zoschag08

Has anyone hunted here? Looking into doing some bow hunting in the refuge this year. Was wondering what kind of pressure it receives, access points that are most commonly used, etc.

The forum has been down for maintenance for a while but can get a ton of information for the Facebook page. Or DIY sportsman's YouTube channel. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

Oh by all means I get where you're coming from with wanting to be in the woods. A couple years ago I filled my PA buck tag (was living there at the time) the second day of archery, no way I was passing on him. It made for a slow fall that's for sure. I guess at the end it all just comes down to personal preference

I disagree. If you wouldn't shoot it the first day why the last? If it comes down to filling the freezer I get it but if it's just about filling the tag I don't agree with lowering your standards because the season is ending. Just my two cents, to each their own.

If you're looking into modifications you need to check out the hunting beast. There are so many different mods being done that anything you could think of someone has a thread related to it.

I think you're taking what it says too literally. If there are more mature bucks then the rut won't last as long allowing the younger bucks to spend less time seeking. This also allows for the proper birthing times to occur, thus longer growing times before fall, and healthier fawns going into the winter. I understand how these things could be considered a stretch but it makes a ton of sense also. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

https://www.qdma.com/mature-bucks-needs-em/ This article can explain it way better than I would be able to. I know parts of it aren't as applicable in northern states but the overall concept of young bucks exerting too much energy during the rut is huge. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

They do say that a balanced age range in bucks is important. Having too many young bucks negativity impacts the health of the herd. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

Believe me I know. Grew up there, have walked into bow range many of times on the big bulls. Just would like a chance at them since I grew up with them. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

How bout it. I've been putting in for an elk tag for 10 years now. Haven't been drawn, same can be said for family members/friends. A couple have been doing since the hunt started are completely maxed out in points and still nothing..makes you end up going out west where you can buy the license over the counter. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

Having grown up with the reintroduction of elk in PA you're completely right. The game commission has had to put in food plots to help them expand, they don't do well in deep woods settings. They're also more destructive than domestic cattle, farmers/landowners with fruit trees have had major issues with the elk here. I enjoy seeing them as much as the next guy but ideally they wouldn't have brought them back. Just my opinion. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

Elk are mainly grazers, they wouldn't do well in the big woods up there. The game commission has had to put in tons of food plots to help the elk herd thrive. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

That's good to know. The owner said he wanted to reduce the herd. I'd feel bad if I couldn't help him out a little. Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

That'd be awesome. I'll see what I can find and go from there. That was what I was seeing for the WMU also, just haven't been to the property yet to know exactly where it is. Thanks for the help! Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk

Looking at the map it would be either 8F or 8H depending on where exactly the property is. That'd be awesome if they were still available, I'll have to check it out. Thanks! Sent from my QTASUN1 using Tapatalk