[Covey Leader]

What are your goals for the 2009 Deer season? Are you trying to fill the freezer with more does? Maybe trying to get a deer with a new weapon? Your first gun or bow kill? Are you holding out for a 130, 140, 150 or bigger? Lets hear it.:D

[jbkebert]

Fill the freezer mostly. I need to thin my doe population pretty bad. My plans are one with muzzle loader, one bow, and one rifle. My son will get a muzzle loader and rifle tag as well. Last year we counted 27 different does in one day. Time to start culling them out.

[buck460XVR]

At my age, my main goal is just to get out.....again. To remember my mentors who have long since moved on to higher ground. To once again walk the trails and check the haunts where over the years, I have been fortunate enough to make memories. Anymore, to me, gettin' a deer is a bonus, but not important. My sons will fill the freezer, I'll just be glad to be there when they do. Oh, I'll see deer, I always do, but the glint of horn and missed opportunities will not diminish the success of the hunt as in my younger years.....and if the good Lord sees fit to let me drop the hammer on another good buck, so be it.

[MCgunner]

My first bow kill would be nice. I've picked up bows again and finally bought my first compound.

Mainly, I just want some venison in the freezer. That's the usual goal. I'll put some more pork in it for sure.

[Covey Leader]

At my age, my main goal is just to get out.....again. To remember my mentors who have long since moved on to higher ground. To once again walk the trails and check the haunts where over the years, I have been fortunate enough to make memories. Anymore, to me, gettin' a deer is a bonus, but not important. My sons will fill the freezer, I'll just be glad to be there when they do. Oh, I'll see deer, I always do, but the glint of horn and missed opportunities will not diminish the success of the hunt as in my younger years.....and if the good Lord sees fit to let me drop the hammer on another good buck, so be it.

I wish you guys a great season buck460 and jbke and everyone on the site.

[AKElroy]

I am looking for one decent buck, no monster B&C score necessary. A nice, broad 8 point would make me happy. That plus a decent Doe for the freezer & two more for friends & I am set.

I am as jazzed about taking a few piggies as much as I am the deer. And dove in September. And plinking until then. And the quail.

Rabbits. Squirrels. Snake or two.

That's it.

Oh, Coons. And Coyotes. That's it.

Cactus. That's it.

Oh, cats.

[countertop]

First Sika (ideally both a trophy stag and a tasty doe/hind)
First big midwestern trophy (gonna hunt NE Iowa and Indiana in December)

[WTBguns10kOK]

to shoot a deer

[revals]

Last year was my first year deer hunting and I did not get anything. I learned a lot and now my goal for this year is to bring home some meat.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Blood two new bows, one new ML, and about 3 new rifles. Put 2 deer in the freezer and give the rest to hunters for hungry. Have fun!

revals, the first year I hunted I got zero deer. Also, year before last, I got zero deer. I just happens sometimes. My third year to hunt I got 4 deer, so be patient and if you shoot one, don't give up on tracking so soon like I did my first year - didn't know any better when I didn't immediately find blood - thought I must have missed.

[Husker_Fan]

I would like to take two deer for the freezer with my revolver. It would be nice to get a good buck, but two large does will be fine as well.

[Deer Hunter]

See my girlfriend take her first deer.

[ojibweindian]

Pretty much to fill the freezer. I'm a meat hunter.

[JWF III]

At my age, my main goal is just to get out.....again. To remember my mentors who have long since moved on to higher ground. To once again walk the trails and check the haunts where over the years, I have been fortunate enough to make memories. Anymore, to me, gettin' a deer is a bonus, but not important. My sons will fill the freezer, I'll just be glad to be there when they do. Oh, I'll see deer, I always do, but the glint of horn and missed opportunities will not diminish the success of the hunt as in my younger years.....and if the good Lord sees fit to let me drop the hammer on another good buck, so be it.


I couldn't have said it better myself. Hunting memories is far more rewarding (and not near as much work) as filling the freezer.

Wyman

[EatBugs]

my first bow deer

[shaggy430]

Bow season- Adult deer either sex.
Muzzleloader- Adult deer either sex.
Rifle- A BIG BOY!

