Trad Gang

I learned a lot.
A "fatally hit deer" is not always so.

Hard blood trails are eased by good help.

I CAN shoot well if I do my part. LOL.

Wild boar  can  taste good! Thanks Homer...  :D  

After losing two great hunting buddies to cross country moves, I learned there are new ones out there.

People have different ideas as to what sharp is.

Bears have an uncanny ability to disappear.

Im not good at shooting groups, but I am good at decapitating dandelions.

I am sure there are more, but I was thinking about it and figured I would throw this out there. Please add anything that you learned...

I learned that a missed season because of financial and medical reasons isn't as bad as one might think...especially when there are places like TradGang to tag along with the other hunters vicariously.

Great Thread Jamie!!

I share some of your findings, such as I can shoot well if I do my part.  

I can add these:

I learned that many shot opportunities can only be had by using a traditional bow.

Shooting in the dark is WAY different than in the daytime, even when shooting instinctively.

Taking or I should say MAKING the time to hunt with family and friends is way more worth it than just talking about it and regreting it later.

My form was not nearly as good as I thought it was.

I learned that switching from righty to lefty is not that hard and that I should have done  it years ago.

I learned that postponing the hunt of a lifetime because of uncertainty is a sure way to ensure it doesn't happen. Thanks to the motivation provided by a new friend/hunting partner, went on my first DIY elk hunt this season. Turns out its not as unattainable, expensive, or as big a deal as I always thought. Am planning on it being a regular occurrence from here on out! Just remember you won't find "Someday" on any calendar!

Good thoughts, Steve! Carpe diem, because if you don't, you'll find that someday just passed.

I learned that holding out for only a mature buck will leave you with unused tags...

My commitment was I would only kill a nice adult buck or any unlucky doe that I could get close enough to.  

A great season with many close encounters!  Getting close and spending time bowhunting is good enough.

I need to take more time off next season.

Billy

I learned that it's better to have a job than unproductive time on my hands.

I learned that getting that job just before hunting season starts really cuts down on your hunting time.

I learned that hunting is not as important as caring for my family   :D  

Even at 8 yards, the thick part of a bucks shoulder blade can stop an arrow from a 65# bow.

I learned that even several years after his death, I still miss my best friend and huntin' bud every time I go out to hunt.

I learned that Tradgang is STILL the "next best thing to being there".

I learned i dont hear as good as i use to, therefore i need to sit still better.

I learned i need to save a little vacation time for hunting the rut.

I learned that my 2 year old can now reach the bottom of my bow rack, that i need to move it.

I learned by listening to the guys at work talk about this and that coming loose on there compounds and "not havin' a allen wrench to fix it" makes me appreciate my longbow that much more.

I learned that shooting a great deer with a compound bow is nowhere near the feeling of shooting one with a recurve.

I learned that even at 12 yards a Booner buck can be missed.

I learned that my friends now think I am either weird or some kind of purist for going trad only...AND I don't care.

Make time to scout. Even if it is 100 degrees in September.

The most important thing that I learned is to diligently follow up every shot, no matter how non-fatal a hit may appear to be.

I learned that it really don't matter what you see on an outing....guess I knew that all along!I Learned next year I should spend more time in the Adirondacks with a bow in my hand and a Cat quiver on my back.I learned that any time spent out is good time spent....I guess I knew that also!

I learned something that I already knew, if that makes sense...
Always trust your instincts when hanging a stand, do not listen to someone else or second guess yourself.

I learned that 4 days scouting and 1 day hunting on a 5 day trip really pays off.

I hae learned to stop wanting so much and thank God for the blessings he has already given me.

The best things in life aren't things.

I've become a believe in heavy arrows and single bevel 2 blades.

More people care about horn porn than I ever imagined.

Arkansas G&F commissioners SUCK

I learned to trust my instincts.  What someome else thinks doesn't change things that I believe are true.

I learned to stick to Ash arrows for hunting.

I also will use my ears more than my lips.

I appreciate and Love God first, than my family and friends, than what I like to do.

