The_Field_Ager

She is absolutely correct. Hunting during gun season is inherently dangerous. We all know it, which is why we take the precautions we do. We are playing risky odds every time we go afield. More often than not we have uneventful hunts. But once in a while something goes horribly wrong. Gun hunting is dangerous. I have access to an extra 20 acres on my neighbors side. He doesn't hunt anymore because bullets went whizzing past his head one year. He felt the risk was not worth the reward.

Exactly, once legal light passed he crossed into the realm of criminal activity

These guys are not hunters. They are desperate, deranged opportunists who know or care nothing for the craft or ethics of hunting. One at least is a future Jail-bird, nothing more. Driving my car at 100 miles an hour down the freeway does not make me a race-car driver

Is there something in the tap water down there!?

Gunners also need to know that crossbow inclusion means less deer for them during gun. I was surprised by the amount of harvested deer this year during archery at the processors. The operator said they were mostly crossbow kills and harvest numbers were way up. I suspect it will be the gunners, not the archers that turn on the x-bow going forward. Pass the popcorn

Most archery guys are gun guys also.

Ultimately I harvested my 2nd biggest Buck to date with a bow so it ended on a high. I made a bad shot, but got lucky. Turns out my bow had taken a knock and was pulling way left. This must have contributed, but the shot was still somewhat rushed. A big lesson was learned as regards staying frosty and alert when known Bucks are cruising. Also, I need to check tuning more often. I had passed on a few smaller Bucks, one was a 2 year old basket 8. Hope he makes it. The wind really did effect the over-all quality of hunting conditions quite negatively. Wind is the worst of all weather imho.

Hillary and Bill still walk among us. Crazy

Went for a walk earlier to check cams and take down umbrellas. No hoof prints in the snow. The opener has the deer on lock-down . Yesterday my guest hunter got himself a 4 pointer. He was happy. His 2nd Buck I believe

Well....here we go. Gotta a Buddy driving out to hunt with me for the 1st time. He's pretty stoked. Weather report has me less stoked . I have no real need/desire of another Buck/deer this season. I am bringing my Bow afield again. However, if the 7 year old is still on his feet and decides to pass by, then maybe I might take the Bow of its hanger. G'luck ya'll

Those precious moments when the big boys hove into view makes all the vacant hours, or passing of the little guys, worth it. If I saw/shot big Bucks every time I went hunting, I would probably tire of hunting very quickly

Just got back from the processors. Someone was having a caped out Buck picked up for Taxidermy. The thing was a beast. Looked to be 6 years old, maybe more. Can't remember the points (lots) but nice crab claws on both beams with long, tall Gs. Taxidermist seemed to think it was taken in Holland, NY Anyone know of this deer? Should have taken a pic

If you cut off those 4 points it gets even lighter

Looks like an over nighter. Back out, come back in the mornin

You should have shot him in the azz like I did with my Buck. Kidding...don't ever shoot a deer in the azz like I did.

Precisely why I got into Bow, was seeing all the pre gun rut activity well in advance of the season

What you eat?

Boot specs here: https://www.zappos.com/p/kamik-bushman-black/product/8360877/color/3

This season I have been afield in the Kamik Men's Bushman Snow Boot. So far so good. Much cheaper than the Mucks I used to get.I was outside for a couple of hours today. No cold toe issues. I do wear 2 pairs of socks tho. That for me is the key to warm tootsies. Layers on layers

Don't forget the rifle elitists who only hunt the wilds of the Adirondacks, stalking for days with nothing but a wool blanket and an axe to keep them alive.

Sounds like a blanket statement based on emotion being used to justify your stance. If your feelings are all you have to go on then you really don't have anything to go on

Never understood the animosity between Bow and gunners. If you are gunner who resents the extra time bow hunters enjoy, get a bow and stop whining. That's what I did when I was solely a gunner. Easy peasy. And my bow is ancient, 14 years old and going strong. You can pick up similar for 100 dollars or less. Money need not be a major hurdle.

Beautiful day. Am actually thinking of braving the cold to sit a while and do some pre-gun observation . Cams have not shown much last few days.

Just stick those giant lower back sticky heat pads on. Much quicker