[3pairs12]

I put in for a draw that would allow me four doe, so I hope I get drawn for that. I know the area really well its an archery only area, but for this hunt they are allowing rifles. Also put in for a draw that is shotgun only I hope to get a good buck there since they have to be wider than the ears. Back to the same archery only place that I am trying to draw the anterless at, over the last 2 years I have had encounter with what I believe to be the same buck. I want him. 2 years ago he was a big 8. Last day of season I had within 30 yards of the stand and couldn't get shot and had 10 points. This year I am going to hunt that buck hard. First and foremost just want some meat in the freezer and try to get my daughter her first deer.

[CoRoMo]

In order of importance...

Muzzleloader Season next month:

Have one of my family members finally fill an elk tag of their own, preferably during this muzzleloader season.
Call in some nice bulls to prove that we know what we're doing.
Fill my own muzzleloader elk tag and fill my freezers.
Have some good close encounters that make for an otherwise good experience.


Rifle Season in October:

Have one (or another) of my family members finally fill an elk tag of their own, regardless of what happened in the muzzleloader season.
Have one (or more) of the nonresidents, who are coming this year, to fill their cow tag(s) so that they will come back again in the future.
Fill my own elk tag using a .270 that I bought for my kids to use.:evil:
Have some good close encounters that make for an otherwise good experience.


I hunt for meat primarily. I'm going to leave the M77 at home (it's taken it's fair share of game) when the rifle season comes around in October, and take along a .270 H&R Handi-Rifle that I bought for my kids to use. Hopefully it will take a good animal this year. If I'm close enough, I'll opt for my Ruger BH to do the job, but that always seems like a stretch.

[ricebasher302]

I got a lead on a big Wyoming mule deer, 180 inch class. Have pictures. Beautiful animal on public land. I've been hunting whitetails for several years and am ready to bag a big 'ol muley. I'm getting excited for the October season!

[muddywatters]

Completed the WA state hunters safety in this spring (didn't need to as I'm 37 but wanted to get as much information as possible). I need to learn what it takes to make a successful deer hunt. If anyone in western Washington has any expertise to share with a green-horn I'd gladly supply what I can offer: truck, fuel, ammo. Heck, I'd be happy to pick up the tags if I get a rump roast or two! ;)

[bdubz0r]

I have three new weapons to use this year.

1. Bow - It would be my first bow kill, so either sex will do.
2. Muzzleloader - Got a second hand muzzleloader from a buddy. Would love to take a buck with it.
3. Shotgun - They call the barrel I have for my Mossy 835 a "Turkey Barrel"... But I'm pretty sure it'll kill a deer. Would like it to kill two actually, a buck and a doe.

So yeah. 4 deer. That's my goal for this year.

[kmrcstintn]

start bow hunting, get my first deer, learn to better control noise-n-movement during rifle season (take tricks learned from archery season and apply them)

now I'll be glad to actually go out; dad's got a major illness and my free time revolves around him...not sure if I'm gonna get out; oh well...family comes first

[usmc1371]

Drew a decent buck tag this year so I am going to try to hold out for a nice muley but I usuly shoot the first thing with horns so we will see what happens.

I drew a doe tag for the first time in 8 years and I have a cz 550 safari mag in 375hnh that I won last summer so I am stoked about using it for doe season. I figure if I can get close enough for a good shot with open sights I will take it. If not well it will still be fun to pack around a dangours game rifle and sneek up on some does in really open country.

Good luck and bee safe! And take pics for the "how did you do" thread you know is comming in november.

[41magsnub]

Venison in the freezer. I have 3 surplus muley doe tags, my A tag, and a whitetail doe tag. I could have got 4 more surplus muley doe tags but how much venison can one man stand? I know my limit...

With the ranchers wanting to thin the does out I know I really don't see a problem filling them all again this year. I just need to hang out behind a tractor or something and watch a winter wheat field.

[257WM_CDL-SF]

to kill 1 doe to eat and leave room in the freezer till the last day trophy hunting

[mongo4567]

First bow deer for me. First hog for my 9 year old son, he took a doe last year. There is a really big 7 point cull I hope to get this year. I saw him twice last year and he's about 5 years old. And some does to fill the freezer and keep the population numbers right.

[jakedaniel]

My goal is to learn to hunt! Taking the hunter safety class on the 29th.

[.45Guy]

Definately to fill the freezer. And maybe take one with the .44 mag if nobody buys it before then.

[wyohome]

I will take a couple of kids hunting for the first time. They have already passed their safety courses and have been shooting with me a couple of times. We will spot and stalk mulies, talk about ethics and sportsmanship. Hopefully they will connect on some deer, but like a fishing trip it isn't always as important as just being there.
My wife and I will shoot little bucks later in the season.

[lt522]

Like to try my new rifle , also fill my freezer and my moms , and my aunts. looking for 4does and 2 bucks. Would be nice to shoot another nice 8 point its been a while.

[inclinebench]

I hope to drop one young buck, and a couple of does. I am mostley in it for the meat, but even if I dont shoot anything, I love to be in the woods.

[JEB]

my goal this season is just ot fill my tags. last season i ended up burnin a buck tag and since we can only get one of them that really hurts! rule number one will be the same this year as last year, you dont fill all your tags untill everyone has a deer. (our group tries to keep it fare and make sure that everyone in our hunting party puts somthing in their freezer even if they were not as lucky as the other guys)

[bang_bang]

Goals? Hmmm...

I would love to thin out some does, somewhere around 5 or more would do nicely. I would also like to see a few people get some nice trophies. I know there is at least one mature buck romping around, although there is probably two or three that would be worth my time. I have a few people that could really use the meat, I'm looking forward to filling their freezer. :)

I'm going to try hunting with a crossbow for the first time this year. I still need a few things before season, but taking a deer with a bow of any type would be a major accomplishment for me.

I also thought that earlier this year, I would loose my favorite hunting and shooting partner (not in a bad way like cancer or anything, actually happens to be a girl ;) I'm very fond of). Things seem to be clearing up, and I would love for her to fill her tags. I would much rather her shoot those does and a MONSTER buck than myself. I get more excited watching her shoot deer than if I was pulling the trigger myself. Would love to get her on film downing a trophy. I know you all would be proud of her.....still working on her cleaning her own game though. ;)

[kd7nqb]

My goal is to take a deer, its that simple. Last year was my first season hunting and I didnt get one so I really want one.

The good news is that I am going with a guy who is very experince with deer and has taken more than his share.

The bad news
- My buddy has never hunted in Oregon except for last year
- We are hunting Coastal Blacktail which is suppose to be some of the most challenging deer around.
- We are both pretty budget limited so chances are we only get out once or twice.

[troyboy94]

I'm going for the big one this year. Last year didn't have much luck at all getting them in bow range. This year i got the ole slug gun sighted in so i hope to get a big one. Out at the farm a 23 pointer and a 14 have been captured on the trail cams hopefully I can bag one.

[glockgod]

:cuss:My goal? To not go!!! Around these parts theres too much bickering between different "gangs" of hunters and way too much bullsh*t involved to think about deer hunting. I'd MUCH rather go squirrel hunting. Or better yet-give me a good IDPA,USPSA, or Cowboy Action match. They're a Hell of a lot safer!

[deerhunter61]

My goal is to take hopefully the biggest buck I have ever taken. I would love to take a nice ten pointer and it would be great if it is a 140 class buck. I am also thinking about getting my bow out to start practicing so I can see about taking my first deer with a bow. It would of course be a doe. I am not going to at least at this point risk missing a big buck with it just yet. I want to take a doe first. Then after that fill the rest of my deer tags and take a couple of hogs. I would love to take the big ole fox that I saw around my stand last year.

And as stated above...make some unforgettable memories because the older I get the more I realize that those are what hunting to me is all about.

[WBNH]

My goal is to SEE a deer...

but primarilly, first and foremost, I intend to locate new hunting spots.

Up here in the parts of NH/ME that I frequent, you really have to know somebody. Private land is the only way to go...but you have to be rich to own land in new england...and rich people don't like "blood and guts" hunters...