 :archer:

Deer do have memories and will avoid a permanent stand.Oh yeah one more thing, as soon as I switch my bow for a rifle a good buck will present a 5 yard broadside shot on the ground.  :banghead:

I guess I learned I'm not as old as I sometimes think I am, and grabbing an opportunity to go on your first real bow hunt at 71 can be a ball... and successful.  (Javelina in Texas)

I also learned that if you keep at it, you can learn to build a decent laminated bow.  I built nine last year, even two piece longbows, which I was really nervous about.

I also learned that building bows is a marvelous excuse to buy numerous really big tools!

It was a good year.

I learned that when crouching in the grass, holding the bow parallel to the ground, and shooting at bull at 15 yards, you still have to to bring your hand to anchor or you'll shoot over the bull.

I learned about this wonderful sport called Traditional Archery.

I learned that Trad Gangers are a great bunch of people.

I also learned that the Trad community is made up of the finest humanity has to offer.

Funny this thread came to life.... I was just thinking the same thing the other day and got sidetracked and did not start it. Oh well, guess we think the same way don't we ?

1) Wool is awesome, especially $3 Goodwill sweaters for layering over your Ullfrotte' longjohns and under your outer coat, comfy down to 10 degrees no problem !

2) The fenix light by the Wensel's is awesome, last flashlight I will ever need.

3) Predator Fall Gray Camo. Turkeys passed by twice at 6 yds as we were in a lone tree in a 4 yr old clearcut, never saw us.

4)Alpha Lite boots by Lacrosse 7MM thick with side zippers are the cat's pajamas ! Feel like wearing tennis shoes comfy warm down to 10 degrees with one pair of thick wool socks.

5) Cannot kill them sitting on the couch, get out there even if you only have a few hours to hunt. Especially evening hunts. Most shots are right at dark, so what if you get there only an hour before then...... ? Dead deer don't care what time you got there as long as it was before they did, haha !

6) Spend as much time hunting with your kids as you can. Seems like a blur sometimes, they grow up fast.

7) Cut your shooting lanes and approaches to your stands NOW, not in Sept !!!

8) The strap that holds the two pieces of your Summit Viper tree stand together makes an awesome deer drag if you are too far from your ATV, Deer Cart, or Truck.

nocams

I learned that I can put a well placed sitka spruce arrow with a ultra sharp 125 grain zwikey broadhead right through a whitetail deer..Confidence level went way up after that..Mike

I learned to accept things for what they are, we may not understand why bad things happen to us, but we have to accept them never the less. I know I will never walk the way I did before our accident, I know that it has made me slow down and not hurry through life, I know it has made me how great my family is, how awesome my girls are, I learned that being able to hunt is WAY more important than killing an animal. Todd

I learned that patience and moving slowly are the keys to sneaking up on  a deer.  They are pretty crafty those deer.

QuoteOriginally posted by craig1955:
Make time to scout. Even if it is 100 degrees in September.

I agree.Had I done this about 500-700 yards to my north of where I was hunting last season I may have got a chance at a buck,or just seen more deer.  :knothead:  

I also learned if you hit a deer in the right spot you don't need a blood trail.I could really get used to all of them going down within earshot/sight.

1) to slow down and appreciate the wilderness
2) to be more patient and wait for the shot
3) stick with the trad bow, even when it gets tough mentally (didn't do this all the way through)
4) that a trad bow is just as deadly as any other weapon within your comfortable shooting range
5) practice, practice, practice.

I also learned to save vacation time for the rut!

After 10 days in Ontario fishing, I learned that I am not a fishermen and never will be.

Also while in Ontario, I learned that a seagull cannot be felled with a 3 day old biscuit.

Had a pretty darn good year all things considered.

Best wishes to all for 2010.

Whitetails continue to show me they are smarter than we think!  Just when I think I've got a couple of big bucks figured out....I eat a tag!

I learned what it "feels" like to pick a spot. Theres a big difference between thinking your looking at one tiny spot and actually putting all your focus on one. It "feels" different and I won't forget that.

I also learned I need to keep practicing during season.

I learned I need to practice more actual hunting shots during the off season.

I learned what really sharp was after purchasing a KME sharpener.

One I already knew but was reminded of is. I have a really great wife. She always encouraged me to spend as much time as I wanted in the woods all season long. Waited till season was over before bringing up the honey do list, again.   :eek:

I can lose weight and get in great hunting shape if.... I stay focused.

Elk hunting is not easy.

Still Love Whitetail Hunting.

Shoot the first Pig you see.

