MNFarmHunter
Well-Known Member
Thought I'd start a thread about lessons learned from this year...and I have plenty. We'll see if this thread takes off or withers on the vine but my thinking is based on climbing methods, setups, hunting methods and post-harvest.
Climbing methods: Overall, SRT worked very well this season and while I did think about 2TC a few times, I was able to SRT that or a neighboring tree. Changed for next year will be to get a single piece of rope probably around 90'. That'll allow me to base or canopy anchor without needed to carry an extra section of rope. This'll free up room in my pack. May also add a ROS to my platform so I can move around the tree without having to put so much pressure on the platform. Never had it kick out but is did make for some odd angles and leg placement.
Setup: I need to get deeper in the woods. Coming from strictly gun hunting in fixed positions, I adapted to archery but now enough. I need to get deeper in the woods where they most often are. I did get busted a few times but never to the point of them running away. If anything, it was more one of curiosity and confusion than fear.
Hunting methods: Had I not screwed up my tags this year, I would have probably stuck to arrows but fully intend to do that next year. Where I hunt and if getting deep in the woods, my max range would never exceed 50 yards. I may add a crossbow for gun (shotgun) season but I enjoyed the close encounters that saddle hunting and archery brought me.
Post-harvest: Found out the kids like venison steaks so more of my processing went to those cuts. In part years, I also bagged my grind pile in 5# chunks and worked with that. My most recent deer however was immediate ground and bagged in 1# "sausage rolls". This'll allow me greater flexibility with food options.
Odds-n-ends: I pack too much stuff and need to pare that down. I could easily drop a 1/3 of what I pack and still have more than I would ever use.
Climbing methods: Overall, SRT worked very well this season and while I did think about 2TC a few times, I was able to SRT that or a neighboring tree. Changed for next year will be to get a single piece of rope probably around 90'. That'll allow me to base or canopy anchor without needed to carry an extra section of rope. This'll free up room in my pack. May also add a ROS to my platform so I can move around the tree without having to put so much pressure on the platform. Never had it kick out but is did make for some odd angles and leg placement.
Setup: I need to get deeper in the woods. Coming from strictly gun hunting in fixed positions, I adapted to archery but now enough. I need to get deeper in the woods where they most often are. I did get busted a few times but never to the point of them running away. If anything, it was more one of curiosity and confusion than fear.
Hunting methods: Had I not screwed up my tags this year, I would have probably stuck to arrows but fully intend to do that next year. Where I hunt and if getting deep in the woods, my max range would never exceed 50 yards. I may add a crossbow for gun (shotgun) season but I enjoyed the close encounters that saddle hunting and archery brought me.
Post-harvest: Found out the kids like venison steaks so more of my processing went to those cuts. In part years, I also bagged my grind pile in 5# chunks and worked with that. My most recent deer however was immediate ground and bagged in 1# "sausage rolls". This'll allow me greater flexibility with food options.
Odds-n-ends: I pack too much stuff and need to pare that down. I could easily drop a 1/3 of what I pack and still have more than I would ever use.