Phade

I guess I get pretty lucky. I have property that is limited to few hunters. That first opening morning is magical to me. Yeah, the hunting is different with the deer breaking patterns and moving. However, it is still magical. It can also be a frustration release from bow-hunting. I love bow, but equal with gun hunting.

I was able to take a buck during bow, but really am looking forward to this new Saturday opener. I've harvested deer on the previous two gun openers, and am just dreaming of taking anything (doe or buck) on that day. It'll cap my season if I don't see another deer all year.

Normally, I am a 1/2 to 1 hour before sunrise kind of person (in the stand, not walking to it). Opening day, I am always the first in the stand. I'll get there 1.5 to 2 hours before first light. It seems to allow the deer to move into my woodlot with ease after being pushed out by nearby hunters heading into their stands later. Also, I really like to just enjoy the moment, and listen for the first shots. Although, the first shots usually lead me to thinking "what an idiot...it's still pitch black out."

Really though, I just take it all in. It is what I've been waiting for all year.

South_paw

I guess I am lucky also. We don't have a lot of hunters by us either.If I had to deal with a bunch of yahoo's in the woods then I guessBow season would be it for me. BTW ,that wholedeer get spooked by gun shots is a bit of a farce. It gets their attention YESbut if they don't see movementthey go about their business. I have shot bucks while chasing does.The does just stick around till they see me moveTHEN they bolt.

Phade

Actually I find it different. But in a funny way.

During Bow, the does seem to be much more alert to my presence. They'll bolt before the majority of bucks get in sight (understanding most bucks will catch you long before being in bow range by scent, etc.).

During gun opener, they get really confused. I'll shoot the biggest one, and the rest run around the woodlot like ants, confused as to the shot, and where the problem is coming from. I either take another if I have the tag, or watch them leave and return 10 minutes later in the same manner. The bucks, well...they just know better at that time. I'm interested to see if the sat opener makes it different with the rut still being a player.

bhw

GUYS,

I presented the situation to my Dad...

WE are going hunting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll go to chuckie chesse's at nite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

good luck everyone

jhoffman

I got 3 deer behind my house durring Archery - a nice 6 pointer and 2 mature doe - I have one doe tag left and my buck tag for rifle season.

I tookup Archery about 5 years ago now and love it. I see more deer than I ever see in Rifle and they come in without being all spooked. I just watch the majority of the deer milling around and not having a clue that I could have them in my freezer in an hour if I wanted to but it's nice nit having to worry about another hunter walking up and spoiling the moment in Archery.

Rifle season /shotgun season until this year where I hunt is a whole other animal. I get into the woods well before daylight and get setup and let the rest of the hunters kick the deer into range all day while i take my pick. Its great and this year having meet in the freezer already takes the urgency out of things and i can concentrate on taking a nice mature buck or doe - I'm letting all the little guys go this year. I try to do that every year but the occational 4 point gets a little too close to pass up. I'm looking for an 8 or bigger this year.

Good luck to all of you!

salty

ATTA boy!!!!!!!all you have to do is bargain with them.. Congrats on the win