I toughed it out and myself sit for more all day hunts than I ever have during the rut. I learned that a good book and a few snacks go a long way towards being comfortable all day.

I grew even more as a "mature buck" hunter. I passed on deer this year that would have never gotten a pass from me in previous years. I let a few 125"-135" deer walk and even let a 145"+ walk because he looked young. I am confident that this will only lead to bigger smiles in the future, although it hasn't done a lot to help my team this year.

I also grew in my ability to not "force" a shot. I have been bowhunting now for over 20 yrs. and I have gotten away with shots in the past that I probably shouldn't have. I don't know what happened this year, but something clicked. I became more comfortable with say to myself "If it doesn't feel 100%, don't release the arrow." By doing this I accomplished two things, cutting down on my chances of wounding a deer and learning a lot more by simply watching deer.

Over all this has been one of the best years I can remember in the field. I have until Jan. 15th. to put a buck on the ground and I will continue to hunt as hard as I can to do that. If it doesn't happen I will still consider this a successful year because of what I have learned and because the good Lord allowed me the time and the health to be out there doing what I love to do.