I learned the hard way (and was very lucky) not the climb a wet Oak with mud on your boots.
I'd probably been killed, but I landed on my head, literally.

Also, account for the sun coming over the trees in your face at 0930, muffed a shot at a spike.

Deer season in Ohio goes until the first weekend of Feb, so I'm no where near finished making my mistakes for this year yet.  :-D

The big thing I am learning this year is that you can't connect if you don't shoot.  I see lots of squirrels and a few bunnies and always manage to come up with a good reason to leave my arrow on the string.  That needs to stop.

Shoot first, ask questions later!

Always bring 2 sets of gloves cause the first set will have at least 1 glove fall to the ground...

Don't spit without looking down...your'e going to hit your glove...

Smile more and remember that sitting in a tree on the edge of the Milkyway beats any day at work

I learned that sunshine can cause trees to drop their leaves as I observed this at daybreak on a frosted fall morning (and I thought it was wind and rain)

Keep my shots under 20 yards and aim low. This years deer are smarter cause after taking a well placed arrow they run straight for my truck...    


Leg

QuoteOriginally posted by Bob G:
Over time I have learned that I am a deer hunter for 2 months out of the year. The deer are deer for 12 months a year, and are much better at what they do than I am.    

LOL, so true!

I learned:

-Pick a spot. No, really, I mean it. Concentrate, grasshopper.
-All the hoping, praying, and wishing in the world will not get you a deer (or anything else for that matter). You have to make it happen.
-I'm doing something right, because I was surrounded by deer. Sometimes too many!
-Beware the barbed wire.
-It's much more fun with friends!  :D

Never use a climber when I have a stomach virus!

Ive learned this season:
-dont wait to shoot fill a doe tag on ANY doe.
-Beaver bite HARD!
-Not to let someone else hunt from you stand, cuz they will ALWAYS shoot the biggest buck in the woods.
-Getting a decent target is worth the $$$

even though i could not do any scouting, or food plots this year due a construction accident, it was a great deer season. still have a few tags to fill but not too worried bout it.

Spend less time building bows and arrows...and more time playing with them...Kirk

Trophy Hunting for a big buck leads to an empty buck tag  :D  and less meat in the freezer.

Patience,Patience,and then more Patience.


We've still have untill Jan 21 here in KY,so it isn't over yet  

Been at this "traditional thing" for a quarter century this year. Still, I am constantly reminded that when it comes to quality bowhunting equipment, you get what you pay for.

Chippewa Stands are top shelf. Second to none!

Make a friend out of your local leathersmith.

I learned I can hunt from daylight to dark three weekends in a row and still only see the big boy chasing a doe at about 60 yards away, but did have shots at 14 other bucks and umpteen does.

If your invited to hunt from one of JC,s stands do so

Lot's of good info on here...

For me... The big three this year...

1.)  Trust yourself- when you feel you can, you probably can!!! When you gut tells you this is a good place, or to move the stand, move it...

2.) Be patient and never quit..

3.) To thine ownself be true... bow season was real slow, So I grabbed the rifle to make meat... results were fruitful shots @ 12 yds & 18 yds- woulda been nice easy bow shots from the stands I was in...

Being adaptable, but also being persistent!  Just when you think things are'nt going to happen, they do.  Had a great season with 59 1/2 hours spent in my stands.

Scout, Scout and Scout.
Have plenty of options when the wind doesn't cooperate.
Scout
Stumping may very well be the perfect hunting practice.
Did I mention Scout?

Brian

I learned that I can't make a BW recurve quiet enough to use deer hunting. I am getting older and it isn't a thing for the faint of heart.
God bless,Mudd

Well I didnt make meat this year, first year back to traditional gear, but Ive accomplished that feat before using some pretty fancy bows.  As for what I have learned...hmmm lemme reflect a bit.

1. Ive learned that hunting with a stick and a string in my hand is just as exciting now as it was when I was 8 years old.

2. Ive learned that I can.......I can complete an entire season without the urge to pick up my gadgets again.

3. Ive learned I can get the same adrenalin rush from drawing my trad bow on a spike buck that I have no intention of shooting as I can get from shooting a nice one with my compound.

4. Mostly Ive learned that even when Ive limited myself I am capable of enjoying the pursuit, the journey, the hunt so much that the kill is secondary.  

I have no regrets from this season, my goals were met.  I stuck it out and enjoyed every minute and every failure.

Ive learned that I work way to much to get in any real good hunting time..

I learned that game camaras and tag out rocks. I also learned to pay more attention to the distance of the game. Skyler

"Lord loves a workin man,""See a doctor and git rid of it,""Never trust whitey...."