2020/2021 Hunting Thread

[ROFL BOX 6649]

A place like Tractor Supply will use a forklift & drop a pallet in your truck or on your trailer.

 

Also, why not something better than corn?  Maybe even a 50-50 mix with protein pellets?

[hookemATL 11740]

2 minutes ago, ROFL BOX said:

A place like Tractor Supply will use a forklift & drop a pallet in your truck or on your trailer.

 

Also, why not something better than corn?  Maybe even a 50-50 mix with protein pellets?

price about the same?  Im usually just buying the Walmart corn for $5 a bag bc im a cheap fuck and the deer in my area dont seem too discerning.  

[T’Boo Ted Marshall 2732]

Example from one of the cameras we set up last weekend. We are using the Link S Solar. Our lands are not such that we need to define age or points. We just don’t get that kind of traffic. We need to see legal/not legal and frequently of locations.

[deadshank 24653]

4 hours ago, ROFL BOX said:

A place like Tractor Supply will use a forklift & drop a pallet in your truck or on your trailer.

 

Also, why not something better than corn?  Maybe even a 50-50 mix with protein pellets?

Protein doesn’t do too well being broadcast onto the ground.   Moisture tends to make it crumble and turn to dust.   

[Anastasis 23474]

3 hours ago, deadshank said:

Protein doesn’t do too well being broadcast onto the ground.   Moisture tends to make it crumble and turn to dust.   

And gook up the spinner. 

[deadshank 24653]

27 minutes ago, Anastasis said:

And gook up the spinner. 

Charlie don’t deer hunt. 
 

The terminology is “schmeg it up.”   

[HOOKEM4 5037]

My wife bought some protein blocks awhile back. One of them was wild berry or some such, it lasted maybe 12hours. We had several pictures of the deer fighting over it. The other one was apple/molasses. Checked last week and it is still there 3 weeks later. The pigs won't even touch it. Pretty solid product testing.

[williemackgarza 1826]

And gook up the spinner. 

Didnt know coach hunted

[Spaulding Smails 1553]

15 hours ago, Anastasis said:

And gook up the spinner. 

Spot on.  If you go with protein / corn mix, make sure it's no more than 50/50 and make sure you have a water tight feeder.  We've fed 50/50 from May - August the last two years and have seen really nice improvements to the antler growth in that timeframe.  Will probably move to a stand alone protein feeder next spring.  We want to let the areas around the feeders "rest" for longer than just that February - May timeframe.  

[fattyflattie 4639]

28 minutes ago, Spaulding Smails said:

Spot on.  If you go with protein / corn mix, make sure it's no more than 50/50 and make sure you have a water tight feeder.  We've fed 50/50 from May - August the last two years and have seen really nice improvements to the antler growth in that timeframe.  Will probably move to a stand alone protein feeder next spring.  We want to let the areas around the feeders "rest" for longer than just that February - May timeframe.  

We've got several, and it helps to hold them in the general area as well, then back to munch at the feeders as needed.

[jkates 316]

My son (10 yrs old) is going to try to stick a deer (or pig) with an arrow this season. Neither of us have ever bow hunted.

We went out this weekend (Austin County) and brushed in a pop-up ground blind near the intersection of 2 game trails that is also near a corner of a food plot we hunt annually. Our cameras near the location catch the traffic often. We have hunted this plot with a rifle and have seen many deer enter and exit the field from this corner. So we feel decent about that. We cut shooting lanes and practiced shots through the blind windows between 7 and 15 yards.

For those of you that bow hunt from pop-up/ground blinds - Do you wear camo or black? I'm assuming we need to wear black and black out our faces since the inside of the blind is black. I figure we open as few windows as possible so we don't get back lit. The blind has shoot-through mesh on the windows, but I'm not sure if we should leave those up since he's shooting low poundage (~35 lbs) draw weight. Most of our hunts will be evening hunts due to sports and church commitments on weekend mornings. How long before sunset do you guys get in the blind? 

Any thoughts? Suggestions? 

[jkates 316]

Oops, didn't mean for the pictures to be so large.