Three seasons now I've been stuck on some public accessible land with too many others and no chance of sucess...(not that bagging a deer is first priority, I like the excuse just to be out there...but I hate bumping into other people or having them walk up on me)...

...Oh, I always flush a deer or two in October whilst scouting...but I have yet to see hide nor hair in November when hunting is legal.

Provided I can locate suitably accessible lands without so much hunting traffic, I intend to put in more time. The addition of a Bow and a Muzzleloader to my equipment should make me eligible for those seasons (provided I can scrape up the cash for the extra license fees)...

...then I can pursue goal number 1...at least seeing a deer during hunting season...whether I get an opportunity at a shot or not....

....and the roadkill doesn't count...

[jim in Anchorage]

I just like to get back alive:D 65+ inch moose would be OK though

[jordan1948]

At least one, either sex is fine with me. This will be my forth year hunting. Technically third since I wasn't able to go last year at all but the 2 before. I've only seen one deer so far, a doe so skinny I could almost count her ribs so I let her go.

[Tim the student]

to shoot a deer

Yup, that would be my goal at it's purist.

But what I would like to do is to shoot a nice fat doe that dresses out at at least 180.

[scythefwd]

To see a deer that is both legal and ethical while in the woods. I see 5-10 deer a year, all of the are either doe's on antlered days, does with young fawns (won't shoot until I can be sure they are weaned), or freaking 6 pt bucks in the middle of the road. I could take one with a 99 beetle magnum, favoring the slow but heavy approach (3000 lbs @ 60mph). Just once I would like to see a deer in the woods (this year its ML season... and it's legal as long as it is deer shaped every day) while I have a gun near me :) I could take 6 this year... if I see that many. I doubt there are any elk where I am, but that would be a tag I won't fill.... how the hell does one pack out 600 lbs of meat. How does one fit 600 lbs of meat in the beetle to go get it processed????

That and to not have my wife go into labor a month early while I am out in the field. I won't be out in regular season this year, so there will be lower hunting pressure so I have a chance. Then private land I am hunting this year "looks like a war zone" from all the rubs according to the owner.

[moosehunt]

Here at home (NV), just to get a deer. I finally drew after a 9 year drought on any tags. I'd like a nice 4 point, but I'll settle for a 3 point--after no tag for 9 years!
I'm also going to CA to try for Black Tail with my brother. First time to hunt with him, as he never got into hunting till about 5 years ago when his son took an interest. My understanding that just getting one of those Black Tails is tough, so a forkhorn will probably work, though a 3 point would be nice. We only have a week, so kind of a limited time rush deal, maybe we'll get lucky.
You yanks crack me up about talking of multiple deer and shooting does, when most of us are happy to draw a tag, then hope for any buck (does are, of course, off limits)

[CoRoMo]

I just like to get back alive

Amen!!

Stay safe guys! And good luck!

[exbiologist]

I have a lifetime goal of taking a deer in every state (minus Hawaii), but this year, I don't know how many states I'm going to be able to add yet. Hopefully at least two, but I didn't draw a New Mexico or Nevada tag, then shuffled my feet too long on Utah. Been eyeballing Kansas leftovers and have Colorado and Idaho deer tags I hope to fill. As for those two, I won't be shooting little guys, I've got elk permits for meat, deer are my favorite trophy big game to hunt and packing out little animals is too much work for too little reward for me at this stage in my life.

[1/4MOA]

Main goal, train these puppies out there in the kennel. (yes in NC we dog hunt for deer) and next to that i'd like to kill Bowinkle.

[noob_shooter]

don't care. i only hunt for meat. hoping to land a few with my Parker and Omen bows..

[tango2echo]

One word: Backstrap.

[moosehunt]

Well now Biologist, good luck in Nevada! I live here and this year got my first tag in 9 years! And the non-resident tags are even more restricted. Good luck! You're gonna need it!

[spikehunter]

Two:
1. get the deer I missed last year with a .44 mag pistol (big buck)

2. First deer with a long bow

[justice4all]

I'll be rifle hunting in WA and PA. My goal will be the same as always, any legal deer to fill my freezer and feed my family.

[bearmgc]

Big fat whitetail doe, in the land of muleys. We got em, but they're hard to find.

[ArmedBear]

meat.

[BMF500]

Get some blood on my new rifle and fill the freezer. Bacon wraped back-strap MMMMM!!!

[Arkansas Paul]

Got a new Weatherby Vangaurd in .30-06 I can't wait to shoot a deer with. Also want to fill that freezer. As Uncle Ted says, "Life is a series of bullseyes and backstraps."

[Arkel23]

I have a new Vanguard also, but in .300 wby mag. I've been itching to knock down a couple bucks and does with it, but mainly I just want to get out and hunt, by myself, and also with friends and famliy. I'm thinking about trying deer ribs this year!

[jim147]

I plan on spending as much free time as I can in the woods. If I kill something then I have to work. If I just watch them go by I have an reason to back out the next day.

jim

[Warhawk83]

I've never been on a deer hunt, hopefully I'll kill my first this year. As long as it is legal I could care less what it is.

[halfacop]

I will be bow hunting in Indiana this year - so hopefully a real nice buck will come my way....

As far as a "goal" this year. I have started doing some float hunts lately. So a deer on a float hunt would be great. I am also going to use my Grampa's Savage 99 this year on a float....

So a deer out of the canoe with the 99 looks to be my goal!

[Country_boy_88]

put meat in the freezer. Dont care if its doe or buck as long as its mature.

Id love to kill my first big buck and im not talking about a record breaker. any decent size 8 point thats not a basket rack

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // /Meat on table first (or in freezer)

Approaching the rut I have more patience .....let big does come in then small bucks .....right before dark the dominate buck walks out o woods about 10 feet..... stops, looks up and BOOM.

In my dreams ;- )

Would like to get 2, either buck or doe over 4.5 years old. //Have joined 5 friends hunting on 70 acres with a few hundred acres (some clear cut) around us.

I use:
Remington Gamemaster model 760(pump), scoped, in 30.06 from stand or blind .

Remington 870 wingmaster w/ slugs if we are on a walking drive.

Marlin 336 (lever) in 30.30 , short barrrel , scoped w/ open rings to use iron sights if stalking or brush popping //

S&W 586 ,357 open carry for approaching down game or...coyote ...fereal dogs you name it. /// I have yet to pistol hunt.

Just hunting with the guys and being out there will be great if nothing else.

[mickeydim468]

I have a new Weatherby Vanguard .243 that I want to use on my first ever deer hunt. I have a tag for the general season for one black tail buck deer with 1 fork. So anything legal is going to come home with me.... I hope!

The problem I am having is to find them sneaky little buggars. I go out scouting and see signs of them but have yet to see one out where I can hunt, but every time I go out, I see one or two on the road home! I don't know what I am doing wrong but I hope I figure it out real quick. I don't have any private land to hunt and can't afford an outfitter/guide so I am doing my first hunt on my own. Any pointers would be nice if you can.

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors \\ I don't know about Oregon but here are a few things I do in South cackalacky.

#1 ) Scout spot with shooting lanes leading to water or dense brush with wind in your face. If restricted to ground can you use tent stand there? Tepee of 1 1/2 foot wide X 6 foot long camo painted burlap strips work but might smell too strong this late, Pinesol might help with that.

#2) If you can, get at least 6 feet above ground ...trees ,rocks or sit at top of gully behind dead fall, preferably with some back cover)\\ Safer shooting angle on public lands \\ easier to spot deer, harder for deer to spot you.

I never have round chambered when climbing...pulling firearm up...I also consider what I might fall on... sharp rocks ... impaleing pine stubs...fire ant nests. ( don't think you have them in Oregon )

#3) Get to spot at least 45 min. before you are allowed to shoot in morning and stay late. Other hunters leaving might start deer your way, stay till 10:00 -10:30. Get back to stand/spot 30 min before other hunters in evening,, stay till last minute .(don't forget good flash light)


#4) Wait it out, try not to move too much, don't react when you first see deer . Take your time, if you see them they don't smell you so you are half way home. Bring up rifle in sloooooowwwww motion don't disengage safty till sighted in . Click\ Boom

#5 ) Hope you don't have too far to haul monster buck! ;- )

Hasn't quite worked in the monster buck catagory but I'm eatin.

Tell someone where you are going /comming back ... or carry 2 way radio along with cell phone (I DO)

You have joined generations of kindred spirits walking Gods country wherever you hunt.

[desidog]

my goal: To save my old lady's Day Lilies and Rhododendrons, and limit the deer-tick carriers that frequent the same field as my dog.

They are also delicious.

[caribou]

"Fill the Freezer"

"Get my legal limit"

"Meat on the table"


Ya, me too!!
Caribou are a kind of "Reindeer"
We do have a season....
Lemme see....bag limit is 5 Caribou per day on state lands, 15 a day on Federal lands.
The season starts July 1st , ends June 1st.....:evil:

Im in Arctic, the freezer IS my back yard....

I dont think the wifes gonna like this idea:cuss:

~~LOL!!~~

I'll most likely feed the fresh stuff to the kids and trade away my extra, then hunt somemore.:D:D

[Random Discharge]

My goal is to spend time in the woods. If I take a deer with my 44 Contender, so much the better.

[wyohome]

mickeydim468- Are you looking for this Oregon Blacktail's sons?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/Deaver/IMGP1309.jpg

[Yellowfin]

Get my first New York deer x 3 or so, first managed hunt deer, and hopefully a black bear on top of it. I've got at least 2 management tags courtesy of the town I live in which wants me to take at least 2 does, might even have more if they give me more after filling them. Also it will be my first season using a new stand. Wow, so many new things at once really will make this a milestone season.

[mickeydim468]

Content,

Thanks! Sounds like good advice!

mickeydim468- Are you looking for this Oregon Blacktail's sons?

Yep that's the shady culprit right there! Where did you find him? I am sure his kids aren't far away! :)

[gunnerjones]

My goals would be to just get a good buck with my Puma 44 mag. lever action.

[Gun Geezer]

My goal for the deer season is to sit outside and enjoy every minute I can. I could not care less if shoot one or not as the freezer is full of dove and fish and a little bit of last years deer.

Come on Novermber!

[lgbloader]

My goal this Deer season is to get out there and hunt.

My freezers almost full and I have a few dollars in a coffee can so this isn't about survival, this is about the spirit of the warrior inside us all. Ain't nothing better than being out there with Mother nature. The mountains and the Ocean (surfing) are my happy place.

LGB

[paintballdude902]

shoot a doe or two so i dont have to buy meat while im up at college

hell when i moved outa my parents house i found out really fast that food aint cheap but ramen isnt too bad after a few days and once in a while a cheap steak tastes just like a filet

[dagger dog]

Coming down out of the trees, and stalking instead of standing, hunting with traditional longbow in my "back yard", bow season starts 10-1 . Have been seeing a large 2-3 year old doe that likes raiding my garden, she will provide a nice Thanksgiving venison roast .

[slodsm]

To try out my new overpowered deer rifle I just HAD to buy because I got such a deal on it.

To get a nice healthy animal of either sex to put in the freezer.

And of course wishful thinking would be to get a nice buck but with AR going on here, it's not likely at all.

[jbkebert]

Went out tonight to sight in my son's .243 the Kansas youth and disabled season started today. While we did not hunt we did spot a very very nice buck. Can't wait for tommorrow when we get out and into a stand.
I really hope I will have picts to post this time tommorrow.

[3pairs12]

I put in for a draw that would allow me four doe, so I hope I get drawn for that. I know the area really well its an archery only area, but for this hunt they are allowing rifles. Also put in for a draw that is shotgun only I hope to get a good buck there since they have to be wider than the ears

So my goals have changed a little. I didn't get drawn for either place. I still just want to get some meat in the freezer and get my 11 year old daughter her first deer. If some of that meat cme with some head gear then that would be ok too. :)

[Savage Shooter]

Well shooting a thutty point buck(anyone familier with Da Yoopers will get that) with my t/c that I haven't even got a deer barrel for yet or with my shotgun would be nice...but as long as I get out it'll be a good day.:D

[WalkerCountyBoy]

Fill the freezer mostly. I need to thin my doe population pretty bad. My plans are one with muzzle loader, one bow, and one rifle. My son will get a muzzle loader and rifle tag as well. Last year we counted 27 different does in one day. Time to start culling them out.
You need any help with you doe control? LOL

[WalkerCountyBoy]

First bow season for me. I killed a 6 point last year at the end of last years gun season. I am just wanting to try out bowhunting for the experience and if i kill one along the way even better.

