SteveMcD

Here in Southeast New York (Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester.. definitely over hunted. Any public land available gets hammered pretty hard, and any private land available isd usually locked up in a lease or hunting club, so with so little land left, the private access parcels get just as hammered as the state land almost. I stick to Bow Only areas, especially during the Gun Season and don't mind walking the extra mile further back in the woods.

Seeing more deer than I have in the past few years, definitely not as many as 20 years ago. But more than in the past five years. Some nice rack bucks too.

I think it is a best guess game, based upon the previous and current years harvest record, road kills, DMAP's etc. SO the DEC can only issue permits based upon past date, so if you have a year with high amopunt of doe permits and then a one two punch of a bad winter, and the desired effect goe down the drain. There are way too many DMP's given out in many areas, particularly Region 3 where I live. But, I still believe it is the Farm Bureau and the Auto Insurance companies that influence the number of DMP's given out, and not necessarily the scientific data by itself.

When I was young I couldn't be choosy and the venison helped supplement our freezer and our tight budget. Anymore, no... I pick and choose the deer I will shoot. And sometimes it does mean Tag Soup.

Why pick the fruit before it is ripe? I think where Antler Restrictions have been implemented there have been nothing but positive results, in the deer herd, quality of deer taken and hunter satisfaction, after a year or so when the benefits begin to pay off. I also like the fact that areas with Antler Restrictions attract a higher caliber hunter (other than the brown down crowd). But, I am also in favor of "Home Rule" . What works well in one Region or WMU may not at all work well in another. It depends.

I agree. Leave the season as it is. October 1st is too early, still gets very warm. As far as the later part of the season goes. Hunting during the "Lock Down" in the rut is pretty dull too. Sometimes you hit it, sometimes you don't. Mid October is a great time to take advantage of bears too.... they will be feeding heavily during this time.

Sounds like the writer was searching for an article to write and needed to fill some space with extra verb-age. I gave up on hunting mags for advice decades ago. Most articles aren't right or wrong... they just fill up space with content so the publisher and distribute his advertizers products - that's where they make their money - not on subscriptions.

I totally disagree. Early season is a great time. It is the early Lull... but knowing deer patterns ad food sources and bedding areas is always key.

Sadly, I think the generation coming into the sport. Do not recognize hunting as a sport. With all the techno gear, clothing, trail cameras, sprays, food plots... it is no longer viewed as fair chase... it is viewed as ENTITLEMENT. I had a fellow in my regular Hunter Ed class last year who felt that if he was paying thousands of dollars for a guided hunt he should be guaranteed to come home with an animal. I remember a time when deer were not as numerous and seasons and tags were not as liberal as they are today. Folks hunted with recurves and longbows.... success was in the experiences of the hunt, not necessarily what was on the meat pole. And some years were lean years.. but the memories are forever. Me.. I still hunt for the hunt's sake. For a lot of those gadgets, scents ad things off the store shelf. As the old saying goes.. a fool and his money are soon parted. Technology should never be a replacement for skill.

Same here. I think they scare more deer away than attract. Especially, when the average deer in your area is only 1.5 years old. Probably scares the hell of them. I rattled ad grunted a 12 pointer in, in 1995 and he came charging in looking for a fight. That was the only time it ever worked for me. Although, he came in so fast I did not have time to grab my bow for a shot!

Bill said, "I would have liked to meet Howard Hill". I would have to agree with you there Bill. Would have bee nice. There is a quote from Howard Hill, I will always remember. Most people probably do not know this, but Howard Hill was also an ordained minister. He was asked once, how did you manage to keep your faith on the straight and narrow after running around with Hollywood types like Errol Flynn? Howard replied, "Even if you have to step into a pig pen, as long as you don't do what the pigs do, you can still step out clean". .