As a Lefty, learning to shoot Right Handed is just as fun!

3D shoots are a Hoot. Go have some fun!!!

"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible."

Relax, things will just "happen"

I learned teaching a 10 year old about trad and hunting is as much fun as when I first started myself.

Stumping is the best sort of hunting practice that I know of

Stick with what I have confidence in for hunting arrow combonations.

Coyotes in Arkansas are starving.  Shot a deer last week and waited overnight after loosing the blood trail.  Next morning I found nothing but bones, head and hooves less than 40 yards from last blood.

Deer exist, and more importantly, they CAN be killed with a bow and arrow...

 :bigsmyl:

I learned to NOT sit on one side of a hill when deer can come up the other side and see you scratch your nose just as they peek thier head over the top of the hill.

I learned that waiting for the "perfect" shot when there is a perfectly "good" shot staring you in the face isn't such a good idea.

I learned to trust the blind.

I learned the magic that is being in the woods with a stickbow.

I've Learned:

To move even slower when hunting the cover for deer.

To trust in my wind string and change course as it dictates.

That if I have a candy bar with me in the woods I can last the whole day.

Not to wear a watch when hunting... The deer don't.

First Impulse is always right!

Most Of All... The deer are watching me leave my house! They know what's going on. Maybe (they) can read my mind.  :rolleyes:

Thanks Jamie  ;)

... mike ...

I learned as long as there is a trad bow in my hand no matter what Im doing Im having fun.

I learned it easy to miss a easy shot. 10yrd six point

I learned that having a girlfriend that shoots and hunts makes memories that last a lifetime.

I learned that spending time in a yurt in colorado trad hunting elk with six great guys is priceless.

Widow

I learned to be committed to trad,I had spooked the same three deer twice and I had thought about bringing out the wheels so as to take them at the 40yrd mark.But stuck to my feelings and stayed with trad and the next time out this Wednesday I will take one with my longbow for sure.
And I learned that I can shoot 4" groups with my Hill @ 35yrds through a lot of practice.
 And that my kids can make me a better archer by repeating every thing I taught them when I make simple mistakes when we shoot.   :campfire:

i learned that time with kids is all that matters EVER!!

that if it seams like a bad idea it will be.

be kind to everyone.

get the family involved in the outdoors.

enjoy the kids they grow quick.

I learned that a proper preshot routine can lead to proper shot execution. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way while Mule Deer hunting Alberta last October. Wow, to have those 7 opportunities back:) LOL

I learned that hunting on the ground is alot more fun than hanging in a tree!
I learned that every year I usually make the same mistakes! and that time spent with my 11 year old son is what it's all about!!! Jason

I learned along time ago, I'm always learning! And hope to, till I leave this world!

But I have also learned that sharing what I have learned, is just a important! Pass it on.

One thing I learned is that if you hunt in a pouring rain and get your feathers wet and your string and beaver hide string silencers socked you are likely to shot low at the moment of trueth.  ( or thats my excuse for missing a 10 yard shot and I'm sticking too it.)

Joe

I can relate to John3. I was holding out for one very nice buck. Probably 20" spread 5X5. I passed up a really decent 4X4 at 12 yards in the process.

Also, the first time using a particular stand will probably offer the best chance at success from that stand. At least that is how it usually works for me.

1. When hunting on the ground, and you hear something that is out of your field of view, but coming from a direction that you know you can't shoot in... Don't Look. You have no shot there anyhow... Just let them come into your shooting lane / field of view... (Blew two 'gimme' opportunities that way)

2. Like Roger R suggests, wait till first light to work toward your set-up. Will do wonders on catching game moving early, and not blowing them into the next county tromping in the dark.

3. Hunt your way to the set-up. Had a great Stalk this season that way.

4. Last but not least... Don't Miss! Too many of those this season than I want to admit.

I learned that I shoot better with a golf glove than a shooting glove.

I have learned that traditonal hunting is not learning how to TAKE life but...


learning how to LIVE life.

Paul

(1) There are some things in life that aren't really that important.
(2) Shooting trad isn't like riding a bicycle.  After years of being away, I'm relearning everything.
(3) I really love traditional bowhunting.  I didn't know how much I missed it all those years.

