NFA-ADK

That's a good one!

You are not alone Philoshop. Some of us are affected more than others and each of us has to figure out how to control it. Buck fever. This is a big hurtle for me AT times. While any whitetail gets my blood pumping, a buck takes it to another level that I find hard to control. Last year I had a 4 pt that I was able to stalk to about 25 yards. After seeing his rack and young age I gave him a pass but I could see my arrow shaking at the tip. (Arrow was knocked only, showing my nerves as a 1 inch shake at the tip.) The anticipation of my stalk kept me on edge and my blood was pumping. He pushed the edge of my shooting ability due to anticipation. If he was a shooter I would have been in trouble. No doe has ever gotten me this hyped up, another reason I give them a pass. I am told I need to shoot any deer to get that itch scratched yet I don't have an itch with doe or young deer. I did draw on one doe at 39 yards but it was just no challenge and I passed. She stopped broadside to clean herself in an open area. Usually I am good at keep my control but sometimes a long stalk with the anticipation of a shot that has been in the making since 2001 gets to me. This is a big reason I practice as much as possible. I want the "shot" to be as perfect as I can make it and shooting often makes that part second nature. The anticipation of a 2nd buck in one year added to my shakes. Ahh to dream!

Now that is funny!!! Something wrong with you if you don't laugh at that.

lmao

One of the main things I base my opinion is in customer service. Campsite in Huntington exemplifies this. Go to the story any day of the week and the gun counter is packed. The people are knowledgeable and experienced. Small store so selection is not as big as other larger stores but they can get anything you want. They rock!

Very nice!

Cabin in some deep woods.

All these factors that Doc puts out are in my mind when I hunt. I feel like sometimes I can take a deer out to 70 yards. Then the reality of bow hunting whitetails slaps me awake. All these factors are in my bow practice but some factors I can not control. 1) My breathing: When I get a buck in my sight and the decision is made to take a shot, well lets just say buck fever is something I have had to learn to control. Plain and simple this is impossible to duplicate. Money shots are close and I usually do not loose but still do not compare to the reality of a buck that has my attention. 2)Wind, branches and leaves can adversely affect an arrows trajectory especially at long distances. 3)String jump and deer reaction. Even at 25 yards with a 300fps bow Drury Outdoors missed due to string jump as was proven in video. Plain and simple even the fastest bows are not faster than an alert deer within range. Conclusion: While I can shoot out to 70 yards at targets, live deer are basically limited to under 40 yards 50 yards on un-alert deer. If my shoulders are hurting like last year I will limit to 40 max. That sting jump is always in my mind and usually reigns me in from the 50 yard range trying for 35 yards or closer. So many other factors of the day the could limit my ability to shoot far. Rain, fog and high winds all reduce my ability by 10-20 yards making my effective range 20-30 yards max. I use to think shooting long distance was no big deal, and in reality with the new bows it is not a big deal at all but taking a deer at those distances is. All you can do is advise and as many have pointed out it is ill advised to take low percentage shots. The more I read the more I reign in my enthusiasm for long distance shots so at least you can say this post helped one individual. Thanks Doc!

