Last year I had an “archery only tag” and I took 1 shot at a buck right over his back, saw 6 legal bucks, had numerous does, fawns, and a couple spike bucks (illegal) less than 15 yards even down to 2 yards from me. I hunted every free day I had which was 3 days a week for the entire 2.5 month archery/rifle season. No meat, but every ounce of effort. This year I went on some early season hunts in other zones. In one week I saw more legal bucks than the entire last season, but I didn’t get to loose an arrow. So, wanting some meat, I went back with my rifle and got a buck. Then I still had a tag in my pocket to archery hunt up here, but with a buck and big bear in the freezer I didn’t put as much effort into deer hunting the trad way.
To get to the point, I feel like I missed out this year cause I didn’t take advantage of all my opportunities to hunt, even though I killed a buck with my gun. And last year I was completely satisfied because I knew there was nothing more I could have done (and partially cause I had a few roadkill deer to eat). But how ironic…? Its a good lesson I’ve only really now examined since I read this thread. Thanks for the “push off the edge” to get me thinking about this!
