gonhunting247
Veteran member
- Jan 21, 2014
- 1,221
- 798
A lot of great points made already.
This technique probably isn't for everyone, but it is a great compromise and I sure like it: Rather than wait for great tags, only to get to hunt an area once in a decade or more, I go with hunting easier to draw units that I can hunt more often. Once I decide on which units in each state these are, I then pick the best dates combined with the method of hunting that corresponds with those dates. Whether it be Bow, MZ or Rifle. I figure the more I'm out actually hunting in areas where these big ones live the better odds I have. In theory all the experience and interaction should make me a better hunter along the way, helping me capitalize on the few opportunities I get. I try to adjust my expectations to a realistic level for the area I'm hunting, as to not get frustrated. "Meaning I like to fill my tags and I love deer meat, so I have no problem shooting a 140-160 inch buck(or smaller
) if I want too! (After all with this method I'll be back soon!) But, if my research and experience leads me to think I should hold out based on the situation; weather, dates, pressure, moon phase etc. I'll do it." I'm definitely not the best trophy hunter and I don't judge a deer by what it will score, I shoot the buck that feels right at the time. I have to admit sometimes they do shrink a little with this method, at least in my case, but I have been blessed with a few of that next level bucks over the years.
Some other things I consider are whether disease or a bad winter has affected a certain age class or ; whats the range condition this year, length of season or even personal time constraints. All these things are factored in to what deer I decide to pull the trigger on in a certain year or area. I admit sometimes I just blow it and get an itchy finger, but after all these years I've learned to grin and just be happy I'm out hunting, while looking forward to the next chance at that big ole bruiser.
I guess in IMO, that if a guy like UH, who is a skilled hunter, gives himself the most opportunities, by being in the field as often as possible, uses the style of hunting that fits the situation and holds out to the potential of the area, it's only a matter of time.
Good luck, I bet now that your concentrating on it, you'll be sitting behind that big ole Muley your after real soon.
The same goes for Big Blacktails for me too, except I think that if you can hold out, Knowing the area, as well as the deer in that area inside and out, is by far the most important factor to connecting with the old guys!
This technique probably isn't for everyone, but it is a great compromise and I sure like it: Rather than wait for great tags, only to get to hunt an area once in a decade or more, I go with hunting easier to draw units that I can hunt more often. Once I decide on which units in each state these are, I then pick the best dates combined with the method of hunting that corresponds with those dates. Whether it be Bow, MZ or Rifle. I figure the more I'm out actually hunting in areas where these big ones live the better odds I have. In theory all the experience and interaction should make me a better hunter along the way, helping me capitalize on the few opportunities I get. I try to adjust my expectations to a realistic level for the area I'm hunting, as to not get frustrated. "Meaning I like to fill my tags and I love deer meat, so I have no problem shooting a 140-160 inch buck(or smaller
) if I want too! (After all with this method I'll be back soon!) But, if my research and experience leads me to think I should hold out based on the situation; weather, dates, pressure, moon phase etc. I'll do it." I'm definitely not the best trophy hunter and I don't judge a deer by what it will score, I shoot the buck that feels right at the time. I have to admit sometimes they do shrink a little with this method, at least in my case, but I have been blessed with a few of that next level bucks over the years.Some other things I consider are whether disease or a bad winter has affected a certain age class or ; whats the range condition this year, length of season or even personal time constraints. All these things are factored in to what deer I decide to pull the trigger on in a certain year or area. I admit sometimes I just blow it and get an itchy finger
, but after all these years I've learned to grin and just be happy I'm out hunting, while looking forward to the next chance at that big ole bruiser. I guess in IMO, that if a guy like UH, who is a skilled hunter, gives himself the most opportunities, by being in the field as often as possible, uses the style of hunting that fits the situation and holds out to the potential of the area, it's only a matter of time.
Good luck, I bet now that your concentrating on it, you'll be sitting behind that big ole Muley your after real soon.
The same goes for Big Blacktails for me too, except I think that if you can hold out, Knowing the area, as well as the deer in that area inside and out, is by far the most important factor to connecting with the old guys!
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