially mature deer is often a better approach. After a few seasons they seem to develop a sixth sense.

I've learned that despite wearing rubber boots, using scent destroying spray and laundry detergent a deer can still smell where you have been, even four hours earlier. And the best way to overcome this is allowing the most feasible amount of time to get into my stand prior to the anticipated arrival of the deer. They will still know you "were" there but they may feel the danger has passed and will carry on with their routine.

I've also learned that the willingness to, and the understanding that moving stand locations, even if just fifty yards, during the hunt can pay big dividends. So as long as I take and use these lessons in the future, once again I have found success.

Don't get me wrong there can still be disappointment to go along with the success. "Kicker 8" and I have played this game for a couple years now. Last year he narrowly alluded me twice, this year he did the same. Each time getting my blood flowing!!! "Dream Buck"remained just that. Despite being within 30 yards of him, in some open hardwoods, I can still only dream of what he looks like. If only he had come by during legal light. Of course the lack of venison is a bummer. Not having a deer to show my 2 year old is probably what I regret most about passing on the does and smaller bucks.

"Kicker 8"

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The disappointment does come with a hat-tip to the deer for their uncanny ability to keep themselves ut of harms way.So with these two tags in my hand I have no doubt that I have had a successful season, as did the deer.

Forever hopeful, i will hold off adding my tags to my "un-trophy" cabinet until the end of the season. Just in case.
Edited by chris4570, Nov 20 2011, 10:13 PM.
Bloodtrail Ale(tm); celebrate your harvest with a Bloodtrail Ale.
"It Can Be Done" (c)
 
Perchdrifter
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Trophy Hunter
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keep at it Bud,,,still time this season. It's not over till it's over!
Live every day like it's your last
 
coon
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Trophy Hunter
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gggg
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deermagnet
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High On The Horn
[ * ]
Good read
High on the horn
WHEN YOUR OLD ALL YOU HAVE ARE YOUR MEMORIES SO MAKE THEM
 
nubo
Trophy Hunter
[ * ]
I know exactly how you feel
 
thenrifish
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Trophy Hunter
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I agree with you 100 percent. Naturally, the kill kind of completes the deal but you must enjoy the trip and learn along the way. In addition we get to benefit from what you have learned when you share with us. Thanks for that and I wish you luck but I think you can be at ease with whatever happens during the remainder of the season.
Some people say I am lucky. I say the harder I work, the luckier I get!
 
Callingalldeer
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Trophy Hunter
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Surprise your self and get some racoon scent.The deer are so use to smelling it they exnore it.the young ones will follow the scent trail as well.Brent
 
bowhunter-57
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Administrator
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Good read Chris,you do have a way with words,now if time would allow I'm sure you can close the deal.Stay with it, the fat lady hasn't sang yet.
If it's got fur,feathers or scales it's in trouble

Excal Exocet 175
Middleton DTM330
S/W 44Mag



 
shedherder
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Administrator
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Very good read. Your having fun and enjoying the hunt. I believe that in itself is a total success. Hope you can find the time to get out a few more times. glk
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