#1 goal: Get Outdoors, Spend Time with Nature and Friends, and Appreciate God's Creations

[Jmacalpine]

Last season was my first, and I had no luck. I've got a new(to me) rifle, a few spots scouted, and i was lucky enough to pull an "any-deer" permit. which allows me to take a doe if I don't get a shot on a buck. Freezer's empty, and I have a hankering for venison.

[schlockinz]

Kill every pig that I see, and at least 3 does, there needs to be some hog and doe culling...mainly hog

[willymike]

Buck460XVR pretty much summed it up for me in post #3. +1 there brother!

Additionallly, I just want to watch my son be successful and know I've taught him well. Help our neighbors 17 year old son get his first deer (I've helped raise him. He was 4-years old when his dad passed away). Hopefully watch a couple of my Eagle Scouts' (I'm an OLD Scoutmaster) in our club enjoy a good safe hunt. And, overcome my health problems to be able to participate and live to see another season - God willing.

[eclarsen]

Fill the freezer. IL will let me take a few does and I hope to help out with that. Can take two bucks, but I haven't seen any to make my heart stop, so I'm certainly not counting/expecting a big one.

[351 WINCHESTER]

Hunting isn't about killing to me. It's about being in the woods where it's quiet and the air is clean. I've killed my share of deer and other animals so the pressure is off. If I see a nice buck or hog and I'm confident I can make the shot I will. I'd much rather see my son's get a buck, hog or turkey. That's what it's all about in my eyes.

[slabuda]

Get my 1st deer at the age of 38.

My Dad didnt hunt so I had no one to take/show me. I have spent most mf my career overseas. 1st time I was stationed in Idaho I was deployed for hunting season, next season I was getting married so no joy. Back overseas for another 9 yrs and 1st season back I was recovering from having 3 disks fused in my neck.

And this season I only have a few days as I need to go home for a reunion. So it wont be easy as there is lots of pressure in the area I will hunt.

[CoRoMo]

Posted by ME
:o I didn't draw a deer tag, just elk tags.

In order of importance...

Muzzleloader Season next month:


Have one of my family members finally fill an elk tag of their own, preferably during this muzzleloader season. FAILED
Call in some nice bulls to prove that we know what we're doing.FAILED
Fill my own muzzleloader elk tag and fill my freezers. FAILED
Have some good close encounters that make for an otherwise good experience. Meh... I guess I accomplished this.

Rifle Season in October:


Have one (or another) of my family members finally fill an elk tag of their own, regardless of what happened in the muzzleloader season. SUCCESS!!
Have one (or more) of the nonresidents, who are coming this year, to fill their cow tag(s) so that they will come back again in the future. SUCCESS!!
Fill my own elk tag using a .270 that I bought for my kids to use. SUCCESS!!
Have some good close encounters that make for an otherwise good experience. SUCCESS!!



I think I had a decent season.
I got back alive after all. :)

[schlockinz]

Got my first Pope and Young, I think its been a succesful season

[Matt-J2]

Survive.

[scmerrill71]

fill up the freezer... got my antlerless permit and my regular permit. hopefully will fill the antlerless during the early part of bow. then maybe i`ll get lucky enuff to bag 2 more during gun and muzzleloader seasons. last year i was able to get 2 deer.

[BRad704]

My goals for this season are at age 29, to #1 GO (on my very first deer hunt) #2 put something in the freezer #3 try for my first buck as well...

[Gregaw]

I'm holding out for a 135+ buck right now with the bow. Also hoping to put a couple young does in the freezer. Shotgun season goals will depend somewhat on my success, or lack there of, during archery season.