JFB

Does anyone know if the NRA threw in any major money or effort specifically to fight against Cuomo this election? Or did they feel it was a forgone conclusion b/c of NYC? I saw no evidence of them in the fight.

Scrapes would be the least of my strategy. Not only is the optimal time to hunt scrapes past, but the pressure of gun also changes day time activity. Focus on escape routes, thick or less pressured cover, and doe groups.

Man, thats a tough call. Sure seems extremely similar however if you look at the trail cam pic of his right side G3 it has a little curl to is. The buck killed G3 is straight... not sure if that curl characteristic is apt to go away in a year. The brow tines are a tough comparison b/c the buck killed lost one side but the other side seems smaller? Overall I'd have to guess no.

First, well done for not just taking a poor or dangerous shot. For WAY too many hunters the potential "ends justifies the means" and they take terrible shots, including running shots which the vast majority of hunters can't pull off at high percentages. As for your question, it kind of depends on the body language of the deer. Often time, even when they are staring at you, you can sometimes slowly raise a gun or move. Other times, you can not move a muscle and they bust. Where was the wind going and could they also smell you? How good was your backdrop concealing your human outline, etc. All those things factor in weather you can make a move. I also believe in not allowing the deer to look in my eyes and I squint when they are that close looking my direction. Call it silly, but I believe they see or sense a predators eyes so if I were to draw I'd not be staring a hole through him as I did it. But if he started out 15 ft from me, and then walked away beyond your range, at some point I would have raised a riffle. If the houses were still in the back drop, you're just out of luck regardless. Personally, I'd pick a different ambush point but not be far from where you were. Ask yourself, where was he going and why? Then pick your ambush spot. Stay disciplined, good luck.

Couldn't stomach to read all the posts, but I know what Belo is saying and I have to agree. As one small example, most of my neighbors party all October and early November and largely stay out of the woods until GUN season. Come Saturday, it was the old "5 shots in under 8 seconds" over and over and over. Many bow hunters also do stupid things but you have to admit gun season brings out an entire new breed of moron and in strong numbers.

This season I had the chance to track and observe many archers shots. I also was able to read descriptions here of many hits that needed help finding deer. I preface this by saying I am far from claiming to be superior and also less than lethal shots happen to everyone and I'm glad we all learn from them. However, to review my observations, the majority of wounded game resulted from poor shot SELECTION rather than execution. Majority of the hunters I spoke to (and also read) described shots such as quartering to, straight down, straight on in brisket, or aiming too close to shoulder. Sure, some of these can be lethal but majority of time it's not a recovered deer. The other big thing I learned this year is how NON lethal a one lung hit can be. Speak to very experienced hunters and they will tell you it's a 50/50 proposition in their opinion. So I mention that to hopefully speed up the learning curve to some of the less experienced archers and also a good way to hold myself accountable and remind myself to select high percentage shots.

I just ordered a new Triumph. So I will be posting my Encore ML, walnut blued with upgraded T ram rod and great trigger job. Interchangeable frame. Tack driver and if by chance someone wanted to shoot it prior to my taking off my Leupold, it will hit bull at 100 yards. But I really have no idea what to ask for it? Advice appreciated. Thanks.

Unless it's a downpour, rain not a major issue for the dogs. People walking all over searching (which spreads scent different places) is worse for the dog. If it's dead, you have a decent chance at recovery. Best of luck!

Are people who don't plan to hunt certain areas still obtaining the extra permits in those areas because theirs were unavailable? That would be lousy if guys who plan to actually hunt those areas get snubbed because people just took them because their choice was closed.

Could not agree more! Hanging in there is one thing, but often being out of the woods pays huge dividends by hunting selectively. In my opinion, this gives those bucks you see on your trail cams a chance to be comfortable during daylight hours because you've not burned the area. Hunting as much as many do, and they get educated mighty quick.

Does the Ozonics actually create a smell as stated that "deer don't recognize"? My limited understanding was that it somehow neutralized or diminished your scent, not create cover scent??

I am a current member of Deer Search. Although I'm fairly inexperienced still, you do not need direct permission from the land owner. The hunter signs off that HE/SHE has permission to be on the land and Deer Search then calls the DEC to notify them of the search and provides the landowner name. If a trespass occurs, it's the hunters violation. As a side note, best results occur from the dogs when people do not contaminate the woods by spreading scent and blood. This sounded like a non fatal hit to me and in my opinion a good effort was made to recover. Keep at it kid!

