I have had the good fortune to be able to hunt in Pike County Illinois this season, an area obviously known for big bucks. I was also able to hunt for over two weeks in November so far. Because of this...I raised my standards fairly high, as far as what size buck I wanted to shoot, but also kept my goal realistic. I decided I was not going to shoot a buck that was under 140 inches net. I hunted very hard during this time, and was seeing a number of decent bucks. I passed up 15 bucks at 20 yards or less...including multiple Pope and Young contenders and saw many other bucks that were out of shooting range. But I was also continuosly plagued with bad luck. It seems that every time a buck I was interested in taking was working it's way too me, something out of my control would happen, leaving me without a shot. You guys all know what I mean. The worst was one evening I had 4 bucks coming towards me, all traveling together. I thought it was odd to have four bucks hanging out in November. The first two were nice bucks in the 130 inch range. The third buck was a monster 6x5 in the 160 inch range, and the last one was a little 1.5 year old. I was in a tree that I had picked out last february. Big tree with lots of background cover. Here they come. They were working through a funnel that was going to give me a 15 yard shot. All I had to do was let the first two little ones pass through, and the big one was gonna get it. The first one went right through my lane, and the second was right behind him just a few yards. Unbelievebly, right when he got in my lane he decided to make a scrape. When he reached up to do the licking branch thing, his head was aiming upwards at in angle that put me right in his line of sight. I was not concerned because of the good cover my tree had, not to mention that I was wearing a facemask. I still cannot believe it, but somehow that buck picked me off, and ran out of there, taking the big one with him, who never had a clue I was there.
Anyway, I had numerous other examples of similar incidents resulting in just plain bad luck.
So here it is...Thanksgiving, and I have the go ahead to head back to Pike county from my wife. She is very understanding. However, for some reason I just don't feel like going. Skipping out on hunting in November when I have the chance is not something I have ever done. I feel like I just need a little break. Not to mention that I feel a little guilty leaving my wife at home, especially since I was gone for two weeks earlier in the month. Anybody else ever go through this? I'll probably end up changing my mind, and hitting the road in the morning, (Pike county is over 3 hours from my house) but for now, I feel content to just stay back. I think I may be going crazy.
Sounds like a perfectly normal state of affairs mate . I haven't hunted much this year at all . New jobs , sickness in the family etc have led me to cancel at least two hunts ...both which would have been the hunts of a lifetime. I don't regret not going on either but at the same time remain somewhat heartbroken and guilty for letting the lads down I was going with .]
But at the end of the day archery , as much as we love it, dream it and breathe it , is our leisure time , as such I see exactly where you are coming from.
Friends and family come first ... that way when afield we can be unencumbered by guilt ...
Its funny , a week after turning down a hunt at the last minute , a hunt i had been dreaming of since i was a kid , i picked up my bow and let a fly across my very small inner city lawn... the dogs where at my feet and my partner , very very sick at the time , was convalescing from a life threatening illness on the couch inside .
There was no where else I would have been that afternoon.
Man I had the same thing happen to me last year. I just switched gears and have been chasing upland birds with my dogs and doing other kinds of hunting.
Is it not grand being in love? My season has been similar to yours (With the exception of BIG bucks) and although I have a month to hunt yet (although I have to share it with the firearms crew), I chose to be with the wife and family today. I guess we're getting old and soft... Ain't it grand? There's still plenty of time! Just put your understanding wife first! I always try to and the good Lord blesses... Give it a try, you'll understand and be happier for it!
I didn't have those kinds of bucks continuously at close range this last month, but I decided to take a few weeks off to spend more time with the family. I could have hunted nearly every morning for about an hour and a half this last two weeks. I let it go. I will be back out shortly, but I have enjoyed the break at home myself.
In your situation, I might find it a bit tougher to hang out at home. However, I might be more comfortable indoors if I already had the buck of a lifetime in my avatar!
Enjoy your time with your wife and get back out there when you are feeling the urge again! :thumbsup:
You, young man, need a "breather". Take a bit of time and decompress. You are pushing your own "Try" buttons. Go shoot some rabbits and then go hit it again.
I speak from experience here... Good luck from the other end of the state.
I'm lucky that i can get to hunt good bucks right out the back door. I have been hunting literally every day am and pm since 9/17. I have been after a couple of big bucks and have let numerous others walk. I have screwed the deal up twice thus far. I am feeling the burn big time. Its getting harder and harder to be out there. I feel guilty as I've let other things slip. I have a great wife , very supportive but i knows she is sick of doing things by herself. Its hard to give up but it gets harder to hang in there. You're not alone..........
