Use What Works for You
This may be a sensitive issue for many sportspeople out there. Right now there are many crossbow issues that are being considered at the Natural Resource Commision meetings. One side thinks that the restrictions should be lightened to help disabled or handicaped hunters gain a permit, while the other side wants to make getting a permit tougher for individuals to prevent just "anyone" from obtaining
one. My view on this whole thing, is that anyone who wants to be out during bow season, but is disabled and
unable to pull a bow back, should be entitled to hunt like anyone else out there. I would hate to see a handicap individual have to go out and try to bowhunt with a bow they have a hard time using, and have a bad experience to the point that they would not want to hunt anymore. There are variations that should be considered like the Draw-Loc. It mounts to a compound bow and when the bow is pulled back it locks the string into place.This is ideal for those who still want to continue to use a regular bow, but have a hard time drawing it back. You still have to hold the bow and aim like you normaly would, which might be more agreeable to those against the crossbow. I guess it would be up to the special needs of the individual. Some may not be able to hold up a bow due to being in a wheelchair, being paralyzed, or any physical limitation they may have. What ever it may be, they have the right to see the and experience October the same as anyone would. For myself there is no other time of year that is more relaxing and soothing as a 65 degree October afternoon with blue sky , a million colors in the forest ,and the slight smell of leaves on the forest floor decaying. Man I love it, thank you Lord!
Another thing I'd like to touch on is the gun v.s. bow issues that have been going on probably longer than I've been alive. We are all out there for the same reasons, at least I hope we are. Hunters want to be a part of nature, part of the deer managment, and consumers of the precious meat that we are blessed with if we are lucky enough. Gun hunters proclaim that the bowhunters have an unfair advantage because of the
long season. From an experienced point of view, it could take the entire deer season to get one because of the nature of bowhunting. You have to be close, like 15-20 yards. Any deer hunter knows that isn't easy. On the flipside, bowhunters are upset because of the time of year, the amount of human pressure, and the lengthening season with muzzloading , that firearms hunting brings. For deer managment purposes gun hunting is more effective at a further distance, helping to ensure deer harvests. The amount of human pressure for a gun hunter makes it a real challenge for them after the first three days of the opener, and
using a muzzleloader is sort of like having an extended range bow. You usually only get one shot.
I would say that it isn't the choice of weapon that is the problem for us. it's the bad examples out there that we see in the woods each season of bad sportsmanship. Wastefullness, littering and showing
absolutely no respect for the outdoors or other hunters is what gets my blood boiling. Just remember; even though no one is around to see what you do in the woods, doesn't mean it's right. We have to police ourselves and be self disciplined. I think there is ten fold the reward for a harvest when you've done everything legaly and ethicaly. We are all in this for the same reason. We must stand shoulder to
shoulder to fend off anti-hunting laws and keeps our rights as hunters alive. All the ruckus and commotion amongst ourselves makes it that much easier for the anti's to slip past our radar.
All rights reserved. © 2007 by Arwin Depue
My 2007 turkey season was here and gone in a flash. I heard many toms gobble and chased them with all my heart but they won. Turkey 4 Arwin 0. Talk about a tough animal to kill with a longbow! I've been trying with traditonal equiptment for the last 4 years with no luck. I've been close a couple times but those longbeards sure can teach a hunter some humility. The birds had some back up help this season via non hunting persons. I exclusivly hunt on state or public land and expect to come across people once in a while, but for the most part it's the non hunters that have botched up more than a handful of hunts. It's been everything from mushroom pickers to ATV's, horse riders, hikers, dog walkers even a couple guys on a golf cart. With the exception of the mushroom pickers, hikers and dog walkers the people on horses or motor vehicles were breaking the law that is clearly posted on the gates in front of these hunting spots.
My last hunt was interrupted by a couple that was looking for morels. I accepted this disturbance and casually stood up to let them know I was in the area out of courtesy. The man instantly began talking in a very loud and sarcastic tone, asking me if they messed up my hunting. I politely told them "not yet". The lady suggested that they turn around and go back were they came from. The guy said in a supersonic tone that this was state land and they could do whatever they wanted. As they argued I packed up my stuff and headed for the car. In my thinking it was clear that this guy didn't like hunting and had no reservations about ruining a hunt. Anti hunters on land that our licenses pay for. How ironic! It is my proposal, that these public hunting lands be kept for just that purpose,during a given season. Not only for safety reasons but to give the hunters in these areas a fair shake. We are already over crowded with our own kind in these spots let alone having outside pressure coming from non hunters too. Michigan as a whole has plenty of forest set aside for outdoor activities that are closed to hunting and open for the hikers, ATV's, horses,etc. With the proposed increases in hunting and fishing fees, I will have a hard time swallowing a botched hunt due to non hunting disturbances from the general public. Does the average hunter want to pay twice the license fee just to have some one come strolling through his/her spot? I can tolerate other hunters because they are generally going to be as quiet as they can so as not to disturbe game.The non hunting type doesn't understand this and can cause quite a disturbance in the woods. Not to mention people like the couple I mentioned above. Allowing non-hunters on hunting lands during the season can invite anti-hunters to come in and cause a disturbance. Sure I could report the incident, but I don't carry a cell phone when I hunt which makes it impossible to catch the harassers. the next time I attend an NRC meeting I will bring up this point as it's becoming a serious problem. I encourage anyone who reads this to do the same and preserve your hunting areas for hunting.