[fattyflattie 4639]

No idea on the camo vs black. Seems like either should be fine.  Good looking setup tho.  Hope he gets one. 

[Reagan1k 3024]

@jkates 

 

Timing is really dependent on how long you can sit (if it is hot) before you sweat to death and start to stink.  Go as early as you can and still stay remotely comfortable.

I don't shot through screens.  I open my shooting windows.  I don't think they provide enough benefit to offset the downside of reduced visibility for you and the potential for accuracy issues.  Yes they hide you "better", but that's relative depending on where the blind is situated relative to the setting sun and how well you darken yourself in the blind. 

Face covering is more important than anything.  Hell, I often hunt in shorts and just made sure to wear dark covering on my upper body.  That really helps when it is hot.

Sitting as far back as you can will also help keep you in the shadows.  Spray down well with scent killers.  I know opinions are all over the place on them but my anecdotal experience is that they do no harm and appear to provide a benefit.  I see that pine tree over there.  I'd also grab a handful of pine needles and crush or grind them and rub them on pants, sleeves, hats, etc.  In the hill county I do this with cedar and it seems to help put some natural cover scents into the air.

Great that you had him practice drawing and shooting from the blind before you/he hunts.  It's possible (trust me!!!!!) to shoot the bottom of the window on a close shot.  Same issues with a scoped rifle and a pin-sighted bow - bullet or arrow path starts below the sight line.  You also want to know where to sit so that you can draw comfortably and quietly.

Your biggest noise generator when game is present will be your feet as you pivot and position to shoot.  Make sure you've cleared the floor of sticks and leaves.  I also think its of benefit to have a bare dirt floor for the smell.  I always stir up the dirt with my feet to generate that fresh earth smell.  I think that helps as a cover scent as well.  

Good luck - fire any more questions my way.  I've hunted in pop-ups for years both with a bow and a pistol.

Edited August 31, 2020 by Reagan1k

[jkates 316]

19 minutes ago, Reagan1k said:

@jkates 

 

Timing is really dependent on how long you can sit (if it is hot) before you sweat to death and start to stink.  Go as early as you can and still stay remotely comfortable.

I don't shot through screens.  I open my shooting windows.  I don't think they provide enough benefit to offset the downside of reduced visibility for you and the potential for accuracy issues.  Yes they hide you "better", but that's relative depending on where the blind is situated relative to the setting sun and how well you darken yourself in the blind. 

Face covering is more important than anything.  Hell, I often hunt in shorts and just made sure to wear dark covering on my upper body.  That really helps when it is hot.

Sitting as far back as you can will also help keep you in the shadows.  Spray down well with scent killers.  I know opinions are all over the place on them but my anecdotal experience is that they do no harm and appear to provide a benefit.  I see that pine tree over there.  I'd also grab a handful of pine needles and crush or grind them and rub them on pants, sleeves, hats, etc.  In the hill county I do this with cedar and it seems to help put some natural cover scents into the air.

Great that you had him practice drawing and shooting from the blind before you/he hunts.  It's possible (trust me!!!!!) to shoot the bottom of the window on a close shot.  Same issues with a scoped rifle and a pin-sighted bow - bullet or arrow path starts below the sight line.  You also want to know where to sit so that you can draw comfortably and quietly.

Your biggest noise generator when game is present will be your feet as you pivot and position to shoot.  Make sure you've cleared the floor of sticks and leaves.  I also think its of benefit to have a bare dirt floor for the smell.  I always stir up the dirt with my feet to generate that fresh earth smell.  I think that helps as a cover scent as well.  

Good luck - fire any more questions my way.  I've hunted in pop-ups for years both with a bow and a pistol.

Excellent info. Thanks!

What about putting any sort of corn or mineral/attractant on the ground? It's been suggested to us to put some where we want the game to stop, right in a shooting lane. 

[BabaYaga 15300]

On 8/27/2020 at 3:17 PM, deadshank said:

Protein doesn’t do too well being broadcast onto the ground.   Moisture tends to make it crumble and turn to dust.   

We use a Lamco with a trough around it.  You have to keep it off the ground.  Free range with drop tubes are great, but year round, they will eat you out of house and home, so both are recommended.  Timer during off months, free range when growing and recovering.  

