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What have you learned this season so far?
#7366642
12/04/18 04:46 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,315
Creekrunner
OP
THF Celebrity
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OP
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,315 |
I learned just this morning, definitively and, hopefully once and for all, that I piddle with all my gear too much. For example, while sitting in a blind watching whitetails and you notice an extremely nice mule deer (for Texas) sauntering by on a ridge to your left (a ways out), after you see him in the binos, and there are very few openings to thread a bullet through... Rule #1 is put in ear plugs and Rule #2 is put the rifle up and shoot the *^$#! deer.
NOT Put in ear plugs, then dig range finder out of jam-packed daypack, then range him (209), then turn your variable scope up (which is the opposite direction as your other rifle) , then put rifle up and watch him disappear into cover.
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7366689
12/04/18 05:16 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,262
Texas Dan
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,262 |
What will you do differently the next time to avoid making the same mistakes? Range ahead of time to selected spots so you can determine the distance to the target without ranging again? I understand it’s a common practice with bow hunters.
Last edited by Texas Dan; 12/04/18 05:23 PM.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7366692
12/04/18 05:24 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067
titan2232
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,067 |
1.) Watching my son take his first deer was far more exciting than any deer I've ever taken
2.) I've learned about Rage broadheads and they'll be on end of my arrows from now on
3.) I've learned a few things on longer range shooting and I should have bought my new set-up long ago (6.5 Hell's Canyon + 5-25-50 Burris XTR)
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7366750
12/04/18 06:13 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,261
Sniper.270
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,261 |
To shoot my deer earlier. I normally hold off to musket days to take a doe, and late December to take a buck. This year I took a nice fat spike the first week and a doe during doe days. Both are already ready for eating and I have so much time to work on my place. This is most enjoyable season I have had in years. Will take my deer early from now on.
Proverbs 2
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7366766
12/04/18 06:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271 |
Always put my TP in a plastic bag before I put it in my pack. Wet TP when it's go time is not fun.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7366799
12/04/18 06:55 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,483
jim1961
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,483 |
I generally find I carry too much stuff in my pack.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7366807
12/04/18 06:59 PM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,721
Txduckman
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,721 |
Hunt as much as you can first two weeks of the season. Worked out this year for me.
I put hearing protection as soon as a buck walks out. You never know.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Texas Dan]
#7366826
12/04/18 07:19 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,955
ChadTRG42
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Posts: 18,955 |
Range ahead of time to selected spots so you can determine the distance to the target without ranging again?. ^^This. Know your distances ahead of time in the shooting lanes or areas where deer will be. 209 yards is not that far and should be an easy poke without needed a range finder. If you need hearing protection when shooting, have it ready. We use muffs when my son shoots (unsuppressed) . They are sitting on the top of our pack or strapped around a leg while hunting. I plan to be able to shoot within about 3-5 seconds. I shoot suppressed so it's already quiet. And my rifle is leaned up on the stand right in front of me to grab quickly. I have busted many coyotes on a trot through my area where you only get 3-5 seconds to make a shot. I hunt with a guy who takes 1-2 minutes to make any shot. Drives me nuts when we night hunt for pigs and I'm always the one killing pigs before they run off and he never gets to even shoot. Practice making those quick shots. Set out a milk jug full of water in the off season at the further distances you encounter to practice those shots. Not only precision, but speed with precision. Most hunters do not work on shooting out of a stand, only at a shooting bench.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Palehorse]
#7366844
12/04/18 07:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,573
dlrz71
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,573 |
Always put my TP in a plastic bag before I put it in my pack. Wet TP when it's go time is not fun. Get you some baby wipes!! Or Dude Wipes like Gerald Swindle
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7366851
12/04/18 07:47 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,555
redchevy
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,555 |
That it doesn't matter how much you do for your wife, it doesn't matter how many days you give up she is always going to come back and have just one more thing that you need to do so that you cant go hunting.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: redchevy]
#7366880
12/04/18 08:20 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,830
Grosvenor
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,830 |
I'm learning that I have less time to spend hunting than I'd like. Don't get me wrong, I'm embracing my career and being a husband and dad, but I look forward to days when things are a little less chaotic and I have more time to enjoy the things I've worked for.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7366918
12/04/18 09:03 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,345
onlysmith&wesson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,345 |
Yup, prerange. I have about eight points,(few in each corner) on laminated cards tacked up. I set my CDS dial on 200 yards, and most of the time I'm good and can shoot quick.
What I learned? If I set out to hunt hogs, they're hard to pattern and find.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367117
12/05/18 12:14 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15,998
Jimbo1
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15,998 |
I've learned that, especially this year, it's darn tough planning hunts around the weather!
FJB - Lets Go Brandon BBB - Bring Back Better Awake - Not Woke!
