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So, as most know, I went back for a third and final look this afternoon. I was 85 percent sure that he dived into the brambles by an old vehicle shed. This was where I lost the blood, and where the dog had repeatedly come back to. However, there was a ravine not too far that led to a pond. I did not see the pond till today. I noted what looked like disturbance going down toward the water. I also found 1 leaf that had what looked like a little puddle of diluted blood. I could not be sure. It was steep, so I decided to go back and spend an hour hacking through the brambles. I started to feel despondent and was about to leave after 2 hours. Then I decided to hit the ravine edge and slide down toward the pond. It was right by an old rail path now used by 4 wheelers. Pretty public area; I was not expecting much. I get down and walk the pond edge to the end. I am almost hitting the main road into town at this point. Unbelievably, I walk round a tree, after the water ended and there he was, just laying in the leaves about 30 yards off from the water. I am pretty sure he came right here and died not long after I shot him. There was no evidence of bedding down or stopping along the way. It is bitter sweet. Glad I persevered, but sad that the meat is ruined. He was pretty stinky by the time I got there. I guess I am a 70 percent meat hunter, 30% trophy. This is the biggest deer for me to date. 11 points with a crab claw. His feet were huge. I remember being impressed by the hoof impressions as he crossed a dirt field. I am guessing 4 years. I spent some time with him, took a bunch of photos and then removed the head. I will bury it in a little while for a Euro mount. Note the entry and exit points. About 3 inches back from the shoulder on the hit side and right behind the shoulder on his right leg where it exited. Liver and lung I think. I did not feel like going in for a closer look. Surprisingly the coyotes did not harm him. I have heard there are some big ones in the area. They will feast tonight.

Had this guy on cam last year at some winery property that I hunt several times. Believe it or not, there were actually 3 different droptined deer roaming within a mile of each other!!! I got two of them on this scrape. I had heard that one of these deer had gotten tagged on the neighboring property during gun season and the other was seen several times after season. Going in this season I really hoped that the dropper 10 was the one that made it and he was the one buck that I was most excited about seeing this fall. A couple of days ago it was confirmed when a monster 10 with a droptine was spotted in this same area. I can't kill him for a couple of weeks...but, the hunt is onto get pics of him. Moving several cams there now, hoping he visits one of them!

Like most of you on here, I too was hooked on the Papist saga that was going on for a lot of this week. And of course was rooting for him, and not the deer. I know we are all feeling it but I wanted to take the time to actually write about how PROUD I am to be associated with a hunter like him, even if it is only an association by being on the same forum. I have been around hunting my entire life and can tell you all with the utmost certainty that almost all of the hunters I know would've tried as hard as he did, but would've given up well before he did. He was upset, heartbroken, and disappointed, which we could all tell by reading his posts. I do not know him personally, but you can tell what kind of hunter this man really is just by reading his words. As entertaining as they were for the rest of us, this had to have been very trying for him. It was a truly sad and horrible ending for him, finding the deer that was spoiled. Like him, I too am a meat hunter since you cant eat the antlers, those are always a huge plus to me. Like many have said on here before, any deer taken with a bow is a trophy. This deer from the looks of the pics, would have many of us proud to have mounted and hanging on the wall and was a true trophy in many aspects. The only good that came from this is that not only did you teach ALL of us a lesson on NEVER giving up, but at least you will have the Euro to gather around with your friends and be able to tell ONE HELL OF A STORY!! As much as this posts sounds like a huge ass kissing to him, I assure it is not. Like I said, just makes me proud to be a hunter and he is a true ambassador to the sport, so Papist, whomever you may be in the real world, here's to ya....THANK YOU for making all of us proud. Beers on me

I shot this 180 # 8 pointer on my farm last night. I had a decoy out, but he totally ignored it and focused on a scrape line.

