Hedgelj 2019-20

[Hedgelj]

I've never done one of these before but perhaps I'll keep it up, or at least provide the humorous moments for ya'll to enjoy.

I got really upset during last gun season and that's why I'm jumping into bowhunting this year. I am buying a crossbow, ordered a summit goliath tree stand and have a few others on the farm.

I had 2 moultrie trail cams out on the farm last year. I left them out from April through about a week ago when I went, pulled the cards and replenished batteries. I also put up two other cams in areas where either I know the deer frequently pass through or where I saw a really nice velvet buck while groundhog hunting. I'm quite impressed that they lasted the whole time, the one had only filled up the card 2 days previously.

LOTS of coyotes so I know what I have to do. (22 pics over one 48 hour stretch this August).

Couple of targets also.

 

[Hedgelj]

Coyote pics

 

[Hedgelj]

One potential target

 

[Hedgelj]

Another target, hopefully his pattern remains consistent

 

[finelyshedded]

You’re off to a great start Doug.

Good luck this season!

 

[teenbowhunter]

Nice lookin bucks!

 

[triple_duece]

Dang that’s a couple good bucks to me.

 

[brock ratcliff]

Looks like a couple of dandy deer to chase Doug! Best of luck!

 

[bowhunter1023]

Good luck this season, Doug! I look forward to following along.

 

[giles]

Both the deer and the coyotes look fat and heathy!

 

[OhioWhiteTails]

Good luck this season!

 

[Big_Holla]

Definitely looks promising!! Some big yotes there too!

 

[Sgt Fury]

Couple of nice bucks there! You definitely need to knock down a few coyotes. Good luck this season. I’ll be looking forward to following along.

 

[Hedgelj]

It's starting to come together.

Summit Goliath treestand delivered today (thank you Cabelas card points)

Picked up a crossbow last night.

I have camo, a smoker, rangefinder, binos, etc.

Beginning to wonder what I haven't thought of or what mindset differences there are between bowhunting and gun hunting. Time to start poring over the bowhunting threads.

 

[MoonLab]

Nice buck. Good luck

 

[OhioWhiteTails]

Good luck, I'm pulling for ya this season!

 

[giles]

Biggest lesson is that you can’t take a mediocre shot. Shot had to be perfect or you greatly increase the chance of making a bad shot.

Read threads about tracking deer. Even a perfectly placed shot can lead to a couple hundred yard track. An arrow slips through a deer, not like a bullet that blows shit apart.

What broadhead are you going with? Fixed or mechanical? Do they fly true out of your setup?

Just because you can shoot, doesn’t mean you should. This is true with a gun or bow.

Know your limitations, they won’t be the same as your equipment. So also know your equipments limitations.

With a crossbow, make sure your limbs have clearance when you shoot. I’ve launched arrows into the Wild because I’ve hit a tree with the limb as the bow expanded.

Did I mention tracking? Pay very close attention to the deers reaction after the shot. Lots of information is known from how a deer reacts.

 

[Hedgelj]

Thanks Giles

I can track, but can always learn to do it better.

Spitfires I believe are what was recommended, but I'm open to other options. I haven't sighted it in with field tips or broadheads yet, so i dunno.

Thanks for the other info, Keep it coming

 

[giles]

I could care less what head you use. I was just making sure that you knew to make sure you shoot the things with them.

There are advantages to both mechanical and fixed blades. It’s up to the shooter what they prefer. They’ll all kill if you place them right and know the limits.

 

[Hedgelj]

I know there are a few really nice bucks. I'm mainly looking for some meat but won't hesitate to let a bolt or lead fly at two of them. I did a pull on my trail cams the other day. I didn't get any photos of one of them other than a few blurry images but I know the paths he's traveling currently. Here is the other. Any ideas on a ballpark score?