• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Lessons Learned 2022

cville_bowhunter said:
1. listening to podcasts (ear scouting) is not that helpful and can even be unhelpful.
I listened to probably hundreds of hours of hunting podcasts this year and came to the realization that if you listen long enough, you will hear a lot of conflicting advice or "hot" tips. Listening to podcasts is a great way to feel like you are preparing for hunting season without actually doing anything.

2. Cameras are helpful, but only when used for inventory purposes.
I ran cell cameras from January to January and found zero correlation to when a deer would show up in a certain location. Admittedly, this might be due to where I am hunting (foothills of the blue ridge mountains) and could be different elsewhere. I have fallen out of love with the idea that cameras are effective for patterning movement in my area. They are great for seeing what is around, though.

3. Pre-season scouting is good, in-season "scouting" is great.
This year I scouted more in pre-season than I ever have, and I was surprised at how unhelpful it felt when the season started. It was definitely helpful to have some general areas to focus in on during the season, but I realized I was passing up where I was actually seeing deer for where I had seen historic sign over the prior weeks and months. No kidding, right? It really is a simple idea, but I let my pre-season scouting data have way too much sway over real-time sightings. Perfect example was when I kept bumping does in this 5 acre circle going to and coming from spots I was hunting deeper into the property. I decided to set up in this area just to see what would happen and killed a doe 20 minutes after sunrise. Never again will I walk through deer to hunt deer. I put in-season scouting in quotes because I didn't do any dedicated scouting, I just made decisions based on in-season observations.

4. Deer are forgiving when it's dark.
Multiple times this year I ran into deer in the dark with my headlamp and they did not spook. I was not particularly quiet or anything, but I think the fact that they couldn't see anything but my headlamp engaged their curiosity more than fear. If it had been light out, they would have been long gone and I would have blown everything out of the woods. These experiences made it easier for me to get up when that alarm clock goes off really early.

5. Calling makes me feel better, not the deer.
Just like with listening to podcasts, I realized that calling makes me feel like I'm doing something productive when I am actually not. I got rid of my grunt call pre-season because I was calling like a mad man last year and wanted to force myself to not do the same thing again. I ended up getting a new grunt call toward the end of archery season, but the break I had from using one made me much more disciplined about sitting there quietly. I grunted once to try and turn a buck around, and it didn't work. Shot my buck (a different one) later that afternoon just being totally quiet.

6. Saddle hunting is a game changer.
This was my first season in the saddle, and I simply loved it. I hunted 25 or so days this year, and every single sit was in the saddle. That said, I would shy away from the term "mobile" hunting, as it is not as mobile as I thought it would be. Instead, I'd call saddle hunting "versatile." Getting set-up is kind of tedious, but your options for setting up are far greater than any other tree climbing system.
Click to expand...
I’ve walked right by deer laying down and they just watch you walk by or have had deer near and they just amble off like I wasn’t even there. Light is not a problem….your smell is a totally different story, whether it’s dark or daylight, light or no light. So as long as you have the wind in your favor, the light doesn’t bother them.
 
cville_bowhunter said:
1. listening to podcasts (ear scouting) is not that helpful and can even be unhelpful.
I listened to probably hundreds of hours of hunting podcasts this year and came to the realization that if you listen long enough, you will hear a lot of conflicting advice or "hot" tips. Listening to podcasts is a great way to feel like you are preparing for hunting season without actually doing anything.

2. Cameras are helpful, but only when used for inventory purposes.
I ran cell cameras from January to January and found zero correlation to when a deer would show up in a certain location. Admittedly, this might be due to where I am hunting (foothills of the blue ridge mountains) and could be different elsewhere. I have fallen out of love with the idea that cameras are effective for patterning movement in my area. They are great for seeing what is around, though.

3. Pre-season scouting is good, in-season "scouting" is great.
This year I scouted more in pre-season than I ever have, and I was surprised at how unhelpful it felt when the season started. It was definitely helpful to have some general areas to focus in on during the season, but I realized I was passing up where I was actually seeing deer for where I had seen historic sign over the prior weeks and months. No kidding, right? It really is a simple idea, but I let my pre-season scouting data have way too much sway over real-time sightings. Perfect example was when I kept bumping does in this 5 acre circle going to and coming from spots I was hunting deeper into the property. I decided to set up in this area just to see what would happen and killed a doe 20 minutes after sunrise. Never again will I walk through deer to hunt deer. I put in-season scouting in quotes because I didn't do any dedicated scouting, I just made decisions based on in-season observations.

4. Deer are forgiving when it's dark.
Multiple times this year I ran into deer in the dark with my headlamp and they did not spook. I was not particularly quiet or anything, but I think the fact that they couldn't see anything but my headlamp engaged their curiosity more than fear. If it had been light out, they would have been long gone and I would have blown everything out of the woods. These experiences made it easier for me to get up when that alarm clock goes off really early.

