I had a opportunity to be a guest on an archery hunt in our area. Most quota hunts that are around me allow 3 days to hunt the wma you win in a lottery.
Fri:
Showed up around 7. Set off scouting some swamps I'm familiar with. Seemed every oak had acorns. The swamps were all dried up. Scouted most of the morning and didn't see much. Called it for lunch around 11. The wind was out of the south and hot 90+.
Came back later that afternoon and set out around 3. Moved up into the planted pines and headed in with the wind in my favor. Scouted till about 5 and picked a tree. 6pm a 4point came in to 18yds. 6:45 there was a loud crash in the palmettos and 3 or 4 deer busted outta there. My phone was using gps all day and died so no pic.
Sat:
Didn't get to make the morning hunt but showed up around 2. South winds and 90+ hot. Jumped over to another block of woods and scouted a planted pine/swamp transition zone. Found good Buck sign in i tucked away little corner. I set on a pinch point with a fresh rub and 2 scrapes in bow range. A shooter Buck came in from behind me where i didn't expect. He made it to about 40yds and caught my scent. He scanned around for 15 minutes and just walked off back the way he came.
Sun:
The wind changed and i was able to head into a cypress head i knew had water. Got in and set before sun up. A fawn walked under my tree at first light. 30minutes later 3 deer are out 80yds milling around. Next thing i know another hunter spooks them and they're heading my way. I had a little window to shoot and let it fly. I shot right over her back. No excuses....just plain missed.
I didn't get to harvest one on this trip but i had a deer within bow range every time i sat in the saddle. I call that a good hunt.
Two things i learned from this hunt are aim lower than you think you need to and it's hard to pin deer when there's food everywhere. 3 days goes by quick
The saddle and all related equipment are working perfect. Only thing I'd change sofar is the rope aider. It works fine but i think it can be improved. 1 more diy attempt and if that doesn't work i guess I'll break down and buy a pre-made 1.
Fri:
Showed up around 7. Set off scouting some swamps I'm familiar with. Seemed every oak had acorns. The swamps were all dried up. Scouted most of the morning and didn't see much. Called it for lunch around 11. The wind was out of the south and hot 90+.
Came back later that afternoon and set out around 3. Moved up into the planted pines and headed in with the wind in my favor. Scouted till about 5 and picked a tree. 6pm a 4point came in to 18yds. 6:45 there was a loud crash in the palmettos and 3 or 4 deer busted outta there. My phone was using gps all day and died so no pic.
Sat:
Didn't get to make the morning hunt but showed up around 2. South winds and 90+ hot. Jumped over to another block of woods and scouted a planted pine/swamp transition zone. Found good Buck sign in i tucked away little corner. I set on a pinch point with a fresh rub and 2 scrapes in bow range. A shooter Buck came in from behind me where i didn't expect. He made it to about 40yds and caught my scent. He scanned around for 15 minutes and just walked off back the way he came.
Sun:
The wind changed and i was able to head into a cypress head i knew had water. Got in and set before sun up. A fawn walked under my tree at first light. 30minutes later 3 deer are out 80yds milling around. Next thing i know another hunter spooks them and they're heading my way. I had a little window to shoot and let it fly. I shot right over her back. No excuses....just plain missed.
I didn't get to harvest one on this trip but i had a deer within bow range every time i sat in the saddle. I call that a good hunt.
Two things i learned from this hunt are aim lower than you think you need to and it's hard to pin deer when there's food everywhere. 3 days goes by quick
The saddle and all related equipment are working perfect. Only thing I'd change sofar is the rope aider. It works fine but i think it can be improved. 1 more diy attempt and if that doesn't work i guess I'll break down and buy a pre-made 1.
