IronBucks

I wasn't aiming at the neck, I was going for a lung shot. He wasn't perfectly broadside, but more broadside than quartering towards. I feel like when the shot went by, his nose was almost even with his hind quarters already and he definitely dropped down before leaping. He didn't get into a leap before the shot flew by..so it was more that he contorted his body than actually leaped before the shot went by.

I'll start this with caveat that I am not new to hunting, but I this is only my second season hunting with the bow and I didn't have the chance to take a shot at anything last year. Saturday morning I am walking out into the woods after getting a little bit of a late start (new born at home!!!). I started into the woods at about 6:45. I was about 2 minutes into a 45 minute walk to get to my stand and as I peeked around the edge of a corn field, and I saw a decent 6 standing about 35 yards away. I ducked back into the corn, pulled an arrow and watched it come a little closer. I had a shooting lane and it stopped at 25 yards. It spotted me as I was drawing the bow and we both stood still. I waited about 30 seconds to see if it would just start eating again, but it didn't. From there it seemed like it all happened in slow motion. After about 10 seconds I had a shot lined up and I let it fly. The moment I could see the lighted nock in flight turned its head towards its rear and leaped. It seemed like it moved a couple of feet while the arrow was still flying. I could see the nock fly within inches of its neck. I figured I either grazed it or just missed. I waited about 15 minutes and walked over. I found my arrow and there were no signs of blood or fur. I would think maybe my shot was off if I missed high or low from incorrectly judging distance, but it flew just in front of the deer and I know I could see it moving while the arrow was in flight because of the lighted nock. Is this jumping the string phenomenon a real thing? I thought it was just folklore. If it is true, is there anything you can do to help silence the noise? I have a PSE Stinger with mostly stock equipment on it.

I've got a decent little blind built, but I didn't have a lot of time to scout it out yet, so I've got cameras in there this week so I can settle on a nice spot to build a better one.

Ha! Thanks for the tips. I was more worried about the headache than staying awake as well... No to climbers as well. I just found out we lost our camp a few weeks ago and after a LONG door to door campaign, this was the first person who let me on the land so I didn't want to press my luck when he said no stands. This is a big adjustment for me. I am still looking for additional properties but I am thankful to have a place to hunt at all!

Was wondering what your opinions are on drinking coffee while hunting. I usually hunt up in the air but I lost my camp last year and this is the first time in 15+ years I will be hunting from the ground. I've got permission to hunt on a corn farm but the owner is skittish about tree stands. I am really concerned about scent control...but I also want to stay awake out there!

No pistol permit unfortunately...

So are you better off making noise...standing still...running...taking time to empty your shorts?

I was out scouting some farm land near the southern ADK's and setting up a trail cam last night and I had an interesting encounter. I was walking back home at dusk and I saw some movement off in the distance. I thought it was two fawn at first and then I realized they were coyote...about 75 yards out. I tucked back behind a tree just to watch them for a bit. They were walking straight at me and I wasn't sure what to do if they got close as I am fairly new to coyote country and I was only armed with a bottle of Gatorade. As I was deciding what to do about 5-6 more of their friends rounded the bend right behind them. So...my question is what do you do when you encounter a pack of Coyote? Are they generally scared off by humans? This made me a little nervous about jumping them pre-dawn when I am only armed with a bow. I live hear this farm and we can hear the coyotes howling on some nights but I've never actually encountered them.

Arsenaults - 518-321-2008 OR 518-881-8852. If I remember correctly they didn't open until mid-bow season last year.

I used Arsenaults Deer Cutting on Route 9 last year. They are located near exit 10. The main business is firewood but you will see a deer processing sign. I don't have the number on me but I can post it later.

Thanks again for the advice! I'm using the 2" Rage 2 Chisel. I thought the collar was used with the O-ring...I'm glad I asked!

Thanks Geno! Are you using them on your set?

I saw one thread about the Rage Extreme's. I bought a set to use this season as well, but haven't had the chance to do so...yet! I was wondering if any of the other Rage users have had success using the shock collars. I have been too tentative to put them on until I heard some feedback from others. My blades have slipped out of the O-Ring while walking a couple of times and I've had to reset them. Just wondering if the collars would help.

I made my rounds to different properties over the weekend. Everyeone that I talked with was more than friendly, but the typical response was "I've already got 14 cousins that hunt here", etc. Any other ideas?

I have used Jim Leary in Albany. He is located near Crossgates Mall. I believe he does business as 5th season processing. (518) 438-2755.

Thanks for the advice. I've started a little door to door campaign with no luck just yet, but will keep trying! Any ideas on "something special" to offer? I have thought of paying cash, offering meat, offering labor, maybe even a nice bottle of scotch! Haha!

I am new to the capital region and I had been hunting on the same land for the past 6 years, but will not have rights this year because the property was sold. I am trying to find some ideas for places to hunt in, or close to, Saratoga County. I have played around on the DEC website for public land, but it can be a bit confusing. From what I have heard, the public land around here is very crowded during the hunting season. I am open to hunting on public land (mainly during bow season), but i'd prefer to have something private for gun for my own safety. I can really only get out there 2-3 weekends during the season. I even thought of dropping off flyers to some local farmers near my house but I was sure if that would tick people off! I was going to pay, barter labor, or even or meat for rights to hunt occasionally. I'd be open for any suggestions! Thanks!