Longbow - Northern Mist Reverse Handle "Whisper" - 51# @ 28 - Bamboo Limbs & Core, Cocobolo Handle and Nock/Overlays Longbow - Northern Mist Reflex/Deflex "Baraga" - 53# @ 28 - American Elm & Bacote Handle and Nock/Overlays Longbow - Howard Hill "Halfbreed" 52# @ 28 - Bamboo Core, Yew Back & Belly, Cocobolo Handle and Nock/Overlays Flatbow - Northwind Flatbow 55# @ 28 - Red Elm Limbs & Core, Bubinga & Maple stripped Handle

I love hunting the late season, and have taken more than a few deer at the 11th hour so to speak. It is peaceful, the weekend warriors are gone, and it is just like hunting the early archery season where peace and solitutde are concerned. The late season snow tends to be pristine. The deer are more hunter weary, but are also concentrating on eating to get through the winter. Find the food and you'll find the deer.

Well, unfortunately, I did not meet Fred Bear. But I have met Glenn St. Charles on a few occassions. However, these men had class, and I doubt considered themselves "Celebrity" status. They are and were just dedicated to the sport they loved. To me the real heros of the sport are the grass roots men and women, that mentor themselves to next generation and those that want to learn. They are often very active in many outdoor groups, and give advise freely without expecting to get PAID for it. Passing it on is reward onto itself. Not to rain on the parade but, awarding celebrity status to the "Forrest Gumps" of the Outdoor Channel seems absurd to me. They are about the "Business" of hunting NOT the "Sport" of hunting.

Hi, Elmer.. smething to consider for sure. RT84 and LimeKiln Rd. that's where I work! At the Fishkill Plant!

My fingers.

I like the Magnus 2 Blade Vented. Vented heads fly better and less likely to plane. I just mounted same STOS 2 Blades for the coming Season. They have the 3:1 width length ratio and fly like field tips. Will have to see, but they tell me they cut like butter and have excellent penetration and pass thru.

Whitetail1... Clarance Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands are open to Bow Only.

I hunt Dutchess and Putnam quite a lot, since I live in the area. Occasionally Westchester but no need to go that far. Dutchess is strictly private land for the most part, Putnam has a lot of open public land to Bowhunters.

Shooting at 7 AM this morning. Not exactly going to win any IBO awards, but not too Shabby. All shots were 20 to 25 yards. Hot one today close to 100 degrees. Heck, my glasses were constantly steaming up at 7 AM!!! Yes, for you HH affectionatoes... that is a Howard Hill Halfbreed - custom made for me by Craig Ekin. Bamboo core with extra lam of Bamboo, Yew on the back and belly. Sterling Silver running deer inlay, Named under Glass - "Autumn's Whisper. Pulls #52 @ 28 You guys know the drill we all do it. Had to take "just one more shot" to see if we're still on. (And if I pulled it.. I could have been there another half hour!!! LOL!

Very Cool FastEddie..! Very! Semper Fi!

HI, Bill.. yes I remember you telling my that. I am a past director at Ti Yogi Bowman, and Past President and current Director of Neighbors Gun Club in Rhinebeck. Still plenty of areas to hunt here but getting harder and harder with development. I know Walden Sportsman's Club, they have a Traditional Only Shoot every Labor Day. I've been with IBM for 35 years... hopefully just a few more to go. I certainly ain't staying longer than 40. Got some property up in Gilboa, and plan to move up that way when I retire.

I don't go in the trees anymore either. I set up multiple natural ground blinds and hunt them depending on wind and weather conditions. I pick up a 12 x 12 foot piece of camo burlap from Hunter Specialties or Bass Pro shops for about 15 dollars or so, and it works great.

I like Judo's but I also like the Ace Hex Head as well.

Yup.. Fletch my own. I like 3 x 5 inch Barred Shield Cut Feathers myself the best. I also have used 4 x 4 inch parabolic fletch. But I like 3-5 Shield cut best. Don't bother with glue anymore Fletch Tape is the best stuff since Bottled Beer!