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367146
12/05/18 12:43 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,918
Simple Searcher
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,918 |
I just had it ingrained in me forever. No matter how late my wife sleeps or piddles around getting to a blind, a big buck will show up opening weekend for her. Even if no bucks have been on camera, they appear out of nowhere for her like they are sacrifices to the hunting gods. We are on about twelve years of this silliness and she always says “deer hunting is easy.” I do not have the heart to tell her that I work my butt off for her to get those opportunities.
"Man is still a hunter, still a simple searcher after meat..." Robert C. Ruark
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367216
12/05/18 01:52 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,965
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,965 |
I’ve learned that 3 long out of town trips a year may be one or two too many
Especially when you’ve skunked on all 3
Gonna re-evaluate some of my future trips afield
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367217
12/05/18 01:53 AM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 523
BAYSPORT
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 523 |
I have the best time at camp when my daughter accompanies me. I get more enjoyment watching her shoot.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367241
12/05/18 02:16 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,124
LandPirate
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Once settled in the blind, i unload my pack. Water, binos, ranger finder, etc. I set everything within easy reach so it's ready to quickly deploy when needed.
Mike Buda, Tx Hunt near Freer
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367293
12/05/18 03:05 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,659
Hopedale
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,659 |
Let's see.
First I learned when the wife wants to get new wood floors put in at the end of the summer, you need to ask what weekend are we doing this. Then know it will take 3 weeks including nights and weekends to do the project for one room. So if you don't get to do this in June, just say we can't afford doing this right now.
I missed all of October bow season.
Second, basketball sucks. My kiddo is on her school's Team and they practice every Saturday morning. So, until she is done with ball, we may not get to hunt together for some time.
Third, if your buddy invites you to his Inlaws to hunt, and he doesn't spend anytime out there, know he is not set up to take care of any deer you shoot. Pack everything you need.
Forth, and most important, work is over rated. When ever you can go. Just go. Don't look up the weather other than to know to bring a coat or not. And if it says its going to be hot, bring a coat. If is going to be sunny, bring the rain gear. Point being, work is over rated. Bring what ever you need to get to go hunt and be comfortable.
Season is not over, so there may still be something to learn.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367522
12/05/18 01:52 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759
snake oil
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759 |
That this been one of the weirdest years I have ever hunted.
1.Drought 2.Rain 3.Late or drawn out rut 4.Lack of mature bucks 5. Beer tastes funny in the stand
"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367587
12/05/18 02:45 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 267
AZ_Hunter_2000
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 267 |
While the season is still going, there are some new tidbits learned or old lessons relearned: 1) Deer near a shooting range are less likely to scatter when someone shoots at them. 2) Buy the best optics that you can afford for the type of hunting that you do. 3) If two adults are feeling frisky and they are in the middle of nowhere, there's a chance others will get a free show especially during hunting season. See #2. 4) Deer are going to do what they want, when they want, where they want, and how they want. They do not care what you think. 5) Helping others can more enjoyable than hunting for yourself. 6) Train to take snap shots (under 5 seconds). Train for distances that you can expect of the type of hunting that you do. Rimfire rifles are a great tool. Use them. 7) Range as soon as you get to your spot. Know your bullet drop. 8) Practice from as many types of shooting positions as you can. Include some level of discomfort to make practice more realistic. Rimfire rifles are a great tool. Use them.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: LandPirate]
#7367607
12/05/18 03:01 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,038
Western
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,038 |
Once settled in the blind, i unload my pack. Water, binos, ranger finder, etc. I set everything within easy reach so it's ready to quickly deploy when needed. X's 2
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367620
12/05/18 03:08 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,502
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,502 |
The hill country is wetter then it’s been in 30 years. Even in the Brady mountains
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367646
12/05/18 03:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,615
MELackey
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,615 |
Those trailer tires won't make it through one more season.
And just because the spare tire and wheel came with the trailer doesn't mean that the bolt pattern is the same on the spare. Seriously, 20+ years later and I find out on the side of the road 20 miles outside of Junction that the spare I have won't fit.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367687
12/05/18 04:02 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,941
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,941 |
I learned that my 10 year old son is a great shot off the bench. I also learned that my son will be practicing the following this off season:
1. shooting offhand 2. shooting kneeling 3. shooting over your back left shoulder out of a ladder stand. 4. Getting his rifle up and getting a shot off quickly
This year he didn't get his gun up and ready quickly for a shot on a really big Buck that would have been easy for him if he did. He missed an even bigger buck that was a hard angle shot off his left shoulder. He missed a doe. First, tried offhand and couldn't get steady enough. Went down to one knee, and then missed her.
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Re: What have you learned this season so far?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#7367694
12/05/18 04:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,292
BenBob
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,292 |
I carry too much stuff, equipment, necessities, (I.e. crap) that I don't need or use, but I might.
Tired, Wired, and Uninspired
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