Well....I found him:

Scouting with a weapon out of legal season?? Doesn't x-bow open the 5th? I could be wrong as I don't pay much attention to the laws for xbows. These pics just support my theory of xbows creating even lazier hunters. This guy is a slob. Probably some idiot who walked into Dicks and decided he was gonna be a hunter and bought himself a xbow and hit the woods. Not a stitch of camo on to boot. He should of saved his money and bought a gym membership instead Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Decided to go with the Model 70 in 308 Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

I harvested this doe last night in Cicero. She came out of a corn field with 4 other does and walked in behind me at 20 yards. After I shot she ran into some thick stuff but I didn't hear her crash. So I waited a 1/2 hour then got out of the stand and got some help from the landowner and his two kids who are 12 years old. We all grabbed some lights and started following the blood trail. About 60 yards into the thick stuff the boy yells "there she is!" He was so excited that he found her. My shot was a little back but clipped both lungs. The pic is not the best but my phone died just after we found her. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have been fortunate to take a few deer with the recurve this year but never expected to kill this bruiser, although he was on the radar. Was really hoping for a good 3 year old. Anyways, we named this buck the Monarch in 2013 when we first had him on camera as a likely 4yr old. Been chasing him ever since to no avail. This morning, I almost slept in since Phade and our friend David couldn't hunt. Pulled an all day hunt yesterday with Larry302 and I was tired. But I eventually convinced myself that time in the stand is one of the biggest keys to killing a good buck and dragged myself out of bed. As I mentioned earlier in the live from the stand thread, I sat an oak flat downwind of doe bedding that has a trail in between where bucks cruise scenting does. Didn't see a deer early and started to grunt a bit. About 10 minutes later, I caught the smell of a buck. Slightly encouraged I waited a bit and saw nothing. Then another whiff. No buck to be seen still so I did 3 short grunts like a buck pushing a doe. Sure enough, I see a big body and tall tines to my right a few minutes later working his way though some brush. He was perfectly positioned upwind and working his way towards my shooting lane. I slowly stand and turn around in my stand to shoot to the right. Put my tab on the string and start to get ready and, oh NO, my arrow is stuck in the arrow holder and the nock comes of the string. I hold it together enough to release the arrow from the holder and nock the arrow again just as he is just starting to enter my lane. Guessed yardage at 25 and as soon as I could see full body I focused on that pocket and let it fly. I thought it was a good shot but wasn't certain. Backed out and went back with my buddy David to track. The buck ran 60yds uphill, collapsed and slid back down. I had no idea it was the monarch until recovery The Lord really blessed me. Hard to beat your biggest buck, pope and young, 3 plus years of history, with a recurve and then to top it off a heart shot. I sure won't forget this anytime soon.

That's in the Crossbow section .... LOL

I see a lot of guys without backtags even during the regular season. Probably the least of my concerns. He could have a quiver full of 4 blade Muzzy's for all I care as well. Who am I to tell anyone what head they should choose to kill small game with. Everything from squill size critters to 40lb yotes is open now, so who knows what he's using. Doc will put his anti x-bow spin on every topic that pops up with one in it, just to get everyone thinking his way. As I said..., I read the regulations book, and there's NOTHING in there that that makes you a deer poaching suspect by carrying a x-bow afield right now. There's also no dress code, body shape, or physical fitness level you need to maintain to hunt ANY animal in the book either.

Well you know I'm right. Perfectly legal to hunt with a x-bow right now for those who aren't opposed to them.

As I was heading to the car, carrying the head, I passed a hunter in his stand. He said he had deer on camera that made mine look like a baby. Sadly they were always nocturnal. There are big deer in WNY

Papist Good shot, Good tracking job, and a real nice mature deer. You put the effort in that a lot do not, or would not consider. Your effort is what bow hunting is all about and I applaud your. diligence. From the bowhunters creed "I will use legal archery equipment and will search long and diligently to track down and recover any wounded game. I will not undertake or commit any act that could be considered as detrimental to the ancient and honorable art of bowhunting"

Papist...I'm a licensed tracking dog handler down in 9k. I've tracked many deer over the years. I have never once met anyone who put the effort you did into finding that deer. We can all learn from you dedication to that animal. the shot placement look just fine. That was one tough deer.

Now that I am home with a better connection (wifi)...I can retell my story Monday October 24th... Got in my stand early and quietly...layed down a few drops of tinks...here and there up to about 7 yards from the stand.. I grunted a few times in the first hour of hunting...then rested it... As I was slowly scanning right to left ..I notice movement...only 10 yards in from of me under some branches making him hard to see...he emerges this cover at 7 yards and all I know is...it's a shooter for me so it's game on...then as if written for me ...the buck turns head away to smell the tinks and I draw back....he then turns back broadside/quartering away slighly....and I let the arrow fly...penetrating where fetching still in deer and whole rest of arrow sticking out exit hole...off he goes...I waited an hour and got down....found him 50 yards away Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

I have valid ones for next spring! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just stepped through the door...went and got cards before even going down the drive...tire and oil change done...grabbing a bit of protein ,showering and headed out... Zero on cards except...yesterdays mail truck...lol and one 6 point at 11:30 ..when tires and oil were being done...I got my ML tag...when that go to 15.00? I swear last one I got was 10.00 two years ago...anyways checking wind and Hey a 3ft diameter scrap right under the yellow apple tree that's dropping apples, first ever...I have a stand 12 yards from it and with great wind in nearly all directions but directly behind me...Good luck guys...