It's 3-D Time!!!!!!!
This year I made it a point to devote much more time going to shoots around our wonderful state and getting myself in tune with the stick and string. Most of us spend some time during the summer occasionaly shooting at target of some sort and then cramming in some dedicated shooting a few weeks before hunting season starts. We get ourselves proficient enough to do the job, but I have found that minimal
practice has probably cost me some nice deer in the past.
The routine of shooting the same target everday at the same distance makes great practice for developing form and shot placement for that scenario, but when the strange shots occur in a
hunting situation, I find that I am far from prepared. Going to a 3-D event can help cure this and prepare you for unknown distances, angles, and shot placement on animal vitals. A good course will consist of targets placed in a hunting scenario and some even have elevated platforms, which to me is a much overlooked aspect. I would have to say in closing that these events are great times to catch up with fellow hunters. Toss back and fourth a few good hunting stories, discuss hunting politics, and help each other plan
out a strategy for a good hunting location. The campfire part is what I look forward to and I've heard a few yarns that leave my sides split for a week. Here are some events that are coming up and I hope to fling a few arrows with all of ya! I'm sure there are many more so keep your eyes peeled.
MBH Rendezvous July 21,22
Great Lakes Longbow Invitational August 10,11,12
Get those spots ready!!!
August is upon us and most whitetail nuts should be putting the finishing touches on their hunting locations. We are down to counting days instead of months and I'm climbing the walls to be sitting in a tree stand. My poor wife!
I usually begin my scouting during January right after the season ends and start selecting trees in March. Pruning shooting lanes, entry trails (keep em' small!), etc. is good to do at this time of year before the foliage is out. Plus the mosquitoes and other pests aren't around which makes it a bit more pleasent. When I feel satisfied that I have the area mostly customized to my taste, I leave it be till this time of year. Now on my return trip to each stand location I can do some touch up pruning for new plant growth. Seeing your hunting spot with foliage looks completely different than it did in early spring. Try not to nip off too much because when the leaves start falling off, you'll get back most
of the shooting lanes you seen in March when most everything was bare.
Early stand preparation is crucial. Most mature deer will pick up on newly pruned branches from the bright white spots left where you cut. If your pruning a walk-in trail or shooting lane, a trail of white spots will lead right to your hunting location. Do it now and those spots will fade before your season starts. Plus, you exert yourself getting a spot ready and you leave your smell everywhere. From the sweat dripping off your brow, to skin oils left behind by touching the foliage you clipped off, you want time for that stuff to fade away.
August is also great for doing some long range glassing at the locations you have chosen. Big mature bucks that you might never see, even during the rut, are out and about feeding. If your lucky enough, you may pattern one of these deer and have a chance at them early in the season while they are still on a summer pattern.
If your going crazy like me, get out and beat the late summer blahs by touching up your areas or glassing them. You may find "the one" and keep your local taxidermist in buisness!
I can't beleive we are on the edge of another roller coaster ride! Bow season is within our grasp and firearms not far behind. I am yearning for a quiet place surrounded by nothing except for Gods perfect creation. We have all been there for that opening day sunrise or sunset. The kind that blows your doors off and makes you remember why we do this. In a single hunters lifetime, they have seen more things that the non-hunting margin could imagine. It's amazing how much goes on the first few minutes of daylight in the outdoors. A coyote making it's way back to it's den. Squirrels scurrying around and stocking up for their winter keep. A blue-jay alerting us to something going on "over there". Never a dull moment!
So have we all done our homework? It feels like I'm never ready. All my clothes and gear are being prepped, washed, and thoroughly looked over. My hunting areas are set, pruning complete, and some knowledge of how the deer are moving. I've been practicing with broadheads, keeping my eye sharp with almost daily shooting. The sound of a few shots from hunters who are sighting in their favorite gun brings me to one of Michigans sacred, near holiday like event called "opening day firearms."
I hope every one stays safe this year and I look forward to seeing more pics here. You all have to keep Dave busy posting pics,LOL! Good luck to the youth and newbies going out this year too. They are our future!
Real Super Bucks?
We are so close to the opener of season and every hunters head is filled with thoughts of "The One" strolling by on the perfect day.
