What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

It seems that most of the people revered to be "successful"/"prolific" deer hunters are from big deer states (at least in these forums). How much do you attribute "location"to a hunter's success rate (or better yet....."reputation" as a prolific hunter)?

Is there a chance the most prolific whitetail deer hunter in these forums resides in Florida (or another state not known for big bucks)? I say yes.

What do you think?

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

Jeff what is the criteria for success in this poll? I consider myself a success because in 2 seasons of bowhunting I have killed 5 deer and several hogs. Does one have to kill a HUGE buck to be considered successful? Not in my eyes and not in yours either I suspect. So for me 0% is based on location. I am a successful deer hunter if I enjoy myself. The standards of others don't have a place in my woods.

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

First off,you must hunt where there is a big buck to kill a big buck.Other factors play a part also,scent control,proper use of your equipment,proper stand placement.So I voted 50%.

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

to kill a big buck its almost 100% location, so thats what I voted.

Cause to me location includes playing the wind, terrain, food sources, patterns, etc. all correctly.

The only time it doesnt matter is the chase phase of the rut, then its anybody's game....



***Edit - Iam associating success as killing a big buck, but that is not the only success a hunter can have...

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

Well.....I guess that's a good question, tx.

When you think of "prolific" or "successful" hunters of whitetail deer.....who do you think of?

Why?

What part (%-age) of Where they get to hunt do you think contributes to your (or 'public') assessment? I certainly think we have guys in here who are as knowledgeable as the guys on TV (and from what I've been seeing, lately.....MORE knowledgeable).

But.....the public (and maybe in here) perception is that the guys killing big deer are more prolific hunters.Is this incorrect?

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

Ohio....

So the man in Florida has a 50% chance of being as "successful"......or being dubbed as a "prolific" hunteras the guy in Ohio?

While I agree with you......I don't think the public perception is such.

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

Ed:

I voted as you did.....for the same reasons......but I disagree with this:

You can do all these things correctly in OHIO......and all these things correctly in FLORIDA.....and achieve two different results.

And I agree with this too, Ed.... But I think public perception is such that hunters are judged by the size of the animals they take......and, to me "location" is paramount.

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

I voted 50%. While location is BIG key, there is almost no guarantee that buck or doeyou are after will walk the exact path the day and time you are in that stand.There is also no real guarantee the wind does not change direction after you get in the stand, or if it swirls, etc. What about those blasted does that come in from the other direction you are expecting the buck to come and they bust you either by wind, movement, etc .... What about when the rut hits and the buck you are after suddenly is 400 yards away running onto another property chasing a doe, hate when that happens lol. To many other variables to make location a 100% vote for me, but its definately the biggest factor. To me its mostly location, some skill, and some luck.

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

Diesel:

Now put those same criteria in Florida and Ohio.

What percentage does "location" play if everything else is equal? It's the reason I voted the way I did.

RE: What percent of "success" is determined by "Location"
 

Jeff - You may kill a bigger buck in different states, but I was talking about your "local" area...

To kill a big buck for your area, or any area, its all about location.

This is why I get soo stressed out sometimes when trying to pick the perfect tree!!! [8D]