Well the season is over here in New York. I had one shot opportunity and passed on the little guy.
I learned a lot, remembered forgotten stuff, and had a blast.
My first trad only bow season didnt produce, but thats not why we really go out there anyway is it?
I was amazed at the excitement level that trad gear brought back to my hunts. I loved watching the does and yearlings walk by and "count coupe". Instead of trying to remember where I put what and how I could get it out in time, I let the woods absorb me, and watched and listened, confident that if and when the time came, I could perform.
I even ended the season with a good note....by missing a big old buck at 20 yards with a smokepole. All I could do was smile, because I KNOW if I had my longbow(which I almost brought instead) I would have been dragging that deer out instead of watching him walk away unscathed.
The confidence I have in my ability after one short year is mind boggling.
Now its off to chase bunnies and grouse, maybe even a pheasant or two....knowing that if and when the shot presents within 20 yards, I will make meat.
This stuff is awesome.

MM, MM, Good!!!!!!

It is an aquired taste!!    

Nice thoughts, and good luck with bunnies and such!!

Jake

Good luck with smallgame.Tag soup aint that bad Ill bet if you look at it the way you do.See you at Shawns.

Did you have fun? Hunting hard has it rewards and at that doesn't always mean bringing home the venison. Sounds like you had a great season hunting with Shawn, learned alot and will keep learning next year. See ya'll at the Bunny Hunt....Go Team Pink!!

I did have a great season, and time not spent in the woods was spent with my son. I look forward to showing him the way...
I didnt get to hunt with Shawn yet Joe....and I couldnt make it up to Mike's at all either. Next year I hope to remedy both of those hiccups.
I am already dwelling on the bunny hunt...
In the mean time, who else wants to go small gaming?

I Took Off the Wire before I Cooked my Turkey Tag. It almost tasted like Turkey, if You use Yer Imagination!!
Thank You For Sharing Your Terrific Season!!

I have had tag soup more than i want to say, every time this happens you learn a little faster and remember a little longer. It can be a good thing as far as learning goes, small game is more fun any how I'm going bunny hunt in this weekend  

Of course! Shoulda made a stew outta my tags instead. Sure would have gone down easier...  

Me too,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,five tags and no deer.

Mike

Great pic!    
I am watching it snow....anyone keeping tabs on Chuck??

Chuck is a loose cannon at this point.

Knowing Chuck, he prolly already dancing up the storm that's supposed to be coming in...

Tag soup for me also. I only get to hunt one week out of are six week season.My brother and i always hunt the last week. I saw 14 bucks 3 legal ones. Had  a 125 to 130 class at about 25yds had to stop him he was chasing does. Just out of my comfort zone. Had a nice 7 point just a step out of my shooting lane grunted him in i think he got nervous when he did not see any deer. Also a small 7 point but no shot to be had. Saw more bucks than does i save my doe tag for late season so theres still hope. TD.

Got a pile of them, saving for a good recipe!

 :rolleyes:        :rolleyes:    

Oh, and Jamie, I am always, ALWAYS willing to drop everything and go small game hunting...

I usually mix in a little track also - for track 'n tag soup, and it looks like that's all I'm gonna be eating too. Still got through 1 Jan. though. Now, were is that crossed fingers smiley?

       Maybe this will help but I hate to bother "Him" when "He" must be so very busy with way more important matters these days.

Are the little tracks more tender than the big ones, and what kind of broth do you use, chicken or chicken?

Let me know Chris...sooner the better as my schedule is about to get much more hectic.
I never thought of adding tracks....I will have to check that option out.
As for kicking me when Im down, guess who I saw walking up the middle of the road on my way home from the store....yep that big old buck is using my yard as a sactuary.  :rolleyes:

Ooooo - that hurts. It's like when I used to go back to the vehicle in Maine after hunting in a snowfall and finding fresh tracks around the durn car.

I always tend to think the little tracks seem more tender-er-er, Tim - and anything that "tastes just like chicken" makes servicable broth for track soup - Tag soup can stand a little more spice -  so you can mix 'n match  :D

Heck, I've got enough unfilled turkey tags (resident and NR) to make the lunch buffet at Pizza Hut jealous. I'd hate to think how expensive my first bird will end up being, but I'm sure my first car didn't cost as much.