As I get older, I've found that I have less interest in logging long hours in a tree stand or in a blind waiting for maybe one shot opportunity to try to harvest a deer. Don't get me wrong, I love eating venison and shooting a deer with trad tackle is a thrill that's hard to beat. That said, I'm losing interest in the long hours. The thought of hunting small game, where you can move and hunt, and when you do sit stil, l it might only be for 45 minutes or so.
Have any of you experienced the same thing? If so, what do you hunt now? Rabbits, squirrels, pheasants...? And how do you hunt them?
Pics would be fun too.
I'll keep your stands warm buddy! I'd love to try some squirrel & rabbits hunting myself. I've tried pheasants with my bow. Thank goodness Jack had his 20 gauge!
-Jeremy :coffee:
Hahaha. My hunting property also has rabbit and squirrels, so more shooting equals more fun!
I'm only in my late 20's and I've always said from my earliest ages of hunting that small game hunts and bird hunting are a more enjoyable hunt. I deer hunt regularly and love the meat but I enjoy the pursuit of small game much, much more.
As a traditional bowhunter I have actually built my arrows around my small game hunting needs. I use footed carbons for improved durability against rocks and live tree trunks for when hunting rabbits and squirrels. I only shoot 125gr points because I can get my favorite small game head (RFA Talons) and Judo points in that weight. To bring my FOC and kenetic energy up for deer and hogs, I went to 100gr brass inserts. The brass is also a little more forgiving on hard impacts to rocks than aluminum and steel. This lets me shoot targets, 3D, stumps, small game, deer, pigs, and birds all with an identical point weight setup.
As for how I hunt, it depends largely on the season. I use spot and stalk most frequently. I scout for deer sign and funnels in the pre-season and post season when small game hunting. I plan to hunt every opportunity throughout fall and winter that I can but I only chase deer when weather conditions are ideal for it. The rest of the time I go out for small game and I'm almost always happy that I did. I hunt small game with a variety of weapons including shotguns, rimfire rifles, rimfire pistols, high end adult airguns, and my longbow. Which weapon I take with me varies with season, area to be hunted, and my mood although I enjoy the airguns and longbow the most. The shotguns and rimfires go out because they are family guns and I just love the memories that always come back, sentiment, and pride of ownership when I can take out my grandfathers' tools that fed my parents and still put food on the table. My tactics vary a little but I most frequently use spot and stalk or hike and sit/break. I have a couple of handmade small game calls from Jeremy Holden here that go out with me and help.
Small game hunting is a blast and is truly one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have in the woods. I think quite a few other folks feel the same way as there is almost always a small game article in Traditional Bowhunting and other smaller hunting magazines. However, I don't think it gets a lot of commercial advertisement because companies can't sell a lot of crap to support the hobby.
Following your own current style of personal gratification doesn't require justification.
We are individually unique yet in the same boat and we are all seasick.
Thanks, Friend. I'm not really looking for justification, just perspective and insight.
I'm hooked on whitetails I guess. Bro ice fishes in winter, but I can't because archery is on til the 15th of January. I'm addicted to deer......
Don't blame you, kennym. Whitetails are a lot of fun!!!
I'm with you LF1. After 40 years of bow hunting for deer I just don't seem to have the same drive for the early morning rises and the all day sits. I much more prefer stump shooting now. Most of it is done during a small game season so I have the option for both. I get much more enjoyment out of roving, scouting, hiking and shooting.
I've had a good deer season but I have been out three times squirrel hunting and really enjoyed it. I always seem to have more fun small game hunting.
(http://i.imgur.com/aIhwJ7V.jpg)
Beagles and bunnies can be a challenge....and a lot of fun.
Scott.
For rabbits find the biggest messiest farm grove you can. Show them your wood arrow with blunts and your longbow and beg. Some farm groves north east of me have many rabbits, on warmer sunny winter days, it is way more fun than deer hunting. The less snow cover the better.
Luckily, the two activities aren't mutually inclusive in this state. I hunt deer until the season closes, unless I limit out earlier, of course. Then I turn my attention to rabbits and squirrels. Life is good. And when all of that is over, I give stumps a good thumping.
I only bought a small game license this year for Arkansas...no deer.
My quiver has only a couple of broadheads and the rest are small game arrows with various types of fletching for aerial or ground game. I like to walk, explore, and have fun.
At my age and the large places that I hunt, killing a deer would not be much fun.
I just have to relearn how to hunt for rabbits and squirrels with a longbow.
I don't get many chances at deer.....if at all. Small game is fun but unless I'm with someone who will use it I won't shoot squirrels and rabbits. I don't kill game that I don't eat. I eat venison........just never get to very often.
"I don't get many chances at deer.....if at all. Small game is fun but unless I'm with someone who will use it I won't shoot squirrels and rabbits. I don't kill game that I don't eat. I eat venison........just never get to very often."