5. Calling makes me feel better, not the deer.
Just like with listening to podcasts, I realized that calling makes me feel like I'm doing something productive when I am actually not. I got rid of my grunt call pre-season because I was calling like a mad man last year and wanted to force myself to not do the same thing again. I ended up getting a new grunt call toward the end of archery season, but the break I had from using one made me much more disciplined about sitting there quietly. I grunted once to try and turn a buck around, and it didn't work. Shot my buck (a different one) later that afternoon just being totally quiet.

6. Saddle hunting is a game changer.
This was my first season in the saddle, and I simply loved it. I hunted 25 or so days this year, and every single sit was in the saddle. That said, I would shy away from the term "mobile" hunting, as it is not as mobile as I thought it would be. Instead, I'd call saddle hunting "versatile." Getting set-up is kind of tedious, but your options for setting up are far greater than any other tree climbing system.
Click to expand...
On the podcast topic, I get where you're coming from for sure. What I have found is I have to break them down to guys that have a similar style to my own, guys that hunt similar ground but entirely different style and the ones that hunt different type of ground but similar style and thought process. I'm not looking for affirmation of what I already do, I am looking for little tidbits that I may be able to apply to my tool box when the circumstances are appropriate and for insight or things to keep in mind if I am hunting a different kind of ground than is normal for me.
 
cville_bowhunter said:
1. listening to podcasts (ear scouting) is not that helpful and can even be unhelpful.
I listened to probably hundreds of hours of hunting podcasts this year and came to the realization that if you listen long enough, you will hear a lot of conflicting advice or "hot" tips. Listening to podcasts is a great way to feel like you are preparing for hunting season without actually doing anything.

2. Cameras are helpful, but only when used for inventory purposes.
I ran cell cameras from January to January and found zero correlation to when a deer would show up in a certain location. Admittedly, this might be due to where I am hunting (foothills of the blue ridge mountains) and could be different elsewhere. I have fallen out of love with the idea that cameras are effective for patterning movement in my area. They are great for seeing what is around, though.

3. Pre-season scouting is good, in-season "scouting" is great.
This year I scouted more in pre-season than I ever have, and I was surprised at how unhelpful it felt when the season started. It was definitely helpful to have some general areas to focus in on during the season, but I realized I was passing up where I was actually seeing deer for where I had seen historic sign over the prior weeks and months. No kidding, right? It really is a simple idea, but I let my pre-season scouting data have way too much sway over real-time sightings. Perfect example was when I kept bumping does in this 5 acre circle going to and coming from spots I was hunting deeper into the property. I decided to set up in this area just to see what would happen and killed a doe 20 minutes after sunrise. Never again will I walk through deer to hunt deer. I put in-season scouting in quotes because I didn't do any dedicated scouting, I just made decisions based on in-season observations.

4. Deer are forgiving when it's dark.
Multiple times this year I ran into deer in the dark with my headlamp and they did not spook. I was not particularly quiet or anything, but I think the fact that they couldn't see anything but my headlamp engaged their curiosity more than fear. If it had been light out, they would have been long gone and I would have blown everything out of the woods. These experiences made it easier for me to get up when that alarm clock goes off really early.

5. Calling makes me feel better, not the deer.
Just like with listening to podcasts, I realized that calling makes me feel like I'm doing something productive when I am actually not. I got rid of my grunt call pre-season because I was calling like a mad man last year and wanted to force myself to not do the same thing again. I ended up getting a new grunt call toward the end of archery season, but the break I had from using one made me much more disciplined about sitting there quietly. I grunted once to try and turn a buck around, and it didn't work. Shot my buck (a different one) later that afternoon just being totally quiet.

6. Saddle hunting is a game changer.
This was my first season in the saddle, and I simply loved it. I hunted 25 or so days this year, and every single sit was in the saddle. That said, I would shy away from the term "mobile" hunting, as it is not as mobile as I thought it would be. Instead, I'd call saddle hunting "versatile." Getting set-up is kind of tedious, but your options for setting up are far greater than any other tree climbing system.
Click to expand...

I get the podcast comment. You have to sort through the fluff and find some of the gem podcasts that have actual useful info. A lot of them just talk about gear and not strategy.
 
Red Beard said:
I learned that you can in fact change the direction of a wind that shifted on you by turning your chair around.
Click to expand...
But did the deer show? You only rotated the chair not up and moved it, right?
 
Decided it is time to stop chasing how light can I get my climbing gear to. In reality, does 2 or 3 lbs really change anything?
If I walk back 1 mile I am going to be x tired. A couple of lbs is not going to change that. When I get to the tree, I need the easiest way to climb. Going back to three sticks, naider cable aider / swaider and a little 2TC on top.
 
