I have the opposite problem. I’ve had 7 buck encounters but just can’t put a shot on them. Once I was too picky and was passing a good shot for a great shot, stupid. Shot at the biggest buck I’ve ever seen broadside and missed low and I’m pretty good in the moment so I was perplexed. Pulled the arrow when I was done hunting and saw the head was gone and the tip was stuffed full of dirt. I heard a whiff when I shot, what happened was my BH was loose from a month and a half of hunting and putting it in and out of the quiver so it was totally loose and when I shot it just spun right off. I cannot believe I would have my first truly mature buck right now if I were not so stupid as to forget to check my BH for tightness. I know better than that.
I’m having a great season for sightings but that’s not the norm for me. In 5 seasons before this I’ve seen only two NH bucks and both I killed. I’m not good at even getting cam picks!
but I attribute the improvement this year to the following:
- got to scout in season, I don’t stop until I’m on sign. Even if it’s a solid track, you got to findSOMETHING that is fresh
- hunt the edges, got to have habitat diversity and be on an edge
- access matters! I’ve learned approaching spots from the exact opposite direction from years past has made a huge difference
- do your homework. That means watch every single THP, Infalt and Catman video on YouTube Bud especially THP! They are basically providing a free and entertaining masters degree in hunting