vBCms Comments
Welcome To Hunting Country
General Hunting Forums
Archery & Bowhunting
Shooting Sports
Manufacturers' Corner
Firearms
Classifieds
Not Hunting / General Chit Chat
1.) Jon - 10/02/2018
I haven't been able to shoot my bow for 3 years because my eyesight was so horrible, the pins would starburst and I couldn't see the target. I hunted with a crossbow and although it was fun, the kill with a crossbow just isn't as adrenaline filled as a kill with a compound.
I had eye surgery back in the spring and now I can see. I started practicing again over the summer and have been really nervous about hunting because I was worried I'd lose the mojo. Went to a new farm last Saturday with the intent of getting a shot at a doe if one presented itself. Well, I saw several deer but a decent doe stood still at 27yds and I picked a spot and let an arrow loose. The sound of the arrow going through the deer was incredible and the blood pouring out while she took her last few leaps was impressive, only wish it was on video! She went less than 30yds and expired right in the beans. What a feeling and it's great to have it back.
I had eye surgery back in the spring and now I can see. I started practicing again over the summer and have been really nervous about hunting because I was worried I'd lose the mojo. Went to a new farm last Saturday with the intent of getting a shot at a doe if one presented itself. Well, I saw several deer but a decent doe stood still at 27yds and I picked a spot and let an arrow loose. The sound of the arrow going through the deer was incredible and the blood pouring out while she took her last few leaps was impressive, only wish it was on video! She went less than 30yds and expired right in the beans. What a feeling and it's great to have it back.
2.) bluecat - 10/02/2018
Perfect shot! Welcome back Jon.
3.) DParker - 10/02/2018
Nice kill. More importantly, it's good to hear your eyesight is back.
4.) Bob Peck - 10/02/2018
[QUOTE=Jon;57189]I started practicing again over the summer and have been really nervous about hunting because I was worried I'd lose the mojo. [/QUOTE]
Whoa. Wait a minute. This is HuntingCountry.com. You're not supposed to be talking about hunting on here. At the very least you're supposed to hijack your own thread.
Question:
If you were practicing over the summer you had to know you had the mojo unless you didn't actually refine your shot and were just winging it. Pray tell.
Whoa. Wait a minute. This is HuntingCountry.com. You're not supposed to be talking about hunting on here. At the very least you're supposed to hijack your own thread.
Question:
If you were practicing over the summer you had to know you had the mojo unless you didn't actually refine your shot and were just winging it. Pray tell.
5.) Triton Rich - 10/02/2018
[B]Beautiful shot Jon! Glad to hear you're back in the game.[/B]
6.) Jon - 10/03/2018
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;57193]Whoa. Wait a minute. This is HuntingCountry.com. You're not supposed to be talking about hunting on here. At the very least you're supposed to hijack your own thread.
Question:
If you were practicing over the summer you had to know you had the mojo unless you didn't actually refine your shot and were just winging it. Pray tell.[/QUOTE]
Haha, practicing on a target isn't the same as shooting a live animal. I was very confident and didn't feel like I even missed much BUT once that doe got into place and things went smoothly, I felt better.
Question:
If you were practicing over the summer you had to know you had the mojo unless you didn't actually refine your shot and were just winging it. Pray tell.[/QUOTE]
Haha, practicing on a target isn't the same as shooting a live animal. I was very confident and didn't feel like I even missed much BUT once that doe got into place and things went smoothly, I felt better.
7.) billy b - 10/04/2018
Congrats Jon great shot, I have a T.P.& W. hunt coming up in a month, I am really looking forward to it, just hope that my right eye keeps holding out.
8.) Swamp Fox - 10/04/2018
[QUOTE=Jon;57195]Haha, practicing on a target isn't the same as shooting a live animal. I was very confident and didn't feel like I even missed much BUT once that doe got into place and things went smoothly, I felt better.[/QUOTE]
:tu:
:tu:
9.) Bob Peck - 10/04/2018
[QUOTE=Jon;57195]Haha, practicing on a target isn't the same as shooting a live animal. [/QUOTE]
Duh but I disagree (somewhat). I do understand what you're saying with regard to live on-the-scene input from an animal and conditions in the wild presenting variables you simply can't practice with a stationary target. Those variables outside the deer woods are mostly ones you control. But ... adrenaline aside for a minute, a spot is a spot is a spot on the target unless it's moving in which case most of us will wait or hold up the animal until the spot is stable. That's all I was referring to.
Everybody is different. I'm cold and calculating and a focused robo-bowhunter before and during the shot. In fact, if the shot picture is exactly like practiced I'm on autopilot. Then the adrenaline pump kicks in and I physically fall to pieces immediately after the shot. My harness has saved me from falling out of the stand many a time.
[QUOTE=Jon;57195]I was very confident and didn't feel like I even missed much BUT once that doe got into place and things went smoothly, I felt better.[/QUOTE]
For your sake I'm just glad you were blessed to overcome a physical deficit and are back. Bravo young man!