Doc your wisdom is priceless and most would be wise to heed your advice. I practice at ranges up to 80 yards but in reality my lethal range is within 50 yards. That said I have seen string jump and know that if the deer is alert I need to keep my shots under 40 yards or less. One thing I will say is most good hunters are expert shots and shoot a lot before the season. They also keep within their range. I try to shoot my bow as often as possible, usually every other day or so when weather permits and I am healthy. Helium 65lbs draw at 29" shooting beeman ICS hunter pro elite camo at 8.8 gpi. 280+fps for sure, the bow is fast. Little bit of advice for any new hunters, become as good of a shooter that you are capable. My hunting buddies who shoot from a bench one time a year with maybe 20 rounds drives me NUTS!!! Don't let your shooting be you week point in hunting and know your trajectory from a few feet out to as far as you are capable. That is one mistake I corrected a long time ago and it has paid off. I do stick to my statement that long shots are more the norm out west than what we are use to but the game is much larger and string jump is not as big of an issue with prey in the 500 lbs and up class. Hard to compare that to NY whitetail hunting. And No I am not saying they take 100 yard shots as the norm but out to 70 is realistic on such large prey in open area. Shawnhu: good points Biz if you want to be a better shot, shoot often and from many different angles and distances and varied terrain to stand on. EX: Try shooting on uneven ground it is not the same as shooting on level ground. And if you really want precision get a range finder or practice 3 times a week like I try to do. I would not take a shot at 70 yards unless they are bedded and even then I would stalk closer for a better shot within 40 yards. PS: I have never shot ANY deer with my bow so I guess I should just shut up, take it for what it is. Eventually I will find one I like and when I do you can bet I will do everything possible to ensure a quick ethical kill. More than likely it will be within 40 yards. For me it IS all about challenge, but I do not see that in many others. To each his own. I have a guy who shot a doe at 65 yards with a traditional bow, aiming up at the moon. ARG!!! Ethics is something we each have to face and we do it alone. I can see why some do not care especially when the deer are considered rats. I could care less how many rats are wounded in the world, hard for me to say the same about deer. Another reason I hate culls is the demoralization of deer as pests. Drives me crazy! And yes I would stand with the petitioners in this aspect only. My true colors as DoeWhacker would point out. OK I am done with my rant for the day, time to go get more arrows, and shoot.

Type more than 4 lines, that shuts up most idiots, thankfully this site is not filled with them.

Welcome aboard! Enjoy!

That is awesome, nice to get on them so good you get tired!!!

That was a good one!

Many western outfitters require that you can shoot past 50 yards with your bow. Just a different world than what we are use to in NY.

Predator attack? Resulting in injury.

5 ft - 300 yards+ behind the shoulder, I like heart shots or double lung makes for easy short tracking.

Funny how when they try to get it stopped and protest it, more show up to help out the firemen. Awesome!

Funny stuff, Thanks!

Amen to that. I am not a big fan of Ted but I love his attitude. Just wish he did not come across as so crazy. I wonder if he hurts us more than helps?

Done, good luck!

Fight it in court with the evidence you have. Rookie mistake yes. Slap on the wrist at worst with a minor fine. Don't get upset, sometimes we all do something wrong. Sucks when you are trying to do the right thing and become the target of a ticket writer. You can question the "arresting officer" When you have them on the stand(If it gets to that.) ask them if they SAW you with a firearm hunting in the park. Next is to question if the gun was loaded. Where was the gun when officers arrived. If the officer is not available for questioning you can request a dismissal, due the rights of a speedy trial. If the gun was not loaded, in the trunk and not in you possession then you could not have been hunting with it. If you loose the case you will probably have to pay a maximum of 100$. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain, good luck hope you win. Usually the District Attorney will work with you and drop the charges to a lower, charge. Like a non-moving violation with no point on license and a 50$ fee. Not sure if you want to go that route but it will be offered. He gets a conviction and money for the state and you get a lesser charge. Good luck and let us know how you make out. Consult an attorney if you want professional help but I think they will cost more than any court fees. Some have free consulting and might be willing to give you some free advice can't hurt and it will prep you better for court.

Love the 44 mag. Shot placement is key as this round is slightly underpowered for larger deer IMO. (200lbs range) Took 3 bucks with this round but do not always get an exit wound. Using a Winchester model 94 at less than 50 yards. In a handgun I would want a little more fire power, JMO.

Driving your quad or anything that will break up the frozen snow in areas with food will help. Planting for winter feed is key in harsh winters. Hinge cutting as mentioned before is a great thing. They are amazing survivors. Winter survival is another reason I find deer so fascinating, like Joe said they are true survivors.

Even spelling out the sarcasm fact does not work with you, OK. Another shocker. LMAO

So many good rounds. Started with 30-06, 308 and now 44 mag and 30-30. Try a few different rounds at the range. Can not go wrong with a shotguns versatility! .270 is another great round, 7mm mag. 35. I could go on but plain and simple most any of these rounds will work. Shotgun has my vote.