Edited August 31, 2020 by BabaYaga

[686 3449]

My son (10 yrs old) is going to try to stick a deer (or pig) with an arrow this season. Neither of us have ever bow hunted.
We went out this weekend (Austin County) and brushed in a pop-up ground blind near the intersection of 2 game trails that is also near a corner of a food plot we hunt annually. Our cameras near the location catch the traffic often. We have hunted this plot with a rifle and have seen many deer enter and exit the field from this corner. So we feel decent about that. We cut shooting lanes and practiced shots through the blind windows between 7 and 15 yards.
For those of you that bow hunt from pop-up/ground blinds - Do you wear camo or black? I'm assuming we need to wear black and black out our faces since the inside of the blind is black. I figure we open as few windows as possible so we don't get back lit. The blind has shoot-through mesh on the windows, but I'm not sure if we should leave those up since he's shooting low poundage (~35 lbs) draw weight. Most of our hunts will be evening hunts due to sports and church commitments on weekend mornings. How long before sunset do you guys get in the blind? 
Any thoughts? Suggestions? 

I would clear the twigs and brush out of that shooting lane more; I would definitely put a block or feeder (or hand corn) to hold the deer at a preset distance (~15yds or so) to let your son have time to wait for a broadside or preferably a quartering away shot opportunity, then time to get drawn and make a good shot.

Scent control is imperative. Wash all the hunting clothes in scent control soap and keep them in a sealed bin. Take showers in scent control soap/shampoo before heading out and use scent control deodorant. Spray down with scent control spray last thing before you walk to the blind.

Is your son shooting mechanicals or fixed blades?

[fattyflattie 4639]

Also, something as simple as a salt lick or mineral block would help keep them at an exact spot.  In lieu of corn that would be spread a bit.  Just something to think about. 

[Reagan1k 3024]

4 hours ago, jkates said:

Excellent info. Thanks!

What about putting any sort of corn or mineral/attractant on the ground? It's been suggested to us to put some where we want the game to stop, right in a shooting lane. 

Yes - you will be well concealed in that pop-up.  Give yourself plenty of clear shooting areas and some reason for them to stop.

You don't need to be so brushed in that you can't take a shot.  As long as the blind has been there for some time, they will be used to it anyway.  really you just need that new-blind smell to be gone.  I've killed plenty of deer and hogs with minimally brushed in blinds and I always keep the area in front of the window clear to the point that I can basically take any shot at any angle.

You can almost guarantee that if a potential shot is to present itself and you have any obstructions, the shot will inevitability be impacted by whatever brush is there.  They always stop at the worst possible place/time. 

Another tip would be to have him practice and improve his hold time.  My experience is that he'll want to draw as the deer or hog is coming toward the target area and not when it arrives.  First, when they are moving they are less likely to spook at the draw noise, and secondly, once they get where you want them, they invariably won't stay there long.  Plenty of times I've drawn on a deer which was where I wanted him and he'll spook for a second, and bump out of range or out of view...only to settle down and hold there for plenty of time if not for the distance or some being out of my sight line.  Have your son practice with a timer and try and get to where he can strengthen his hold and shoot accurately after 10, 15, up to 30 seconds if he can.  That's harder for someone not as strong but will make him more successful.  It also teaches him where his limits are so he knows he can't be consistently accurate after "x" amount of time. 

Oh, and yes, some corn and minerals spread around will help...even a pile of acorns or some apple slices depending on where you are and what they feed on.

Edited August 31, 2020 by Reagan1k

[jkates 316]

1 hour ago, 686 said:

I would clear the twigs and brush out of that shooting lane more; I would definitely put a block or feeder (or hand corn) to hold the deer at a preset distance (~15yds or so) to let your son have time to wait for a broadside or preferably a quartering away shot opportunity, then time to get drawn and make a good shot.

Scent control is imperative. Wash all the hunting clothes in scent control soap and keep them in a sealed bin. Take showers in scent control soap/shampoo before heading out and use scent control deodorant. Spray down with scent control spray last thing before you walk to the blind.

