Trad Gang

What did you learn in the field this year?
I learned that bloodtrails are allot harder to follow at night and that raccoons like to chew on and break bloody arrows.

I learned that if you take "one-more-step" the wind WILL change and the bear WILL disappear....twice

i learned to always look behind your blind when you get board. you never know when a 10point will be 4 feet from your blind and you not know it. also ground hogs and crabon arrows dont get along.....

1) Relearned to never take a shot if the deer is looking toward you, even if 20 feet up in a tree.  I did that twice and had them jump the arrow both times

2) If you use the makeshift toothpick and rubber band arrow holder, it won't always come off as you draw the bow back and if it doesn't you are going to miss

3) Big bucks in the heat of the rut, hot on a trail, CAN be mouth grunted to a stop ... but you better not be using that toothpick / rubber band thing!

Didn't really learn this, but I was certainly reminded:  Change up the route you take to your favorite stand.  Deer are pretty good at patterning us.  And a doe with two fawns is about the most alert animal I have encountered.

PICK A SPOT.  PICK A SPOT. If you don't you will be looking for a arrow instead of a blood trail.

That my glasses fog up way too fast in cold rainy weather.  And that I should save for Lasic surgery for me eyes. ^^

I learned to take a good look around before starting to shoot at the squirrels...

I learned too look where you place your feet. Not at the tips of the antlers over the rocks. Shale does move.  Nice Buck.

I learned to practice so that I can pick a spot and be ready, rather than a bundle of nerves and afterwards looking for an arrow. I also learned how to set up good ambush spots, and identify travel corridors. I learned a lot.

I learned I still dont know it all.   :knothead:

I learned when I think I have it all figured out, I don't.

I've been a bowhunter since the 60's.  However, I just fully returned to traditional this year after switching to compounds in 1975.  I'm pleased to report that I've learned a record amount of stuff this year -- a lot from this site!

I learned that a dog can relearn old tricks. I can do this recurve thing!

I learned that I love hunting with a recurve and only regret a long absence.

I learned about these bows: Blacktail, Rose Oak, Silvertips, Tall Tines, The Stick -- my wife's swimming pool savings account wishes I hadn't learned about these bows!

I learned about single bevel broadheads. I never heard of before reading about them here. The Helix worked great for me!

I learned about Fletching Tape - -Love it! Sold two fletching jigs since Saturday -- I don't need to glue up fletching in mass like I used to.

I was reminded that I don't need 60 pounds of draw weight to shoot clear through a broadside deer.

I also learned of a bunch of great bowhunters pounding out howdies on this site!

I'm exhausted now and so is the reader.  Been a very exciting new year of archery for me!

This year so far I have not learned much of anything  :bigsmyl:  

However, last year in 2010, I learned to settle down and pick a spot.

Going from a compound to a trad bow has been tough, but I learned to control my adrenaline and focus on a spot.

I still struggle and missed a couple shots, but hit more than I missed and finally got several harvests last year.

When the Landowner says "Eight Points or better" the only bucks you'll see are seven points and smaller.  :biglaugh:

CLEAR SHOOTING LANES COMPLETELY

This way when you drive 11 hours to Ohio you can get a buck too instead of watching your friends get deer,and you get to tell everyone you shot under one because there was a limb in the way that you thought could stay...   :banghead:      :rolleyes:      :rolleyes:      :nono:            

I learned that QDM and big bucks dont matter, having fun and the quality of the hunt are what matters at the end of the day.

I re-learned knowing that danged doe with eyes on you can snort in 1/8 of a second or less when it takes you 1/4 of a second to draw and release on a 160" buck at 12 yards, so you just let him walk.. twice

Then learned again, not that I needed to, about the ties that bind this site together...

That I can still get around as good once as I ...  well you know what I mean.

And, as pauljr above said... the fun and the quality of the experience are what matters at the end of the day....

I learned that i actually can hit a deer with this recurve   :)

I learned not to get too cocky and start grilling backstraps before I even get a shot off...
I was also reminded that it's a long wait 'til next season.

I learned that selfbow hunting is as much or more fun as I get older

I learned that you always slow down and ease over the hill even if you can see the truck and you walked this way before.
MAP

Coming for hunting flat farm ground in SW Minnesota I spent 90% of my time hunting a 900 acre state park in Iowa. I learned I DON'T know much about hunting big timber but I did get a couple of does out of the park so I'm slowly learning but have a long way to go. Most fun I've had in a long time even though I did blow a lot of deer from my stand. Sure glad I kept notes .

doug77

I "re-learned" how GREAT it feels to devote my full archery season to hunting with a stickbow, and doing it from the ground to boot.

I can't find the words to express the "feeling" that comes over a person when you head to the woods with a "stick and string"......BUT......I've got a feeling that there are several here that will know what I mean.    :campfire:  

Winterhawk1960

Wear my Native side Quiver somewhat like a back quiver,less Arrows on the ground and a lot less burrs on the fringe.

