Deer Hunting, Putting In The Time

[Buckmaster]

As per a lot of fellow Hunters who add their wonderful insight and document their encounters during the Deer Hunting Season, I wonder how much time they spend in preparation to the annual Deer Hunt?

I have or had a lot of old Hunting Buddies who would always comment on the success of the Hunt on being pure Luck?

I would also like to note that they seldom, if ever shot any Deer, LOL. I always say that this is a 365 1/4 days of investment, time, money and endurance, throughout the year?

I have Family members who Hunt but never put any time in preparing for the Annual Deer Hunt & often complain of their lack of success?

Just want to note that nothing is free nor easy when it comes to a successful Hunt. A lot of Hard Work and time goes into preparing but I would not have it any other way.

I am always very grateful to the Land Owners and share my Spoils with them, always. It seems to be getting more difficult to find new Hunting Spots and even more difficult to maintain current ones.

Sorry if this seems like a Rant, it is not meant to be. I hope that some young Hunters kind find some insight regarding the commitment involved to being a successful Deer Hunter?

[sabmgb]

I agree, luck has very little to do with a successful hunt. I help the landowners year-round clearing the trails, helping with anything that I can help with around the properties. I bake, can and supply fish as well. I don't do this now for the privilege to hunt, as we are now good friends, this is why I still do everything I used to do even though they tell me it is too much. And when I'm in the bushes clearing stuff, I'm always watching for sign and ways to make things better for me. It was funny the first time my son came home for Christmas from University. I asked if he wanted to go on his first deer hunt. So, we bought a tag, and out we went, 1st night he saw 4 deer no shot, next morning got his first deer. Then promptly says what's so hard about deer hunting. I told him it not hard at all when I put in probably a 100hrs preparing for this hunt and put him where I know there will be deer.

[Buckmaster]

Amen, a few Brothers think the same thing. Sit on their Butts all year until Deer Season & hop in the Truck and then the Tree Stand .... maybe shoot one but they need to learn that there is far more to the process....LOL

[Jesse]

I got around 15 years of bow hunting and i know it all comes down to being at the right spot at the right time some guys get lucky but, most guys gotta work hard for success for me its 365 days in my head for 3 months of hard work to fill a couple tags but i love it and wouldn't have it any other way

[7rubicon]

Putting in your time is big plus. My wife and I fill a tag most years. Knowing the food sources in the area is a big help. Setting up between there beds and food is where you should be. Try to find there secondary routes. Deer under pressure will change there pattern I have found