The itch....

For some reason I can not wait to get in a tree stand, got some new stands hung, some more to move. Cameras up, been shooting the bow everyday for a few months.  Anyone else ready to arrow a deer? Any new gear this year?  Three things I need before the season is a rangefinder, saftey harness (been going 10 yrs without one, time to start wearing one) and a camera tree arm. Whos got some cam pics to get the blood boiling.

Hung up the compound two years ago because of shoulder problems
my family must of felt sorry for me so they bought me a crossbow last Christmas, took it out spring turkey hunting but didn't get to shoot.
I am defiantly looking forward to shooting it this fall!!
Been shooting so much I need a new target and I need to get some broadheads
I also need to move my stands to some new locations.
 

It is hard to believe it is already mid-July and archery will be here in less than 3 months.  We did quite a bit of work on one of the properties we hunt this spring/summer and I am really excited to get back out there to hunt.  It has been a busy summer for me, but I am hoping to get the bow out and start shooting again in the very near future.
 
Please do us all a favor and get yourself a harness before the season!
 
 

Just getting going.
 
Shot the first time today.  Extended the old man's Drenalin to my draw length.  Just needed new cam.  While I was at it, upgraded the arrow rest, (Mathews Downforce), and have a new sight on order, (HHA single pin adjustable).  Not a cheap venture but at least getting some use out of his bow and it's an upgrade in technology over my LX.  Secured a dozen new 350 Maxima Hunters as well.  I am pleased w/ them although never was a fan of camo shafts.
 
Both bows shooting very well with the same arrow.  Once the new sight arrives will switch to broadheads and give them a whirl.  I'm targeting the Drenalin as my primary and the LX as back-up.
 
Starting to get in the mood.  Heading to the farm next weekend to plant the annuals.  Pray for rain.

New tactical black Mathews Helim on it's way.
There will me some mowin' goin on...as always!
 
Ironhed

RG, that's the very reason I sold my climber stands. I lost the bottom climbing down and had to literally hang from the top to get my tiptoes back into the bottom. I use fixed permanent stands now. I learned how to shoot my crossbow left-handed so I dont have to stand up in the stand.
 
BH

When setting up a fixed ladder stand, try tying two long ropes to the back of the stand. Erect the stand and than tie off the ropes to a tree on the ground, spreading them out behind the tree your setting up in. It makes things a whole lot more stable when buckling your stand to the tree.
 
BH

I'm picking up a new Hoyt CRX 32 tonight. I'll be getting the itch really bad soon.

To say I'm ready is an understatement. I cannot wait to get back in a tree. I don't use trail cams. I'd like to but can't justify spending that much on one plus I am successful without them this far.

I've been shooting a lot. And the bowtech and rages are ready to draw some blood.

How do you guys hunt? Do you try and fill a doe tag the first week or two of the season and then buck hunt?

Josh7388
How do you guys hunt? Do you try and fill a doe tag the first week or two of the season and then buck hunt?

 
I hunt in the moment. When it feels right I take the shot. No rhyme or reason. Honestly I consider a mature doe every bit as much of a trophy as a 2.5 y/o or older buck.

Used to take an early doe kinda regular- conditions permitting- then decided not to kill off any live bait early on. Now my idea of an early- if at all- is an eater - younger the better- nowhere near the amount of meat but then ya dont need a chainsaw at the table either.

If I decide to shoot a doe in archery, I will usually do so in the first couple weeks of the season.  Really, it all depends on how things are going in the areas I hunt whether or not I will shoot a doe.  I am really going to work hard to try and get a good buck patterned early this year, so I doubt I will have much interest in shooting a doe this year until (if) I can get a buck on the ground. 

I never shoot the bait in areas I buck hunt  until after the rut or until I have killed a buck. If you have lots of doe in your area you may be OK but you never know which doe will be in heat at the right time. 

My $0.02 is that I like to get meat in the freezer early in season.  If I can't score on the first 2 weekends then I look to drop a doe with the smokepole.  If all else fails and get deep into the rut w/o a doe, then I'm happy to wait for the gun season.  Given the chance, I'd rather kill a doe before it's bred.
 
Right around Labor Day we start to run out of venison.  Think I'm down to last couple packs of grind.
 
Like others have said though, I wait for the right moment.  No need to take a risky shot on doe, like in the rain right before dark.  Opportunities will come with vigilance.

These guys came out to eat some apples while I was shooting my bow a few nights ago. Can't wait to hunt them.
 
The pics aren't very clear since they were taken with a cell phone in low light, but you can see the antlers if you look close.