tribalscream

Now that most archery seasons are ending, I was wondering what if anything you have learned? From being in the woods, I learned that I see more deer in the morning than in the afternoon. I also learned that in some instances, a whistle works better than a grunt. Bowhunting has taught me that it can be more rewarding to let one walk than to take a questionable shot or to shoot a yearling. What I learned from reading the forums is simple: WAIT WAIT AND WAIT SOME MORE before tracking the deer that you shot.

I believe that lessons are repeated until they are learned. I do my best to evaluate my shortcomings this past season so next season I can move on to other lessons to be learned.<img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle>

Ansel

That's a GREAT Question to ask!
Maybe these were more of a reinforcement vs. learned: 1) you can never do to much pre season scouting 2) you can never have to many good spots 3) stay flexible 4) work with the wind 4)late season bowhunting is an AWESOME time of year and Lasty 5) Take your time picking your shot.

ChiefHeadhunter

I like this topic tribal.
I learned how gratifying taking one with a bow feels.
I learned how to cut down on some of that squirrel activity near your tree. Sometimes when there are so many of them and they are real active it get to driving me nuts, but other times when that's all I see its nice to have the company. Taking one out with some of his buddies near by can work wonders in getting you some peace and quiet.
I learned I still need permission to hunt some nonpublic land especially after the early archery season ends.
I learned what a modern compound bow can do properly set up shooting a well suited projectile at your game when you fully understand the importance of proper shot placement. (Knowing you equipment and your quarry)
I learned how much I love bowhunting.
I learned how to process my kill.
I learned how much I just plain love shooting my bows.
This has been my best year and season yet.
I learned so much this year but I'll stop there. I'm anxious to read everyone elses posts. Thanks again tribal.

Greg / MO

GREAT topic, tribal. Let's see:

When it's time to replace your rubber boots, REPLACE them! Nothing worse than sitting on stand with soaked feet.

Be patient early on. Bow season is real long, and you'll get more opportunities.

How disappointing, even gut-wrenching, it is to allow someone into your sacred hunting grounds and watch him wound and not recover two deer. I also learned most people won't look as long for a wounded deer as I will.

I TOTALLY agree with the &quot;wait, wait, and wait some more&quot; after the shot idealogy.

And, again, I learned how blessed I am to be one of God's kids and to enjoy the privilege and responsibility of having dominion over the wildlife he provided us with.

lamb1647

I learned that the older you get, the lighter you need to be! Trying to carry 260 lbs around in the mountains of West Virginia was a chore, made me sore, and I'm sure lounder was my snore!

I learned that getting ready for the shot is just as important as the shot.

I learned that when you hear something that sounds like a human walking, has a large, dark form like a human, and is headed your way, it is too late to get ready to draw your bow when he is 9 yards from you!! He was only about 13 yards away when I realized he was a buck!!

I learned that it can be warm in WV the week before Thanksgiving!!

I learned that traditional archery is fantastic. I wish I had bought a recurve 15 or 16 ears ago when I bought my first bow instead of a compound!

Bill

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MThunter

Well I guess I learned a couple of things this year. The first is never to shoot at a moving deer no matter how close it is. The second is to be very selective who you hunt with. The nicest people can sometimes loose all morals the second they have a big buck in front of them.

Wahya

hehehe, Bill, I learned the same lesson you did. Even my boots are lite weights.

I also learned to think more and move less. Just not as stealthy as I used to be so have to approach my hunts in a much different way.

nub

I learned the DNR can't count.

5 shot

I learned to do more preseason scouting, and more important is to do more &quot;just after&quot; season scouting. I got caught behind the 8 ball a little this year. Do not get over confident! I did and messed up big time!!! I learnd just how Blessed I am to have such good hunting close to home, it's great to spend a week bowhunting out of your own house, and still see your family. Most import I think I learnd just how great it is to be alive and bowhunting!

TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS