OT. To go deer hunting or not?

[iceman]

I have spent the last month checking my deer hunting spots and I am not getting a good feeling. Last year I ate tag soup. We have had 2 VERY hard winters. Last year was not bad but coyote/wolf problems are there. In my rifle area tracks/ sign are very weak. I saw a doe and fawn today but no buck sign and it is a buck only zone. In my black powder zone sign is even less. In both areas I am pretty well the only person hunting the area ( there are a few other people, but not serious hunters). As much as I hate to I think I will not hunt deer this year with the hope of leaving a safe haven for the deer during the season and giving a chance to increase the herd.I don't need the meat, it is simply for the pleasure of hunting deer. I can still hunt partridge and other small game and I am seriously thinking of getting into coyote hunting (see my other post re 223/22-250)
I guess it is call maturing ( I'm 56 now) but deer hunting was the most important thing in my life (other than family) in my younger days even though I wasn't always successful. I guess a year without deer hunting in order to hopefully have better hunting won't hurt me, what do you think?

[Dave]

If the sign is that scarce it might be a good year to concentrate on coyote calling and other things. As long as you have a tag and a deer class rifle if you see a deer you want to shoot you can. You can shoot coyotes with anything.

[vancelw]

I have spent the last month checking my deer hunting spots and I am not getting a good feeling. Last year I ate tag soup. We have had 2 VERY hard winters. Last year was not bad but coyote/wolf problems are there. In my rifle area tracks/ sign are very weak. I saw a doe and fawn today but no buck sign and it is a buck only zone. In my black powder zone sign is even less. In both areas I am pretty well the only person hunting the area ( there are a few other people, but not serious hunters). As much as I hate to I think I will not hunt deer this year with the hope of leaving a safe haven for the deer during the season and giving a chance to increase the herd.I don't need the meat, it is simply for the pleasure of hunting deer. I can still hunt partridge and other small game and I am seriously thinking of getting into coyote hunting (see my other post re 223/22-250)
I guess it is call maturing ( I'm 56 now) but deer hunting was the most important thing in my life (other than family) in my younger days even though I wasn't always successful. I guess a year without deer hunting in order to hopefully have better hunting won't hurt me, what do you think?

I think you've lost your ever-loving mind Not go deer hunting!! Next thing you know, you'll be carrying a man-purse and wearing flowerdy hats! (maybe in the old folks' home)

I don't need the meat, it is simply for the pleasure of hunting deer.

Why would you argue with your own logic? I hunt for 5 days to 2 weeks in MT every year. Unless I see a monster or just really enjoyed the stalk, I don't shoot. Some years I come home empty handed. I learned the hard way that if I shoot too early in season my hunting is over. Deer hunting just gives me a reason to be out in the hills roaming around. And woe to the coyote who happens my way. I hunt some here in TX, but I get bored in a stand really fast.
Don't even think about not going hunting or we'll have to mobilize some friends of your to help with the intervention.

Hope I wasn't too hard on you, but you asked what we thought?

[iceman]

Thanks for the kick in the pants vancelw. The more I think about it the more I think I will hunt small game as if I was hunting deer , I am sure to see the deer of a life time then. Hunting is trying to figuree out the movements and habits of the animal you are hunting, but when there are no or very few animals to hunt I belive (now at least) it is best to let them recoup and enjoy the sport at a later date.

[AJMD429]

You can always "hunt" but not necessarily "shoot", if you want to keep up the breeding stock. Instead of shooting the meatiest or trophiest animal, either shoot none, or if you see one that looks too small or weak to survive the winter, harvest that one this year. Nothing shameful about a scrawny deer if that's what's best for the herd.

I agree with the advice on hunting predators, IF they are overpopulated. Eat them if they're edible, or feed them to chickens and turn them into eggs, if they're not palatable.

If possible, do any habitat improvement you can, in the way of browse, water, cover, etc..

