A new season is upon us.......

[buck460XVR]

Like many here, with the excitement and anticipation of a new hunting season, I have been working the bird-dog, practicing with my crossbow daily and occasionally playing with my mouth calls for fall turkeys. Taking most of my hunting handguns to my private range this weekend and playing with the new steel gongs I put up this summer. Even after half a century of "new seasons", I still get excited and look forward to opening day.

While we all use different techniques to hunt, hunt different species in different parts of the country/world, have different perspectives on what is ethical, have different expectations of what constitutes a "shooter" and what constitutes a valued mentor or partner, I ask all of us, me included, to hunt safe, legal and to try and instill/project a positive image of hunting to all of those folks we come across in and out of the field. Also to try and respect the differences we all have and support other hunters as long as they too, apply those principles. If we can mentor or get one or more folks started and excited about the sport during this new season, so much the better.

Good luck and hunt safe.

 

[Patocazador]

"Also to try and respect the differences we all have and support other hunters as long as they too, apply those principles."

For years I hated to hear airboats cranking up to come annoy me while on my way to a nice "quiet?" duck hunt. I hated them, crossbows, AR-15 type rifles and ultra-long-range shooters. Although I still have no love for these methods of hunting, I realized that fighting each other is the easiest way the Anti's can divide and conquer us. I still hate crossbows but now I have to use one due to 2 bad shoulders. It allows me to hunt during bow season and I'm grateful for that.

Even though I don't like these other forms of hunting, I try not to do anything to hinder them so that we may continue to have the support of each other against a common enemy.

 

[Axis II]

Ohio officially kicked off yesterday with dove and squirrel. I occasionally squirrel hunt but its too warm for me and I'm focusing on bow opener in 28 days. My nephew has been on and off about hunting and now hes 14-15 so maybe this year he will make up his mind and we can do some stuff.

 

[Officers'Wife]

In the end it doesn't matter, my Illinois Democrat mother in law is going to preach long and loud her displeasure whether the deer was harvested with bow, crossbow, BP rifle, Glenfield 30-30 or bolt action rifle. However, when there is molasses cured venison ham on the table she seems to have no problem filling her plate. All hunting is the same at the basic level. We are pitting our instincts, expertise and weapon to compete with our preys' instincts and talents with the goal of putting meat on the table. If you don't like how the game was harvested excuse yourself and go to McDonalds and have it your way. (or was that Wendys?)

If nothing else accept the wisdom of one of our favorite "retired" employees... If you don't do "yer" best "thinkin" <"leanin" gainst a tree> (insert hunting method) "waitin" for a <squirrel> (insert game of choice) "ya" might as well stay in town. But then this is the same guy that stayed with us after Dad retired because he would never find another job that the fringe benefits would include over 20 acres of woods to hunt.

 

[buck460XVR]

Even though I don't like these other forms of hunting, I try not to do anything to hinder them so that we may continue to have the support of each other against a common enemy.

I grew up in a area where using salt licks or bait, the use of dogs and buckshot for deer and the use of crossbows was frowned upon and not only considered unethical by my peers, but illegal as well. Since then, some of that has become legal in my state(crossbows and baiting) and some of it is legal in other states. To many these are the norm. I too because of age and a bad shoulder, need to use a crossbow or give up bowhunting. With the advent of the internet and with me being able to hunt and tour other parts of the country, I see techniques used and what is legal and illegal, ethical and unethical, many times is different in areas outside of my own. I've also found that what I consider the norm, is and can be, frowned upon by others. I have come to understand and respect that, but have found, others refuse to. We as hunters need to stick together and support each other as long as we are responsible and legal. Just because we do not believe in other's ethics or state and federal laws/regs, does not give us the right to bash and insist others mirror our ethics or to infer folks should break those laws we do not agree with (such as the persistent SSS posts). Guns and hunting may be a right, but neither should be abused or taken for granted. We have seen in the past how fragile these rights are. We do have an influence on how others view us and we need to keep that as positive as we have control over.