I had been thinking about that same thing a couple weekends back when I was staring at a mount of a buck that currently holds a record in Michigan. I had read a few articles on the hunter and deer, and was led to beleive it was a wild "by chance" or "hunted with much skill" deer. That was very far from the truth. What I found out was that for 2 years the deer had been fed the latest "Super Buck mineral stuff" that floods the shelves in hunting stores.
Of course it's going to grow an impressive rack. Also the "hunter" that shot it basically obtained permission, walked onto the land were the deer was known to occupy, hung his stand in a tree that someone else prepped who intended to shoot the same deer, and shot the deer. I was disheartened to say the least.
What happened to the days when a deer like that was taken on pure skill, determination, and a bit of luck? Days when shooting a really big deer meant that you knew what you were doing. I wonder how many deer are entered into record books or are celebrated on tv or magazive covers, that have been steroided up with high potent minerals?
It's really a sad thing and I beleive it all has given a false sense of what real hunting is to newbies and even some moderatly experienced hunters. Heck, people want to condemn Sammy Sosa for alledgedly using steroids and not having his record breaking home run count because of the controversy, yet Mr. Whoever and company can gain money endorsements for taking an animal that has had the same thing done to it. They enter it into the record books and bump record holdings that are entered by legitimite hunters who earned their trophy.
Ok I've gotten that off my chest, and I suppose that it shouldn't bother me since I would hold the record for shooting doe,LOL! I just think that REAL deer hunting needs to be celebrated more. Hunters who sit out all day, in all conditions and shoot a doe, a 6 pt that wouldn't score 80 inches total, or the hunters who do all their homework and with a bit of luck score on a big mature buck that boggles the mind. These are the REAL hunters, but unfourtunatly their deer or stories, won't make todays headlines.
We're Halfway Through
Wow, this season seems to be flying by at light speed. I've been blessed with a couple good eaters and one great public land buck for the wall. He is my first "mounter" and I can't wait to get him back. Gun season is on it's way out and muzzleloading is not far behind. I like the late season as the woods seems to quiet down a bit and the landscape is covered in blanket of snow. It sure makes the deer easier to see!
The deer start to return to the food sources and the bucks may still be chasing a few unbred does during the "second rut". Thick cover is where I look for deer now, because of the pressure they have received. Cattail marshes, thick pine stands, standing corn if it's present, and torn up leaf litter around acorn trees can be good sign. Still hunting or stalking can be productive too because of the visibilty the snow gives us.
Remember to dress accordingly and try not to work up a sweat on the way in to your spot or while walking around. Cold wet clothes can end a great hunt early and who likes that? I want to be out there as much as possible! Some disposable hand warmers are also a God send too. If your hunting with a bow, don't forget to keep those muscles loose by drawing your bow every so often. Just make sure no deer are watching!!! Last season my arms cramped up and my 52# longbow felt like 100#'s.
Early morning and late evening are the standard times for most deer hunters, but don't forget the midday. The warmest part of the day can be super! Deer will try to conserve energy during the coldest hours by bedding down,but move freely when the temps are at their highest for the day. This is also good for us because we can sleep in and get to our stands around 9 am, after a big breakfast. Thats something I usually miss out on during the early
season hunts. Thats another aspect of hunting in the cold. Eat foods that provide high calories to burn so your body stays warm. I have no problem with that, especially after all the holiday meals I get!
I certainly hope this season is going great for every one and remember to hunt safe! I'll talk to ya in a few weeks!
October 20th was a windy one, so I picked a spot that would shield me from it a bit. I had a ridge behind me that would be hunters suicide because of rising thermals in the day, but I knew that the thermals would be heading down-hill in the evening, and I had my climber about 25 ft above the marsh I was overlooking at the bottom. The ridge, combined with the marsh, made a sort of funnel that the deer had torn up running betweenthe two. There was a tiny stream on the edge of the marsh also, which was the icing on the cake for this spot. Did I tell you it was WAY the heck out in B.F.E!!!! Quite a walk, but thats how I get away from the other hunters. I set out two Q-tips soaked in doe pee. One on the ridge side, the other on a trail next to a stream. I climbed up into my tree and settled in by 2:45pm. I watched all sorts of wetland birds go crazy and squirrels chase each other. I sporadicaly called, about once every 45 min with a doe call and a couple grunts. I didn't want to get crazy yet, so I kept the calling soft. About 5pm I looked over my left shoulder and saw what I thought to be a deer milling around in the marsh. I could see antlers, but it didn't look like anything too big. I called and lightly rattled but nothing came of it. At 6:30pm two raccoons were playing in the stream and I was wondering where the deer were. 6:50 pm all was still, no wind, and I was thinking this was going to be a bust. The cresent moon, which is my favorite, appeared and I studied it, asking it where my deer are,LOL! At the same time I saw a deer about
60 yds away in the marsh. It looked like a huge doe, so I softly gave a doe call. The deer headed my way slowly.
