Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

How much success do you guys have once gun season starts? Do the deer get so skiddish that it becomes too difficult? This was my first year to bowhunt and even though I had chances to take deer I was waiting for the big one(of course). I really would rather get my deer with a bow but want to know is the effort in vain. Thanks in advance.

RE: Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

Well I am lucky I guess where I hunt altho public land is also BOW ONLY.
But the property that adjoins where I am they gun hunt it and from what other hunters have told the gunners tend to push the deer onto the public land.

RE: Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

Depending on a myriad of circumstances it can be worthwile. I'm pretty new, but I'll tell you what worked for me...
I look for escape routes. Usually thick stuff and set up just off it. First day of gun season get there 1 hour earlier than you or anyone else normally would and let the gunners bump them to you. I took a buck this way last year and plan to use it again this year. Hope this helps.

RE: Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

Both additional posts have hit the nail on the head.
Find a travel route (on public land get as far fro the roads as possible) Set up on a funnel/escape route, be there at least 1 hour before false dawn and STAY PUT ALL DAY!!!!!
Let me say it again Get there in PITCH DARKNESS and STAY ALL DAY!
Let the morning crowd push the deer to you when they ge into the woods in the morning, when they leave the woods in the late morning. and when they enter again in hte late afternoon. The deer will use the escape route after things settle down late mid-morning sneaking off the the back 40 to hide knowing it is gun season.

Good Luck!




Greg

"Getting close to the game is the joy of Bowhunting for me, the harvest is a bonus."

Live 15 ft Python after eating a small Antelope!

RE: Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

I have to agree with all three, you can have a successful
bow hunt during gun season.

RE: Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

Yeah you can be successful. I hunt with a bow during the gun season, and though have yet to get a deer during the gun season, every year guys I hunt with shot deer at less than 20 yards. One of these years it will be me!

"Playing under the table and dreaming"

RE: Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

What's a gun????

RE: Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

I hunt public land and when the tree rat hunters are doing their thing it moves the deer. I can't see why you wouldn't give it a shot. With the state of the area (Maryland), early smoke pole season has been suspended, so I guess more ppl will be in the woods with bows this weekend or if luck will have it they will take the weekend off and leave the woods to me.

RE: Bowhunting while others Gun hunt
 

You know.. those things you shoot rabbits with BGfisher! LOL<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>