Ron PM me your address and I'll send you up a few packs of fresh Venison Sausage for Christmas,
Butcher shop made with Pork and spices in "Sweet Italian"
I enjoy hunting the small critters, but I'm not going to miss deer hunting to do it!
Bisch
Anybody made string silencers with a rabbit pelt? I saw several snowshoe hares today while hiking in to climb ice. I'd like to try hunting them with my longbow, make dinner with the meat and tan the hides. Those white hides this time of year are so beautiful! Anyone else make something neat with the hides?
I love small game hunting with my recurve more than deer hunting. I shot 2 rabbits 3 years ago running( totally luck) and have been hooked since. I still love yo deer hunt but if I had to choose it would be small game.
I always got more kicks out of hunting rabbits and quail. I think if i lived a little more to the east I would go pig hunting over deer hunting.
I'm with you, Dennis. I much prefer small game hunting to deer hunting. I even got a beautiful new private area to hunt this year, have seen over 50 deer so far, but still don't enjoy hunting whitetail nearly so much as chasing small critters.
QuoteOriginally posted by Archie:
I'm with you, Dennis. I much prefer small game hunting to deer hunting. I even got a beautiful new private area to hunt this year, have seen over 50 deer so far, but still don't enjoy hunting whitetail nearly so much as chasing small critters.
:thumbsup:
Our deer season is over in early January and then I chase squirrels and rabbits.Getting a group together now to have a squirrel stick bow hunt with lunch over the grill mid day-to let us older guys a chance to rest up for the afternoon. Looking forward to having some fun with others as I always bowhunt deer alone.
Our deer season is over in early January and then I chase squirrels and rabbits.Getting a group together now to have a squirrel stick bow hunt with lunch over the grill mid day-to let us older guys a chance to rest up for the afternoon. Looking forward to having some fun with others as I always bowhunt deer alone.
I do a rabbit bowhunt on a friend's 20 acre slice of heaven each year. Bowhunting rabbits is not the best method of filling the game bag but you tend to remember each one better. It's done best with two hunters, one beating the bush and one blocking at the end of the cover. Shot this one running in heavy cover. Oh yeah, don't forget the fluorescent orange when hunting with others.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Hunting/SAM_2968_zps0ad0590e.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Hunting/SAM_2972_zps6e5abd9d.jpg)
I've always had more fun hunting small game. Unfortunately I have to travel just as far to find small game hunting as I do to hunt larger game. Heck, I would even know where to go to find good rabbit hunting.
I used to get quit a few rabbits on my few acres but as the trees grew the ground cover disappeared. I think it's time to do some cutting because the "clean"ground doesn't do much for the deer either.
When I lived out west the small game hunting was awesome. There were only a couple months out of the year that I was shut in. I sure miss it. Not to mention how deadly I was on big game after shooting small game so much. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/singlechicken.jpg) (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/meLarryJacks1.jpg) (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/abraceofgroundsquirrels.jpg) (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/065bunnies.jpg)
It's rabbet hunting season!
Not in the fossil records yet, however am 58 and have been shooting a stick since 8 yrs of age
Have not been in a stand since 2007...Find continued justification in relentless pursuit of those whitetail critters personally warranted by the gifted fulfilling experience incurred.
Find continued justification in relentless pursuit of those whitetail critters personally warranted by the gifted fulfilling experience incurred.
The heightened anticipation occurs continually during the hunt's anticipation and is fueled by the extensive planning, strategizing, lengthy prep and labor
Passing on shot opportunities and close range viewing is most fulfilling
Have, without the slightest exaggeration, taken solid separate shot opportunity passes on 40 bucks, thus far this season The furthest buck included was 20 yards with the vast majority within the 10 to 14 yard range. Did not loose an arrow on a single buck last season and could very well be the case this season...always a hopeful expectation, however not a personal requirement for fulfillment.
Already, developing strategy, planning and work to start immediately after season and thru the winter months and likely into the summer regarding three particular ground setups...enthusiasm is high and wishing to get started as soon as possible.
There has been a compelling direct correlation in the fulfillment obtained in relation to the effort expended...passed on 22 sold shot opportunities on bucks from the ground last season. The ground game is improving.
Do find my ground setups increasingly designed to permit considerably more comfort and protection from the elements
If confidence wains, then it is an easy decision. I cut the hunt short which has occurred once this season
Do enjoy small game pursuit and chase bunnies after season, however more fervently endeavor to pursue ground carp in the summer months.
Firmly believe in and respect following our own personal venues which produce personal fulfillment
I never developed a great interest in small game, as I was so enthralled in deer hunting. However, I just can't sit in a deer stand nearly as long I used to do. I can't eat mammal meat of any kind due to Alpha Gal allergy, so I just hunt less overall.
