Holiday season

[Four Seasons]

56 minutes ago, wolc123 said:

I saw a few. I finally killed that one, the third time that I saw him.  I didn’t see him at all during the September early antlerless gun season or the regular SZ gun season.  I stopped hunting the early part of the SZ archery season, back in 2014, when they legalized crossbows for the last two weeks.  
 

I’m sure I could get a modified crossbow permit, and hunt the early part with that if I wanted to, but I have not pursued that option because of the access I have to the NZ.  I hunted the whole early ML week thru opening weekend of gun up there (maybe 50 miles from your place) but was unable to close the deal on my two target bucks up there.  I did cast eyes on one of them, but that was about 5 minutes past legal shooting time.  
 

Back home for opening day of crossbow season, I passed a scrawny 3 pointer in the morning at 15 yards.  I’d have shot him then, if he looked 10 pounds heavier (as you know, I am a pure meat hunter), or if I didn’t need to be at my nephews wedding in 2 hours.  
 

I had my first encounter with my “baseball” 8-pointer, 5 minutes after the 3 pointer departed.  He cruised thru the hayfield beyond the wheat/awp plot that the 3-pointer had been feeding in, at about a 75 yards range.  
 

Clearly, he was a shooter.  Now that I’ve got his scull skinned, I can tell he’s 3-1/2 by comparison with other heads of known origin.  He had his head up high as he crossed, and my grunt call did not even get his attention, nor did it slow him down. 

I didn’t take any vacation time for crossbow.   Our second encounter was the following Sunday morning.  I tried to squeeze in a quick hunt before church (big mistake) from my new popup blind ($49 from TSC in Govenour) that was anchored in a patch of seeetcorn in my front field.  
 

This time my grunt call stopped him and brought him into 30 yards, when I loosed a bolt thru the mesh window.  Apparently, I had not trimmed enough of that corn from my shooting lane, and a corn stalk or the mesh window must have deflected the shot.  
 

He bolted off a ways at the shot, with his tail straight out, then turned 90 degrees and stopped just short of the back hedgerow.  He hung up there, about 75 yards away, for a few seconds as I reloaded, then walked slowly out of view with his tail up at about a 45 deg angle.  
 

I spent about an hour looking for my bolt, blood or hair or any signs of a hit, finding nothing.  I was not 100 percent sure of a miss, until I killed him last Tuesday.  I call him the “baseball 8” because he was out on my third sighting.  He only had two extra holes in him (where my 240 gr XTP entered and exited).

Will I or will I not regret passing that little 3 pointer on opening day of SZ crossbow is the main question here.  I’ll let you know on January 2, 2025.  One things for sure: There’s not much nurishment for this pure meat guy in that paper tag.  I could give a crap less about antlers.   

Yeah. We can tell.  That’s why when after years you finally shoot one you do nothing but post pics of it on about every post of yours on different sites. And if you think for a second that anyone believes you let a baby 3pt walk because of 10lbs…which is a bunch of crap..only to target another baby of 60lbs your crazy. The fact that you try and call yourself a meat hunter and target the smallest and dumbest of the species and you still can’t get that done after 4 months in the woods says it all.  But I’m sure one more week of sitting in the same exact stands that have failed for 4 months will save your season. Amazing. 

[wolc123]

7 hours ago, Four Seasons said:

Yeah. We can tell.  That’s why when after years you finally shoot one you do nothing but post pics of it on about every post of yours on different sites. And if you think for a second that anyone believes you let a baby 3pt walk because of 10lbs…which is a bunch of crap..only to target another baby of 60lbs your crazy. The fact that you try and call yourself a meat hunter and target the smallest and dumbest of the species and you still can’t get that done after 4 months in the woods says it all.  But I’m sure one more week of sitting in the same exact stands that have failed for 4 months will save your season. Amazing. 

I hadn’t been carry my binoculars thru the late ML season at home, because I was pretty much in full brown-down mode, with (2) buck tags and (4) doe tags at my disposal.  Now that I’m down to my last buck tag, I’ll start toting them again.  

It sounds like my neighbor wants to do some drives on January 1, so I’d like to save my last buck tag until then.  I’ll need to be in the lookout for little, hidden spikes. The binoculars work great for checking those out.   
 

My buddy’s place is only about 15 miles from the SE corner of Letchworth.  You don’t have to worry about me shooting any buck less than 2.6 years old down there.  Hopefully, we are able to take out plenty of does down there.  
 