Duh but I disagree (somewhat). I do understand what you're saying with regard to live on-the-scene input from an animal and conditions in the wild presenting variables you simply can't practice with a stationary target. Those variables outside the deer woods are mostly ones you control. But ... adrenaline aside for a minute, a spot is a spot is a spot on the target unless it's moving in which case most of us will wait or hold up the animal until the spot is stable. That's all I was referring to.
Everybody is different. I'm cold and calculating and a focused robo-bowhunter before and during the shot. In fact, if the shot picture is exactly like practiced I'm on autopilot. Then the adrenaline pump kicks in and I physically fall to pieces immediately after the shot. My harness has saved me from falling out of the stand many a time.
[QUOTE=Jon;57195]I was very confident and didn't feel like I even missed much BUT once that doe got into place and things went smoothly, I felt better.[/QUOTE]
For your sake I'm just glad you were blessed to overcome a physical deficit and are back. Bravo young man!
10.) luv2bowhunt - 10/05/2018
Way to go Jon! Looks like your Eagle Eye is back.:-)
My right eye does that alot too, looks like I have 2 dots at the end of my pin. When shooting you have to decide which is the 'right' pin. That's why I prefer to hunt in thick stuff where my shots are like 10 yds. I couldn't hit crap at 40.
My right eye does that alot too, looks like I have 2 dots at the end of my pin. When shooting you have to decide which is the 'right' pin. That's why I prefer to hunt in thick stuff where my shots are like 10 yds. I couldn't hit crap at 40.
11.) crookedeye - 10/07/2018
nice one jonny boy. heading out finally next thurs fri..and the weekend. i need to shoot somthing.
12.) Jon - 10/08/2018
Get out there boys!
I was calm watching these deer for what seemed like an eternity. They fed down a hill toward me and honestly, I didn't think they'd come into range. Once they got into range, I wasn't excited until after the shot and when she flopped once she ran out of fluid. The other deer trotted off but just went back to feeding pretty quickly.
can't wait to do it again, next time on a big buck!
Good luck guys, start laying them down
I was calm watching these deer for what seemed like an eternity. They fed down a hill toward me and honestly, I didn't think they'd come into range. Once they got into range, I wasn't excited until after the shot and when she flopped once she ran out of fluid. The other deer trotted off but just went back to feeding pretty quickly.
can't wait to do it again, next time on a big buck!
Good luck guys, start laying them down
13.) Dan-o - 10/10/2018
Nice Jon! Congrats brother. Happy to see you back out there!
14.) Jon - 12/03/2018
I was able to shoot 3 bucks so far this year, all with firearms. The first one was at the same exact location (Maryland) where I shot the doe, only a month later. Matter of fact, the buck came out at the same time and same place as they did that night in September. I had my muzzleloader and decided to take the buck. He's no trophy but it was an awesome hunt.
The next buck was during the rut and back in Delaware. The weather was windy but anything can happen during the rut and I wanted to be ready. I had setup in the morning overlooking the marsh but deer just weren't moving like they should be so I relocated to a spot that I could see both woods and fields since I thought the winds might keep them out of the marsh. My thoughts paid off and within 15 minutes of getting in my stand, had a buck chasing a hot doe with no cares in the world. Took him with my new Savage 220, tracking wasn't necessary.
My third buck was back to the same farm I took the first doe and buck. Opening gun weekend just after the rut and was looking for a buck that might still be cruising. The first morning, I was greeted by hunters from the farm that butts up to ours coming in only 5 minutes before legal shooting light. One hunter setup on the treeline that is the border, talk about being a jacka$$. I didn't see a deer that whole morning and decided to let the woods rest for the afternoon and go back out the next morning. When I setup the next morning, I was pleased to see that there were no hunters on the farm next door. I was able to see a buck at first light with a doe way out in the field. Does kept piling out of the woods to feed in the beans as well. About an hour after first light, the same buck I saw early came back across the field in the opposite direction, this time he was at 180yds but was moving too fast. I sat thinking that he might come back and he did. This time, he was going back the other way again but this time he was moving slow and only 100yds out. I put the scope on his shoulder and down he went. If I was faster, I might have been able to pop the doe he was with too!
I still have one more buck tag in Delaware and several doe tags so I'll continue to hunt but probably on the nicer days! No real need to sit in the rain anymore.
This year wasn't about the trophy bucks, it was mostly focused on perfect shots where I didn't have to track. Mission complete.
The next buck was during the rut and back in Delaware. The weather was windy but anything can happen during the rut and I wanted to be ready. I had setup in the morning overlooking the marsh but deer just weren't moving like they should be so I relocated to a spot that I could see both woods and fields since I thought the winds might keep them out of the marsh. My thoughts paid off and within 15 minutes of getting in my stand, had a buck chasing a hot doe with no cares in the world. Took him with my new Savage 220, tracking wasn't necessary.
