I can tell you one thing: Learning to hunt a new type of habitat isn't easy. Lots of your ownhabits and preconceived notions can get in your way. Ya see, different people have different approaches to a new game - and a lot of their prospective success (learning curve) will hinge directly on their ability to accept the ways that the rules have changed, and embrace it... Very subjective.

I hunt4 different areas: SW PA farm land (landowner co-op), SW PA Laurel Highlands (public), NW PA hardwoods/clearcuts (national forest)and OH coal strips (public) - and each of those respective areas require a very different approach. Obviously, the generic knowledge is always the same - but the application can vary dramatically.

For example: If I moved to the Dakotas and started hunting with Tim (TJF) - where there isn't a tree in sight - I'd be totally hosed. Clueless. I mean, I know that I'd have to use the sloughs and key in on the feed patterns, but that probably isn't enough to consistently put me on deer. Same with Pottenger in Idaho - that's a whole new brand of hunting.

If you throw 10 "good hunters" into those two situations, you're bound to see some discrepancies in the results. There will be guys who have trouble getting on deer altogether, while other guys might see results a little more quickly. It's not one-size-fits-all.

It's all about having amnesia, forgetting the rules from home, and filling in the blank slate. Hell, you might not even LIKE somebody else's brand of hunting.

Deer hunting comes in all shapes and sizes. I'll admit that I wouldn't know the first thing about hunting deer in a Florida swamp or in a scrub brushy SW Texas lease. Some people have tactics that are well-adapted for certain "kinds" of hunting. Other people will have trouble. Just the way it goes...

I think the point that Jeff is trying to make, and correct me if I'm wrong, is this...

If you took me and told me to hunt Jeff's woods for two seasons...

And took Jeff and told him to hunt my woods for two seasons...

Thechances of our both having similar results is going to be close, all things considered.

fair enough

I would agree that two hunters with similar experiece, skills, etc. could also have very similar results on the same property....

It could go either way in my opinion. Some people have a nack for big bucks. I feel like anyone who has a clue about deer could get on deer if they frequent a certain propery quickly. Getting a good buck is a different story. I allow one friend to hunt one of my properties with me. I have known him for years and until he started hunting my property 5 years ago, his largest buck was about a 100 inch 8 point. He started hunting my property with me, (we both use the same stands, he always gives me first pick of stand) and he consistantly shoots more and bigger bucks than i do. He just has the "luck", or knowledge to be in the right stand at the right time. Since he has hunted his property, he has shot his 7 largest bucks with the last buck being a 124" 8 point. When we hunt different properties i usually out produce him. I dont understand it, but its the way it is.

Fine, Charlie. I'll buy that. Now we probably just disagree on how tough this (hunting) is. I'm hunting new ground this year. I may bite off a big ol slice of humble pie. It wouldn't be my first piece.

Here's a thought that might bolster YOUR argument.

Are there those who have a certain "flair" for discerning and dissecting new gorunds?

Conceded.

Yes, but not the same results.

I agree with this 100%. I would say most hunters that frequent this board regularily are a different breed. There are lots of new guys and some really old guys(no offense, I just mean been here a long time). I don't have the highest post count but I know the regulars I see on here are a very dedicated/determined bunch. We live this stuff. And I would enjoy hunting I'm sure with most of you and feel very confident that most of you could hunt "my" woods successfully. I may not always agree with GMMAT but I do thinkthat often he isjust misunderstood or misinterpreted, for whatever reasons.

Edited to say maybe not the same results but probaly very similiar success.

Seriously, are we arguing semantics at this point?

Give me a break, you're just looking for crap to argue about now.

I'm out. Have fun with this one, guys.

Jeff, that was what I was driving at and just sucked at delivering.

I wasn't trying to make it you vs. the world (you know I wouldn't do that) you were just used as the example since I was conversing directly with you.

For what it's worth, I think that you and I could move out to Troy's and spend 20 years out there combining our experience and exile Troy to a remote island during that time and he'd still come back and whoop us. And I don't consider you or I a slouch at this game.

There is no way I could walk out to Idaho with Shed33(without his help) and be successful.
If you check my spots in KY they are away from the hills, and that is for a very good reason. I do not understand how a deer moves on them. Huntingson and I walked two sides of a ridge, one looked great, one did not. I don't understand why that is in KY yet.

I set stands all over MI & OHfor friends and they all shot deer out of them. I am confident in setting stands in MI and Ohio with similar terrain. When the terrain changes, I am smart enough to know, I don't really know until I have hunted it a few years.

Without TFOX help in KY I would still be looking in the wrong location