New to the game

[bowgypsy]

So, this year was my first season to bow hunt, not that I've done a whole lot of hunting in my life anyway. I'm also new to the green screen, but anyway I have a question for all of you pros, ametuers, or anyone who is a newb like me...

This season I was only able to hunt a few times (not complaining at all), and those few times I saw little to nothing. So my question to everyone...what are some of the best pointers you can give a new hunter, I want to learn everything I can, that way next season I will be more prepared and less likely to come up empty handed.

[dadogg]

Are you on or lease or have property? get the cameras out in the woods during the off season and try to find where they are at. I typically will place tc's on every trail I can find and then look for the oaks on that line to put my setups. doesn't always work but it will give you confidence. Wind is unpredictable but put the predominate wind direction into the setup plan as well.

[DapperDan]

Get in the woods!!!! Best way to learn is to get out there and do it. You will screw up plenty along the way. We all do. Ive been hunting since i was 4 and still screwed up this year. And im 27 so do the math. Also, hunt with others that are successful and pay attention to everything they do. And, keep doing what your doing now. Ask questions!!! Listen to whats said and use what makes sense to you! You'll do fine. Welcome to the club.

[DapperDan]

Sent you a pm

[charrell71]

Scout as much of your hunting area as you can. Set up trail cams and find food sources. Above all else, have fun hunting! Welcome to the fire!

[SwampGhost]

Nothing beats time in the woods. Go as often as you can and scout. If you don't get to get out there to often, like said already trailcams can scout for you. Good luck!

[jfalcone8]

Keep at it. You can't kill one from the bed. Get in the woods and scout. Public land is tough terrain to hunt especially starting out. First time you threw a rope it wasn't easy and I guarantee the first time you got in the box and tried to heel that steer you weren't successful it takes time experience and practice. Scout scout and scout some more. Oh and one more thing ALWAYS TAKE YOUR QUIVER OFF AS SOON AS YOU GET IN THE STAND!!! . Youre doing great keep it up.

[bowgypsy]

I'm not on a lease, but want to be someday soon!! Hopefully as soon as a graduate from Tarleton, I am a wildlife major but sitting in class and studying an animal doesn't mean that makes me any better at hunting. I love being in the woods and I need way more experience. Does anyone have any advice for sitting, how long should I sit? How do I know if I'm being quiet enough? How do I know the difference between squirrels in the leaves and a deer coming in? Like I said I'm very new to bow hunting and these are all questions I've had while sitting.

[chrischop04]

I'm not on a lease, but want to be someday soon!! Hopefully as soon as a graduate from Tarleton, I am a wildlife major but sitting in class and studying an animal doesn't mean that makes me any better at hunting. I love being in the woods and I need way more experience. Does anyone have any advice for sitting, how long should I sit? How do I know if I'm being quiet enough? How do I know the difference between squirrels in the leaves and a deer coming in? Like I said I'm very new to bow hunting and these are all questions I've had while sitting.

Time in the stand man its the only way for most everything u asked and as far as how long to hunt scouting with game cams helps alot. Also this year i am gonna keep a log on when the deer came in ,what deer it was, how cold it was, and moon phase to help me pattern the deer

[DapperDan]

You really need to hunt with someone more experienced. It would help you tremendously. As far as interpreting different sounds, it comes with time and experience. As far as sitting, id say 45 mins to an hour before sunrise to about 10:30 am in most cases. Strong cold fronts and you may sit longer. If its dark at 6 pm then get in stand at 2:30. If the bucks are chasing doe then sit all day if you can.

Also, if you know there are deer in the area like at a feeder you are hunting over, then dont get out of the stand until they leave. When it comes to making noise, if you can hear you so can the deer!!! Your scent is way more important than noise. Always hunt with the wind in your face. In other words, set up to hunt trails or feeders where they are up wind so your scent is blowing away from the animals. This is probably one of the hardest things to do because we cant predict the wind.

[bowhunter45]

spend a lot of time trying to practice hunting hogs all year. that way when dear season hits again, you've had plenty of practice

[Lynda]

Hey bowgypsy, and welcome!

You're in the right place to learn. Yes, experience is key, but when you can't get out there, you will also learn a whole bunch just by reading the GS. Subscribe to some mags if you can afford it, watch YouTube videos etc. I'm still a green hunter but absorb as much as I can.

You talked about specifics on knowing the sounds and finding the deer, but you also said you were a new bowhunter, so there are other considerations like....

Shot placement... Do you know exactly where you should be aiming? Do you know the distance that you're confident at making a good accurate shot? Are you confident in your range estimation if you don't use a rangefinder? What about blood trailing?

I would definitely buddy up with other bowhunters and take advantage of their knowledge and experience. The folks on here are some of the most kindest, helpful people on the planet. You've made a great start by just being here!

Good luck and keep us posted on progress.

[Dejashoot]

Hey bowgypsy, and welcome!

You're in the right place to learn. Yes, experience is key, but when you can't get out there, you will also learn a whole bunch just by reading the GS. Subscribe to some mags if you can afford it, watch YouTube videos etc. I'm still a green hunter but absorb as much as I can.

You talked about specifics on knowing the sounds and finding the deer, but you also said you were a new bowhunter, so there are other considerations like....

Shot placement... Do you know exactly where you should be aiming? Do you know the distance that you're confident at making a good accurate shot? Are you confident in your range estimation if you don't use a rangefinder? What about blood trailing?

I would definitely buddy up with other bowhunters and take advantage of their knowledge and experience. The folks on here are some of the most kindest, helpful people on the planet. You've made a great start by just being here!

Good luck and keep us posted on progress.

All good points. Start with the basics. Get your shooting down and know your bow, shot placement and the mechanics of shooting. Hunting deer is another step. Lots more to discuss beyond that.

[heli-em]

welcome to the fire! hunting comes from experience the more time you spend out in the woods the more you will learn. Everybody here was once in your shoes. Hunting is always a learning experience because once you think you figured them out they can always throw you off track thats hunting though. Always keep in mind the wind try to stay down wind as much as possible have multiple spots if possible. in your case you wont be over a feeder more than likely you be using game trails,food sources bedding areas etc.. scout the area where you will be hunting try to pattern deer. Figure where they're at that given time of day. just hunt mistakes happen learn from sit back and think what happend and what could you have done different that maybe would of changed the outcome.
hope this kinda helps

ps. about telling the difference between a squirrel you will figure it out lol as for me they still sometimes get me thinking that something coming in ha theres also times when you will not even hear a deer walk up but all the sudden they are right on top of you they re sneaky critters