 

[Four Seasons]

7 hours ago, wolc123 said:

I hadn’t been carry my binoculars thru the late ML season at home, because I was pretty much in full brown-down mode, with (2) buck tags and (4) doe tags at my disposal.  Now that I’m down to my last buck tag, I’ll start toting them again.  

It sounds like my neighbor wants to do some drives on January 1, so I’d like to save my last buck tag until then.  I’ll need to be in the lookout for little, hidden spikes. The binoculars work great for checking those out.   
 

My buddy’s place is only about 15 miles from the SE corner of Letchworth.  You don’t have to worry about me shooting any buck less than 2.6 years old down there.  Hopefully, we are able to take out plenty of does down there.  
 

 

Right. You will shoot a buck that’s dropped its antlers because in your hunting uneducated mind they are weak for some reason but you will search out little spikes on a 100lbs yearling while you target a 60lbs button buck. Have you ever read your posts and seen how you have lied and twisted crap so many times that even you have no clue what your writing. 

[wolc123]

6 hours ago, Four Seasons said:

Right. You will shoot a buck that’s dropped its antlers because in your hunting uneducated mind they are weak for some reason but you will search out little spikes on a 100lbs yearling while you target a 60lbs button buck. Have you ever read your posts and seen how you have lied and twisted crap so many times that even you have no clue what your writing. 

You seem kind of snippy. Are you feeling poorly on this wonderful Christmas Day about that shed 1-1/2 year old buck you killed ?  Cheer up, they are renewable resource and one buck can service many does.  
 

Did that one look healthy, other than the missing antlers  ?  I read an article by Kip Adam’s, that claimed that early drop was usually caused be injury.  
 

I’ve only got one antlerless tag that I can use at my buddys place down near Letchworth this weekend.  I will also use my binoculars, to try and identify a dropped buck and not target that, in order to up your odds a bit down there in future years.  

I’m not going to hold off on the dropped ones at home though, nor will I hold off on the buttons.  We average about 4 antlered sightings per each antlerless around my two spots in wmu 9F, after October 1 every year, so we could certainly use a higher buck harvest during all of the legal hunting seasons.

As you are well aware, I did mistake a tiny (dmp legal) spike for a doe a couple years ago, so I can understand how you feel about your recent mishap.  I really was thankful for your kind words of consolation for me back then.  
 

That remains one of the worst times of my life, when I was stranded out in southern CA for the only one ever of what had long been my favorite day of the year in WNY (opening day of gun season), because of the first Buffalo blizzard of 22.  

I very nearly also got stranded out there for the second one.  It was only by the brave action and volunteering of a coworker, that I avoided that trial (being stranded out there again for Christmas and my birthday by the second Buffalo blizzard of 22), that I am still here today.  

Do you usually check does out with your binoculars before shooting ?  Our old eyes aren’t what they were in our 20’s $ 40’s. 
 

I had a pretty good run on avoiding killing 1-1/2 year old bucks.  My last one, prior to that 2-3/4” spike in 2022, was this infamous (8 or 10 page on this site) Texas heart shot Adirondack 6-point back on Thanksgiving weekend back in 2016.  

 

Who can forget that one ? That was the only bullet, that I know of, that I ever perfectly placed.  This years 3.6 year old 8-pointer was pretty close, passing thru about about 1/4” below the shoulder blade that I intended to hit:

 

Edited December 25, 2024 by wolc123

[Daveboone]

On 12/23/2024 at 12:41 PM, Four Seasons said:

You have probably hunted more than most people during the season but yet another week will get it done for you?  Late season when antlers are dropping and deer are starting to yard up. Again. If a Hunter can’t fill tags in this state it’s pretty much on them. Can’t keep hunting spots day after day and week after week when your not seeing anything. 

? New York has an overabundance of deer with declining hunter numbers, so the length of the season is moot. I start hunting the first week of NT muzzleloading,  but dont get serious until snow is on the ground. the past few years it has been so warm early on I didnt hunt much at all...then, right before my last week of NT that I always take off, we got 3 feet of snow which effectively put an end to my hunting. I was delighted at the chance to get out with the late season in the southern tier. My problem is, I am new to the ST and am still working on access sites that are worthwhile.  I dont know how any one would critique an increase in hunting opportunity. 

[landtracdeerhunter]

On 12/25/2024 at 12:04 AM, wolc123 said:

I hadn’t been carry my binoculars thru the late ML season at home, because I was pretty much in full brown-down mode, with (2) buck tags and (4) doe tags at my disposal.  Now that I’m down to my last buck tag, I’ll start toting them again.  