All of above......ALWAYS learing or being reminded!!  :readit:  

I CAN watch deer up close, purposely pass up sure shots on bucks and does, and STILL go home HAPPY!!  :bigsmyl:    :campfire:

Here is my list:
1) Second "on the Clear the shooting lanes completely"!
2) Agree on the "when board look behind your blind"!
3) Large mature does are some of the Smartest wiliest animals in the woods!
4) Squirrel is toughest creature in the woods!

Take more time off work during the last week of Oct and less time off in Nov.

I learned
•   Pants won't  work for a jacket
•   Pants thrown out of a tree will land in a different tree
•   Breezy = tornado strength
•   Light showers  = down pour
•   Scattered flurries = heavy snow

1) an 11,000ft+ increase in altitude will absolutely kick your butt.  
2) It's amazing how close you can get to animals in a ghillie.

1. You CAN kill an elk with a longbow.

2. Eating tag soup from whitetails is much easier to stomach when you have a freezer full of elk.

3. Pick a spot means pick a spot on the animal not make the animal one large spot   :banghead:

I learned the following from chasing elk in September and whitetails in October & November:

1. Elk are a little easier to get close to than whitetails, but not by much.  

2. regular slow elk can spook elk and deer.  I've had several stalks on deer and elk busted because the moo cows got uncomfortable with my presence.

3.  Terrain, such as natural funnels (etc.) can be used to one's advantage for both elk and deer. Know the land inside and out, you'll find good ambush sites.

4.  You can get away with a decent amount of noise stalking elk so long as they don't see or smell you.  Also, the noise you make must be natural sounding.  

5. I learned wool is king, meaning it keeps you warm and it is quiet especially on those late season hunts.  2010 was the first year I used it, I'll never look back.

6.  Most importantly, I learned 99 times out of 100, something is going to go wrong.  One must learn to persevere through their own mistakes as well as things that were outside of their control (wind shifting, especially).

I learned a few things.....

1) You can never have enough private land to hunt. Best get to work in Spring finding more.

2) What others said X 2 about clearing shooting lanes, especially where we hunt. Thick does not do our places justice when trying to describe it. Ever seen what 20 years of logging can do to a county of hardwoods ???

3) Predator Fall Gray does break your outline like no other camo. Had a giant 9 look right thru me as I was skylined in a clearcut. And no, I still did not get a shot !

4) Move 200 yds if needed during season to get back on deer. We had to shift two of our spots mid season a little to adjust to deer pattern. Nothing else had changed but the deer shifted a little for some reason. Used snow to confirm this.

5) Learned how to use latest Google Earth program thanks to fellow tradganger, it is awesome !

6) Good POC is rare as hen's teeth and the best alternative is Douglas Fir Surewoods. Did not know how bad my "Premium " POC's were until my first dozen Surewoods, thanks snag !

7)KME Knife sharpener is one of the most awesome tools on the planet. Gutted 4 deer with Buck 110 folder sharpened on a KME and it will still shave hair like a new razor, thanks robtattoo !

8)Gray Wolf Woolens are worth every penny. Cannot tell you how much I liked hunting this year out of the vest. Excellent bow arm clearance and still plenty warm thanks to half forearm deep pockets and long tail to cover your butt.

9) Flintknapping is VERY addictive and is a hobby of tonnage, thanks leapingbare !

10) At last but not least by no means...... Life is short and precious..... Learned that first off this year by thinking about the kids while Mason and I hunted Miss Hope and Faith. We only had them a short time but lots of thoughts and prayers for the kids while in the tree holding them and thinking about what they represent..... And secondly with the passing of Chris Surtees..... Especially when Mason and I were in the same tree on some hunts. Mason, as was Chris is a only son. I cannot fathom how hard it was and will always be on Larry with the passing of Chris. I would look down the tree at Mason and think and pray for Larry. The good is that Larry and Chris spent tons of time together in the woods and waters. Made me want to do even more with Mason while I can. I will do my best to follow the example left by Larry and Chris each and every day for we are not promised tomorrow.

1) I learned you really CAN see deer on the ground in natural blinds.
2) I learned once you get a ground blind "right" you tend not to leave it readily when you're no longer seeing deer.
3) I learned that you still SEE far more deer activity 18' off the ground in a tree stand
4)I learned that puttin up tree stands at 62 absolutely sucks when you drive a desk for a living.
5) also learned that while doing #4, you will likely injure, pull or hurt something that will hamper you the rest of the season if you don't practice before season putting up stands and getting the "ritual" down again.
6)Fawns at 6' on the ground are way more exciting that 10pt in range from a tree stand!
oh...

and

#7) No matter how many shooting lanes you clear completely as other said, that doe-doggin 8pt will take a path you didn't clear for a shot!
But the doe will be broadside @12 steps in your shooting lane totally ignored!