Is your son shooting mechanicals or fixed blades?

It sounds like I probably need to trim a few more branches and get a block.

We bought scent control spray and detergent and will be using those.

1 hour ago, fattyflattie said:

Also, something as simple as a salt lick or mineral block would help keep them at an exact spot.  In lieu of corn that would be spread a bit.  Just something to think about. 

Thank you.

13 minutes ago, Reagan1k said:

Yes - you will be well concealed in that pop-up.  Give yourself plenty of clear shooting areas and some reason for them to stop.

You don't need to be so brushed in that you can't take a shot.  As long as the blind has been there for some time, they will be used to it anyway.  really you just need that new-blind smell to be gone.  I've killed plenty of deer and hogs with minimally brushed in blinds and I always keep the area in front of the window clear to the point that I can basically take any shot at any angle.

You can almost guarantee that if a potential shot is to present itself and you have any obstructions, the shot will inevitability be impacted by whatever brush is there.  They always stop at the worst possible place/time. 

Another tip would be to have him practice and improve his hold time.  My experience is that he'll want to draw as the deer or hog is coming toward the target area and not when it arrives.  First, when they are moving they are less likely to spook at the draw noise, and secondly, once they get where you want them, they invariably won't stay there long.  Plenty of times I've drawn on a deer which was where I wanted him and he'll spook for a second, and bump out of range or out of view...only to settle down and hold there for plenty of time if not for the distance or some being out of my sight line.  Have your son practice with a timer and try and get to where he can strengthen his hold and shoot accurately after 10, 15, up to 30 seconds if he can.  That's harder for someone not as strong but will make him more successful.  It also teaches him where his limits are so he knows he can't be consistently accurate after "x" amount of time. 

Oh, and yes, some corn and minerals spread around will help...even a pile of acorns or some apple slices depending on where you are and what they feed on.

That's 2 votes for clearing the shooting lanes a bit more. I figured I could always go trim more if I didn't get enough on the first pass. 

He can hold 30 seconds right now and still make a good shot. Thankfully, someone gave us some advice on hold times a few weeks ago. He's done some short/quick holds to be ready to anchor and aim quickly if the deer only presents a good shot for a few seconds. And longer holds for if he needs to stay at full draw while waiting on the shot. It'll be his first time, but he's been shooting his bow for 2.5 years now and is starting to put nice little groups together at 10 yards. It's not as good at 20, but we likely won't be shooting if the target is past 15. 

Another vote for some minerals or something!

[jkates 316]

dp

Edited August 31, 2020 by jkates
double post

[HOOKEM4 5037]

Skunk scent is fun.

[686 3449]

Skunk scent is fun.

I was walking out to my bow stand years ago about 5:30 am and walked up on two skunks humping or something; rolling around in the grass right on the side of my trail. Luckily they were too preoccupied to notice me.

[markstanco 12577]

Some here will know.

[ROFL BOX 6649]

In my spot 20 minutes now - haven't seen a single bird, not of any species.

Heavy cloud cover, moderate wind coming from the SSE.

"Where all the White Wing at??"

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

[BayouBill 835]

20 hours ago, Reagan1k said:

@jkates 

Great that you had him practice drawing and shooting from the blind before you/he hunts.  It's possible (trust me!!!!!) to shoot the bottom of the window on a close shot.  Same issues with a scoped rifle and a pin-sighted bow - bullet or arrow path starts below the sight line.  You also want to know where to sit so that you can draw comfortably and quietly.

 

This is big... different world for a first time shooter from anything other than a standing position in the open air. Practice shooting from seated position and in the blind is great advice.

[deadshank 24653]

On 8/22/2020 at 11:40 PM, 3shot said:

Uvalde for me on the 1st.  Hunting with one of the outfitters @deadshank recommended last year.  

Well?  

[Al Czervik 1229]

3 hours ago, ROFL BOX said:

In my spot 20 minutes now - haven't seen a single bird, not of any species.

Heavy cloud cover, moderate wind coming from the SSE.

"Where all the White Wing at??"

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk
 

Blazing Saddles references still working in 2020.  

[ROFL BOX 6649]

Busted AM.