Im doing a total reset today too. Three solid days in a stand starting tomorrow. The season starts...NOW!

Grow did you try having Shawnhu call it?

That's right, November 9 guys. Don't forget to vote for Hillary on November 9 !

Tootsie Pop wrapper with a full Indian on it. But thats not a superstition, its science.

I face mine away from their anticipated approach direction to my left. As long as you remain undetected and the deer continues on it's path, it offers you all the options of a quartering to, broadside, and quartering away shot. Stands facing the action often present you with hard quartering to shots. The tree you're attached to can also restrict your draw when faced with a shot that presents itself straight ahead or to the right. Your harness may also play a role in how you hang your stands direction.

I agree with wooly...he's not in camo...he's not caring a back pack with knife or rope or anything. We shouldn't go around thinking the worst of everyone. For all we know he has field tips on. If he's trespassing that's a whole different story. If not. To me looks like he's just enjoying his walk like I do all summer with my shotgun or 22 Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

It's bad luck to be superstitious

Hi all, i got my first bow deer on Saturday, a small 4 point. Not a big deer, but a big deal for me. I spent a lot of time researching how and what to do, and a lot came from this site, so thank you to those that spend the time educating others. It helps. The shot was about 18 yards and he only went 15 yards. I am very thankful that it went this well. Have to thank a new hunting buddy- Ron who really took me under his wing.

....and closed on 10/28... I think that is earlier than prior years.. Always remember it running until the day before gun season opened.

Nobody in NYS has a valid turkey tag right now.

How about a " Humor " thread ?

I'm sure the Mama of the guy with the crossbow thinks he's special....So did Charles Manson's Mother. Also, perhaps he attended SPECIAL CLASS in school. I admit he looks kind of like a dork, but unfortunately, not everybody is as ruggedly handsome as Wooly and me....

Its LJC doing research . You guys don't know anything , jeesh

Your scope be it on a crossbow or a firearm is priority number one, it is never too late to change out a piece of crap for quality. Al

Does knowing for sure that if I go to stand A all the deer will be at stand B...and if I choose B I am positive they are all standing around stand A count as being superstitious.

I prayed to St Anthony, St Hubert (patron of hunters) and my Guardian Angel to help me find my deer. Seemed to work.

I just bring Phade along. He sees more bucks than anyone I know. Figure I will take his leftovers.

Ding,ding,ding,ding,ding...give the weather guys a prize! It looks like they got it right this time. We shall see this afternoon...rains suppose to stop here at 2. Now a all night rain,dropping pressure and temps. I know where I'll be if the wind is right...if not I have a great back up...I'm thinking the harvest thread will lite up over the next 2 days.

You know I've never used that thought when setting up...It's always been best position on tree and Sun/wind direction for timing of sits. ie....I don't want the sun in my eyes for the shot or the sun lighting me up when they are approaching. Then in hills ,it's great to have the sun in their eyes as they approach. Wind ,well they tend not to do as I want and come in random directions so I preferred to not be uncomfortable and sit with the winters winds are freezing my face off. .I stand to shoot so awkwardness doesn't usually play in my decision.

Back before I moved into town, I used to hike 5 to 7 miles four or five days per week. When it was warm I generally wore shorts and a t-shirt I nearly always carried a slung centerfire rifle, either an M1 Garand or a K98K Mauser. I always went armed and preferred to carry a rifle rather than a handgun because I felt carrying a 10 pound rifle increased the workout. I wonder how many people saw me and thought that I was up to no good.?

If he is small game hunting, that dude is gonna be pizzed off when he realizes he lost his back tag.

