With the opening of Oklahoma archery season only 12 days away, I've been in a mad rush to get everything "ready" for that first hunt. I'm still getting my new IQ bow sight dialed in with the new Bloodsport Punisher arrows I found a good deal on. I am waiting on my new Muddy Stagger steps and Game Winner hang on stand to arrive in the mail, along with the Nocturnal lighted nocks I found on sale. It seems like a lot of new things to worry about with less than two weeks til tree time, but that's pretty much how I operate.
I feel like a good portion of hunters out there are always looking for new gear or methods to gain an edge in the woods, and I'm one of them. Except I'm on a budget. No $300+ tree saddle setups for me, although it's definitely on my wish list. I found budget gear that should check all the boxes I need for this early season.
I'm also guilty of daydreaming about those first sits. If my season plays out like any of the halfway decent scenarios I've thought up, then I'm going to rework my budget for a new freezer! I'm an avid listener of the Wired To Hunt Podcast and have heard so many different ideas for how to hunt the early season. Mark and Dan have interviewed several of the nation's leading "professional" whitetail hunters. Not many of them seem to agree on things such as scent control, hunting early season mornings, or even how often to check trail cameras.
In my very unprofessional opinion, I say do what you think puts you in a best odds situation without mucking up your local deer routines. The herd where you hunt is used to bedding, drinking, and feeding in a pretty regular routine. DON'T MESS IT UP!!! That's my plan. I'm going to start the very beginning of the season on private land, practicing with my new stand and sticks, doing more observation and scent control testing than anything. I would like to fine-tune a few things before I take my setup to the few public spots I think will land me at the very least a fat doe.
I will be looking for transition points on edges of fields, and thick nasty cover type stuff close to any mast trees I locate along a trail. I will not be out there in the mornings until late October. I'm doing this for two reasons. First reason, I like to sleep in and will put off early mornings for after the time change. The second reason, I don't like my odds of not bumping deer going to bed. It's been much easier to get settled above a food source on a field edge before they come out to feed. The downside to hunting the evening sits is tracking a blood trail in the dark. The woods can be spooky at night, y'all. And I'm for real not trying to find come across a possessed owl or some slender man/hillbilly hybrid. I can't run fast enough for any of that.
Anyways...
Evening sits will also help determine where I orient myself regarding the sun's location. Having the sun in your eyes doesn't help you as much as the deer not looking in your direction if the sun is behind you. Keep that sweet tip in mind for hunting morning or evening. Feel free to test out any method you find most logical, but if things keep not working out for you, change your method.
Remember to pay attention, mind your manners, and go home safe.
No comments:
Post a Comment