LF1 I love both deer and small game and don't see giving up either.
Regarding your desire not to sit for such long periods for deer...what about taking up still hunting? Not sure what kind of terrain and habitat you're hunting in, but maybe that's one way to get off the long sits and still enjoy deer hunting. Sit for 30 minutes or so and move along a bit. Have both broadheads and small game arrows in the quiver and you can do both at the same time!
QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
I enjoy hunting the small critters, but I'm not going to miss deer hunting to do it!
Bisch
X2! Deer hunting is on my brain 365 days a year.
I love to hunt Whitetails, but since moving back to Southern Illinois, I am in small game heaven.
Squirrels, Rabbits, Waterfowl etc. and not always with a bow, (all my Deer hunting is with a bow).
I cut my teeth on hunting squirrels with a 22 when I was a kid, still one of my favorite pastimes to go for a walk in the woods. I love eating them as well one of my favorites. Just happened to cook up a batch this morning, fried and smothered with gravy, yummy!
Ron this would make a believer out of you, lol.
(http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa282/Bowhuntater/squirrel_zpsc0m25eyc.jpg) (http://s203.photobucket.com/user/Bowhuntater/media/squirrel_zpsc0m25eyc.jpg.html)
Oh trust me Tater......I have eaten a few of the critters fried up with bacon and onions.....but nobody else in the house likes it.
Great stuff here, guys! Thanks! Charlie, that's some great shooting. Wow!.
That's a lot of deer you're passing up, Friend! The enjoyment of the hunt is clearly not predicated on the harvest of game.
QuoteOriginally posted by FlintNSteel:
LF1 I love both deer and small game and don't see giving up either.
Regarding your desire not to sit for such long periods for deer...what about taking up still hunting? Not sure what kind of terrain and habitat you're hunting in, but maybe that's one way to get off the long sits and still enjoy deer hunting. Sit for 30 minutes or so and move along a bit. Have both broadheads and small game arrows in the quiver and you can do both at the same time!
Maybe that's the ticket. I've considered spending more time mule deer hunting because they're more susceptible to spot and stalk.
Tater-Man does that look delish!!! :clapper:
Buy this time of the year I am ready for a change. I have been deer and elk hunting since the beginning of September. I love to set up in a low tree stand and shoot squirrels.
I know just what you mean tracker12. I prefer small game hunting when I don't have an open season on deer or elk, even antelope on a rare occasion.
Squirrel and dumplings, oh boy, can't get any better than that.
I used to be so hung up on sitting as long as I could while hunting deer. It was to the point where I rued going out.
I thought if I wasn't looking forward to the hunt I was doing something wrong. So I switched it up.
I love getting up early in the a.m., and drinking coffee in my rocking chair while the sun comes up. I sleep like garbage the night before if I'm planning on hunting the next morning. It's not excitement, it's the anticipation I'm not gonna get the spot I want as I hunt only public land.
Now I wake up early, do my thing at home, get the kiddos off to school and then hit the woods.
I'll hunt from 9 or 10 till sunset. I know I miss out on some movement times. But I have yet to get to where I want to sit and find someone. They are usually walking out as I'm walking in.
Maybe you just need to adjust your times?
-Jeremy :coffee:
Ive threatened to just small game hunt.
I love to deer hunt but I see more squirrels than deer.
Also you kill a deer and your in for work (and they are a lot harder to pack out)
But those squirrels are jumpy
Not sure If I could get a shot off.
Deer have been my passion, but I did find myself really enjoying the walk out of the woods after a morning deer sit just to fling flu flus at squirrels. I can definitly relate to your feelings.
I hunt rabbits right around my neighborhood ever evening if I'm home the last hour of light. Mickey always picks up a trail at that time and I'm lucky enough to get a few a year.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee178/sunstone/P1030491_zpsff5d9032.jpg) (http://s234.photobucket.com/user/sunstone/media/P1030491_zpsff5d9032.jpg.html)
While I used to 100% deer hunt as soon as the season opened to when it closed, now I split it up quite a bit.
I don't currently hunt farms or food plots, so there are plenty of times I do not see deer.
I pheasant hunt with the bow every Saturday morning and deer hunt the afternoon. Same with small game, changing up afternoons and mornings depending on wind/weather.
Funny thing, I still see/shoot about the same amount of deer as when I was insane about being in a stand every waking, non working moment.
I haven't done it in a long time, but Scott is right: bunnies, beagles and a bow are excellent in combination , and on a snowy day, so much the better.
I wish our ruffled grouse population was more stable. I enjoy walking my woods hunting them.
Most shots at grouse have been taken when I see them while deer hunting. But I should spend more time just on grouse.
It is fun, and as Charlie said I definitely think it would make me a better shot.