It sounds like my neighbor wants to do some drives on January 1, so I’d like to save my last buck tag until then.  I’ll need to be in the lookout for little, hidden spikes. The binoculars work great for checking those out.   
 

My buddy’s place is only about 15 miles from the SE corner of Letchworth.  You don’t have to worry about me shooting any buck less than 2.6 years old down there.  Hopefully, we are able to take out plenty of does down there.  
 

 

Now that a good number of bucks have dropped antlers here, I take my best pair of binos with me. If light conditions are such, or any doubt in my mind at all, I don't shoot.  

Had a six one half year old,  that I had two encounters with at 275 yards. Shots were not safe, so forced to back down. Know the deer well. Sure he has lost his horns also. Era on the side of caution, is my moto

Edited December 28, 2024 by landtracdeerhunter

[Four Seasons]

3 hours ago, Daveboone said:

? New York has an overabundance of deer with declining hunter numbers, so the length of the season is moot. I start hunting the first week of NT muzzleloading,  but dont get serious until snow is on the ground. the past few years it has been so warm early on I didnt hunt much at all...then, right before my last week of NT that I always take off, we got 3 feet of snow which effectively put an end to my hunting. I was delighted at the chance to get out with the late season in the southern tier. My problem is, I am new to the ST and am still working on access sites that are worthwhile.  I dont know how any one would critique an increase in hunting opportunity. 

Exactly what you said. Your choice was not to hunt. If the seasons were not extended for 5 months and unneeded xtra pressure on the herds it would help the herd and hunting. Most places that have an over abundance of deer Is either well managed herds or places that people can’t hunt. 

[First-light]

I just had some smoked hind quarters from log city. Man was it good. Neighbor had it done and it sure was worth it. Taking a 1/2 hour power nap then going for a walk in the woods. Would like to see a few tonight. Don't plan on shooting would just like to watch. GL guys. 

[luberhill]

[Northcountryman]

16 minutes ago, luberhill said:

Wow!! I count 61 deer in that pic! What time of day?

[luberhill]

2 hours ago, Northcountryman said:

Wow!! I count 61 deer in that pic! What time of day?

3 pm , it’s not my pic but someone from central NY posted on FaceBook

[nyantler]

On 12/28/2024 at 11:57 AM, Four Seasons said:

Exactly what you said. Your choice was not to hunt. If the seasons were not extended for 5 months and unneeded xtra pressure on the herds it would help the herd and hunting. Most places that have an over abundance of deer Is either well managed herds or places that people can’t hunt. 

Your idea of deer management has nothing to do with conservation and everything to do with your selfish approach to what hunting is all about. I bet you even have one of those " Hit Lists" were you rank which bucks you're after. LOL As long as you're lecturing everyone on when and how long they should hunt... give us your perspective on what we should wear, what gun we should shoot, the areas we should hunt, what time we should rise in the morning... It would really help the rest of us dummies to make sure we are doing it just the way you like. Well managed herds... HAHA... there is no such thing... only trophy managed herds for selfish hunters who know little to nothing about deer management or conservation.

[Four Seasons]

23 hours ago, nyantler said:

Your idea of deer management has nothing to do with conservation and everything to do with your selfish approach to what hunting is all about. I bet you even have one of those " Hit Lists" were you rank which bucks you're after. LOL As long as you're lecturing everyone on when and how long they should hunt... give us your perspective on what we should wear, what gun we should shoot, the areas we should hunt, what time we should rise in the morning... It would really help the rest of us dummies to make sure we are doing it just the way you like. Well managed herds... HAHA... there is no such thing... only trophy managed herds for selfish hunters who know little to nothing about deer management or conservation.

Yeah I’m sure. So let me get this right. A guy hunts a herd on his property daily for months at a time and even targeting the youngest of the herd and does not get it done it’s a good thing for that herd to be pressured for another week in the toughest time of their season some are now bred with two fawns and other have dropped their antlers for the season trying to recoup their health. Gotcha.  And just a little FYI if your talking to a guy that even has a “Hit List” of some of the top animals the state/area can produce he obviously is doing something right with his herd. Now if that Hunter harvests those hit list animals on a yearly basis he not only a good manager of his herd but a good hunter also. Some might want to listen and learn.          But we could always extend the season to 6-7 months in areas that have an over population because of lack of open hunting land. Maybe that extra time would open those unhuntable properties. 