That I need to practice every day to shoot well, even if it is shooting a few judos at a water bottle in the driveway lights at night.

I learned that I can still have a great hunt even when I over sleep in the morning as long as I dont let my attitude get in the way.

I learned that perseverance while tracking can pay big dividends and even when you dont have a red carpet or even a single drop of blood you can still find a downed deer by sticking to the task.  (2 days tracking 2 actual drops of blood and 1 puddle of blood can lead you to a down deer as long as I listen to my wife)

I learned that spending time camping on the property and hunting with my wife during the rut was some of the best time I could have spent this year.

I learned not to face away from the direction deer are coming so they pass you for that perfect quartering away shot.
I learned to use lubricant on a tree stand in 0 degree weather.

Another learning while hunting "natural-on the ground" moment.

When you get "on stand/stool/chair", don't hit your grunt call until you are 100% in "ready mode".

Early this past November, I got to my spot at 3:30 in the afternoon. I had a bad cold and was hacking into my elbow sleeve and kicking leaves from my foot area to make sure things were quiet when I was "ready". Basically making a racket for a minute. My wind was great, so I popped a Hall's because I knew I couldn't last 5 minutes without coughing.

I got mostly ready, sat down, got my mask and tab on, nocked an arrow and was slowly picking up single leaves from my foot area and moving some cover branches around. Now it's 3:35. I figured since I've already made way too much noise for the next 20 minutes, I'll hit my buck growl grunt call. So I hit the growl 3-4 times and I resume slowly picking up dry leaves by my feet. Literally 45 seconds to a minute later, the nicest buck I've ever seen in Michigan came trotting in from over the hill, looking for the buck that made that grunt! A nice 16" wide 8pt.

Unfortunately, what he saw was me, totally out of position, bent over picking up single leaves. I was busted, bigtime! There was no doubt when he spotted me. But he slammed on the brakes and turned broadside at 27 paces for just a second before he was going to bolt. Knowing this was the only shot, I drew and shot under his chest.

It all happened in a 15-20 second span.  

Obviously, he was just over the hill and out of sight when I grunted.

Had I been 100% set and in "ready mode", I suspect he'd have come down the trail an additional 10-15 yards and I'd have been 100% ready for him at 15 yards and he'd have had no idea I was there.

Instead, I wasn't 100% ready and got caught with my figurative pants around my ankles.

A mistake I won't make again.

Had I killed it, it'd have been literally a 5 minute mid-afternoon hunt.

A side lesson I hope everyone knows, during the chase period of the rut, 10am, noon and 3pm are as good as any other times of the day. Often the best times.

For me: Get real comfortable with equipment and gear prior to hunt'n season.

Don't let depression get in the way of hunting. Get out even if your tired.
Hunting to me is more important than just about everything. So do more of it.
Go to church more during hunting season.
Don't let your buddies with cross bows hunt your spots.
Get warm clothes sorted out before the season starts.
Scouting matters.
Be ready in july not get ready in sep/oct.

This has been the worst hunting season I have had. I have only been out a few times. But over the next 3 weeks I am going to make up for it. Good luck to yall.

I reaffirmed what I always knew.  Teaching your kids to hunt the right way is the most rewarding endeavor you will ever go on.

My two boys ended up with something like eight deer between them.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/aerohawk1/PC061275.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/aerohawk1/DSCN0712.jpg)

My daughter wants a longbow.  She is pretty dedicated to hunting, is good with a rifle, and learns from her brothers.

I learned that they know more than I "usually" give them credit for.

I learned that I should have never left traditional equipment.
I learned understanding spine better,tunning is better.
I learned I need to always keep form in all shoots(He really wasn't that big!ouch!).
I learned bear taste great.
I learned bow build-alongs can lead to bad habits

What I learned....hmm - could be a long list.

My dad had a saying "if you get up and don't learn anything new EVERYDAY it wasn't worth getting up" so......

Learned starting with priorities:

Health - without it nothing else matters.....

then

1 - Family comes first...ALWAYS

i) have a date night with your wife atleast once a week. Doesn't have to be extravagant.

We have a movie night every Saturday night..Just me and her and a blanket and the couch....sometimes she pics the movie and sometimes I do.

We get a special treat for the night...

ii) Have sunday dinners with your kids especially as they get older.