Jonboy, Jonboy, Jonboy..... Quit yer crying bud ! You are hunting in the Mecca of deer hunting and we are stuck here in TN ! Mason and I were just talking today that between the two of us we have only seen a total of 15 deer this year and we have hunted pretty hard. He has killed 3 but had to smokepole them due to not being able to get them in bow range. Again, same as you, just cannot catch a break ! When we got to hunt ILL for a few years we were seeing 20 deer a day ! I would gladly exchange my WHOLE season in TN for two weeks in ILL.
We moved about 200 yds in our grown over clearcut yesterday trying to see more deer and I had a 120" 9 point come right to me. Yes, right to me.... he was head on and snuck in behind me. He has been shot this year or last and is dragging his left front leg so when he limps along he swings his head up. Yep, you guessed it on one of those head swings he looked right up at me and almost skylined me. The only thing that saved my butt was my Predator Fall Gray. After he looked right thru me for a few seconds he determined all was well. When he turned 90 degrees left to go down the hill I tried to turn 180 degrees as quick as possible but in those few seconds he was already behind brush and no shot !!! Just cannot get a break.
Snuck back in the morning hoping to get him and put him out of his misery with that bad leg. Did not see a single deer in 4 hrs, Ughhhhh ! However, as I was scanning the woods where he came out of yesterday something caught my eye.... It was white, had the right shape, length, and spacing..... It was about 60 yds away and almost buried in the new leaf fall but I knew what it was..... A big shed ! When Mason came to get me I stayed in the tree and directed him to it. He thought the old man had lost his mind, haha ! Should have seen the look on his face when he finally seen it and yanked it out of the leaves ! I am convinced it is the shed off a bigger 9 that got by me last Thanksgiving morning. Again Jon, he was 35yds and closing when the doe in front of him kept getting more and more downwind till she finally busted me and took him with her. I know what frustration is all about Jon. I do not know if we are ever going to get one..... ? Both of these deer would have been gravy shots with the firestick, but that is not what I want and neither do you Jon. That is the whole reason we picked up the sticks, right..... ? Time to Cowboy up and count your blessings bud. Looking forward to your hero pics soon, I know you can do it bud !
I think that is normal. Hunting hard is very mentally and physically taxing and you need a break to recharge. I believe that we have a little meter in the back of our brains that also tells us when it's time to stay with the family as well.
QuoteOriginally posted by jonsimoneau:
I think I may be going crazy.
I agree. You've lost it :bigsmyl: ...Van
Spend some time with your wife and recharge the batteries. i don't have to tell you this cause you already know it, but you are truly blessed! :)
I to have had those feeling Jon the older I get. Not sure if you have kids yet or not but when or if you do the feelings of pulling you home become stronger. Especially as you say when you have been away too much. I also think they strengthen with age as I've talked to a few older guys about it as well as advice from my dad.
I also find sitting at home when I haven't been out in a while the woods will pull at me as well. Everything in moderation my friend.
Maybe lower your standards a bit....then you'll be happy whenever you do smoke a nice one! Maybe i say that because there are not many big bucks in my area and i will be thrilled with a 120's or more
Sorry to hear, and about your luck, but yeah, know the feeling. I got burned out 5 years ago after chasing a B&C class piebald practically daily from filming (or trying too) in June through hunting to end of bowseason on the last day of January. The last time I laid eyes on him was January 28, 2006, after slamming the brakes to avoid wrecking him as he bounced mere feet in front of me on the way home from the hunt and then had the gull to flag me across an open field bounding away as if to say goodbye. I still hate that deer, should have floored the throttle...8^)
It caused me a 6 plus year relationship, she moved out the following week.
At that point I was totally burned out and sat down and evaluated my priorities. I kinda lost the desire to hunt for a while and didn't even step foot in the woods all that spring and summer. Think I may have made it out twice that fall. Later a spark rekindled the flame and I spent a little more time in the woods the following year. Now I'm back at it, but will never be as serious as I once was.
I took four weeks vacation this year starting the last week of October and ended Monday. I hunted, but not as hard as I used too. (Was too busy with honeydews, yardwork, and winterizing the house...8^)) Haven't loosen the string at a buck yet, (passed a few) although I do like bowhunting late season though...8^)
Take some time off from the woods Jon, they will always be there. It may be best for your hunting spirit right now... Hang in there...