I learned to use one arrow when practicing.

I learned my hunting spot sucks.  Time to move on.

I learned a couple things:
#1 if your new glasses slip down and slightly obstruct the vission of your right eye your left eye will take over and your arrow will not go where your looking!
#2 After 20 some odd years of shooting Heavey arrows one year of shooting lighter carbons will not change auto pilot when game walks in front you!
#3 That a 1 1/2 two blade will cut ALOT of hair off a deers back as it passes!(OK several deer)
#4 I LOVE THIS STUFF

I learned that finding decent land where no one messes with your stuff is almost impossible.

I learned that I will probably only shoot cane arrows from here on out, as long as I can get my hands on cane.

I learned that on a really windy day, go ahead and pass on that 30 yard shot.

I've learned that the resulting meat from even a medium sized moose leaves very little room remaining for anything else in a rather large upright freezer.....  :knothead:

I also learned that, regardless of what really nice custom bows I own or how well they shoot, nothing puts a smile on my face better than shooting or hunting with one of my classic Bear Kodiaks from '59 to '62. (NOTE to Self:  Do this much more often!)

 :archer:

I learned a long time ago that the guy thats says the most knows the least and the guy that says the least knows the most. Know what I mean?

You don't need to shoot something to have one of your best years

always keep an arrow on the string,so when that big eleven pointer comes walking straight at you to 5 yards,so you dont have too stand there with a dumb look on your face..  :knothead:  ..damnit!!

That I don't know nearly as much as I thought I did and I can learn more from listening and reading than talking or writing.

God bless,Mudd

I learned that deer pass under your stand at noon when we go back to the camp to eat and warm up. Next year there in for a surprise.

I learned I need a new place to hunt

I learned I can't afford one

1. i learned that no matter how much i pratice im still going to miss!

2. i had fun playing with efoc and heavy arrows! but i prefer  500 gran arrows for white-tails.

I learned it's great to have a friend along when you get a big bull bison down!

The local deer disguise themselves as coyotes during daylight hours.

I learned there is no such thing as a "gimme", Too close is just as bad as too far.

A two blade works well, but a three blade will leave a larger hole, therefore more blood on the ground and not so far a trail.

There is no such thing as too much practice.

A climbing stand is not always your friend, the lower limb will grab it on close shots.

Turkeys can run faster on one leg than I can on two.

Trad is much more fun and rewarding than wheels, but frustrating too.

I learned that i"m going to have to hunt harder or get luckier to get a deer next year.

1.  Too high and too close equals too great a chance of a one lung hit.
2.  Where I live in the South, the best time for me to pattern is in early Oct.
3.  Silencers on a bowstring can be too heavy and increase noise.

I learned first year trad was a blast and no weels for me.

To close is not always a good thing with a longbow

Late season does can get really hard to kill

I learned "after being laid off for the first 5 months of 2010" that I can get by with alot less. I have a good job now, BTW. I also learned how truly blessed I realy am!! Jason

I learned a ground blind works great!

I learned that hunting is as spiritual as it is physical.

I learned that the woods, and hills, and fields, need US just as much as we need them. It is not just a matter of wildlife management, or a "sport". Our footprints and our reverence create balance.

Anti hunters visit this site...sure as god made green apples. But they do not linger, because they see CLEARLY, the good and natural side of hunting. There is, and can be, no argument AGAINST hunting, because of the words of those who post here.

I learned that if you set the alarm on your "spare" cell phone because you lost your phone in the woods.....Be sure and set the time first so your not getting dressed for the morning hunt at midnight!

If you stop on a dirt road in a field, turn out the truck lights to urinate before you hunt, be sure and locate your beanie before starting the process because a black beanie in a stream of urine looks just like a puddle of urine in the dark!!

If you decide to do #2 in the woods before your hunt, be sure and put your shooting tab in a place that will keep an off white and tan tab from faling into off white, tan and yellow swamp grass.  It will take at least 15 minutes to find.

If you have 3 valuable misadventure lessons happen in one weekend hunt, you can still consider it a good hunt if your seeing deer on public land!

Tag sandwiches are best on white bread with a little franks red hot . And a ice cold brew.

patience-----. and that i need yet more of it.

I learned to never, never draw someone else's 72# bow multiple times without being up to it.  I learned that from the doctor, and the MRI lady.

I learned that the deer I am hunting are learning about me too, and it is time to change it up.

I learned that the blank bale is my best friend.

I learned (not for the first time) that it's stunningly easy to be made a fool of by a turkey. I also learned, as have others, to do a better job clearing shooting lanes...

