New Deer Hunter,
I know things might seem a little overwhelming right now because you are getting so many differing opinions on how to hunt. I see the posts on Facebook from Bobby and Jimmy. They are fighting about everything under the sun, and you’re feeling about an inch tall because they’re stepping on your toes. I get it.
But here’s the thing: You are getting opinions. Bobby only likes to shoot big bucks, Jimmy wants to bring home anything that’s legal; and both like to argue about it 24/7.
One guy likes to shoot a crossbow, the other is shooting trad; neither can agree on that either. They can’t agree on anything and they never will. They also can’t see the bigger picture, and that’s why I’m writing you–Let them fight and block them out, have fun.
But you’re still left asking yourself: What am I supposed to do? Do I need 100 acres, a 4WD truck, and a four-wheeler? Can I shoot a small buck? Should I wear Realtree or Mossy Oak? What’s a 6.5 Creedmore and do I need one, or will a .243 work for deer?
Take a breath, it’s all going to be okay. You don’t need land, trucks, toys or fancy clothes. Do a little research on deer hunting calibers, and they’ll all be okay. Worry more if you can hit what you’re aiming at and know what’s a kill shot.
I sincerely hope these so-called know-it-alls aren’t running you off. I hope their bickering and backbiting isn’t turning you away from something that is so special and sacred.
Hang in there, things are going to be okay. You will develop your own strong opinions about gear, deer and everything else under the sun. Let Bobby and Jimmy have it out in the parking lot; no one cares.
Here are some things I recommend doing instead of listening to these two:
- Learn about deer. I’m talking about getting in deep and understand where they sleep, eat and hang-out during the day. Then, learn about when it’s best to hunt during those times. Become a student of the animal, and you’ll learn to love it and respect them more.
- Pay attention to how you enter and exit your stand and understand where your scent will blow through the day. That’s about the number one mistake that most hunters make. Merely overlooking the common sense stuff has ruined many of my hunts and probably more than I know.
- Find a hunting partner. Yeah, deer hunting is generally a solo sport, but it is a lot of fun to share your adventure with and it’s a lot safer to have someone around.
- Speaking of safety, please stay connected to the tree. Never, under any circumstances, take your safety for granted out there.
- Have fun. If you want to kill a spike, go ahead. You need some trigger time and the time to pass on deer will come. Just make sure you are having a good time, being legal and ethical and whatever you do; don’t make the rest of us look bad by making a bad decision.
That’s it. I could write a bunch more, but let’s save that for another day. You might have a long way to figuring this all out, but this journey is going to be a lot of fun. Hang in there and enjoy it.