QuoteOriginally posted by YORNOC:
I pheasant hunt with the bow every Saturday morning and deer hunt the afternoon.
for pheasants have you been to the West Hill Dam or the Red Barn in Uxbridge?
QuoteOriginally posted by MnFn:
I wish our ruffled grouse population was more stable. I enjoy walking my woods hunting them.
Most shots at grouse have been taken when I see them while deer hunting. But I should spend more time just on grouse.
It is fun, and as Charlie said I definitely think it would make me a better shot.
I would love to hunt grouse with a bow. That would be so much fun!!!
AFTER our big game season closes I do like to get out and hunt the bunnies. I don't particularly like eating bunnies so, I limit my harvest.
In the spring shooting carp is a hoot.
Joe
I really like small game hunting - in fact, I wish I had better opportunities to do more of it. I especially want to get into bow fishing.
But...deer hunting calls to me and is a pure passion in the fall. There's lot's of time to small game hunt around deer season. For now, that drive to hunt deer is still there.
I have passed up several shots on deer this year. I really need to stop doing that and just put some meat in the freezer. I have been thinking about taking another quiver filled with small game arrows just for squirrels. Every time I sit in a stand there are about enough squirrels running around to fill my freezer. Well I would have to do it five at a time. I'm in a stand to hunt and I need to SHOOT at something! I have just talked myself into it. Look out squirrels!!!
Anyone that thinks shooting rabbits, squirrel and birds is more fun than deer hunting is nuts, I am pretty certain that i must be more nuts that way than anyone. I tried to buy a farm place just because it has a good rabbit grove and couldn't afford it. So my friend is buying it, we are hoping to get access to it while the rabbit season is still open. When I head out bunny and pheasant hunting with a quiver full of shoot away cedar arrows, I get a loosy goosy feeling like I had when I was a kid.
QuoteOriginally posted by pavan:
Anyone that thinks shooting rabbits, squirrel and birds is more fun than deer hunting is nuts, I am pretty certain that i must be more nuts that way than anyone. I tried to buy a farm place just because it has a good rabbit grove and couldn't afford it. So my friend is buying it, we are hoping to get access to it while the rabbit season is still open. When I head out bunny and pheasant hunting with a quiver full of shoot away cedar arrows, I get a loosy goosy feeling like I had when I was a kid.
:biglaugh:
(http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab283/pavanldb/15203248_1613763978925762_3515728838801967204_n-1.jpg) (http://s872.photobucket.com/user/pavanldb/media/15203248_1613763978925762_3515728838801967204_n-1.jpg.html)
Or this one (http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab283/pavanldb/15094246_1613764052259088_22462424570674637_n.jpg) (http://s872.photobucket.com/user/pavanldb/media/15094246_1613764052259088_22462424570674637_n.jpg.html)
I felt the same way as few years ago, and just decided to hunt deer the same way you described hunting small game.
Beautiful pups, Pavan!
Pavan, those are some really good looking pups!
LF1
You hit it the nail on the head. You said exactly what I have been feelin the last couple years. I am in the same place. Now at 55 It seems I dont want to wait around anymore, dont care how big the buck might be. . I will rattle and call ect. Or still hunt but no more just waiting. Probably my favorite hunt is for Ground hogs. Tricky little buggers. Even began to cook em up like my Grandpap did.
Thought he was nuts.
My season goes exactly the same every year...September 15th through the 30th, we chase squirrels with a vengeance.
October 1st through Christmas eve'ish....I log as many hours in the deer stand as possible. Yesterday I was in a pop up from 6:30 a.m until 5:40 p.m. :scared:
BUT...right about now I start thinking of rabbits. My beagle Daisy starts looking at me funny when I leave the house without her. So I will be hunting rabbits by 12-26 at the latest.
We also take several breaks during our ShrewHaven hunt and chase grouse/woodcock.
Pavan... please take those pictures away ! My wife wants ( yet another) another dog and she thinks those pups are gorgeous ! Now I have to listen to that for another week..... :thumbsup:
ChuckC
Sorry but I have to add my new puppy's picture. I really think a dog adds a lot to small game hunting.
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s64/GordonJabben/f477013c-6e98-4462-bd30-2c228d756a1e_zps498p0dyj.jpg) (http://s149.photobucket.com/user/GordonJabben/media/f477013c-6e98-4462-bd30-2c228d756a1e_zps498p0dyj.jpg.html)
I have a hard time bypassing chances to hunt deer during the fall but with young boys I see no better way to bring them up then hunting rabbits and squirrels!
This is our Beagle Bianca, this was back in March....
(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_8615.jpg) (http://s347.photobucket.com/user/BEH160/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_8615.jpg.html)
Shes a little to big to fit in my pouch now and way to much energy to take a nap while shes in the woods :banghead:
Man does she have a nose on her :eek:
That's a great picture to remember her youth / puppyhood by. They grow fast.
CHuckC