So I was only up for 1.5 days. My brother and his son in law were that for an extra day. The place looked great and there was a ton of scrapes on the property. In the past my group has been busted on for not being able to shoot that great with the bow and I agree…….this weekend was different when two of us connected with first archery tackle deer. Im proud of my brother and his son in law for making it happen. I came across a non typical 8 at 20 yards but didn't take a shot, just wasn't right. Her are some picts from the weekend. IMG_0907.3gp

I thought you guys would get a kick out of this. Last night just before sundown I completely missed my target number one buck at 30 yards broadside. Complete failure. I was so bummed. I got in and told my family the story. In the morning I go to leave for work and my 4 year old shares this picture with me. notice where the arrow went. Thanks Buddy! It actually made it all better.

Lol...litterally...wife asked me what I was laughing at Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Papist I can't believe from looking at where you hit him he went so far. What a tough SOB! How far from hit to end would you say he traveled? You may not be completely satisfied but in my books you are a quality dude and persistent. Many guys give up too early you went well beyond. I have done the multiple day search before. Losing a deer is a sick feeling. Good job! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Having a great year! Called this doe out of a standing corn field using the Extinguisher fawn bleat call.... 32 yard shot. I am using a PSE Stinger bow

Moooooog! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hunter's 2nd deer. Last night. 25 yards, quartering away. Hit some arteries above the heart. Ran 70 yards and piled up.

Cut corn always brings em out to feed and pushes them out of bedding. I think you may just be right tonight!

This is an excellent article on a subject I think most of are guilty of. I often find myself overthinking a bucks thoughts. I can't count how many times I have messed up a tracking hunt by thinking the buck will do this when really he just wanted to lay down and rest. http://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/Gallery/Articles/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/179/A-Trip-with-the-Old-Grizzled-Hunter Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I killed a buck last night around 5:30.......got in the stand at 3:30 prepared for the cold and wind. Man was the wind blowing, there was NO doubt what direction the wind was coming from as it was steady as can be from the north west. I was wearing my glasses and not my contacts so my eyes took a while to get used to the bright leaves and darn near full foliage. This was my first time bow hunting this year and I was excited to be back in the saddle. I had a doe sneak behind me around 4:00 while I was seated so I decided I'd better stand for the rest of the shift. The wind was crazy and with that and the wet leaves, you'd never hear one coming. My head was swiveling left, center and then to the right when all of a sudden as I was looking to my left I see a blurred brown flash off to my right and below me. I steal a quick glance down and here's this buck skidding to a halt STRAIGHT down. He's withing 12" of the base of the tree where just two hours before I'd stood and hooked my bow to the haul rope. He looks right up at me and I quickly made the decision to go for the bow, regardless of his next move. I got the bow, hooked the release on and drew back; he freaked out and took two quick bounds to my left and stopped, quartering away. Before I could react, the arrow was gone, slicing right through the boiler room. A quick 40 yard run and he was down......... Well now I went and did it. I punched my buck tag on my first sit, not what I was figuring on. He looked good as it was all unfolding, now he's dead and I'm hunting doe. I'm figuring 2.5 years old, 4 on the left and two on the right. 17.5" inside. I didn't weigh him but probably 140lbs.

Yep. And that's exactly why I like what Bowguy1 just wrote. I don't want it easier for people to fill tags. I work my silly ass off with my bow prior to season so that I'm a capable shot. I have sympathy for guys who are genuinely incapable of shooting a bow due to shoulder or something else. But, guys who don't have the time? Simply don't care. We all have the time if we make it to do whatever we want. Some people work on accuracy, others watch tv, others work long hours, others sleep. Getting good enough with a compound to be a capable hunter doesn't take much time anyway: shoot a few days/week you'll be okay. But, most people just cannot be bothered and I have no interest in making life easier for them; if they cared more they would be out there more. As for being selfish I absolutely am being self-serving, no doubt about it. But, if you're appealing to the "less accidents" and over-population argument, you would in theory endorse opening up bow season to guns and then also bring gun season back to start on May 1st or maybe just 12 months long. We could solve the deer population in a single season with this. DMPs for everyone, use whatever gun you like. But it's really a false argument anyway. As crossbows become more powerful and popular, having them overlap bow entirely is going to result in so many extra harvest numbers that the DEC will simply have to cut back DMP issuance or shorten the season anyway or...do what they are doing now: Bow starts Oct 1. They can do this safely because bow harvest numbers are very low. You can't have your cake and eat it, too: if everyone is walking around with a 400 FPS crossbow, harvest will be too high. Then you'll have to fight off the gun guys who are pissed at all the game the crossbow guys are taking