Why can't I shoot?

[josephmrtn]

I'm a bit puzzled at myself guys, I've had several Chances at does so far this year and every time I've passed on the shot, Why can't I shoot?! The one time it was cause I couldn't get my camera on it due to a branch in the way, the rest have just been cases of me standing there filming it for 15 minutes and not being able to convince myself that this is the one I want to shoot, the worst example of this was yesterday on my last evening in Ohio, I filmed a nice doe for 15 minutes hanging out at 10 yards before she walked away, and my camera guy (second angle camera from another tree) was going crazy trying to figure out why I'm not shooting it.

What's up with me?!

[fasteddie]

Put the damn camera away ! 

[Marion]

Quit trying to be Joseph Movie Star and be more like Joseph Deer Killer

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[moog5050]

You have ascended to a higher level of Zen ..... or something like that

[BizCT]

I'm a bit puzzled at myself guys, I've had several Chances at does so far this year and every time I've passed on the shot, Why can't I shoot?! The one time it was cause I couldn't get my camera on it due to a branch in the way, the rest have just been cases of me standing there filming it for 15 minutes and not being able to convince myself that this is the one I want to shoot, the worst example of this was yesterday on my last evening in Ohio, I filmed a nice doe for 15 minutes hanging out at 10 yards before she walked away, and my camera guy (second angle camera from another tree) was going crazy trying to figure out why I'm not shooting it.
What's up with me?!

Because does are boring. No bucks in Ohio?


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[chas0218]

Honestly I could have taken several doe. If you are like me, I'm waiting until they go into heat to try and bring in a nice buck.

[ny hunter]

Leave the camera home and put some meat in the freezer first then film all you want

[dbHunterNY]

once you try filming that is your focus.  it's a whole different world though especially self filming.  there's a lot going on.  it's not even cold yet.  wait until a really really cold day were you have to take out the battery and put it in your coat to warm it up.  my best advice would be to film with the intent to shoot as a first priority.  right now your going to shoot with filming your first priority.  you have something called pre-roll then the actually recording the shot.  first worry about the pre-roll.  that's the deer coming into the set or hanging out beyond your range.  once coming into range pick a spot where you think it's going.  pan to that spot and zoomed out enough to cover the whole open shooting area.  then forget the camera.  just focus on shooting the deer even if it's not in the frame.  you'll get better at working both and be more intuitive on when to let go of the camera.  I don't film much but my biggest problem was being zoomed in to much and chasing the deer to keep in the frame versus moving through the frame.  hope that helps.

[NFA-ADK]

 I understand, passing deer becomes a habit that gets hard to stop when the exact one you are looking for does not show up. 

You have to make a decision before you go out.  "Today I will shoot any doe in range."  Or "today I will take any good 8pt or better." 

Then when something comes in range you will be ready to shoot.  

[dbHunterNY]

another thing no need for a camera in your hands if you've got a camera guy.  it helps for him/her to be in the same tree 45 degrees to the right (if you're right handed) and above though.  if you're too far apart to talk as a deer passes through the set use a signal with minimum movement like thumbs up or thumbs down to let them know when the deer will be in your wheel house.  then they just have to stay on it in those locations.  set your camera with a "fish eye lens" or use a GoPro mounted stationary and pointing at you.  manual zoom works better for camera man.  otherwise things like brush, limbs, or the blind itself battles auto focus with the actual deer.

[dbHunterNY]

multiple deer in range is tougher to coordinate, especially doe.  keep pulling eyes off the view finder to foresee what's going on and not be on the wrong deer.

[Core]

Never had that problem. Literally never had a deer in range I was not going to try and take.

[JRod 8G8H]

Shoot the doe!! And an hour later when a buck walks through shoot him too!!!

But I'm guilty of the same, you get into a habit waiting for that buck to check your does and your freezer stays empty!

[wooly]

I don't know Joe, but I've heard some people do some really strange things when they get behind a camera.

You don't have to kill 'em all. Sometimes it's nice to just sit back and watch the show without interrupting it!

When the time is right you'll know it and drop the hammer I'm sure. Sounds like you'll have some great footage by seasons end.

[Taylormike]

You're asking us?  You are the only one that knows. Maybe you just want to photograph and film them.  If not, then you can have the best of both worlds, film and then harvest.

 

[DirtTime]

4 hours ago, fasteddie said:

Put the damn camera away ! 

There you have it.

Not trying to be a jerk, but you are probably focusing on the filming more then the hunt. Take a tep back and think about why you started hunting. Was it to be a star, or to be a great hunter? Remember, most of those hunting shows have a camera crew, and the hunts are filmed in guided areas.

 

Just get back to basics, hunt to hunt, not to gain popularity.

[Daveboone]

I am always amazed by the folks who go hunting but cant leave their tablets, Gameboys, whatever behind. In the meantime they are missing what is happening in the woods or the whole reason they are there. there is a constant show around me every time I am out...squirrel drama, the local weasel prowling around, bird watching etc.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with passing on shooting animals, but it sounds like playing with the camera is your distraction. Go back to hunting.

[josephmrtn]

I'd have too disagree with the guys saying that I'm filming for the popularity or something, sure I like sharing my hunts but that's not why I do it, I do it because I absolutely love filming. And yes my main problem is just not making the decision to kill, I'm always thinking that there might be a buck following her or a bigger doe right down the trail, I need to just take the first ethical shot I have and not worry about what could happen. I'm gonna try to apply that mindset and take the first shot that presents itself. The rut is just heating up so hopefully that shot is at a big buck!

Thanks guys! It helps just to hear other guys tell me what they think I'm doing wrong lol even though that sounds strange

[Doc]

18 hours ago, josephmrtn said:

I'd have too disagree with the guys saying that I'm filming for the popularity or something, sure I like sharing my hunts but that's not why I do it, I do it because I absolutely love filming. And yes my main problem is just not making the decision to kill, I'm always thinking that there might be a buck following her or a bigger doe right down the trail, I need to just take the first ethical shot I have and not worry about what could happen. I'm gonna try to apply that mindset and take the first shot that presents itself. The rut is just heating up so hopefully that shot is at a big buck!

Thanks guys! It helps just to hear other guys tell me what they think I'm doing wrong lol even though that sounds strange

I am thinking about all the memories you are preserving by documenting your hunts in this way. To me it doesn't sound like the camera is impacting your decisions not to shoot. It sounds more like you are waiting for a buck. Perhaps that is what you need to work on, but don't give up the filming. I wish I had a library of videos of some of my hunts. That would be great.

Just don't forget that it would be nice to record a kill once in the while ...... lol.