moog5050

for those using rope, can you attach it direct to a tree without worrying about kinking like a metal cable or is that still a bad idea? It would be nice if it saved one step when I am stuck.

Bingo. Therein lies the problem Steve. Many like to set the minimum level of difficulty, effort etc. where they are comfortable with it. I find it interesting that many that hunt with trad bows like you have no objection to crossbows. I really don't care myself and go from wanting to hunt with a trad bow, to only wanting the compound at times. Frankly, I like the option. But to each his own. I actually find the compound easier to hunt with than a xbow as its more maneuverable in the stand.

Great read and effort as it is every year. Enjoy FL!

Not going to lie, I had no clue we had that much public within an hour of Rochester. I need to get out more.

Way to get er done. Well earned buddy!

Pretty sure he killed a PY buck already with the new one. Good start. Lol

I am not scared of a little recoil. Lol

was waiting for you to chime in on the wraith buddy. lol I think the 224 valk got a bad rap early on because one of the early ammo manufacturers had issues but I find mine is pretty darn accurate. And likely ammo is more available because finally there are more folks manufacturing it and fewer users as its not as common of a cartridge.

What if you have to shoot left or right?

It’s a nice option and still steadies the gun if you have to lean it left or right to shoot a different direction. None of my stands have shooting rails so nothing gets in the way of moving / leaning the stick.

I carry my primos trigger stick. Works on the mesh platform. And I hang it off the stand from the trigger so it’s not in the way. Happened too fast this year to use it but it will work time permitting.

I think Jonny was updating the distance requirements, something you should have done long ago Biz!

I would be bummed if NY went to one buck rule. In fact, I would much prefer two buck tags to be used in any season. Admittedly that is because I will often see two good shooters in bow, at least more often than seeing one in regular season and one in bow. I don't agree with the fairness argument as anyone that wants can hunt archery and ML seasons, just do the course and learn to hunt with a bow or even crossbow.

Looks like the same buck in all 3 to me John. By the way, I saw the rack on your bow buck at Jasons - gorgeous!

I have a savage 110 predator in 243 that is a tack driver. Has the accustock and trigger. Worth a look. These are higher end than the axis models and price reflects it. 24" bull barrel so its not a light gun - 8lbs-ish.

No need to pin a 5rd mag for you. Its only for featured "assault rifles."

No doubt you can kill yotes at night with a light set, rifle, scope and calls. And I don't ever yote hunt daytime, but they are often killed during the day so a light set might not be needed at all. I must admit, its pretty darn exciting to pull one out at 400-500yds at night and watch them close the distance through thermal. Almost as exciting as a big buck closing in during bow. Tough to see that with lights. Plus its a bit more social type of hunting for me. I agree that one should try it before dropping serious cash. To each his own. I personally love the thermal and don't regret buying it at all. And most of the hunters that have tried it with me, really enjoy it.

The distance between the bases is set so the rack would look pretty funky if you just bend them down instead of a natural position but yes I suppose you could cheat some. You could make a spike look like the antlers were growing sideways if you like I suppose. lol

How about a 224 Valkyrie upper for the 6.8 lower. One more option.

I have a 204 but if you want to be more certain of recovery I would step up to at least a 223 for a dedicated yote rig. I read a lot about runners with the 204. I think you have the 6.8 IIRC so adding a 204 for deer season yote hunting makes sense. But if you only had one yote gun, not sure I would want to rely on a 204.

If you can stretch the budget, I would consider a $500 AR and call around to see what kind of deal you could get on a hogster 35mm thermal (around $2500 new) or see if you can grab one used on predator master forum. You could still use red light to scan or scan with the rifle. A thermal allows you to see so much more. if you want to stay in budget, I know one member here who kills his fair share with a wraith NV scope and loves it. Pair it up with rifle of choice and you are well under budget. But you may have to resist the urge to go thermal at some later date.

2k for scope and rifle?

Curious if anyone else tried this antler display system. My wife has no objections to antlers but hates euros. So I tried this for a couple of euros that I had in the basement. Pretty neat for displaying antlers. Fully adjustable and the antlers can be removed by sliding off the post. Not a bad and inexpensive way to display antlers when you don’t plan a full shoulder mount. Saves room too.

Welcome.

Very happy Bday to you!