Localqdm

I'm way too skeptical of the prepackaged, box store doe urine. I just think research has proven it breaks down long before it ever hits the woods. Does anyone else think that an educated older deer has prob smelled tinks before. To their noses it would not surprise me that they can tell the difference, and it might spook some. I am curious about the synthetics, like pimos truth serum. Anyone used that? I didn't even see it marketed this yr, so maybe its a flop too.

I've been using the shockey's gold sticks--and hate them. I'm going to loose powder (not sure which one yet) but doubt I will EVER go back to sticks or pellets. Way too expensive for less control and NO advantage. I'll just preload my speedloaders. Just as easy, just as quick, more control, and way cheaper.

WNY I understand where you're coming from. You just want to see some big deer, and I know they're not my deer. I guess some of us (especially us who take great care to make our properties a 'safe' place for deer and have passed up some specific deer on that property for a couple of yrs) tend to get a little paranoid when we see the beam of light sweeping across our field. We need to remember where you're coming from. I hope those of you who spotlight will understand where we're coming from and try not to be a stranger if you're going to be shining a light in the field.

Kind of like setting up on my neighbors border looking on his side, because I'm can, I'm legal. Or like hunting public land and walking up and sitting down next to someone 20 yds away. Legal yes, appreciated, no.

You've got a right, I understand that. Just saying it isn't always appreciated by everyone and sometimes demanding our rights to do whatever we want that's legal isn't the best way to go about things. And yeah, deer are a 'public' resource. Just because someone isn't walking across the property doesn't mean they can't mess someone's hunting, even if they are in their "rights"

Not trespassing in a LEGAL sense, no.

Yes its legal, but when you manage the land its easy to take offense. My uncle says, "If you want to screw up your hunting, do it on your own land." I know we shouldn't get suspicious of everyone and always assume the worst, but spotlighting is the poachers best tool. I guess it shows a little respect to do it on public land or land you have permission. It would help things if the law required permission to spotlight.

I think I agree w/you Steve 863.

We KILL animals and eat them. I have no scruples whether the cow was fed by the farmer or some elk in the rockies that never saw a person. It is the responsible stewardship of them that matters, and trying to do it as humanely as possible. Feeding animals (especially bears) is just not a smart idea most of the time, doesn't make it unethical to shoot the bear. If this bear was 'conditioned' he probably did everyone a favor in eliminating the threat this animal may have become. Good for him he got a big 'un. Food plots are not evil, they are food for animals, and they are hard work for the owner. They help set up more ethical shot opportunities, and there are no guarantees.

07 large tree, not real torn up though

I know this is NY and not MS and everything is not the same. I just thought some may consider this an interesting read for perspective of those dealing w/AR. I'm not sure that I would support AR even though I am certainly pro qdm.

Okay guys, I have no desire to start another thread of name calling and bashing--so if that starts I hope this discussion is stopped. I've heard the stats and thought it would be interesting to hear straight from the ones dealing w/AR in Mississippi. So here's the link to a discussion I started on their website for anyone interested in what they've experienced. Also, check out their photo section. http://www.msdeer.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9669

Warning shots ;D ;D Shoot and release ;D ;D That's hilarious! It would be a lot safer out there if there was a rule limiting shotguns to only 1 shell in the chamber/magazine--and it really wouldn't affect take #s at all. Then if you heard 3 shots you actually might suspect someone is in trouble, not that they just couldn't squeeze off the last 2 before the deer was completely out of sight.

WHIP--maybe that is the program I was thinking of. Guess I was wrong about it helping for food plots.

I think my cousin just got his ground blind ripped off (unless we find it blown away by the wind) from private property that is posted heavily. We do still get neighbors who hunt the border and shoot onto our side. Seems like every year I am more disgusted by the level of depravity that some 'hunters' sink to. How hard is it to stay where you have permission, shoot what you have a tag for, and respect other people's property? Too hard for some.

Okay, I thought I have heard of something, maybe it was a federal program. I did find that there is a possibility of getting seed through the NWTF (wild turkey federation). So I'm looking into it. It's for surplus seed from seed companies donated for wildlife. Members pay shipping only? Anyone have any experience with NWTF or this program? http://www.nwtf.org/conservation/conservation_seed_program.html

Thanks for the responses guys. Those of you who use the loose stuff you use the ffg right? not the fff.

Any of you guys in any programs to help cover some of your costs? I've heard rumors they exist. Where do you sign up?

What do you guys shoot? I've been using Shockey's sticks and NOT impressed by its shape (won't fit in my speedloaders), stick size consistency, or consistent accuracy. It is however very clean and easy to reload or cleanup. Having used a clean powder, I'm not sure I want the dirt of pyrodex or 777. Are they that bad and that corrosive? I've read really good things about Blackhorn 209, but its not cheap. Do you have to use shotgun primers (and not ml 209) w/blackhorn? Is it worth the cost?