ORIGINAL: retired guy

  Do a similar arrangment as Doc. Have the top tied around the tree so it wont slip when I stand and it gets bumped and I have it tied to the bottom section as well on the back side. Its always the section with no weight on it that slips when bumped so when they are attached they cant separate more than the tied length. Clearly ya always have weight on one of them.
  Have put in a nail or screw on some trees to slip the back of the top section over at the desired height just so it cant slip even when tied, that insurs the bottom aint goin down either when tied together.
Just too much to think bout anymore--ladder stands forever. Dont get so high but just sit still and use a little brushy camo or limbs.

Just too much to think bout anymore--ladder stands forever. Dont get so high but just sit still and use a little brushy camo or limbs.

I usually put em up and leave em up except for the seat. Not something I enjoy moving around.

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    Each and every year I get out and hunt is a 'banner year' no matter if the 'bigun' is around or not-aint the killin- just the huntin.
   Had years with more than one big guy- years with just an eater and years I passed - all the same--great.
    Matter of fact- some of the very best memories are when ya didnt score at all just that something happened to make it a great hunt.
   That said, I understand where Esox is coming from- the anticipation of a season with all the preseason scouting and preparation and subsequent expectations is most certainly a great part of what we hunters do and enjoy so very much. Particularly if one is sure that quality animals are with the confines of the area to be hunted.
    Makes it even better if ya decide to pass all others working out that one particular deer. Can be a hoot.

I am probably not making myself clear on what I would define as "banner."  So I'll try with something other than deer.
 
I have gone to the Florida Keys for the last 12 years to fly fish for tarpon.  Each year I get excited.  Each year is filled with anticipation.  Each year is filled with promise and opportunity.
 
But is each year a banner year?  Absolutely not.
 
This past trip was the first one were I did not catch a tarpon.  I had two of the biggest tarpon hooked that I had ever seen, let alone stuck a hook in, but I lost one on a jump and had another break the class tippet.  Since I not only saw, but hooked the two biggest tarpon in my limited experience, was this a banner year?  Absolutely not.  A banner year would be the trip where I caught 11.  Were any of them as big as the ones that I encountered this year?  Nope.  Not even close.  Those two fish wer ein the 150 class, a fairly rare occurance.  There were a few 100 pounders in those 11, but most were smaller fish -- 70 to 90 pounds.  But, that was, to me, a banner year.  I accomplished my goal, catching tarpon, and I did it by catchign some decent ones among a bunch.
 
You see, not every year can be a banner year because that term is comparative in nature, like worst, bad, average, good, banner.
 
To take the definition to even a different, hypothetical plane, let's be a player on an imaginary team.  The period leading up to each season is full of anticipation, excitement, opportunity, and promise, but each season doesn't always pan out that way.  Let's say that the team plays five seasons.  During those seasons they go undefeated one season at 10-0; 8-2 another season; 5-5 another; 2-8 for another season; and 0-10 losing every game.  Was the 0-10 season a banner season?  No, it was the worst.  Was the 2-8 season a banner season?  No, it was a bad season.  Was the 5-5 season a banner year?  No, it was average at best.  Was the 8-2 season a banner year?  No, it was merely a good year.  Was the 10-0 season a banner year?  Yes it was.
 
So while you can all look forward to it being a banner year in your own experience, there is a great possibility that it won't be.  And further, when Esox makes the statement that this is going to be another banner year, particularly with regard to bucks as it pertains to hunting in PA as a whole, those of us that have experienced the banner years find it impossible for that to be the case when the buck harvest has been almost cut in half.
 
 

    I to want a banner year........BUT, to me I am just thankful to have the ability (physically)to get out there.
If I am able to get 12 or 15 times for deer that's a good year for me. My frustration is going out there and seeing NOTHING. I hunt a private farm near Mt. Pleasant Pa. on the first day and usually see 15-20 deer and hear 150 shots.....yes I count them....LOL. But, after the first day they all go into hiding. I also hunt around the house here in southern Allegheny County.  Still, even around home getting to see--or getting close enough for a clean shot--- those chances come VERY few and far between. I remember hunting as a kid with dad  a a friend's cabin near Wellersburg Pa. and seeing 50 to 100 on the first day. My dad yelled at me the one time because I was busy counting this herd and not looking for a rack...there was 48 by the way....and none with horns.....My luck is I see gobblers in deer....and bucks in turkey season...
  I don't hunt doe season or look to kill a doe in archery or muzzle loader. I have not killed a buck for about 20 years, but I still go out there.  My wife says, "Glad we don't survive on your track record...We would have starved by now!" OUCH ! My reply is, "You will never no if I get one the first day. Because it will be at the  butchers and in my buddys freezer. I tell you in January. After I went hunting 10 more times."

Big Wag..

thanks for the reply..

I love reading that I am not alone in the love of hunting whitetails in Pa.. win or lose...

shooting a B & C buck (or any buck for some of us) has nothing to do with the everyday love of hunting deer... it's just a added bonus...