This is a classic case for Deer Search. Leave a message on their machine and if there is an available volunteer they will happily attempt to help if possible and call you back if they are available. I know many of the members actually take vacation days off on Mondays for tracking. If you intend to use them, just wait for them because people tromping through the woods does little other than spread blood and scent making the job harder for the dogs. If it's a gut shot and not pushed, it is VERY likely found by them. Best of luck.

Huge congratulations for passing on him. In my opinion (assuming you hunt decent ground), I sure wish more guys would be able to do the same. I too hunt decent ground with neighbors who all blast pretty much whatever they see... But that does not make me just give in and shoot deer that I know will blow up if he makes it to 4.5 or 3.5. And very often, it pays off. Sure, at times I eat "buck tag soup" but I never eat "tag soup" because there are doe I harvest. Bottom line, if it doesn't light your fire or challenge you give it a pass and you'll more often be rewarded with something that really lights you up. Who knows, maybe he walks by on another day and you decide to take him for whatever reason and thats great too. It's all relative to each hunter but I'm at a point where if it's not somewhere +/- 130" it's probably not going to get a trigger pull. But again, it's all relative based on your area, experiences, and desires on a given day/year. Congrats again and thanks for sharing.

At the risk of beating the dead horse, I really think you didn't do enough to secure your relationship with the land owner. And I'm a little concerned that after loosing the land to someone else your response is "wait till I find him".... And did or would you go to this wealthy home owner with a painted face?? I'm on the other side of your fence. I'm the guy who spends 50% of his time and efforts securing good private land and taking extreme measures to lock it down and protect it. If that means I end up securing land over someone who did not do those things, I don't think I'm the bad guy. I've lost land too, but I don't blame the takers. I suggest you congratulate the new hunters, offer help, and see if there's room for you.

Just curious how you contacted them? When the hypodermic came out, I had a question about the new style of rings that hold the blade so I called them. They picked up the phone and answered my questions. I'd be surprised that if you called them and said you had issues that they would not respond in some manner.

For anyone wanting to train their dogs or learn more, Deer search is a great voluntary organization. I joined this Deer Search FLC (deersearchflc.com) this spring and have found the people very welcoming. Unfortunately they get more calls than they can handle and they certainly welcome new members to help track. Licensing was no major issue to accomplish.

Thanks to Larry for meeting up with me today and hooking me up with a couple old cameras! It was good to meet you and thanks again.

Lol, I'll send you PM. Thanks. This will assist in my sting operation so if anyone else has any sort of junk trail camera let me know. Thanks all.

Thanks guys. Lawdwaz keep me posted.

I'm looking for a non working trail camera or two if anyone is willing to donate. It will be used to catch trespassers vandalizing stands and stealing camera's. Ideal would be within a half hour drive of Rochester, or I'd send you money for shipping. Thanks!

It was Heritage in Phelps. I can not say enough great things about them. Yes, they are busy and the only way to assure yourself is to set an appointment. But when it was my turn, all focus was 100% on me and my bow. If it was close to season, well I don't think many shops aren't back logged but perhaps you got lost in the shuffle by accident. Mike seems like a first rate guy who tries hard. He sure knows how to tune a bow.

I live in Rochester and purchased a new bow there because he had the one I wanted in stock. After they set it up, I could tell it was far from tuned, not to mention it was like pulling teeth to get them to line up my peep properly. It was a brand new Mathews and among other things it had a loud metal "twang" sound. I wasn't getting anywhere so I drove to Phelps after setting an appointment with that shop. They gladly worked with me (the way it should be) and didn't even make me feel like I was putting them out (as it should be). They now have my business.

If you're "calling" him on the phone I think thats a big mistake. No one likes the phone, let alone someone soliciting them or leaving messages. I would only call well after I have an established relationship with the owner. I guess I'm also confused as to how you don't know the new owner but have talked to the wife and also know he lives a far ways away? I'm not picking on you, I just don't fully understand the situation. Bottom line for me, no phone calls, and at best a tactfully written letter if you can't get in front of the owner in person. Also, if the owner is that far removed about whats going on at the property I would expect several trespassers are probably hunting on the land.

There web site is Toschconsulting.com You'll enjoy meeting them or discussing a potential project.