 

[buck460XVR]

In the end it doesn't matter, my Illinois Democrat mother in law is going to preach long and loud her displeasure whether the deer was harvested with bow, crossbow, BP rifle, Glenfield 30-30 or bolt action rifle. However, when there is molasses cured venison ham on the table she seems to have no problem filling her plate. All hunting is the same at the basic level. We are pitting our instincts, expertise and weapon to compete with our preys' instincts and talents with the goal of putting meat on the table. If you don't like how the game was harvested excuse yourself and go to McDonalds and have it your way. (or was that Wendys?)

You don't think it matters if we hunt, safely, legally or responsibly? Sorry, but it does. Many who do not agree with hunting, do excuse themselves and go to Mc D's. As long as they don't infringe upon my right to hunt, I care less. Not all hunting today is the pitting of skills against our preys. In many forms of hunting nowadays, we are not hunting true wild animals, or are the in great fear of man. We would like to think it is still that way, and many times it is, but it is not always the case. Your MIL may be hard core, but there are many out there neutral to hunting, that do go to Mc D's instead, but still do not condemn us that hunt. Those are the folks, IMHO, where a positive image has influence.

 

[Officers'Wife]

You don't think it matters if we hunt, safely, legally or responsibly? Sorry, but it does. Many who do not agree with hunting, do excuse themselves and go to Mc D's. As long as they don't infringe upon my right to hunt, I care less. Not all hunting today is the pitting of skills against our preys. In many forms of hunting nowadays, we are not hunting true wild animals, or are the in great fear of man. We would like to think it is still that way, and many times it is, but it is not always the case. Your MIL may be hard core, but there are many out there neutral to hunting, that do go to Mc D's instead, but still do not condemn us that hunt. Those are the folks, IMHO, where a positive image has influence.

I'm sorry Buck, but in my area the weapons I listed are all deemed legal for the harvesting of game. Where you got I was advocating unsafe or irresponsible method you will have to clarify so I can avoid such misunderstanding in the future. I was under the impression I was only specifying weapon, if there was something there that advocated more I am truly sorry as well as greatly confused.

Afterthought- please consider there is a lot of controversy in Indiana's adoption of the use of center-fire rifle cartridges and that was on my mind at the moment.

 

[Wisco]

have different perspectives on what is ethical, have different expectations of what constitutes a "shooter" and what constitutes a valued mentor or partner, I ask all of us, me included, to hunt safe, legal and to try and instill/project a positive image of hunting to all of those folks we come across in and out of the field.

Well said.

Do the best we know how to be ethical and give the animal we're killing the respect it deserves. When dealing with other humans in pursuit of our chosen hunting endeavors, project an even better image than we think necessary - maybe that will catch on.

I'll add: know the number to the state department of whatever it is where you are to report violations of safety and game laws if you're hunting public land. I don't hunt public land, but the stories are there of unsafe, illegal and unsportsmanlike actions...be safe and enjoy the hunt.

In the end it doesn't matter, my Illinois Democrat mother in law is going to preach long and loud her displeasure whether the deer was harvested with bow, crossbow, BP rifle, Glenfield 30-30 or bolt action rifle. However, when there is molasses cured venison ham on the table she seems to have no problem filling her plate.

She sounds like a coward and a hypocrite, but those traits are hardly confined to Democrats!

 

[wankerjake]

I used to look down my nose at certain techniques and types of hunting. I've found that I was the ignorant one. Take the time to actually hunt a new animal, with a new weapon or in different terrain or forest type and it can be a real eye opener about why a certain method is popular and why it is just as satisfying to take an animal that way as your previous understanding of the "right way."

Happy hunting all.

 

[Gtscotty]

It's been my experience that the wisest folks I've known are generally the ones that spend the least amount of time telling others how they ought to live there lives, or how they ought to go about their legal activities (unless directly asked). The inverse also seems to hold true. In light of that observation, I try not to tell people what to do with their lives, including how to hunt, and don't put much stock in those intent on lecturing me. Do what you want within the law, and try and refrain from throwing stones at others who choose differently. The concept of live and let live has unfortunately fallen out of vogue these days, but it has as much merit as it ever did. Good luck to all this season regardless of what tactics and equipment they employ!