BTW, never did learn of the demise of that piebald buck.
I think we all need a break somtimes. On another note it sounds like you had very successful year in that you had all the opportunties you mentioned at 20 yds or less.
It was a tough job you gave yourself and you stuck to your goal. I say congratulations.
Sounds as if you have hunted hard and have your priorities in order. Hunting when you don't want to may take a way pleasurable memories of past hunts and the anticpation for your next hunts.
When I start to burn out, I start to focus on my strategies for next season.
The enjoyment of hunting is who you are and you don't want to lose that.
I understand what you are feeling. The only problem is you have to hunt when the season is upon us. When I start to put pressure on myself, some days I just decide, no hunting, maybe shoot a few arrows, re check my gear, but do not hunt. It only takes a night of missing a hunt and I am back in the game the next day. Being away from home, like you are, is another problem. Luckily, you get to do it. Many do not... Take a few days off and hit it later in the week.
Been there, done that and have the T-shirt. Go with your gut. Early on it was just me and my wife. Now I have 3 little ones that want me home.
Jon,
There are just so many variables that really are not within our control when it comes to hunting. When we couple these with our already self-imposed limitations of traditional archery, well it often times appears that any/every thing us apt to adversely affect us! I think sometimes we do just need to "back up & punt" until we are ready to play the game again.
Having the level of maturity to honor you wife and your relationship is something that I feel should always trump the personal enjoyment we sometimes get, while our better halves are left to handle the mundane stuff we leave behind.
My wife has been understanding if my hunting endeavors over the years, but honestly I have pushed the envelope many times. I've convieniently missed PTA meetings, recitals, ball games, etc. Unfortunately these events seem insignificant to me at the time, but later I recognized that I should have been there to support my family.
I think that you are focused and considerate and should trust your instincts! Very good post buddy!! Still planning to come up and hunt with you some time!
Take care buddy.
I'm broken down myself this year, for the first time also. I did not go in the woods yesterday or today. I just didn't want to. Hunted hard and LOOONNG this year and got zero. Not even a spiker in a shooting lane, everything was just out of range this year. Not sure if I'm going out tomorrow a.m. or not. I'll be very disappointed in myself later if I dont.
QuoteOriginally posted by jonsimoneau:
I think I may be going crazy.
You'll really wonder about that come the day after the season closes for the year. Pike County IL? Time available? Green light from the wife? Yep, you're nuts! :biglaugh:
I sure know the burn out factor. Gets to me too sometimes. But I know it will be over before I know it, and there is no looking back. All you'll have left then is to dream of next year.
Good thread Jon. I have enjoyed reading everybody's thoughts.
It's good to see that one is not alone in "hunter burnout"!
My advice is take a couple days enjoy the time with your wife/family. Then go right back after it knowing that you have the support from family at home.
chris <><
This is a good thread. Honest and authentic stuff. Yes I get the burnout once in a while and sometimes even when I'm not burnt out, its just the right thing to do to lay off for a day or two.
Bowhunting is a way of life but it is not all there is to life. It took me some time to figure that out.
Take a breather Jon and then when the time is right, hit it again with all you got bro!
Could you be concentrating too much on the end result and not enough on enjoying the process of bowhunting?
Being goal orientated is fine but try not to turn it into a job/chore. Embrace the equiptment and time afield and take what comes your way. Good luck, Chad
Holm-Made said it .......the time afield, things seen, it's all part of the process. You should go shoot a spike horn.......
Jon, usually only takes a couple days to recharge my battery. :)
The bucks I shot this season were a step down from what I've been fortunate to take in recent years, but each was very special in its own way: the way the hunt unfolded, being able to share it with someone...plus I love kills on a morning hunt when I can enjoy it the rest of the day and not face having to get stuff done before working the next day.
It's all good...and a year or two without taxidermy costs can be a nice bonus. How's that for finding a silver lining?
Sometimes you feel like a hunt! Sometimes you don't.
Good luck if you go.
Its funny how in this world we live and as we age how prioritys can change.I've been doing this bow shooting thing for over 45 years now and I honestly feel I,ve evolved in all aspects of our great sport.
To answer your question simple,YOUR not going crazy.We are all differant and so are our priorities.No matter what any one tells you and no matter where your hunting YOU my friend have it all right.Your family is No.1
Lots on here can't believe you would forgo hunting in Pikes couny Ill.because the hunting is so good,compared to family SO WHAT.