At this point I still thought it was a doe, until he crossed the stream in front of me! I seen his rack and felt myself start to fall apart as I usually do when a nice buck comes in. I kept in mind, just
pretend it's a doe. It was nearly impossible to wait. I almost took a long shot, but forced myself to be patient and wait. He made his way in front of me and gave me the most perfect broadside shot I could have ever asked for. I pulled back on my 50# Shrew Sabertooth, made sure to anchor, and let the string slip. I watched my arrow zip through his lungs and it came out his armpit on the opposite side. He took off bulldozing the ground. I sat there shaking so bad I thought I was going to fall out of my tree! I listened to him run and then silence. I prayed please Lord let him fall!!! I heard a crash and wanted to do a back flip on my stand! I waited for 1/2 hour and slowly got down. I took my time cause I didn't want anything to go wrong at this point. I tracked through the marsh he took off in, and then went into a small peninsula of trees, the last spot I seen him. I looked in with my flashlight and there he was. I was totaly speechless and instantly began to thank God for this awesome animal.
It took me 2 hrs to drag him back to the van, he was a pig!!! I got home and ran into the house and got every one. I don't think they beleived my till I opened the back door. My daughter said, "Holy Crap!!!" We took pics and I was up till 2:30am getting him butchered.
I have spent the last 10 years hunting heavily pressured public land. I've sat through some of the worst conditions
for many hours, had hunts botched by all sorts of scenarios, or just plain missed on big bucks. Although he isn't a world record breaker, to me he may as well be. I've stuck with my traditional gear, even through gun season, because I wanted my first big one to be taken that way. I can't tell you how many good ones had been in shotgun, or even compound range, but I have to get them within 22yds for my comfort zone. Ahhh, it's time to call the taxidermist!!!! I can finally take down the flowery picture that hangs where my buck should be!!!!
In the Meantime
Like the title says, the meantime can certainly be that.....mean!! Letting go of deer season even into March can be hard. I still have the habit of checking wind direction in the morning, or seeing what the moon phase is.
My wife says I'm obessed! Well maybe a little.....
I have a few winter activities to keep the deer jitters at bay.
Small game: Keeping your eye and shooting skills in tune year round is important. Personaly, like to go
after squirrles and rabbits with my longbow. For others it will be a .22 or a favorite shotgun. Stalking up on a bushytail is quite a feat and will test even the most experienced hunter. Scoping thick brush for a cottontail trains the eye for detail in every feature of the landscape. The added bonus with both is eating them afterwards!! My last squirrel taken near a cornfield rivaled the best dark meat found on chicken. MMMmmmm!!
Shed finding: If you have been blessed to find one these, you can count on a buck being around the spot your looking in next fall. Nothing is a better clue to who made it through the season as a freshly dropped antler. South facing slopes, bedding areas, or field edges are good spots to look.
Scouting: One of the most importants parts of deer hunting or turkey too. Get out and see where the deer went to when pressured and keep tabs on the local turkey flock for spring. I will take this time to make notes of prospective locations or even prune an area out if the sign is too good to ignore. It seems like the deer are somewhat approachable and are fun to ty and get close to. Good stalking practice.
Ice fishing: I really look forward to good ice if the weather cooperates. Bluegill and crappie taste the best this time of year. Their fillets are firm unlike the mushy ones you get during summer. I'm pretty basic when it comes to the ice. An auger, two poles, a pack of wax worms, tear drop jigs and a hole skimmer is my aresenal. Some of the hardcore ice anglers have portable shanties, fish finders and more tackle than the local sporting goods store. I have found that the first and last hour of light is the prime time for filling your 5 gallon bucket. Nothing is better than a fresh mess of panfish!!
I hope this gives you some fuel for getting out and beating the winter doldrums. Take advantage of this off time to get youngsters out in the field too!
My Buck Story
ERRPP... ERRPP... ERRPP.......GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE!!!!!
Yes!!! We are at that time for some turkey hunting!!! Any excuse for me to be out in the woods with my bow in hand is good enough for me. I'm on year 4 or 5 of trying ot get one with my longbow. I've had a bunch within shotgun range but I'm holding out to get the first one my way. Maybe thats my problem!!!
Have you all gone through your stuff? Been practicing those calls too? I sure have and it drives the wife crazy and I think she is ready for me to be in the woods! Maybe I should drive her nuts more often,LOL! I have been watchinga few good birds near me and waiting for the date to arrive so the chase can begin. The daunting task of getting up at 4:30am each day will be tough, but I know when it's all over I would do it again in a heart beat. After all the time in between turkey and small game is LONG. Take advantage of it while you can and don't frown when that alarm goes off.
Most of all have fun and be safe!!