mossy725

Great pictures, but how does the person know the buck was actually killed?

My first year of hunting, when I was 16, I made a HUGE mistake when I shot my first deer. I was so pumped with adrenaline and excitement, that after I watched the deer die, I started to climb out of the tree stand. As I was climbing, the barrel of the gun was swinging around. Something mid way down the ladder made me check my gun. Live shell in the chamber, and the safety was off. I almost pissed myself. Like I said, it was my first year hunting, and my first kill. But there are NO excuses. I learned quickly after that. Now, I almost turn my safety on to a fault. Every single time I finish firing, I turn it back on. I missed a deer once, because I had the safety on walking through the woods, and fumbled turning it on with my gloves. However, no deer is worth the life of anyone. Be safe out there.

Uhhhh....not really sure what to say. ???

This is what blows my mind with the DEC. The above is supposedly illegal, but it's perfectly legal to plant food plots all over your property to feed the deer throughout the winter (turnips, winter wheat, etc.)

These questions and opinions of to take or not to take are crazy. There are so many variables in deer management and hunting. How much land to you own? What are the other local hunters practicing? What is the buck to doe ratio? How healthy is your population/herd? Coming from somebody who started hunting on a farm that practiced QDM, I would have taken him! I missed out on so many bucks as a kid, and was only allowed to shoot certain bucks. It sucked! That's not what hunting should be about. You can't eat the horns. Unless you own 500+ acres, and have the support of other local land ownders, QDM is a waste of time.

http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/School-Bus-Hit-by-Gunshot-134272128.html Randolph (WKBW) New York State Police say a school bus for the Randolph Central School District was driving to school along Route 241 in Conewango when it was hit by a single gunshot. http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/594825/Bullet-Hits-School-Bus.html?nav=5192 CONEWANGO - A Randolph Central School bus was hit by a projectile in what is believed to be a hunting accident Monday. No one was injured in the incident, but police said the driver was fortunate not to have been hit. The New York State Police responded after a call was placed at 9 a.m. According to Captain Steven Graap of the Jamestown barracks of the state police, a bus driver for the Randolph Central School reported the incident. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

Dad and I on opening morning. Shot these deer within 150 yards of each other, in 5 minutes. Will post my story in the harvest thread.

Was sitting on the ground, gun hunting a few years ago. I had a this year's deer come right up to me, sniff me (within 2 feet), and then slowly back away. The hardest part of the entire experience was to not make eye contact with the deer so that it didn't spook. I swear to god my heart was going to pound out of my chest.

Read the entire thread. I explained myself, the OP explained himself and posted another picture, and then I said congrats. End of story - quit making something out of nothing.

Touche! Congrats to your friend on a great buck!

Sent ya a message WNY - but who's the guy in Dansville? That's where I grew up.

I've been on stand for 4+ hours. Haven't seen a thing. I thought for sure that the deer would be moving after yesterdays snow storm. It's a perfect day, sunny and 38. I don't get it. Haha

Hmmm...the guys at my camp and myself, who have both guns, think there's a considerable difference. Oh well - like you said, personal preference.

I really, really hate to say this (trust me), but something just doesn't look right in this picture. How in the world do you hold a deer of this size, while crouching on the ground, at an awkward angle, with one hand?

You're right, it is a bit loud. However, I would take that over carrying something that's about 3-4 pounds heavier. That makes a big difference, on a long day of still hunting.

You are correct. That is completely different that pulling off on the side of a road, and walking onto someone's land that is not posted. That's what I thought you were inferring.

See, this is where I disagree. We are talking about two separate pieces of land. No sense in being passive aggressive about this one. Both landowners think they are entitled to hunt anywhere they can on their property (as they should). However, meet and talk with both parties involved, so somebody doesn't end up injured or killed. Come up with a plan, or at least know where all parties will be hunting.

The above is indeed true.... Q. Must I post to keep people off my property? A. No. Trespassing is illegal even on unposted property, unless it is unimproved, apparently unused and unfenced (or not otherwise enclosed to exclude intruders.) Even on vacant land, a written notice delivered in person (or by certified mail with a signed receipt, etc.) to any person, in the name of the landowner or authorized party, containing a description of the premises and a warning of restrictions which apply has the same effect, for that person, as if the land were posted with those restrictions. Likewise, anyone asked to leave the premises, posted or not, by the landowner, occupant or other authorized person, must do so immediately. http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8371.html

I'm fairly certain that's considered trespassing as well. Even if land is NOT posted, you still have to acquire permission to hunt on it.

Awesome. Glad to hear it. You'll like the gun. It's a great price point, and the gun is MUCH lighter than a Remington or other similar model. Enjoy and good luck!

No deer is worth your life. Introduce yourself, and stay safe.

Yup, I can't get out of the county it's in.

Ahhhh..makes sense!

Great deer.

Great point about sap and maple trees. Interesting that the DEC does not think the same thing.