Last edited:
GeoFish said:
Decided it is tine to stop chasing how light can I get my climbing gear to. In reality, does 2 or 3 lbs really change anything?
If I walk back 1 mile I am going to be x tired. A couple of lbs is not going to two change that. When I get to the tree, I need the easiest way to climb. Going back to three sticks, naider cable aider / swaider and a little 2TC on top.
Click to expand...
Right on man. You should do whatever you think is best for you.
 
GeoFish said:
Decided it is tine to stop chasing how light can I get my climbing gear to. In reality, does 2 or 3 lbs really change anything?
If I walk back 1 mile I am going to be x tired. A couple of lbs is not going to two change that. When I get to the tree, I need the easiest way to climb. Going back to three sticks, naider cable aider / swaider and a little 2TC on top.
Click to expand...
That’s part of why I’m switching to a platform this year instead of ROS. I liked the idea of the steps but just could never get comfortable so the less weight is not worth it to me
 
I've been interested in filming my hunts but I can't seem to do it. I bought all the stuff I needed through the years but I just can't get started. So this year during the off season I will hunt with my camera so that when the season opens it will be second nature for me. I hope.
 
GeoFish said:
Decided it is time to stop chasing how light can I get my climbing gear to. In reality, does 2 or 3 lbs really change anything?
If I walk back 1 mile I am going to be x tired. A couple of lbs is not going to two change that. When I get to the tree, I need the easiest way to climb. Going back to three sticks, naider cable aider / swaider and a little 2TC on top.
Click to expand...
There is truth in the saying ounces make pounds and pounds make pain but there is also an appropriate weight for your system to be optimal for you. Whatever that weight is is the right weight. Clean eating and consistent exercise will improve performance more than amsteel mesh underwear.
 
My lesson i learned this year was to stop over pressuring good spots. I found myself within 100 yards of the same spot because I saw a few nice bucks. then wasted a week of late October not seeing deer because I put so much pressure hunting the same area. I also learned that quality gear helps me stay in the tree longer because I'm more comfortable and also warm and dry.
 
Todd Brown said:
Hold on, newbie here. Learned much.

1. Dispite my tag line, I did not practice all things before climbing. (Testoserone is dangerous)
2. An 18" cable aider is too long for me.
3. One needs lots of practice climbing down with a cable aider. This my first year saddle hunting and I did not practice climbing down with these aiders. Heck, I honestly didn't practice with the aiders till my first hunt with them (stupid, yes). So coming down in the dark I missed one. Scary moment.
4. Tehrd Hys strap and a Heroclip are a great combo. Worked great to hold my bow, quiver, and backpack.
5. The Heroclip also worked great as a way to steady my rifle and muzzleloader for the shot (killed 2 deer that way).
6. My butt is too big for the Tethrd Phantom. I felt i was forced to choose between too high that meant no butt support or too low that felt odd climbing. Went to Cruzr XC mid season and loved it.
Click to expand...

I’ve been bow hunting deer, Trad, since 1990, and if I were going to start hunting today, the #1 advice I’d give someone, because I’ve experienced most of the same things independently, would be to LISTEN VERY CLOSELY AND MULTIPLE TIMES TO EVERY PODCAST ANDRE DAQUISTO is on. And not just the major points, but every little one off comment in the background he makes. This guy is straight up one of the best bow hunters out there, and he’s giving up a ton of his knowledge. It’s worth every second, on every podcast whether is from his own, or those where he’s interviewed. Yes, he’s confident and cocky, but in a fun way. It’s the most comprehensive way to actually learn quickly I can think of. “Overhunting” a spot for instance… if you follow his advice you’d never do that, and never just go sit set stands. I’ve been hang and hunting since the 1990’s because I noticed all of the same things. And hunting Trad, you have got to get close. So aggressive, specific, and careful hunting is just the technique I evolved to do before I even could buy a lone wolf portable. I was using loc ons etc…
 
I’ve been bow hunting deer, Trad, since 1990, and if I were going to start hunting today, the #1 advice I’d give someone, because I’ve experienced most of the same things independently, would be to LISTEN VERY CLOSELY AND MULTIPLE TIMES TO EVERY PODCAST ANDRE DAQUISTO is on. And not just the major points, but every little one off comment in the background he makes. This guy is straight up one of the best bow hunters out there, and he’s giving up a ton of his knowledg. It’s worth every second, on every podcast whether is from his own, or those where he’s interviewed. Yes, he’s confident and cocky, but in a fun way. It’s the most comprehensive way to actually learn quickly I can think of. “Overhunting” a spot for instance… if you follow his advice you’d never do that, and never just go sit set stands. I’ve been hang and hunting since the 1990’s because I noticed all of the same things. And hunting Trad, you have got to get close. So aggressive, specific, and careful hunting is just the technique I evolved to do before I even could buy a lone wolf portable. I was using loc ons etc…
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top