Gun Week 2016
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Lundy
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My little part of the world that I hunted in Athens is certainly a small sampling but I heard less shots this year by a large margin than any previous year that I can remember, even less than when the weather was bad and there were no acorns
I don't think the lack of shooting was from a reduction of the deer population from what it has been over the last few years, in fact I saw an increase in deer population this year, but I think there were less hunters. I don't think there is any doubt that the growth in bowhunting has really impacted gun season participation.
Here's another thought of why the lower amount of shots. (Something I just pondered) Is it because the shooters have come a long way? Ain't many people out nowadays sending lead down a smooth bore barrel. The gun/ammo side of this has changed A LOT! One shot one kill happens now and at some impressive distances, when compared to 10-15 years ago.
So now when a gun goes off, it goes off once...maybe twice and the deer is piled up. It doesn't run over to the next property and gets shot at. I remember being able to hear the deer coming by listening to the gunshots get closer. I haven't heard that in a few years.
So now when a gun goes off, it goes off once...maybe twice and the deer is piled up. It doesn't run over to the next property and gets shot at. I remember being able to hear the deer coming by listening to the gunshots get closer. I haven't heard that in a few years.
We have taken 4 bucks off our farm this year, 1 130" 2 broken tine 10 points, and 1 spike. We have several bucks of all ages and sixes on the farm but starting at youth weekend they all went nocturnal. I saw them on the cam at night and never during the day. I agree that the issue is not as many hunters hunting and doing drives as in the past.
How many years back does it go? Sorry, I know I'm being lazy... It seems like that has been the falling number for years now. Wonder what the overall is from boom days. I know if you ask ODNR, the herd size is the same...even though they use harvest numbers to figure out herd size...still ain't figured that one out.
ImpalaSSpeed96
Junior Member
How many gun hunters now have the available means to tag out early?
I personally saw very few deer this year, but attribute it more to timing, than overall numbers. And a big herd isn't a healthy herd. You want to see issues, come East.
I personally saw very few deer this year, but attribute it more to timing, than overall numbers. And a big herd isn't a healthy herd. You want to see issues, come East.
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Having the numbers much lower then in the last 15-20 years, Ohio's deer hunting is more like location, location, location.....
there are still areas of Ohio that have good numbers.... Not numbers like years past but still good numbers.... Unfortunately a lot of those places aren't attainable to gain access....
there are still areas of Ohio that have good numbers.... Not numbers like years past but still good numbers.... Unfortunately a lot of those places aren't attainable to gain access....
Also, I've come too the realization that folks complain about deer #'s during gun season are the same that see decent #'s during archery season.... Same areas, different scenarios....
LOL. Well played...
The lower participation was very evident for me this year. First time I've really noticed how many less guys are taking time off to hunt. Funny how things like the economy can have an impact on a deer herd...
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This year I will own that... I saw plenty of deer during archery season. I've been up to my eyelids in deer the last couple years. I've explained before what has changed for me, I have a good deal of property all to myself and we simply do not shoot deer there. It's made a difference, I have no doubt. I have yet to figure out why I had such a poor gun season. Honestly I have no idea I can't even blame it on pressure as there was very little on any of the ground I was hunting. Just weird. Most everyone I've spoken with had similar seasons, even the fellas that were walking and driving.
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Buddies of mine hunted a piece of the sanctuary you're on. They saw quite a few, even on the days they were sitting. They have killed 11 so far this season. Six or seven during gun season