Edited 19 hours ago by Four Seasons

[First-light]

In response to how to manage the herd I don't think there is one. I have some time on my hands and throw my 2 cents in but I respect every ones perspective, that said here is what I think. There are too many variables to managing a herd, you just can't do it. I'll take my place for example. Big chunks of property around me, I have 140 acres. We all know we need to shoot doe but not many are taken. Roughly 1500 acres around me, mine and neighbors combined. I think we shot 8 Doe. Is that 8 too many or 8 too short? We shot 19 buck. Who is too say what is perfect. Land next door had 8 -10 hunters come in from out of state and hunt horns for 4 days then leave for the season. How do you manage that. They will not shoot Doe, those get taken at home. Land behind me about 400 acres is hunted by 5 people thats it. My neighbor up the road 300 acres shoots 1 buck per year, has 4 other people in for first three days then he shuts it down. My camp shot 10 deer 2 Doe 8 Bucks, he gave me crap about going out at muzzy season and the Holiday hunt. We can bitch to each other cause we are good friends but I said we have 4 families that love venison so 11 deer is ok to take. His take leave the deer alone loves to see them out in the woods and are pressured too much. I get that and agree with it. But he also walks his dog every morning through the same woods that get hunted. Isn't he pressuring them also by spooking them on his walk. I'm going to turn 62 this April. Yes I have a hit list of bucks that I would like to shoot every year. I have some really nice gun bucks over trhe years and one Pope and young bow buck. Opening day I shot a typical 6 point my head was not in the right place and I took that buck. How do you manage that? How do you manage the herd.......is it the moment you pull the trigger, could be. I believe it is, I have some hunters that come up here. I ask please try to take a better buck then your last. It doesn't work. Time constraints put pressure on them and they want venison so some young bucks get shot. I did it this year but time was not an issue. I think you can argue on and on about this and there is no answer. I saw someone post on another site that they were happy to fill thee Doe tags in one afternoon sit. You shoot them long range they don't move. To me that is greedy not hunting but killing. Then again he may have an army to feed back at home. You just can't put your finger on it! 

[Four Seasons]

1 hour ago, First-light said:

In response to how to manage the herd I don't think there is one. I have some time on my hands and throw my 2 cents in but I respect every ones perspective, that said here is what I think. There are too many variables to managing a herd, you just can't do it. I'll take my place for example. Big chunks of property around me, I have 140 acres. We all know we need to shoot doe but not many are taken. Roughly 1500 acres around me, mine and neighbors combined. I think we shot 8 Doe. Is that 8 too many or 8 too short? We shot 19 buck. Who is too say what is perfect. Land next door had 8 -10 hunters come in from out of state and hunt horns for 4 days then leave for the season. How do you manage that. They will not shoot Doe, those get taken at home. Land behind me about 400 acres is hunted by 5 people thats it. My neighbor up the road 300 acres shoots 1 buck per year, has 4 other people in for first three days then he shuts it down. My camp shot 10 deer 2 Doe 8 Bucks, he gave me crap about going out at muzzy season and the Holiday hunt. We can bitch to each other cause we are good friends but I said we have 4 families that love venison so 11 deer is ok to take. His take leave the deer alone loves to see them out in the woods and are pressured too much. I get that and agree with it. But he also walks his dog every morning through the same woods that get hunted. Isn't he pressuring them also by spooking them on his walk. I'm going to turn 62 this April. Yes I have a hit list of bucks that I would like to shoot every year. I have some really nice gun bucks over trhe years and one Pope and young bow buck. Opening day I shot a typical 6 point my head was not in the right place and I took that buck. How do you manage that? How do you manage the herd.......is it the moment you pull the trigger, could be. I believe it is, I have some hunters that come up here. I ask please try to take a better buck then your last. It doesn't work. Time constraints put pressure on them and they want venison so some young bucks get shot. I did it this year but time was not an issue. I think you can argue on and on about this and there is no answer. I saw someone post on another site that they were happy to fill thee Doe tags in one afternoon sit. You shoot them long range they don't move. To me that is greedy not hunting but killing. Then again he may have an army to feed back at home. You just can't put your finger on it! 

No doubt it’s tough to even think you are managing a herd without a good sized track of land you have 100% control of. In my case I have over 1000 acres of one solid piece with a military base across the road at the home farm. Then there is 800 acres that borders Letchworth Park. Lack of deer will never be a problem. Everybody hunts for different reasons but only landowners will be true land managers.   I love the ones that bring up Trophy hunting and hit lists. In order to have either In any kind of numbers year after year one has to have a pretty good management idea on their property. That’s all the way from farming practices,Tree work all the way to feeding them every winter everything they need to stay healthy.