2 - Friends NEXT

i)see them often - PHONE THEM....ppl text too much and email..just a phone call can do wonders

ii)have dinners with them -

TRY THIS...THIS IS SO COOL

Go to their place and make them breakfast or supper (that was WAY COOL). I went to a friends last sunday and made them breakfast in bed...omelets - toast - coffee - bacon - (our monavie juice)....I pre-arranged it with his wife (just so she didn't freak out when I showed up banging frying pans etc). I bought all the fix'ins

Of all the things I have done for friends this was pretty special for me and they LOVED IT.

3  - Residual income is a must and can recession proof your income.

i) started this last spring and retired my wife in 9 months...very special for me.

4 - LIVE LIFE  - like you know your DYING.

5 - Give generously.

i) we have been giving to the kids in the favelas of brazil...it helps them so much...great feeling.

ii) give tips to ppl that don't usually get them. Gas jockeys...that lady/girl/man/boy at the till in the grocery store

iii) open a door for somebody and SMILE ALOT.

6 - Hunting

i) don't hurt your bow arm. I hurt mine about 3 weeks ago..still can't pull her...be ready for spring bear though.

ii) I will prepare better for my grizz hunt this year...had the crap scared out of me last spring, but I know what I am up against this year.

7 - Teach your kids a good work ethic and the value of being on time and what a promise is.

As a teacher in a tech school we get kids all the time that don't know the meaning of work and are taking trades programs. They show up late and I lock the door. They can't figure it out. I have a rule-if your late twice you get locked out after that..see ya at coffee time. I have to get them ready for reality (not reality TV - reality work). They are learning slowwwwly.

8 - LOVE YOURSELF - can't love anyone if you don't love youself.

9 - YOUR WORD AND A HANDSHAKE IS STILL GOOD AS A PROMISE.

10 - Listen to music. this is real important atleast to me

11 - Don't be afraid of making mistakes (that's crazy...that's how we learn.

Learn to love LEARNING.

Fact:

It's funny but teachers are the hardest to teach because they think that by learning somthing new they might make a mistake (I just call it an opportunity to learn).

This is a fact. I read it some place. They are so afraid to make a mistake that they won't put themselves into NEW learning situations.

I could go on and many of the things that have been spoke about before my post are great.

Have a great life - smile lots (it's infectious) - work smart - hunt smart/hard - love hard and remember.....on your death bed the ppl around you will be the ones that you have loved and had an influence on and they won't be remembering the weekends you worked (unless it was the only thing you did).

TRAD GANG IS A NICE PLACE TO BE.....

Love Jer bear....   :campfire:    may our paths cross someday...

I learned that I don't need training weels to kill a deer with a bow.

I learned that watching your wife get spitting close to a bull elk is the most fun a guy can have.  It is even better when they suprise each other and you can't figure out which one is more scared. Priceless!

I learned that the best things in life are done with your wife / kids / family / friends.

I learned to be more selective in who I hunt with.  It is down to the wife, and one Iraq battle buddy now.

I learned not to tell anyone I wouldn't hunt with right next to me anything about where I hunt.  

I learned that trad hunting is the only way to go.  No wheels ever again. I had my best hunting season ever and did't kill a single big game animal.

I learned if you look closely you can see part of a beautiful setter in a picture from Utah.  I tried to get mine to look, but she wasn't interested.

that I am not invincible.

I learned that while hunting is among the greatest feelings in the world I can or ever will experience, a woman that looks you in the eye's and tells you she loves you and means it is the greatest feeling in the world. Followed closely by that same woman telling you that you're going to be a dad. That's a pretty good feeling too..

Todd

If your not getting smarter; your getting dumber- and age does not change that.

How to make lemons into lemonade.

That when my grandson said about a bear that came into the bait " Grampa- that bear was smart- real smart; I had no idea that any animal could be that smart!"  - that it doesn't matter he didn't get a shot at it.

That given a just a few minutes; my dog Attie can open my oven; take out a hot turkey; and share it with her pups - stuffing and all.

That I cannot put off getting my knee fixed another year.

That I still love seeing deer; hearing elk; and shooting my bow.

I learned that a match is an excellent catalyst for black powder.

I learned that you CAN overcook a boston butt.

I learned that you can become President even if you don't have a clue what the needs of common people are.

