NFA-ADK

God bless America! Happy independence day!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Keep the camera's up and you will know in a couple of months. Look like yearlings.

Porcupine? I don't think its a rub, look at the location and where the buck would need to be to get a rub on that side. Just does not look right, too low. Bucks don't typically bend down to rub a tree and the bottom is real low to the ground. Animal looks like it has done this for years, look at the bottom R/S of picture, same mark on an older tree. JMO. Any porcupine in the area?

I saw a bunch of yotes chasing 2 doe, looked like a mom and yearling into Canadarago lake a bunch years back. Those doe swam into the middle of the lake then headed for the other side then came back. Yotes did not follow across the road. Exeter state park I think we where hunting. I think we where just past the boat launch heading North on 28. Crazy sighting while driving. I made my buddy pull over to see if the yotes would keep up the chase but that road stopped them in there tracks.

They where fun!

Good luck, catch the big one!

First, it is a trait that some seem to have more than others and I do believe you can learn it by watching game or at least some can. (Prey ID) Some people seem to have the ability to do this, others not so much. Same w/deer like stated, some are real keen on knowing when something is not right and others just seem to not pay attention or ignore the sign. I think experience is a big factor with deer learning what is danger, the more they encounter the better they can identify. Second, we as hunters do this more than probably any other people on the planet so we tend to have a better idea on what to look for like the straight line of the back or white patch movement or even ear flickers and tail waives. Third I think all mammals have an instinct when danger is present, kicking in that sixth sense, again some have it more than others. Last but not least, population is a big factor. I have gotten that feeling more than once but it tends to happen in area with large population and or good movement in the location like a farm field. Typically the deer come out at varied times and I am usually predicting when it will happen. I think it all adds up to both, instinct more than 6th sense due to past experiences but that 6th sense is crazy how you know something is present when nothing is visible or audible. Or when you know something is watching you!

A couple of long range blurry pics is of little value at this time of the year due to velvet. Get some trail cam's out and see what they look like after they shed they still have growing time. Not sure what you mean by 170 unless you mean live weight.

Wow this will be bad! If you have to work outside really hydrate yourselves! I will be doing a field shoot again on Sunday at Suffolk Archers this will be interesting to say the least. Open to all if you want to sweat off 5 pounds, lol. Be careful with your pets! Keep them hydrated and watchful in this weather they have a fur coat on!

Good luck, he is a real beauty!

Make a larger drain its just condensation, you could have an overflow drain also.

Wow amazing, just goes to show what possibilities are in his area, hope he spread those genes. Thanks for sharing!

Big cats, they are awesome!

Good luck, looks good!

Yes this is true not all deer will sit still when approached. Some have learned that running is just as effective as staying in one spot, the older ones tend to do this more as they learn running is not needed every time. Fawns also tend to stay still, instinct tells them to stay still.

I would say Yes to that question. They get conditioned (I like that also.) to our movements and habits. The more we do this to them the better they are at avoiding us. If I hunt the same public land another hunter has been in I might spook the deer in one location that looks like a good hunting spot, the next guy who sits in that spot is busted without even seeing the deer and wonders why that spot sucks. Leave it to Grampy to come up with a logical explanation and perfect term. Conditioned... They react to there environment and seem to remember what is considered danger and how to avoid it.

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

Wow cool pics! Enjoy the sunrise!!! More pics!

Look out Ned he's coming straight for us!

How many days did you hunt last year? Do you hunt from dark to dark? I hunted over 30 days last year and many where from dark to dark. Logged multiple bucks and doe probably saw about 5-15 per day not including the ADK trip. Some days I did not see any or only a few and this was not a banner year at all for me. Usually I get about 40 plus days a year in for bow when I am in the zone. My buddy has very good drive and he is a good hunter but the stars never seem to align for him. As a single guy I have much more time to study and educate myself on deer and over the years it has made a difference in my hunting, most people I know simply do not have the time to learn things that are needed to become a good hunter. Some people simple do not get it or understand how deer work and that is a big issue with connecting on a big deer. Then you can go back to the other point, location. If you hunt hard the same patch of woods every year and never see ANY good deer you need to change spots even if its your private land. Some land simply has to many hunters and will never hold big deer, they all get shot buy 2 years old and a 3 is just unheard of.

I have to agree that your drive to go that extra mile makes a huge difference. Something most good hunters seem to have and seems to be missing from the not so good hunters, usually.

Far from a skilled hunter? Bet you have more skills than you think, don't discredit your skill and knowledge! Luck does play a part but their is a reason I am always seeing bucks in the ADK and the other hunters with me do not. I am sure the deer you see is not all just chance encounters! Covering ground is a good way to see deer but not everyone can shoot like your buddy, it sounds like his a great shot! Does skill take a part in it, sure and knowledge helps but location location location! I tried to get some of my hunting partners to try other spots than Moose River but I always get the excuse "You shot deer here" why leave? I say because other areas have more deer! Location location location!

I would put NY and New England hunters in the top group of hunters, we hunt some of the highest hunter population and presser and some of the lowest deer density in the ADK. One of my target bucks was killed at 5.5 years old and we have older and larger than him. He scored 167. We had chances at him but he always gave us the slip. Pic was shown to me opening day last year, talk about ruining my day! I have to also agree with Moog5050, some of the nicer bucks I have seen have been taken on private property with very little hunting presser. This is a good example where just having a good spot is all that is needed with little knowledge of the game. Even though this guy is a good hunter, the spot is simply excellent with abundant food and cover.