Hope you get that banner year !!!

Did you ever stop to think Nemech is out there because they pay him to be out there?  While a lot of people say they would do this or that for free because they love the game, would they really?  Ask the NFLPA.  They all love the game, but the weren't about to play without their piece of the pie.
 
Okay, you didn't like, or more likely didn't understand, the team concept.  I'll try again.
 
You, as an individual, let's say, golf, bowling, tennis, shot put, chess, etc. have the same record.  Which was your banner year?
 
Or try this one.  You like to play the lottery.  One year you won the Power Ball alone, one year you won the Daily Number only and that was a one time deal, and one year you won nothing.  Which was the banner year?
 
Or how about, one year you worked full time at a job, one year you worked part time at the same job, and yet another year you were completely unemployed.  Which was the banner employment year?
 
As with my tarpon example, yes, there are some that would just like to go.  That is the difference of perspective.  The Pirates may have a winning season this year and if they do, they will have a banner year compared to the last 17, 18, 19 (I am not sure which it is ) losing seasons.  Will it be a banner year compared ot those that win their pennent (presuming the Pirates don't)?  No.  Will it be a banner year compared to those that win the World Series (presuming the Pirates don't)?  Obviously not.
 
And I don't know how to break this to you Doc, everything in the world is based one winning.  Who gets paid more and stays employed longer?  Not losers.  Which company's stock prices continue to go up and provide a positive ROI for investors?  Not losers.  Who stays on a team and gets to play?  Not losers?  Who gets into post season play?  Not losers?  Who gets to eat venision?  Not those that don't harvest one (unless some winner gives them some).
 
I understand that we have a different view of life.  Luckily.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xLsRI7-hBs

Or how about, one year you worked full time at a job, one year you worked part time at the same job, and yet another year you were completely unemployed. Which was the banner employment year?

banner employment year based ON WHAT.. that's the point based "on what" makes a banner year...


.. banner year based on money for working === The banner year would be the year I got paid and did not have to go to work (unemployment)...

.. banner year for wages === the year I made the most money

... banner year for enjoyment === the year spent at the job I liked the most

... banner year based on health === all of them I was healthy enough to work

so IMHO a year can be a banner year based on what the person sees as being a banner year



What could make a BANNER year deer hunting for someone ...

... seeing deer.. how many one sees that year
... harvesting a deer
... harvesting a trophy deer
... adding another year to one's hunting career
... continuing a streak of successful seasons
... being able to hunt more days than ever
... seeing more bucks than ever
... maybe seeing something in nature one never saw before while hunting
... in my case.. missing the biggest buck I have ever taken aim on

it could go on and on... each person has the right to consider his season a banner year based on what ever crtieria he/she wants...

as for Nemo.. see that's the way you are. rather than try to see how someone else can have a different opinion you find something to throw in to "cloud" the conversation... It had nothing to do with getting paid...

how about the drivers at the local tracks that DO NOT get paid.. in your book I guess, as I said they should just quit after they realize it is not going to be a #1 season...

with your reasoning I can easily see if there are alot that share it why so many have quit deer hunting..

but with the success ratio the way it is and has been.. It's amazing to me anyone would even start to think about hunting when they know the odds are they are NOT going to be successful...

How many seasons should a hunter give it before they realize it's a losing battle, they are not going to be successful every year and are going to have only ONE BANNER YEAR in their life...??

I understand that we have a different view of life. Luckily.

okay, I was waitng for that.. we have had this conversation before about expectations,, etc...


I'm the one with according to many the lower expectations.. but I also believe those lower expectations and thus less stress have allowed me to have the life style I have now and for the most part look, feel, enjoy my life more than the average 66 year old man...

I have had friends MUCH younger die of stress related problems,

family heart conditions, poor diet and smoking have been blamed (by the doctors) on my condition.. not stress or high blood pressure.. don't know what those are... course it could not be because I have lower expectations could it ????

I have a monthly phone bill, electric bill, cable bill, auto insuranse bill, and a life insuranse bill.. that's it ... credit card paid off monthly..

YEP lower expectations !!! GOTTA LOVE THEM....

ORIGINAL: Dr. Trout

Or how about, one year you worked full time at a job, one year you worked part time at the same job, and yet another year you were completely unemployed. Which was the banner employment year?

banner employment year based ON WHAT.. that's the point based "on what" makes a banner year...


.. banner year based on money for working === The banner year would be the year I got paid and did not have to go to work (unemployment)...

.. banner year for wages === the year I made the most money

... banner year for enjoyment === the year spent at the job I liked the most

... banner year based on health === all of them I was healthy enough to work

so IMHO a year can be a banner year based on what the person sees as being a banner year



What could make a BANNER year deer hunting for someone ...