I learned that in some circles, shooting and hunting with a recurve or longbow isn't enough.  You must be  "traditional."

I found out I can get "almost" perfect groupings each round ...if I limit the number of arrows I shoot to one(1).

I can shooting "Robin Hoods" if my arrow hits in the right place.

There is no substitute for God, family or friends.

Tradgang with all it's members is.... just way cool!

God bless,Mudd

I learned that deer are smarter than me!

Kids grow up way too fast.




Getting old sucks. (but it is better than the  alternative)


I really do love shooting my longbow.

:thumbsup:    nice thread bud!!!

i've learned that i dont get over to NY nearly enough!! there's some really good guys over there that i have learned alot from.. i like to think they've become pretty good friends along the way!!

gaff

Biggie, come on, give George the benefit of the doubt.

When I get that sixth sense telling me to get ready, get ready NOW!!

Also, ladder stands with gun rails and recurves don't really go well together...

...and it will surprise you how high an arrow will sail after the lower limb clicks the aforementioned gun rail...  

I learned that I shoot better with my dominant eye as I recently switched from RH to LH.  Ken

Deer are elusive little critters! Three years and counting, no shots.

That I clearly don't have enough time to hunt like I want. I need to find new hunting spots and I can't wait until my wife is out of college!

i learned that its not good to get caught shootin in the house by the boss.

i learned that i need my eyes fixed.

i learned that i found my holy grail of bows (morrison)

i learned to make my own woodies but will be sticking with my 2613s

I learned that if I dont get in shape that i will have to quit hunting before I am ready to quit

I learned that there is no such thing as a chip shot (seems to be a widespread lesson)

I learned that practice is very important by attitude, belief in my abilities, and positive thoughts may be more important

I learned that heavy arrows hit hard and light arrows fly fast but compromise is the key

I learned that i have too many types of broadhead

I learned that I can no longer fit all of my archery gear in a single closet.

I need to make it more important to hunt with my family


And finally,
I learned that if I needed to hunt to keep my family alive I would use a gun. LOL

Caleb

I learned:

* passing on immature bucks isn't at all painful at the end of the season even if I don't take a mature one.

* I'm a better finder of downed deer than the random compound wielding, gut shooter I met this year.

* my son is a better finder of downed deer than I am.

* I stink at finding deer after gun season has moved them all around.

* wool pants (big thick ones) make cold weather hunting MUCH more enjoyable.

* a big, goofy mad bomber hat improves the whole cold weather hunting experience too.

Hmmmm well im in the phase where a young man who likes to hunt is really starting to come into his own as a TRUE outdoorsman.  I had a rough year. Didnt see many deer, wounded one and came up empty handed.  I learned to not second guess what ive already learned from my dad(if id had faith in my own scouting) i might have seen more deer. Ive learned the importance of being a student of deer.  Ive learned that the ride is FAR more fun that the destination.  Its really cool listening to the old man talk about his early days hunting and learning.  Right now im making those memories and im enjoying it.

Well let's see:

1. Prepare for an East wind.

2. Just as there is the Nov. Rut, there is an Oct lull.

3. It is doubtful the Nebraska Bowhunters will ever support bow hunting during the Nov. Gun season.

4. I am reminded that in the face of adversity there is opportunity.

5. Every year is similar, yet different.

I learned a lot this year.

I learned that you can get turkeys to come into under 4yds!

I learned that if I over think my shooting, it WILL fall apart

I learned that "fatally hit" deer can be way tougher than you think...so stay on the trail

Put a tow rope and bow hook in ALL of your stands.....so your buddies don't scratch up their bows!

I learned that a properly sharpened woodsman can pass through a deers heart without making him run

I've learned to keep practicing ALL the way through the deer season

The most important things I have learned are to cherish the time you have with close friends and family and spend as much time hunting with them as you can.
Good friends are hard to find but your chances skyrocket if you're meeting them on tardgang
Always keep your eyes and ears open because there is ALWAYS more to learn.
Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today...get out there and live your dreams...such as elk hunting!

There is so much more I have learned and am learning. Because of traditional archery and Tradgang, I am slowly finding myself and great friends to share the journey with.