[iceman]

One of the reasons I said not to hunt my normal areas is to provide a safe haven. Most of the areas I hunt are farm land with limited access to hunters, (there are always a few that tresspass) By not hunting that area the deer may choose to hold up in that area because of less pressure. Our season is fairly short (2 weeks) so a safe haven or two may help some. As for improvement, pretty hard to improve on clover, corn, soya,and grain fields with a scattering of thick softwood swamps and hardwood stands.

[86er]

I've deer hunting on our place 9 days so far this year. Didn't shoot anything....yet. If you feel the herd is not healthy, hunt predators or small game in the same areas. You'll still get out and can keep tabs on the deer and deer sign. If you want a cool challenge, use bowhunting tactics and mark a deer with a paintball gun. No harm to the deer but you know you "got him".

[vancelw]

Thanks for the kick in the pants vancelw.

Glad to be of service. A few days outside and the fog'll clear right out of your brain.

p.s. Carry a levergun with no scope and that dream deer will show himself at 325 yards.

[BenT]

Deer hunting isn't just about shooting deer. I wouldn't miss it for anything. I could shoot a deer every year but I dont'. I 've been deer hunting for over 30 years and it takes a pretty big deer to get my heart racing. I enjoy the hunt like you . It's nice to watch what's going on with the wild life on the land that you hunt. Stay connected to the land , go hunt!

[RIHMFIRE]

Your kidding........ right!
Go!
its sanity maintenance......even if you dont get a deer...
its always worth a trip to the woods!

[Old Ironsights]

Quality Deer Management

Think like a coyote. Go and look for the sick, lame and deformed. Kill it, leave a gut pile, then hide out and wait for the other coyotes to show up...

[Streetstar]

. If you want a cool challenge, use bowhunting tactics and mark a deer with a paintball gun. No harm to the deer but you know you "got him".

That sounds like fun ! Never thought about doing anything like that

[Old Ironsights]

. If you want a cool challenge, use bowhunting tactics and mark a deer with a paintball gun. No harm to the deer but you know you "got him".

That sounds like fun ! Never thought about doing anything like that

Careful though... dependng on the humor level of your Fishy Game Guy you may or may not be in Heap Big Trouble for doing that on any land but your own...

Anything from "hunting" without a license &/or using "illegal equipment" to "Harrassing Wildlife"...

[.45colt]

"Happiness is a comfortable stump on a sunny south facing mountain. "
Your own tag line pretty much sums it up. Get out there and plan on shooting coyotes and wolves and the Buck of a lifetime might run You over. Go For it .Good Luck.

[El Chivo]

I understand the feeling, I'm thinking of concentrating on quail hunting this year and learning to call coyotes too.

For me it's a matter of logistics, to go out there prepared to tow a deer back increases the complexity of the task, and quail keep banker's hours. Where I am it's a miniscule success rate unless you're really dedicated so it can get discouraging.

About the tagging thing, that is kind of fun. I have had easy shots on deer every year (50-75 yards, plenty of time) but they are usually does or spikes. So I feel like I could be a successful deer hunter if there weren't so many constraints around here.

[Old No7]

Just what Dave said!!!

"If the sign is that scarce it might be a good year to concentrate on coyote calling and other things. As long as you have a tag and a deer class rifle if you see a deer you want to shoot you can."

With your luck, you'll be hunting 'yotes and see the biggest buck of your life, so be sure to "Carry Enough Gun"!

Old No7

[TX50Cal]

You have got to be crazy!!! I live in NE Texas and cannot afford a lease. I would give anything to be able to go out deer hunting with my 11 year old son. Heck, I'd be happy just to have somewhere I could go now and then to just get away and do some squirrel hunting with him. I can see your point though, but us guys have got to just get out and enjoy the time afield.
Dave in TX

[olyinaz]

I haven't hunted deer in 30 years but I was out in the sticks today driving 4-wheel trails and doing some shooting with my boy. I've nothing against hunting at all!! But my point is that isn't getting out what it's really about? Just saying...

Best,
Oly