New Guy

[Bow_Hunter]

Hey all, new to the forum and really like the community so far. It seems like a lot of the hunting forums degenerate into a bunch of guys nitpicking each other and the way they hunt/operate in the outdoors. Trying to read and research as much as possible for my first season archery hunting in Oregon. I've rifle hunted since I was a kid but am the first guy in my family of avid hunters to pick up a bow and I am super excited for this fall.

All that to say, any advice you guys have for a novice bow hunter? I'm working hard to get setup for the season as best I can: lifting, running and shooting almost everyday. I also plan on spending some time this spring/summer scouting some new areas since most of the state has opened up to me for OTC elk/deer but I need to narrow my focus to Roosevelt vs. Rockies and blacktail vs. mulies and I also need to read up on techniques for close stalks and hunting from stands.

I appreciate any helpful advice and hope at some point in the near future I'll have experiences to share as well.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Welcome to the forum. There are some good folks around that I am sure will be glad to help you out.

 

[Drhorsepower]

Welcome. Have you read Cameron hanes guide to the wild side? If not, do it. It is awesome. He is from Oregon so you might be able to relate a little better than most. Good luck!

 

[Kevin Root]

Another of Cameron Hanes books to get Bow_Hunter as you are in Oregon and prime Blacktail deer country is, " Bowhunting Trophy Blacktail." Cameron is a very motivating and inspiring bow hunter.

 

[Maxhunter]

Welcome to the forum! I grew up in Oregon!

 

[jenbickel]

Welcome!! My best bowhunting advice is to practice patience! Haha. Even after bowhunting quite a few years now, its something I am still working on!

 

[BigSurArcher]

Welcome. I've hunted Blacktails my whole life, and done it with a bow for about the past 8 years (started bowhunting in middle school). They are an awesome creature, and naturally my most favorite of the deer species. They are tough to bowhunt, but very rewarding. The thing you have going for you in OR, is that you can bowhunt them throughout the rut. Many guys in OR wait until the last couple weeks to hit it hard. Rattling and other calling tactics works wonders on them up there during this time. Still hunting the thick stuff or rattling from a tree stand would probably be your best bet, unless you have a place where you can glass long range for spot and stalk. Rule #1, make it fun and don't burn yourself out by over-preparing. I think a lot of new bowhunters give up because they over-prepare only to come up empty at the end of the season.

You can see a number of my blacktail bow kills here! Good luck!

http://blacktailcountry.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=882

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Welcome. Shoot,shoot,shoot and don't forget to shoot! Good luck

 

[Kevin Root]

Those are some nice Blacktail kills BigSurArcher. Looks like you have put your time and have done very well. Nice pictures too. You set up the animals well for those pictures!

I've thought Oregon would be awesome being able to hunt blacktails as they are able to hunt them in the rut. Here in Ca, not as easy to hunt the rut unless we get a special tag or hunt a private land area that gets that option.

In Cameron Haynes blacktail video he has most of the kills filmed in a tree stand during the rut in Oregon.

 

[sjsmallfield]

+1 on both of Cameron Haynes books and the video.

 

[Conrad8899]

Welcome to the forum. A lot of great people here.

 

[RUTTIN]

Welcome to the forum. My best advice for a new bowhunter is HAVE FUN! Enjoy the closeness you get with your prey, and don't get to caught up in the "I have to kill something" to be successful in archery hunting. Good luck to you!

 

[Full Draw]

Welcome! This is a great forum, lots of great info! Do you have a pro-shop or an archery club near you? That is another big help when you are just getting started. Don't worry about asking lots of questioins, we all have to start somewhere!

 

[jay]

Not an archery hunter but welcome to the forum. There are many seasoned archery hunters on here that i'm sure will lend some wisdom from their adventures. Good luck!

 

[packer58]

I agree with RUTTIN, the bowhunting adventure is the planning, scouting and preparing yourself for the multiple stalks that will probably go south for one reason or another. The kill is simply the end of your hunt. Enjoy it all, begining to end.