I learned about TradGang.Great place for a beginer like me,graet warm people,a great big familly of real tradbow lovers.
  YOU ARE GREAT.  :clapper:  

Thanks  :)

I learned teaching your 12 year old son to hunt is as much fun as hunting when you were 12 years old.                                          If you take your 9 year old fidgity, talkative daughter hunting you can still shoot a big buck in less than 5 minutes.                                                                       It is worth climbing up to that little piece of dark timber even if the rest of your body tells you it's not.                                                            You learn more from the screen on your computer than the screen on your TV !

Opps, forgot one.  Trying to shoot a big old doe is as hard as trying to shoot a big old buck.

I learned, long ago, that hunting doesn't just mean bagging game.  Just being there is enough for me.

Dennis

I learned that I like the slender handle of a one peice longbow.  I'm not done buying, selling, and trading but I can stick with one style.

I reconfirmed.....
My family is everything.
Don't take nothing for granted.
Live like there is no tommorrow.
God is in control.

Fantastic thread, Thank You.

Life is a gift only on loan to us so take advantage of every moment you can, you don't get any of them back.

I was hunting with my recurve on our private lease and had a big Bama 10 pointer at 60yds.

I could have easily killed this deer if i would have been carrying my rifle.

It didnt bother me not one bit so i learned a lot about myself as a hunter that morning.

It is no longer about the kill for me but more about the hunt and my love of trad archery.

I learned you must capialize when opportunities.
You must try on all opportunities.
You can go when you think you can't.
You can't judge a season from past.
Alls not as bad as it seams.
Things change in seaconds.
 That I already knew all of these.And a lot others.Sometimes you just have to remine yourself.

I learned that if I got to full draw on a deer I don't have to rush the shot. Relax and take time to pick a spot.

I learned something many of you others have learned, but I will say it differently.  

I learned that I am getting old.  Not old enough yet to keep me from doing things,  but so much closer to that point that it is in my mind a lot.  

I learned that if I don't just go do it, soon, regarding several of my dreams,  well I just won't likely ever do them.

I pass that thought on to the younger folks here.  Dreaming is good, and fun, and healthy, but if you ever hope to actually do those things that you dream of, you need to get going, plan it and do it, ASAP.   Don't wait
ChuckC

I learned from my brother to make better use of the deer I kill.  Ribs from a corn-fed deer are excellent when slow-cooked in the oven with a dry rub.  The leg shanks make for an excellent and festive dinner when made into osso bucco (sp?) and served on the bone (browned and then slow cooked for at least 8 hours in wine, beef broth, and traditional Italian spices).  My brother has focused on hunting for does and cooking them well, while I've been trying to kill a big buck, and I admire his values.

That if you make use of natural blinds, like a wind downed tree, keep yourself clean, well camo'd and shut your eyes to a slit when they look right at you, it's amazing how close Whitetails will come to you and offer a shot.

In regards to archery...

I learned that I prefer tabs to gloves.

Some pigs see better than I thought.

Even really big pigs can walk quietly when they decide to and sneak up right behind you.

Face masks should be worn by me when hunting, even though I feel like a dork with one on  :)  

I have the strength and determination to finally go without venison and not wimp out and finish the end of the season with a rifle  :)

NOT ENOUGH

I learned just because a very nice buck is 15yds in front of you doesn't mean you'll get a shot.
I learned that if want to bear hunt in Michigan, save your money and go to Canada.
Most important I learned there are many people around me who care and are eager to help which is worth more than anything. My cup is overflowing.   :thumbsup:

always carry a knife,i had to field dress a deer with a grizzly broadhead! and that my gun hunting friends will never understand why i use my bow all year,i never should have told them i had the biggest buck that i have ever seen in the woods walk by just out of bow range,i guess you can shoot 40yards with a gun and drop a deer i can shoot that far pretty well with my bow but not willing to chance it on a deer like that.get em close or not at all i say!

I learned if you finally get the kinda summer you enjoy with no high temps and low humidity the corn doesn't get the BTU's it needs to mature! So in layman's terms that means the corn will still be standing during hunting season and because of the high mositure content it won't be harvested soon so you be better plan accordingly especially if the temps get "warm"!

Slow down and appreciate,

always shoot on the first day what you'd be happy shooting the last day.

Trad Gang is top notch and people here are awesome.  Glad I found it.

I learned to accept the gifts the Lord gives and not desire anymore.