No birds, no shots off my place.

Going to a buddy's house that is prob
A near straight line 6½ to 7 miles due N of me & see how things are up there.

Hopefully this cloudy weather will break for the PM series.
Hope to be guns up around 1600, maybe 1700.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

[3shot 139]

57 minutes ago, deadshank said:

Well?  

Not hunting until the afternoon.  Got to get the kids remote school day in first!

[Both Tacos 1806]

Not a bad day.

[deadshank 24653]

28 minutes ago, 3shot said:

Not hunting until the afternoon.  Got to get the kids remote school day in first!

Need the report.   Hunting with Mark come Friday and Saturday. 

[Llano Estacado 1257]

2 plump bastards on the power line outside my WFH window this AM had me day dreaming during conf calls.

Jealous AF. Go knock’em down fellahs.

[Reagan1k 3024]

@Both Tacos  Those ring necks eat pretty well!  Especially considering they are bonus birds to your count.

[Both Tacos 1806]

[mention=1395]Both Tacos[/mention]  Those ring necks eat pretty well!  Especially considering they are bonus birds to your count.

And much bigger than the other doves

[4th and 5 4914]

I finally gave up my lease this year. Been on it maybe 15 years. We used to murder the dove. White wing, mourning, Eurasian, pigeons. Tailgate hunting, no effort at all. Over the past 5 years it got worse and worse. My buddy that stayed on it reported to me today "saw four, shot one." I think I've killed three dove in one shot on this lease. No one around us has been shooting either. Corn all over the ground, it just sits there. My lease is 10 minutes from town. Used to have swarms of white wings all over my backyard. Now I see only a few here and there.

I wish I had an explanation.

I need a new lease bad.

[ROFL BOX 6649]

And let me tell y'all about my Game Warden encounter...

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

[deadshank 24653]

43 minutes ago, 4th and 5 said:

No one around us has been shooting either. Corn all over the ground, it just sits there. 

That is interesting. Care to explain?

[Both Tacos 1806]

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

Lone Star Law at it's best.....

[bigshark88 388]

Subscribed.

[williemackgarza 1826]

Sad day. Too busy st work. Missed opening day for the 1st time in forever.

Lucky bastards

[4th and 5 4914]

6 hours ago, deadshank said:

That is interesting. Care to explain?

It’s a cornfield?

[deadshank 24653]

5 hours ago, 4th and 5 said:

It’s a cornfield?

That’s wasn’t very clear in your description of your lease.  Glad it’s a cornfield rather than a field with a bunch of loose corn strewn about.  

[4th and 5 4914]

I found a day hunt place near the house for $50. We got some fat WWs this morning. 

[hookemATL 11740]

Had a friend asked me to borrow one of my shotguns for a weekend hunt.  Any advice on best way to handle?  I have never lent out any of my guns before so I want to be sure there is no weirdness I need to be aware of, legally speaking.  

[3shot 139]

Had a good hunt yesterday in Uvalde.  Didn't get our limits, but that was our fault.  

[Jerry Callo 8704]

Limited before 9:00 am yesterday outside of Florence.  All mourning doves while hunting over sunflowers.

[williemackgarza 1826]

Had a friend asked me to borrow one of my shotguns for a weekend hunt.  Any advice on best way to handle?  I have never lent out any of my guns before so I want to be sure there is no weirdness I need to be aware of, legally speaking.  

Tell them no.
Theyll damage it

[davidg 4038]

Everyone should have a Rem 870 express or equivalent as a cheap backup/loaner gun.

[Anastasis 23474]

10 hours ago, hookemATL said:

Had a friend asked me to borrow one of my shotguns for a weekend hunt.  Any advice on best way to handle?  I have never lent out any of my guns before so I want to be sure there is no weirdness I need to be aware of, legally speaking.  

 

3 minutes ago, davidg said:

Everyone should have a Rem 870 express or equivalent as a cheap backup/loaner gun.

I'd loan them one of my 1100's. I don't think that there are any legal issues to sweat unless you have knowledge that they are barred from possessing a firearm. I wouldn't think twice if this is someone that I actually knew.