SteveMcD

I have regretted a few shoots in my lifetime, but I have never regretted not taking the shot. If it's questionable - then don't.

I try at practice every other day during the spring and summer when I can. Depending on the day, weather, heat, fatigue will all dictate how many arrows I shoot, one day may be 50 arrows another may be 200. What matters is quality practice over quantity practice.

I shoot Howard Hill style "split-vision" focus on the spot with the arrow in your perphipheral vision as a referance. Essentially, a lot like the Gap method. Except still shooting at unknown distances.

They are great when it comes to ordering hardcopy maps too!

I like Jim Shockey, he is an upfront, stand up guy, and knows how to talk to people instead of at them. He certainly has one of the better hunting shows on TV. A far cry from all the "Forrest Gumps" out there. HOWEVER, Hunting shows are not about hunting, for the most part they are 20 minute infomercials about all the different sponsors products. Hunting shows are about the "business" of hunting. Not the sport of hunting. FYI.. for 25 Grand Minimum you too can go hunting with Jim Shockey. : ???

I think that is really cool. Especially the history behind it.

Become a Sportsman's Education Instructor and your subscription is free.

I like the period from Halloween through the first week of November and again when the late season starts. That second week of November can be tricky, this time tends to coincide with the breeding and lock down period, which is as slow as the activity gets!

I have had rattling work for me. And when it works many times a buck will come barreling in looking for a fight. But, like what has been stated, it depends, Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. If you don't know the local deer herd or there are fewer bucks or as typical in New York mostly 1 & 1/2 year olds, all you're doing is scaring them away.

This is right up there with the Human Electromagnetic Concealment clothing. Just proves most hunters will buy anything, if there is any inkling that it get them a buck! Hunt the wind, and use your woodsmanship skills, you'll be better off, have a more enjoyable hunt, and a few dollars richer to boot. All this concealment and scent elimination. I'm surpirsed no one's come up with an anal cork to prevent fluatations from ruining all that expensive gear. : ;D

Shooting off the shelf and traditional. I've always shot feathers. Plastic vanes are an abomination to me anyway! But I have found that scotchguard works pretty good on keeping feathers dry, even in steady rain. SAnymore I also use a fleece hood on my quiver for rainy or snowy days.

HounderEmily... very good advice!

Good Luck, Bill.. I wish you well. Would love to see some pic's of your bows!?

Yup.. I concur with what Woodsdweller said. Another point... it is movement that will get you busted by a whitetail.. not the color of your clothing.

I'm not worried about the Anti's. What worries me, is all those Forrest Gump Shows on the Outhouse Channel and Versus. The non-Hunting public thinks these tobacco chewing yookums are "professional" hunters. Truth is in many cases they are hunting farm raised animals over food plots and high fenced range. Most of these types couldn't find their way out of my yard with a map, gps and string attached from one end to the other. With all the laughing, snickering, high fiving, poor shots and phony editing. This is a terrible example portrayal of true hunting to the non-hunting public. And since he was mentioned, "Uncle Ted" is a whacked out horse's ass that has done more to fuel the Anti's than draw anything positive toward hunting in general.

I believe hunting was better when "Doe Permit" allocations were very conservative and any antlered buck was fair game. I do see some merit in AR, but I also see and hear complaints from other hunters, in other states that have been locked out of previously accessible land, because of QDM and AR. Properties getting locked up in big money leases, etc.

In light rain or drizzle absolutely.. seem to see a lot of deer during this time. Heavy downpours and pouring rain - No. Pneumonia is not part of the deal on this! :

An archer is only as good as their practice. But, I totaly agree. 2 dozen great arrows is a lot better than 100 poor ones.

Traditional Only here... two Northern Mist Longbows, 1 Northwind Flatbow and 1 Howard Hill Longbow.

Longbow 51# @ 28 - no problems with passthru's either.

Well.. I have been hunting a particular buck for 3 seasons now as of this year. And I have eaten tag soup as a result. This buck will either die of old age, car accident or shot by another hunter. But as of Today, he is still alive and well. And he is the one I am hunting. However, I will take a doe on the Antlerless tag first this time around. Meat for the freezer first. But there is still a single buck I am hunting.

That really stinks. Just when the moose population in the North Country is growing; and hoping we have a Moose lottery hunt at some point in the not too distant future. This is not good news.

You are right there, Doc. I'd rather see a more liberal age structure for when our kids can begin hunting. And they (DEC) also needs to expand the Black Bear range - which they have been dragging their knuckles on the ground for at least a couple years now. One thing is for sure. The DEC can never be accused of jumping into anything quickly!

I am looking forward to the grouse opener this year! Can actually get two weekends in BEFORE the Arhery Season starts!

What a Great Dog! All the best with him for many years to come!