grampy

We have a bit over 650 acres. And have a good chunk of state land that borders ours. We also have some very thick spots that are tough to drive. But that is where the deer are shortly after firearms opener. To make two man drives successful, you have to know the land very well. We have hunted here all our lives.

Used to have fletchings fly off occasionally when I shot aluminum arrows. Not so much with the carbons. Sorry you had such bad luck at the worst possible time! I've had some weird things cost me a few deer over the years too.

Congratulations Tim! Way to go! I love bucks like this one. So much character! Apparently quite the scrapper too!

Anyone looking at that mount would never be able to tell. Very nice work!!!

Did my first deer drive in 1973. Back then the older guys organized the drives, and did it with military precision. Everyone knew their place, and a lot of deer were killed and tagged with party permits. Everyone got some meat. When the old guys passed on, the big drive heydays were over. Because new guys coming in, wouldn't or couldn't do it the way we were used to. Nobody would listen. Everyone wanted to be the planner, even if they didn't known the land! If the brush was too thick, they'd walk around it. If the hill to steep they couldn't keep up. If left to stand, they'd move or even leave if they got too cold! And drivers who just plain got lost, and wouldn't answer calls! It became dangerous, and absolutely no fun at all. Eventually, my hunting partner and I just stopped inviting "them" to hunt with us. We were called greedy, and some "other" names. Too bad, our land! We'd had enough BS! But.....my hunting partner and I, over the last 25-30 years have become masters of the two man drive! And have both killed many deer the other has put to him. We usually will do it towards the end of the season. And usually the one with no buck tag left, pushes for the one that hasn't shot a buck. Or if we want an extra doe for the freezer. We both know exactly what the other is doing at any point. And it's a blast! Very seldom now, will we ever join someone else's drive. Or invite someone on ours. If we do have guests, Gary and I will personally place them to stand. And we push to them.

Sako 85 Classic in 270. Topped with 3x9x40 Zeiss Conquest. Fed with 140 gr Nosler BTs I handloaded myself.

I'm ready to head out!! Should be a fun day! It's the "Magic Day" of Nov 10th!!!! Most years on this day, I'll see something to remember! Hopefully a big fat doe will come to me today! Not quite as cold as yesterday morning. Best of luck to all heading out!

Been out all day in three different stands because of wind shifts. Was looking to shoot a doe. Of course with no buck tag, I saw nine different bucks! A couple of doe too, but no shots because the bucks were chasing them! Its on here! Right on time as tomorrow is the "Magic Day" of November 10th ! Best of luck to all going out tomorrow!

Congratulations Terry! Beautiful buck!!! Good things happen to good people!

It's November 9th! Don't need anymore motivation than that to get up and out!! Just finished breakfast and having coffee. In the teens for the temp. Will head back to the oak ridge where I shot my buck last weekend. Looking for a big fat doe with my bow. I know an elderly couple that could use some meat in their freezer this winter. And my partner and I will make sure it gets filled. Best of luck to all heading out! Today and tomorrow will be among the best deer hunting days of the year! Enjoy em! And have fun out there!

Except for the politics and taxes here in NY, it is the best state for outdoorsmen, and women I have ever seen. And I've been to all lower 48 states in my younger years. The beauty and diversity of NY is unequalled anywhere. With anything an outdoors person could possibly want. Thank you for your service. I'll think of you on my 48th opening morning, looking out over the hill as the sun rises. Hoping to bring you just a little closer to home.......

Way to go Mike!! You going Native on me?......lol Congratulations my friend!

Did you recover him?

Great buck congratulations! And welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the forum Captain! If you have several bucks on cam at night, this WILL be the weekend, to see some daytime movement! Set up near travel funnels and pinch points. Also, hunt the doe! The bucks will be close to them! Could see buck movement at any time of the day too. So be out as much as ya can. On the way to work this morning, had a nice buck with nose to the ground cross Rt.158 in front of me, from the big corn field. At the intersection of 146 and 158, a small buck was standing in the open in the grassy area to the left. I wish I could be out there instead of work! But will be out with the compound in the morning. Doing what the bucks are doing. Looking for a doe! Sunday is the best day of the year!!! The "Magic Day" of November 10th!! And the weather will be perfect!

Alot can go wrong with a 25 yard shot on a live deer. Even for good archers. At almost twice that distance a lot more can go wrong. Not a slam on you! Just saying.

Just a low volume, soft "mee" to stop them. And be sure to be already on them, and at full draw before you do it! As soon as they stop, aim small.... and release.

Otto, no matter how much we prepare, practice, or participate, these things unfortunately happen to bow hunters. And gun hunters too. Any number of unforseen factors can contribute to a poor hit. All we can hope for is to keep it to a minimum, over the course of our years in the woods. You did all you could do. That shows the respect you have for these animals, like all good hunters should have. And you surely learned something this time, to help prevent a next time. But never any guarantee's for any of us, anytime we step in the woods to hunt. Yes it hurts. And it should! But pick up and move on. Best of luck to ya out there. Redemption can be sweet.

Voorheesville, Slingerlands, Delmar, Elsmere....that whole area has pockets of Giant bucks! Limited access, and bow only, insures they get some age on em. And age is the number one factor in BIG bucks. I know these areas very well. And have seen mega giants in all of them over the years. Even gained a couple small places to hunt here and there, but didn't put much effort into them. Just couldn't get used to hunting small woodlots surrounded by houses, with dogs barking, and kids playing. Just not my style.

X4

Congratulations sir! Great shot on a beautiful doe!! Redemption is sweet!

I saw something about this last weekend. Looks legit to me. Delmar being mostly in a bow only zone, grows some BIG bucks! I had a spot around 1984 near the town park that I hunted. Saw some absolute giants in there. I did kill a couple decent ones, but nothing like what I had seen in there.

Congratulations on a great milestone Tom!!! You and your dogs have certainly earned it. You are the 'Dream Team' in tracking circles. This milestone will give way to many more in the future. Way to go!!

Venison is deer, any way ya slice it!!! I wouldn't pass that one up!

Get him Rob!