Deer Hunting

I haven't tried it personally yet, but the gun mount I purchased had lots of great reviews from people who say it can. There is a different case back that comes with the gun mount which has even more shock resistance (i.e. heavier rubber grommet) between the back and case.

 

I decided to mount this rack myself, European style. That will likely be my weekend project for much of this weekend. We'll see how it goes.

 

Used to bow hunt...specifically to thin out the herd in the Yale parks/woods...prevent them from overpopulating.

It's been long time...hmm, wonder if it's needed in WV and South/Central VA??
Like to get back into it if it's of use.

 

I know there is decent deer hunting in parts of WV and SW PA. Over population is a real problem in some areas. Man removed all/most of the predators and exponentially increased the food supply.

 

Thanks sir, I'll connect with the local entities and see if I can assist and get back into the mix. (I'm sure western MD has the same concern, that's the state I live in and the same region you noted)

 

Everything you need should be able to be found here.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources - 2013-2014 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland


My only input would be to have your bow gone over very well by a reputable local shop, if you still have it. If you don't, google for a good local archery shop in your area and check out their used bow selection. I'm all for getting the heaviest draw you can easily pull (mine is 70#) and practicing to make sure you are proficient. While I have no problem with hunting, you want to make sure you are ethical about it. I know of guys who can't shoot well, or that don't have a heavy enough bow, and that saddens me. I have never wounded or maimed an animal, and I don't plan on it. Get the best weapon you can, practice to get as good with it as you can, and only take a shot you know you can hit. Hunt, but respect what you hunt and be ethical about it. Hope it works out for you, let me know if I can assist any other way if you move forward with the idea.

 

Thanks @Borla - I'm going to move forward on it, I'm going to have to get a new bow. (which is fun in itself)

And I agree with you fully, I want it ethical and quick, it's the only kind of hunting I do
...I'm going to have to practice to get back up to my previous skill. (I was actually quite good)

 

My local archery shop will let you test out new bows if that is the route you are going. Depending on the used selection they'll let you try those too if you are serious about buying and one fits you. You may already know your measurements for the pullback and such, but a good shop will measure you. Mine has an indoor range to practice at, and will even give new bow owners a free lesson or two.

You can always go to Cabela's or Bass Pro, but if there is a solid local small business I much prefer patronizing them.

 

I'll probably do it up from scratch to get it right...like I said, it's been some time and the body changes.
Plus I need to build the proper fitness again (different muscles used than typical) and update my skill...so it will take some time. (but it will be a nice overarching goal - do it right.)

I don't feel like doing it with rifles or otherwise, I just prefer to to just do other activities with that. (just me, no judgment)

 

I don't know what your budget is, but bows get pretty pricey nowadays. I wasn't sure when I bought mine how invested I would get in bow hunting, so I went towards the (relatively) lower end. It's a Mission Venture, made by Matthews.

Venture® | Mission Archery

The year I bought it, it was rated by many archery magazines as a "best buy" or "best value". I don't remember the exact price, but I think the bow itself was around $400 with the "Bow Hunter Package". With all the set-up, a case, 20 arrows, a release, some broadheads, and everything else I needed, I want to say I was around $700. Not cheap, but far cheaper than many of the higher end bows. If you go used, you can probably knock 20% or so off, but you'll have to hunt to find what you want with the right specs for your size and strength.

 

Well, my year is likely finished. I went out for a few hours a couple times this weekend, but didn't see anything I could get a shot at. Bow season lasts for a few more weeks, and there is a late firearm season in January, but I rarely hunt after shotgun season is over. It just gets too cold and the deer aren't moving much.

All in all, any season that you put meat in the freezer is a successful one, so I can't complain too much.

 

Yeah, most of the time when I've been in the woods so far this year it has been between 25* and 42*. I can handle that okay. But once it gets down around 10*-25*, sitting still for 4-5 hours at a time in that temp is pushing my limits of "fun".

 

Anyone here use a muzzle loader for hunting?

In IL, you can extend firearm season a bit if you use one, since there are additional days for it after shotgun. A couple of my buddies have them. They are of modern design obviously, and as accurate as a shotgun, with decent range. Probably too late for this year, but I might pick one up for next.