grampy

I'm a beginner too, started a few years ago. An 8 or 9 foot, 5 weight rod, will be easy to get ya going on the small creeks and streams.

Sox not making it easy for my Yankees, to take back the AL East in 19. Will just have to see how it all plays out. That's the fun part for us!

Good for the Sox! Nate is one of the reasons behind last years dream season.

This!!!! ^^^^ Times 100. I'd say most of the hunters here are better than me. I just don't know when to quit. And I get lucky sometimes.

Thanks moog. I think for me, it's the HUNTING part that I enjoy most! Things never stay the same in the deer woods. What worked perfectly last year, may be terrible this year, and so on. So the "fun" (sometimes not so fun) part is always adjusting to what you see, or more importantly, what you "don't" see! It's the same old, same old some years. It's fly by the seat of your pants, other years! This one included. No two seasons are ever the exact same. The figuring part, if they aren't here, they gotta be there! Trying to get close, but not too close to run them off. Then adjusting time and time again to put yourself in position for a good shot. That is what makes hunting fun for me. Also 95% of my hunting is done from the ground. I can throw together a natural ground blind in no time, for a sit the next day. Or just take advantage of a blowdown or tangle of weeds. Again, flying by the seat of the pants hunting. I often call it the zig and zag game. Because that is what we, and the deer are doing. Every now and then, I get lucky!

Sounds like a solid plan Rob. I do hunt some in early October, but don't really get serious until the end of the month. That is the time I start to see the older bucks on their feet during daylight hours. I'll also hunt other properties during this time to save my best spots. I don't like sitting the same exact set up a bunch of times. So I have multiple set ups in the best areas, and scattered throughout the properties. And always willing to move to where we think the deer are, as things change!! Just like this year, with traditional bedding areas being mostly flooded out, due to all the rain we got. At times too, it's just a guessing game as to where we think the deer will be on a given day or hunt. Depending on conditions. Trail cams are great to see what may or may not be in your hunting areas. We really enjoy using them, and try to put the bulk of them in different spots each year. Some we go out of our way to hide, others, we just hang. Depends on how close we think the deer will be when the pic is taken. Will be looking to pick up a few more in the off season. After each season ends, we will look at what worked, and what didn't. Always learning!!! There is surely a move involved with this, to make next year better! Tend to take the bulk of my time off starting the first week of November, and scatter it through Thanksgiving. If things get really good, I can usually take a day or two anytime. Also save days to fish in the summer!

You boys getting tired yet? I've been taking a stroll down from the barn, to check on you guys every now and then. I'm still keeping the beer cold for when yer done, but there are a few less now in the cooler, than there were back on page two! Got to say though, this crossbow thread went a bit off the rails, compared to all the other ones we've had! Dang entertaining though, I gotta give ya that, thanks to the modesty of the farmer fella! Well......got 16 more replies, as I typed this. Yer still going strong!! So guess I'll just shuffle on back up to the barn, and tend to keeping the beer cold. Better get more ice, and add more beer. I think it will be awhile yet, before anyone joins me though. Ya'll know where I'll be..........

Probably hunkered down in the thickest stuff available near where the cam is. Or near where you have been seeing them! Real nice bucks. Good luck, there's still time!

Couldn't agree with you more. The average three year old where I hunt in 4-H, rarely breaks 100 inches. But they are just as hard to hunt, as anywhere else in NY, where they may have more inches of bone on their head. A three year old, and older buck, is a fine accomplishment for "ANY" NY hunter! Especially on public land! As is "ANY" deer. Just saying, there are plenty of three year olds out there, even on public land. A couple of my best bucks came from public land. As time goes by, I am leaning more to the one buck per season rule. I think it will help the overall quality and quantity of NYS bucks. And perhaps put more older class bucks in the woods for more hunters.

But what if the deer was shot in a corn field? Not sure how anyone could tell if the deer was taken over bait, after it has been cleaned up and transported? And I agree with you. If convicted of baiting or poaching, no more licence.

The Blueridge Parkway, with it's tunnels and mountain Vistas, is among the most beautiful drives in the US. Lots of wildlife in them thar hills.

What a sweet build! I love it! Let us know how it goes on the range. Should shoot as good as it looks!

I feel the way it is now, is fine. Everyone has an equal chance, even those hunting public land. The better skilled hunters will always have better odds. And there are not many places in NY, where a three year old buck does not live.

I'm still sitting this one out up at the barn, keeping the beer cold. Only 8 pages so far. You boys will be at it a while longer. You know where I'll be when you're done.

Yeah, sort of like the ride always seems shorter on the way back!!!

Remember as a kid, when summer vacation lasted forever, and when you thought Christmas would never arrive? Now, summer is gone in the blink of an eye, and Christmas is here and gone before you know it. Deer season, we are looking forward to, and preparing for nine and a half long months. And then, "poof" it's over for another year.

Great deal on some outstanding glass! Would fit the OP's needs perfectly!!!

I've never known you to be anything other, than a stand up guy, a wonderful family man, and just a great guy. I'm proud to call ya my friend. Congratulations again Matt. Maybe I'll drop in this weekend, if I'm over your way.

I did it once too. Never again though. Just my choice. Nothing wrong with it.

Congratulations young lady! Way to go!

Way to go neighbor!!!! Congratulations! Beautiful late season buck!!! Way to hang in there and make it happen! What a great story and picture!

Well at least one head is not in the game. The other is in it too much! You'll be ok next season. She'll be just the girlfriend by then.

Good boy Jakey. So sorry John.

Oh boy.......here we go again. I'm out of this one. Said my piece in the other 20 or so crossbow threads. Have at it boys! I'll meet you all back at the barn. Will keep the beer cold.

So sad when they leave us. Each one, takes a piece of our heart with them when they go. So sorry.