I think my season is probably done unless I get lucky and find myself with an unexpectedly free day in December.
For me - I consider it a successful season for me. I killed 3, and had chances at 2 more, in limited weekend warrior hunting duty. That's the most I've ever managed to get. I also killed my first deer ever on public land at a quota hunt. I'm figuring out better where to track them down, see more deer, have shot opportunities. I've managed to find a big, mature buck, just haven't got him patterned down enough to make a better effort at him than just hanging and hoping at the moment. He'll remain a work in progress unless I find time for another trip and just get lucky. If I'm out and get a chance at just another meat doe or something, whether I shoot or not will likely come down to if I feel like dealing with it afterwards or not.
- I might be done deer hunting for this season. December is booked up with lots of holiday and family stuff. My wife is ready for some husband focused time as well.
- I've managed to kill 3 deer this year. No mature trophy bucks. But I have a horizontal freezer stuffed to the top with venison. I'm primarily a meat hunter first, trying again for a big set of antlers might have to wait until next season now.
- On the subject of big antlers, my area of the hunting club has one really big mature buck that I've got on camera in various locations, some in day time. I think I've got 3 different distinct bedding areas identified he bounces between. If I find a chance to go again, I will be working those areas.
- I plan on some off season scouting and camera work as well to try to nail him down a little better.
- It's my first year in this club, and as a still inexperienced hunter, I think I have figured out how the deer use probably half the club property. It's been fun.
- Last deer I killed was a really big spike. Very long face. Another hunter I know thinks it was older than a year and a half and the antlers just weren't developing for some reason. Got so much meat off him it took two coolers to ice it all down. I didn't weight him in.
- With my freezer totally full, no need to kill anymore unless it's the one big buck or I decide to give some away or figure out summer sausages and jerky with it.
For me - I consider it a successful season for me. I killed 3, and had chances at 2 more, in limited weekend warrior hunting duty. That's the most I've ever managed to get. I also killed my first deer ever on public land at a quota hunt. I'm figuring out better where to track them down, see more deer, have shot opportunities. I've managed to find a big, mature buck, just haven't got him patterned down enough to make a better effort at him than just hanging and hoping at the moment. He'll remain a work in progress unless I find time for another trip and just get lucky. If I'm out and get a chance at just another meat doe or something, whether I shoot or not will likely come down to if I feel like dealing with it afterwards or not.
