Final Prep

With hunting season almost upon us, it's time to make those last minute changes and preperations to get ready to get up at 3 in the morning.  First thing is to make sure the bow is performing in top shape.  That means using broadheads to tune, tightening everything down, and going over every inch of the bow to make sure it won't fail when that monster is downrange.  Cameras also need to be checked and any other equipment needs to be ready to go; tree stands, climbing gear, and harness among other things.

I was shooting my broad heads today and it seems the pins are a little off.  I was told i wouldn't have to change that much, but I think I may also need to check flight path.  A little paper tuning before I start moving the pins and it might just straighten itself out.  Pun intended.  I also got string wax this weekend.  I think that because I've been shooting it for so long without the wax, the string is pretty much at the end of it's life.  After hunting season is over, I will definitely be changing it.  Nobody told me that was an issue.  Better late than never, but I hope the bow will hold out.

Thanks for reading and in a week or two, I'll get some pictures from the stand and maybe even a deer up here!  Stay tuned.

It's a long way down

Yesterday we stayed out all evening watching fields.  I used my stand for a little more than just practice.  We got out into the field a little after 5 and we stayed out 'til after 9:30.  The tree I picked was a little difficult as it had a split and it also had a branch that was in the way.  I went up just fine even though I had to get around the branch and that included kneeling on the seat.  On the way down however, as I was kneeling on the seat, I ripped the rest of the nylon straps holding it to the frame.  So now I have no seat for my stand, which isn't the worst thing in the world.  I could just use it as is, but I think I'd rather be able to sit down.  Most likely I'll just be buying a replacement seat, but I could rig something up from home that might work.

Overall it was a good experience scouting and even though I didn't see anything, my friend did.  So we know they're out there.  Next time we'll change locations a bit.  Hopefully I'll have a seat by then.  I did get some pictures and tried to take some video, but it's not great so I may or may not post it.  Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading.

Monkey Business

When I first looked into hunting this season, I figured I'd buy the bow and some camouflage and I'd be good to go.  Hunting from the ground wouldn't be too hard if I found a good set-up and always accounted for the wind.  However when I went scouting with my friend, there were a few stands on the property we looked at.  I got to thinking if I could find a used stand for cheap that still worked, I'd grab it.  Well I found one on Sunday and I went and bought it.  $40 later I have a climbing stand that looks to be in relatively good condition.  It has at least one season left in it, if not a few.  The only thing it is missing is that the front of the seat part was cut off, so using it with a bow will probably be easier actually.  But climbing with it could prove interesting.  I am hoping to try it out in the woods behind the house this week, since I will be busy this weekend.  Pictures will be posted soon.

Thanks for reading.

Just a good stretch of the legs.

Went scouting today.  Just looking for a feel of the land and figure out some possible deer spots.  There were a good amount of tracks.  No rubs or scrapes yet, but I think it's a little early for that.  However I'm completely new to scouting for deer, so I don't have a good ground of knowledge to base that off of.  Regardless, it was a nice walk and there are some great spots that I think we're going to find some deer.

I also shot from a tree stand today.  It was a 20 yard shot and I was  trying to aim over a branch without a safety harness on.  Definitely not something I would recommend to anyone.  Especially after trying that, I would certainly have a harness the next time I'm in a stand.  Also make sure you have a shooting lane.  These are all things you learn in the bow hunter's education course and if you do some research it's pretty simple.  But it definitely makes sense when you try it yourself.

The guy that I was with was pretty knowledgeable about the land and he's bow hunted before.  He also turkey hunts the land, so it is definitely good to have all of that experience.

After today I am really looking forward to hunting season and as much effort as this is going to be, I think it will pay off great in the end.  Thanks for reading.