Where I live I honestly believe it is the best deer hunting in the world,yes world.If we had the No. of hunters you have down there you would see shot deer of unbelievable size taken.In reality there still out there.
I can hunt for two solid months and had the whole season off and only got out 4 times.Lazy? nope just to many other things to do with my family.I shoot now more trhan ever and just enjoy flinging arrows and building archery related items.
My wife puts no preasure on me and I'm free to go whenever I want.My health stopped alot of excursions and I'm hoping by next year to spend more time out there.
Years ago I busted my rear chasing and shooting some monster animals but now I'm just content to be out there with my bow with no preasures on myself.
Don't feel guilty for taking a day off. You just happen to have your priorities in the right place, and I'm sure your wife appreciated the company. Even though bowhunting is "who we are", it's not ALL we are. And if it's not fun, why do it? It shouldn't feel like work or an obligation. My guess is a day off to re-charge will be good for you. Hope you were able to enjoy the day off, after all, it's called THANKSgiving for a reason. Wise choice, my friend. Good luck and get 'em tomorrow!
When hunting for really big bucks you can get run down.Long hours on stand second guessing all of your choices,not seeing your family.And i also was passing on 130 class bucks looking for that beast and i missed.Take a few days off take the wife out to dinner and you will be back on track.Gun season starts monday thats when bowhunting gets tough around here.Yes its normal to get run down.Good luck :archer:
I got "hunter burnout" myself last week. I've been hittin' it hard every weekend since the early doe season in Sept. The good Lord blessed me with two fine bucks. Though they are not of your caliber of bucks. I would have been happy with just a doe. Well, last week about the third day; I found myself sitting on stand wishing I was home. At that moment I realized I wasn't enjoying myself, which is one reason I hunt. So now I'm on a break for a little bit. I still have a doe tag to burn, maybe I'll get out again. But if I don't, I feel happy enough with this season to last me to the next. What ever you decide, just make sure your enjoying your time. God bless. Jim
Jon I've seen one legal buck in shooting range this year and he came in to my back and never gave me a shot. I haven't seen a deer except from my truck for a week. General season ends this weekend. Want to trade hunting areas?
I would not sweat it much Jon.
I have done the 14 days of straight hunting putting in many hours during the rut and come close many times.Closed the deal a few times as well as you have on some nice bucks.
I only hunted 7 days in ILL. this year and had one chance at a dandy buck under 25 yards with no perfect shots though.I probably could have let loose an arrow and had a reasonable expectation of success.But it did not feel quite perfect.It does not not seem to bother me much at all these days even though I have been kinda a goal oriented complulsive/obssesive sort in a way toward acheiveing a desired end.Maybe I am just getting older and more mellow.
Thier is always next year and we cant always measure the success of our adventures in a big buck hanging on the pole.
Life is short and long at the same time and you will get many more chances to fullfil your dreams with the hard work you put in.It would not be as fullfilling if thier was no sweat equity.Next year man or the year after that.
I have been burnt out myself at times.The fire is still alive though depending on the year and my mood.I still swing for the fences sometimes and go for it with gusto.But got more perspective of the overall skeem of things.
Jon loves blind, been there with my wife and all my kids, take time out for your wife,and your family, bowhunting will always be there, trust me on this one. :thumbsup:
I can tell by your avatar that you are no stranger to big bucks, so you most likely know that the bigger and older they are the smarter and most of all luckier they are. When you raise the bar things can get tough real fast. It sure sounds like you had a good season besides some of the tough luck, hang in there after all it's supposed to be fun not like a job.
Understanding spouses. We've all heard that line many times over the years. Even with an understanding spouse, this would be a great opportunity to surprise your spouse and spend some quality time with her, maybe even a mini getaway. You and your relationship will be richer and refreshed for it. It also will reassure your spouse that while you have a passion for the woods, she's still the apple of your eye. Perhaps taking this opportunity to pamper your wife will have her saying in her circles, "I've got an understanding husband, even though he loves to hunt, he took me on a little getaway last weekend...."
Yep, recharge and get back after them. All things in moderation.
You are very normal my friend. You show great respect for your wife and family. You have great self discipline for your goals.
You have enjoyed a season thus far that a lot of folks would like to have in a few years of hunting.
From your writing I think you already know what you must do. And usally when you do something for yourself that makes others feel good it is rewarded back to you.