 

[SoonerMedic]

I used to look down my nose at certain techniques and types of hunting. I've found that I was the ignorant one. Take the time to actually hunt a new animal, with a new weapon or in different terrain or forest type and it can be a real eye opener about why a certain method is popular and why it is just as satisfying to take an animal that way as your previous understanding of the "right way."

Happy hunting all.

The only method that I've ever really turned my nose up to is the one that, from my understanding, is more a northeastern type hunt. But I guess they send folks out and herd deer toward one or two guys with guns and they just mow them down when they run out. Just doesn't seem very ethical and certainly not fair to the deer in my opinion. To be chased after, scared and then shot. At least when I shoot a deer it's a surprise and the shot will be well placed...

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Heck, whenever I see a deer, while hunting, it's a surprise.
For me...

 

[buck460XVR]

The only method that I've ever really turned my nose up to is the one that, from my understanding, is more a northeastern type hunt. But I guess they send folks out and herd deer toward one or two guys with guns and they just mow them down when they run out. Just doesn't seem very ethical and certainly not fair to the deer in my opinion. To be chased after, scared and then shot. At least when I shoot a deer it's a surprise and the shot will be well placed...

Your reply is a prime example of folks making a judgement without knowledge of the conditions and heritage of deer hunting in an area, and is very common. I too, have done it in the past. Folks in the upper Mid-west think shooting an animal @ 900 yards is not ethical, but their conditions dictate they hardly ever see a deer more than 300 yards away. Out west it is the norm. Same with spot and stalk. Easier to do when one can spot an animal a half mile away. Very difficult when hunting heavy cover in wetland areas and field of view is limited to distances in double digits. After 8:00 a.m. in many parts of the deer hunting world, deer in heavily pressured habitat turn completely nocturnal and quit their normal dusk/dawn/daylight movement. If you want a deer after that, you "push" or "drive" 'em, or you still hunt(which while not the intention, many times pushes deer to other hunters). The deer know what's going on. Even those deer shot at daylight during the gun deer season have already been spooked(scared) and are running their escape trails. Not much different than being driven. Baiting is illegal where I deer hunt. Next county to the north of me, it's legal. Should I look down my nose at those folks there that bait? So many folks berate non-hunters and claim the problem is that they are ignorant and don't understand. Many times I see the chastising of fellow hunters due to the same problem. I was raised in a family of hard core bird hunters. It was considered not ethical to shoot any bird on the ground or water. The whole idea was to "scare" them and then shoot them. I see folks condemning fellow hunters because they made a bad shot and hit too far back on a deer, but when it's a coyote, it's almost a bonus to make them suffer. There's an old sayin' that goes something like this...."Don't judge me till you walk a mile in my shoes". It could be rewritten to something like, "Don't judge the way I hunt till you have hunted beside me for a season or two".

Again, all of you, Good Luck and hunt safe!.

 

[wankerjake]

Yep ^^

Trying to get to upstate NY this year for a compeletely new experience. I'll be in a tree stand with a bow last 4 days Of bow season and then staying for the first couple days of rifle season. The guys are excited for me to see the zoo the state becomes on the first day of rifle season and mentioned taking me on a good old NY deer drive. Iconic NY they say. All brand new to me.