I learned that watching your 12 year old son, take his first deer, a beautiful 1 1/2 year old 6 point, from 60 yards away in his own ladder stand (he was 60 yards from me not the deer), waiting for the perfect 1/4ing away shot while showing patience of a seasoned woodsman, having that buck tak his last steps directly infront of my stand after Brennon's well placed shot, is better than any hunt I have ever been on.

It's a moment I will never forget.

QuoteOriginally posted by Earl Jeff:
PICK A SPOT.  PICK A SPOT. If you don't you will be looking for a arrow instead of a blood trail.

Amen Brother, Amen!

You would think after all the years I've been doing this I would know that.  

When picking a spot, pick a low spot. I missed several shots this year. All were over the deer's back

When getting into a new place on the first day, I need to be more careful and hidden. In a tripod to see down a sendero for where deer are crossing, and a little bit above the brush is not good enough when a monster ten-point walks into the sendero at 40 yards.

I learned so for is that I should not have bought a Pronghorn Longbow just to go to a shoot, becase I fell in love with it, and now I want another one or two more. :}

First time in December so I'm not a very good hunter yet but if I ever see a deer I should be able to do a kill shot out to 15 yards.

i learned 2 things.... 1) deer aren't shy about going for a swim.  2) it is possible for me to kill deer with my recurve.  great year!

I learned two things this year. No matter how well you plan for the season and schedual it don't mean you'll actually get into the woods as often as planned. Two when you pick your stand site three things comes to mind "location location location". Who knew a big buck could hide behind that little tree you didn't think would bother you.

There just isn't enough time to do all the projects I want to do! I learned that if I ever retire I'm going to be a busy, really happy, but busy guy!

Last year (2009) I hit a mid 150's buck and did not recover It. He lived through It, saw him 4 more times that year. The last time I saw him (December 18th, 2009) I had him at 30 yards but didn't take a shot as It was to far away for me and my recurve. While he was standing broadside at 30 yards I looked at where I hit him and I thought to myself, damn that don't look like to bad of a shot!! Yes It was a little far forward and high but to me I still should've had a dead buck.

Fast forward to 2010 I saw this buck again 4 more times. Had him as close as 11 yards but couldn't get a shot off, too thick of brush. During our ML season he got shot by the neighbors. I heard word of It and went over to the guys place to check out the buck and see where I wounded him In 2009. I hit him In the shoulder blade where I've hit one other deer before. Problem Is, this time It didn't penetrate the shoulder blade enough to get Into the lungs. In 2009 I tried a bigger Snuffer (1 1/2 cutting diameter). 14 years prior to that I've always shot the 1 1/4 cutting diameter Snuffer. If I would've still been shooting the smaller Snuffer that buck would of been mine. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the big Snuffer but It more then likely did cost me a great buck on a not so good shot on my part. It was just too much bone for that big of a cutting diameter broadhead and my 60lb recurve. I really love Snuffers so In no way am I knocking these heads down. Really It don't matter the head you use, just hit the Intended spot and you'll have a dead animal. I was off by an Inch or 2 but still should've been a dead deer. Still, It's on me though as I didn't hit the spot I was aiming for. 3/4ths the length of the shoulder blade had calcium build up on It. I damn near blew through It but there was just to much metal to get through on an Iffy shot.

Don't glass for mulies from the ridge saddle.

Be patient wait for it to get in a position were you can make a move without being seen

I learned that I was right - November 20 can be a very magical day here at Greenhill, NS. This year snow and activity all over our 250 acres. Nothing got killed, but what a day afield with my son. Many Nov. 20th's in our 18 years here have been outstanding. Kinda spooky...but good!

I learned that if you don`t pick up your feet and stumble and trip on vines it can cost up to 7 weeks of prime South Ga. hunting time.

I learned that sitting on the couch watching hunting shows with your foot in a boot/cast aint near as fun as hunting.

I learned that said boot/cast cost MUCH more than a new bow.

I learned that time spent online with TG buddies eases the time spent at home wearing boot/cast.

I learned that if your shooting is not at normal get closer to where you expect the deer. The Lord blessed me with 4 deer this year all under 11 yards.Thank You Lord ,RC.

I learned that you dont have to harvest an animal to be succesful, but it sure is nice when you do.

To aim low X 9

Two things.
1. Bend at the waist when shooting elevated. (You would think I would get it by now).
2. Even family can turn on you. (long story).

I will step out of the darkness and into the light!!

I learned not to oversleep and have that big 8pt. buck you've seen come walking up and stand looking at you at 15yds. while your attaching the climbing stand to the tree at 1st light.   :knothead:

Ilearned I need to scout the area more and just because the land owner says your the only one hunting the property doesn't make it so.

I learned to not set up the top part of my climber after I reach my desired height. I have way more bow clearance if I leave it at my feet and just stand or lean against the tree. Also, set up on the opposite side of the tree from where the deer "should" approach and lean out a bit to shoot.