Earl
Jon,
You need a change of pace. Once you have had it, you will be ready to get after the deer again.
Well Jon...if you're crazy then I too am crazy! All of us here sit in trees for days/weeks with pointy sticks trying to not only shoot a deer but specific deer.....WE ARE CRAZY!!
As far as taking a day or 2 off...very normal! If you do however decide to quit archery just send me your Habus' and I'll take good care of them...Ryan
Priorities change w/ age.Especailly when you have kids.Nothing wrong w/ spending time w/ your bride.
Your Pike county deer will make some other hunters very happy.POKE,POKE!!!!
Fifteen bucks within twenty yards represents about eight YEARS worth of bowhunting for me...if I`m having good luck.
Jon,
I'll come down and hunt with you- sounds like you may need a hand thinning out a 130 or two....
take your time- theres lots of bucks to encounter in a lifetime- and hopefully only one partner to share life with.... Hunting gets tougher once kids enter the picture, but once they are old enough, they become the focus for awhile, taking them and making them successful is pure pleasure in itself. The best part about all of it- you are in control, when you need a break, take one, and get back at it with a clear mind. Good Luck.
Big whitetails will win the game 95% of the time, so a mental strategy is in order...or else the frustration level just takes so much of the fun out of it.
I've convinced myself it's a success everytime I pass a shot at a (approx) 125-class or better buck. That has happened 8 times so far in 2010.
It's a super-success for me every time I see a 150-class or better buck while hunting. Just being in the game is enough for me now. I don't measure success by bloody arrows any more. This outlook won't apply to a guy who's hell-bent on killing deer, however.
I credit my hunting partner for helping me understand these things. He also reminded me that video is fun! To that end, I invested in a one pound Canon digital camcorder which now goes on all my hunts. Most of the bucks I passed shots at are on video, and I can enjoy them any time I want. Having video capabilities in the stand makes waiting on a huge buck considerably more enjoyable. I love watching video of a gorgeous 9 point I passed...so did my buddy. He had a fine 8 point bed under his stand...shot some really nice video...a good trophy in itself.
Finally: Listen to your gut. If it says "be with family", how can you argue? If you're tired take a break. Hunting when your heart isn't in it is a recipe for complete burnout. Better to hunt less and enjoy it more.
I know how you feel! I have to bring home min 2 deer a year to feed the me and the wife plus others! I say everyyear, I'm gonna shot the first thing I get a shot at, (then wait for a big buck) I've always passed it up!! I'm lucky (retired) so I travel alot, (wife still has 2 years before her retirement) so she can't go, often I get in the truck and head out to WY, MT, ID for a month or so. I've gotten to the point where I thought I was burned out, and would turn the truck around and head home....I think, it's maybe just feelin' guilty the the other half can't do the same thing yet!
Your wife is way more important than the deer....
I've been a maniac about bowhunting for 45 years. I hope to continue for another...??? I also find as the season progresses I start considering bowhunting a little like a job. When I catch myself hoping for rain or too-strong winds, I know I need to ease up a bit. But those little demons are always on the shoulder saying, "Can't kill em if you ain't out there." My wife is also very understanding. I know when she asks "are you going in the morning or this evening she is probably getting a little tired of it.
Through November 12th I had been bowhunting 33 times this year. Felt good to get 2 antlerless with my recurve. The next morning a 152 (I measured him green--been a PY measurer since 1979) was killed opening day of rifle season less than 100 yards from my favorite treestand (adjoining property) by nice, elderly rifle hunting neighbor. I was 20 miles away helping my son treat a church friend to his first deer hunt (we don' put rifles on our home spot). My boy and the young man both killed deer within 30 seconds of one another that morning.
I haven't hunted since then. Mostly I'm supposed to be giving my knee and 5th rib a break (nasty pun). However, I always lose a little steam by the time firearms season arrives. In fact, I'm 4,200 miles from my tree stands at the moment.
I am looking forward to getting back at it next week. I will call the season off though before it goes out. Probably Dec. 31st (goes out 3rd Monday in January). I need to hunt some rabbits and squirrels.
Another thing that keeps me going (and I'll be many here also) is it doesn't take much for me to recall what it is going to be like come June (after turkey season) when I can't wait for deer season and "vow" not to waste any days!
Sounds like you have your priorities in order, good for you.
Wish I was burned out from hunting Pike County and passing on numerous nice bucks. If I were going to be burnt out that's the way I'd want to do it.
all things in moderation.....
