grampy

Same as you guys, I've killed a pile of deer over decades with a shotgun. My Deerslayer 2, is a very accurate, and to me, beautiful gun. Shoots well, out to 100 yards and beyond. But most of my shots on deer have been 50 yards or less. And recoil, was really not a big deal to me, for most of that time. Until..... shoulder issues came into my life. So when we were allowed rifles here in 4-H a few years ago, I jumped to a 7mm-08 and haven't looked back. I love the accuracy, light recoil, and lights out performance. Got a 270 now too.Though I've yet to shoot a deer with a rifle beyond 50 yards!

Pretty cool! But........

Welcome! And nice work!

Me and the grandson's are watching. Ordering subs, pizza, and wings in a bit. Lots of young guns going for it. Kind of a fun afternoon! Hunting tomorrow.

Start out close at 10 yards. Once you start getting good groups and feeling comfortable, move back to 15 yards and so on. When sighting in your bow, know that the pin will never be completely still. It will always 'float' around the target. Through good form, you will learn to 'trust' when to squeeze the trigger of your release. Remember to 'pull the bow apart'. That is, to always be pushing forward with the bow arm, towards your target, and pulling with the string arm.

I'm primarily just a deer hunter. Is there a world record deer roaming NY? Probably not. But that's really not what I'm hunting for. However, there are some beautiful bucks taken each year in NY. Many pictures posted of them right here, on this forum. Plenty of good public Iand access. And the beauty of the different landscapes here, are truly breathtaking. The change and variety of weather, from start to finish of big game season here. Is both challenging and welcome to me. Yes, there are other places, where there is more big game opportunities. But our opportunities here are plentiful. NY is where I started, and will end my hunting. It isn't perfect by any stretch, but I'd rate NY, a solid 7 to 8.

Best advice yet!

Yeah, one would think salmon skiing , would stink after awhile!

Nice! So awesome that you decided to become a bowhunter! If you're anything like me, it will become a lifelong passion. I picked up my first bow, about 40 years ago, and the love of bowhunting, is as strong now as it was in the beginning. That Mathews you picked up from TheRealTClll aka, Tacks, is a solid bow, that will serve you well. My Mathews is 18 years old, and still killing deer! Got my grandson's first bow from Tack's too! He's also got TF all set to go, as well as a few others! Great guy! There are many different brands that shoot so nice today! You will be all set, and good to go by October 1st. Get out to practice as often as possible. Shoot with experienced archers whenever possible as well. They will help you develop correct form and technique, to build a solid foundation. You will have good and bad days shooting. Thats all part of the learning curve. And like Larry said above, don't chase your arrows, every time you don't hit exactly where you are aiming. Make up little games to challenge yourself when practicing, to keep it fun and interesting. And try to not get too frustrated on the down days. Please keep us updated on your progress! There are plenty of really good archers here, if you should need advice with anything. Have fun, and good luck, come October!

If their heart is really in to it, you'll know. If it's not, you'll know. Support them either way.

Fox in NYS, ended February 15th.

We have seen that right here, in the hundreds of crossbow pages. And will no doubt see more of it. But crossbows will be getting full inclusion, in the near future. Like it or not, good or bad, it's just the way it is. JMO.

I'm no expert, just started calling three years ago. But we have been successful enough to kill 15 or so daytime coyotes during that time. For someone just starting out, I'd recommend daytime hunting first. Much easier to pick up movement during the day. And to see how they are reacting or not reacting to your calls. A quiet down wind approach is a must. Also, always keep a look to your downwind area, as they will often try to come in from that direction. Blend into some brush or hedgerow and keep movement to a minimum. Set up where you can see a long distance. Like on a field edge, looking up to a brushy hillside. Or up high with a good field of view below . Most times during the day, they will come from a thick brushy area, where they will hole up during daylight hours. They won't often be seen cruising open woods or fields, like they do at night. Just get out there and get have fun with it! You will learn something, each time you go. The predators are no push over! They will figure you out quickly. So you must be as adaptable as they are, and change set ups and tactics often. But once you put it all together, and get one, you are hooked! As it is a thrill to call them in. And once you are successful during the day, you can carry what you've learned, to night time hunting. And that entails a bit more gear, as far as lights and stuff. And you will need to be organized. But to see those glowing eyes coming in is something that will definitely raise your heart rate!

Verizon here too. And all the big companies play the same way it seems. I do like our Samsung phones, and Verizon seems to cover just about anywhere we go. $200 per month covers the cost of our two phones and unlimited texts and calls.

You do have a sweet set up down there!!

There ya go moog!!! Just like most things, the more you practice something, the better you become at it! Over the years my "basement range" has seen thousands of pellet and BB rounds fired with my two grandsons, in mock competition. And almost as many 22 cal. rounds as they got older. Most all shots were taken freehand, standing, or as we hunt, sitting on a milk crate. Zac, who caught the hunting and shooting bug, from his grampy, is a VERY good shot, at soon to be 14! I'm certain that all those pellets, BB's, and 22's, helped us both become better freehand shooters.

Awesome mount! Awesome buck!

He's so big, he will need a 2x. But thanks!

Beautiful job on a great buck! He looks real good up there! And I see he has good company!

Happy Birthday! Wishing you tight lines and great hunting for the next year! Enjoy your special day sir.

I have been blessed, to be born with a built in, great sense of direction. AND, learned to use a compass when I was 12. I've been deep in the Dac's, Blue Ridge and Smoky Mtns. also many, many night time deer search calls. And have never been lost. Perhaps, confused a time or two, on where I was exactly, but always found my way to where I was going. The compass always comes through, even if my sense of direction, is questioned. I've been asked so many times by a hunter on HIS land, after looping around for hours in the dark, looking for a deer, "how do we get out from here"? I just say, "that way".

The first pic of camo jacket and bibs, I've had the same one for years, and like it! What size is this one? My grandson could get some use from it! He is about 6'4" and gets cold easy, when sitting in November - December.

That is nuts. Your chin an inch from the ice at 85mph!

PM sent for the bi-pod.

I tried it. It doesn't work. Doesn't work when I'm on the boat, and and go "here...fishy....fishy.....fishy" either.