... seeing deer.. how many one sees that year
... harvesting a deer
... harvesting a trophy deer
... adding another year to one's hunting career
... continuing a streak of successful seasons
... being able to hunt more days than ever
... seeing more bucks than ever
... maybe seeing something in nature one never saw before while hunting
... in my case.. missing the biggest buck I have ever taken aim on

it could go on and on... each person has the right to consider his season a banner year based on what ever crtieria he/she wants...

as for Nemo.. see that's the way you are. rather than try to see how someone else can have a different opinion you find something to throw in to "cloud" the conversation... It had nothing to do with getting paid...

how about the drivers at the local tracks that DO NOT get paid.. in your book I guess, as I said they should just quit after they realize it is not going to be a #1 season...

with your reasoning I can easily see if there are alot that share it why so many have quit deer hunting..

but with the success ratio the way it is and has been.. It's amazing to me anyone would even start to think about hunting when they know the odds are they are NOT going to be successful...

How many seasons should a hunter give it before they realize it's a losing battle, they are not going to be successful every year and are going to have only ONE BANNER YEAR in their life...??

 
Did you invent T-ball?

ORIGINAL: DarDys
As for your offhanded 2 to 3 days of effort smartarse comment, when that is all it takes to be successful, why put in any more effort?  Has all your time in the woods produced five 8-points over 18" wide?  If not, maybe oyu need to be out there 24/7/365.

Time served only counts for prison, you don't get any brownie points for spending more unsuccessful time in the woods.  What type of twisted logic says that the more time you spend failing means that you are better at what you are attempting?

 
Does 3 bucks (2 10's and an 11pt) over 120" including one over 140" gross in the last 5 years count?  How about another 3 with more than 8 points and 16"+ inside spread in the last 10 years? 
 
And since you brought it up, I do have cameras in the woods working for me nearly 365 days a year.    
 
Of all people, I would expect you to understand that success is relative to the amount of effort put forth.  If you really consider time spent in the woods without harvesting "failure" then why in the world do you even bother hunting?  I learn something new everytime I am in the woods that will help my odds for the next time. 
 
 
Please read Tull's post carefully:
 

ORIGINAL: Tull66 ban·ner:
adj.
Unusually good; outstanding: a banner year for the company.

 
I said it "should be another banner year" meaning that I fully expect to have another banner year as I experienced last year.  Evidence gathered while scouting has indicated that this year should be "unusually good" or "outstanding".  
 
You can nitpick all day about the definition of "banner", but you know what the original post meant...

ORIGINAL: Esox_Hunter

ORIGINAL: DarDys
As for your offhanded 2 to 3 days of effort smartarse comment, when that is all it takes to be successful, why put in any more effort?  Has all your time in the woods produced five 8-points over 18" wide?  If not, maybe oyu need to be out there 24/7/365.

Time served only counts for prison, you don't get any brownie points for spending more unsuccessful time in the woods.  What type of twisted logic says that the more time you spend failing means that you are better at what you are attempting?

Does 3 bucks (2 10's and an 11pt) over 120" including one over 140" gross in the last 5 years count?  How about another 3 with more than 8 points and 16"+ inside spread in the last 10 years? 

And since you brought it up, I do have cameras in the woods working for me nearly 365 days a year.    

Of all people, I would expect you to understand that success is relative to the amount of effort put forth.  If you really consider time spent in the woods without harvesting "failure" then why in the world do you even bother hunting?  I learn something new everytime I am in the woods that will help my odds for the next time. 


Please read Tull's post carefully:

ORIGINAL: Tull66 ban·ner:
adj.
Unusually good; outstanding: a banner year for the company.

I said it "should be another banner year" meaning that I fully expect to have another banner year as I experienced last year.  Evidence gathered while scouting has indicated that this year should be "unusually good" or "outstanding".  

You can nitpick all day about the definition of "banner", but you know what the original post meant...

 
Since I am not into measuring antlers, couldn't tell oyu even where to begin, I really don't care.  As I have stated numerous times before, to me antlers don't make the deer, antlers make the deer legal.  As for posting a few of my harvests, that was in response to Doc who thinks that there were never any "decent" deer before Lord Alt.  All of those came before AR and none since.  so it didn't work for me.  To be honest, it really didn't matter to me at the time if they were 8-points or spikes at the time and if the spikes were still legal (I have only ever killed one), it wouldn't matter to me now.
 
But it sounds like you have found success.  Good for you.  Not so good for the 100,000 other hunters that used to harvest a buck and now don't because their entire life does not revolve around it and they refuse to turn recreation into a second job.  It is good that you want to, can, and do.  Congratulations.  Maybe if you put as much time into researching how to not buy a vehicle for sticker as you do deer hunting, you would have gotten a decent deal without my help.  I guess it is a matter of priorities.  Deer hunting isn't one of mine.

ORIGINAL: SilverKype

Ironhed - if you are reading this, Shawn expects to limit out in 4.5 minutes on Saturday. All from the same spot. And they all better be 18 inches.

 
24 inches.
 
And he has a few hours.
 
But limits are expected, not wished or hoped for.

Sounds more like HPA...

He probably would say a banner day would be limiting out. He'd also probably agree that if you're cranky, we'll throw you in for the lake erie sharks.