I can't imagine being burned out after seeing bucks of that caliber. I get pumped just seeing deer, even a doe. Relax, don't make a job out of hunting. What do you have to prove? Is there somebody that you need to impress with a huge buck? If so, you are hunting for the wrong reasons.
Jon, A very wise man told me years ago,no matter what your sport, don't do so much of it you get tired of it. Go when the spark is there, its not a job,don't make it one.
Ha! Lot's of good responses guys thanks. But I got over it pretty quickly. Going to spend the rest of the day today with my wife, and then I'm hitting the road. It's been a great season, and I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining. But a break for a few days with family has been good. Good luck guys!
Sounds like hunting - if it were a slam dunk all of the time, it wouldn't be fun.
My year so far has been one of disappointments too. Did not pull back on a buck at all, saw only three bucks despite seeing many bucks on the trail cams all year long. Too warm, too dry, farmers pulling in to work fields adjacent to my stands when I was sitting in them, neighbor dogs running deer, wind switching, etc. Ugh - worse year ever - BUT there is second season here in WI after this weekends gun hunt closes. Then another month of bow hunting before the long, punishing wait for next season.
So, as they say, it ain't over until the fat lady sings. Heading out with the bow once the season reopens - head up, think glass half full. What else can you do?
Hunt, sit around the campfire, tell a few lies, have a few beers, have a good time, enjoy what the outdoors has to offer. But don't take the "hunt" too seriously. If you are a serious hunter you will get "burned out". Just a matter of time ;) Good luck ...Van
Good thread for this time of the year.
I know I need a break when I start getting pessimistic about my chances. It's a self fulfilling prophesy because inevitably I get careless and before I know it something comes in on me and I'm not paying attention until it blows out.
I think fatigue, albeit mental or physical, is one of the quickest ways to mess up an encounter with an animal. I don't always heed that warning enough myself but I've been burned enough to know that its true.
The other thing about hunting hard for several weeks is that it can lead to some very obsessive compulsive-type behaviors. I'm not talking clinical stuff but rather just taking the whole thing so seriously that it starts getting away from recreation and stress relief . I know when I'm at work and I can't concentrate on anything but hunting I need to step back for a while.
Interestingly enough thats where I'm at right now so I'm hanging things up for at least a week or so and then I'll get back after it in December.
Chris
What Chris just said...100%.
I don't think any of us have to hunt to survive anymore. It is supposed to be fun and relaxing. If it isn't, take a break, and then get back to it.
I think it happens to us all at one time or another. This year I didn't have big chuncks of time off but I hunted deer and elk nearly every day of the hunt. I work a swing shift so I could hunt almost everyday. I started hunting august 21 and hunted through september 17. My days would start betwen 4am to 5am depending on how long of a hike it was and then go to work a at a 4pm to 1 am shift. That meant I really didn't get much sleep but a few cat naps a day instead. Then I had a bright idea to buy another cow elk tag that went through the month of october. It's a real tough unit(low elk #) and everyone else had firearms. I got discouraged pretty easy after lots of bad weather and not seeing many animals. I was so burned out the last week end of the hunt that only thing that sounded good was hanging out with my wife and daughter. My wife was even egging me on to go hunt but that last weekend was spent shopping and touring a college campus with my girl. It was the best thing I could have done and I had a great time. Sometimes you just need to take time and recharge the mind and soul.
QuoteOriginally posted by jonsimoneau:
I have had the good fortune to be able to hunt in Pike County Illinois this season, an area obviously known for big bucks. I was also able to hunt for over two weeks in November so far. Because of this...I raised my standards fairly high, as far as what size buck I wanted to shoot, but also kept my goal realistic. I decided I was not going to shoot a buck that was under 140 inches net.
I can't even BEGIN to fathom such hunting grounds/opportunities! WOW! :eek: Here in PA, if he's got 3 points on one side, I'm takin' him! :knothead:
I did the same this weekend and spent it with my fiance most of the time. It has been a good break and I am burned out as I have been sitting on a hill just trying to catch a glimpse of "My new obsession" to try to figure out a plan on him and have set over 55 hours now and still have not seen him again. He has showed up on camera once since but he is a ghost in the day and has me burned out. I havent really even hunted just scouted from the hill. It is testing my patience. But i know just one more glimpse of him and I will be revived. Hope when you get back you get your chance. I also congratulate you on sticking to your goal. It is hard to do.