 

[SoonerMedic]

Your reply is a prime example of folks making a judgement without knowledge of the conditions and heritage of deer hunting in an area, and is very common. I too, have done it in the past. Folks in the upper Mid-west think shooting an animal @ 900 yards is not ethical, but their conditions dictate they hardly ever see a deer more than 300 yards away. Out west it is the norm. Same with spot and stalk. Easier to do when one can spot an animal a half mile away. Very difficult when hunting heavy cover in wetland areas and field of view is limited to distances in double digits. After 8:00 a.m. in many parts of the deer hunting world, deer in heavily pressured habitat turn completely nocturnal and quit their normal dusk/dawn/daylight movement. If you want a deer after that, you "push" or "drive" 'em, or you still hunt(which while not the intention, many times pushes deer to other hunters). The deer know what's going on. Even those deer shot at daylight during the gun deer season have already been spooked(scared) and are running their escape trails. Not much different than being driven. Baiting is illegal where I deer hunt. Next county to the north of me, it's legal. Should I look down my nose at those folks there that bait? So many folks berate non-hunters and claim the problem is that they are ignorant and don't understand. Many times I see the chastising of fellow hunters due to the same problem. I was raised in a family of hard core bird hunters. It was considered not ethical to shoot any bird on the ground or water. The whole idea was to "scare" them and then shoot them. I see folks condemning fellow hunters because they made a bad shot and hit too far back on a deer, but when it's a coyote, it's almost a bonus to make them suffer. There's an old sayin' that goes something like this...."Don't judge me till you walk a mile in my shoes". It could be rewritten to something like, "Don't judge the way I hunt till you have hunted beside me for a season or two".

Again, all of you, Good Luck and hunt safe!.

Ok I guess in your opinion I'm not allowed to have an opinion of my own. You win

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

When I was a teenager I got invited as a guest to a deer camp in Northern California. The terrain was thick brush in the draws between steep hillsides. As the younger of the group I was tasked with "walking" up the draw. After the first few yards I just unloaded the rifle and pushed through the brush. It really was the best way to kick the deer up but the shots you would get were usually running deer.
Oh, and in some places that I've been the term "deer drive" just means road hunting...

 

[CraigC]

Driven hunts have very deep and traditional origins. Have you ever tried to hit a running deer? I assure you that nothing gets " mowed down". You are entitled to your opinion but it should be based on objective facts, not uninformed misconceptions and pre-conceived notions.

 

[SoonerMedic]

Driven hunts have very deep and traditional origins. Have you ever tried to hit a running deer? I assure you that nothing gets " mowed down". You are entitled to your opinion but it should be based on objective facts, not uninformed misconceptions and pre-conceived notions.

No, I haven't tried hitting a running deer. I think that's an unethical shot to take. I let a buck of a lifetime (maybe my lifetime) walk. Simply because I was unsure if it was within range. I don't think gut shooting a deer on the run that has been driven to run past me is an ethical means of taking game. This is just my opinion, and it seems as it's not a very popular one. Which, to me, is fine. I know that the shots I take and the shots I don't take are the right decisions to have been made. I guess I just sleep better at night knowing that I'm not going to wing an animal and let it run off and suffer only to lose its life to infection or a slow inhumane death.

 

[CraigC]

I have no interest in doing a driven hunt for deer but before going too far in passing judgement based on what you don't know and imposing your limitations on others, I'd suggest you go to YouTube and search European driven hunts for wild hogs. This is simply a matter of perspective, or lack thereof.

 

[MrBorland]

I know that the shots I take and the shots I don't take are the right decisions to have been made.

Seems to me you're making a big assumption that those who participate in driven hunts don't feel the same way.

go to YouTube and search European driven hunts for wild hogs

Some of the best riflemanship I've ever seen…truly rarified skill, IMO.

...7 shots, 6 DRT boar, with the 7th "makeup shot" through the trees on a running boar.

 

[wankerjake]

Lol. C'mon dude. The point of this thread was to wish each other well in our collective upcoming hunts and to celebrate our differences with respect.

Not to thump our chests about how we do it better, and point out who does it shamefully. We have every other thread in the forum for that

 

[SoonerMedic]

Lol. C'mon dude. The point of this thread was to wish each other well in our collective upcoming hunts and to celebrate our differences with respect.

Not to thump our chests about how we do it better, and point out who does it shamefully. We have every other thread in the forum for that

Yes...I was thumping my chest and stating how I do it better. Got me there!