My third buck was back to the same farm I took the first doe and buck. Opening gun weekend just after the rut and was looking for a buck that might still be cruising. The first morning, I was greeted by hunters from the farm that butts up to ours coming in only 5 minutes before legal shooting light. One hunter setup on the treeline that is the border, talk about being a jacka$$. I didn't see a deer that whole morning and decided to let the woods rest for the afternoon and go back out the next morning. When I setup the next morning, I was pleased to see that there were no hunters on the farm next door. I was able to see a buck at first light with a doe way out in the field. Does kept piling out of the woods to feed in the beans as well. About an hour after first light, the same buck I saw early came back across the field in the opposite direction, this time he was at 180yds but was moving too fast. I sat thinking that he might come back and he did. This time, he was going back the other way again but this time he was moving slow and only 100yds out. I put the scope on his shoulder and down he went. If I was faster, I might have been able to pop the doe he was with too!
I still have one more buck tag in Delaware and several doe tags so I'll continue to hunt but probably on the nicer days! No real need to sit in the rain anymore.
This year wasn't about the trophy bucks, it was mostly focused on perfect shots where I didn't have to track. Mission complete.
15.) Swamp Fox - 12/03/2018
Very nice.
How do you like the thumbhole stock so far?
How do you like the thumbhole stock so far?
16.) Jon - 12/04/2018
Thanks Swampy. I have a thing for a thumbhole stock, makes the gun feel more stable for me. I use Boyds for most of my guns, they make a great drop in stock.
17.) DParker - 12/04/2018
Damned good season for you, Jon. I haven't even seen 3 deer yet, let alone bagged them.
And...that looks like the same Boyd's stock (their "Featherweight Thumbhole") that I have on my Savage 111. I agree, it's a very comfortable and easy-to-hold-steady stock.
And...that looks like the same Boyd's stock (their "Featherweight Thumbhole") that I have on my Savage 111. I agree, it's a very comfortable and easy-to-hold-steady stock.
18.) Jon - 12/04/2018
Yep DP, same same. I have the same one on my muzzleloader and H&R shotgun, had the same one on my 300Win Mag. Love em!
19.) Bob Peck - 12/05/2018
That's some great work my friend! You my have my permission to stop for this season. :tu: You've done quite enough unless of course you donate the venison in which case you should keep on keepin on.
Questions:
Who took the pics?
In picture #2 you have the face of a mass murderer. What were you thinking?
3rd buck/3rd pic Is that a box blind in the background? Did you shoot that one with the same Savage slug gun?
When are you coming back to Virginia?
Questions:
Who took the pics?
In picture #2 you have the face of a mass murderer. What were you thinking?
3rd buck/3rd pic Is that a box blind in the background? Did you shoot that one with the same Savage slug gun?
When are you coming back to Virginia?
20.) Swamp Fox - 12/05/2018
[QUOTE=Jon;57412]Yep DP, same same. I have the same one on my muzzleloader and H&R shotgun, had the same one on my 300Win Mag. Love em![/QUOTE]
I have only had one thumbhole, a Boyd's on a Knight muzzzleloader that would shoot "lights-out"--- if it weren't at the bottom of the river because of a tragic canoe accident.
I found the thumbhole a bit awkward to do any spot-and-stalk or sneaking with, but it's probably something you'd get used to in time. Thumbholes do feel good on the bench or from the shoulder. You are right about the stability, I think.
If I knew a long gun were going to be used mostly on the move, though, I'd choose a traditional stock in a do-over.
I have only had one thumbhole, a Boyd's on a Knight muzzzleloader that would shoot "lights-out"--- if it weren't at the bottom of the river because of a tragic canoe accident.
I found the thumbhole a bit awkward to do any spot-and-stalk or sneaking with, but it's probably something you'd get used to in time. Thumbholes do feel good on the bench or from the shoulder. You are right about the stability, I think.
If I knew a long gun were going to be used mostly on the move, though, I'd choose a traditional stock in a do-over.
21.) Swamp Fox - 12/05/2018
*****Correction: I remember a Remington pump shotgun with a thumbhole that went down in the same canoe accident. I bought it for predators/nuisances, loaned it out for turkeys. It felt good from the sit, but same issue on the move. *****
22.) DParker - 12/05/2018
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;57424]I have only had one thumbhole...[/QUOTE]
We're all born with one. Some just use it more than others.
We're all born with one. Some just use it more than others.
23.) Swamp Fox - 12/05/2018
LOL ... :applause:
Two, as far as I can tell ...
But I knew that phrasing would come back at me if anyone was paying attention ... LOL
Two, as far as I can tell ...
But I knew that phrasing would come back at me if anyone was paying attention ... LOL
24.) Jon - 12/06/2018
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;57413]That's some great work my friend! You my have my permission to stop for this season. :tu: You've done quite enough unless of course you donate the venison in which case you should keep on keepin on.
Questions:
Who took the pics?
In picture #2 you have the face of a mass murderer. What were you thinking?
3rd buck/3rd pic Is that a box blind in the background? Did you shoot that one with the same Savage slug gun?
When are you coming back to Virginia?[/QUOTE]
I donate all but one to hunters helping the hungry.
I took the pics with my cell phone propped on my pack on a timer
I have a face for radio, you know that
Third picture was in the middle of a bean field and I saw that square looking thing in the background and I honestly have no idea what it is! Yes, it was taken with the same Savage 220 slug gun. I really wanted to retrieve the slug since I shot him in the shoulder, I figured it would be buried in the far shoulder. To my surprise, it was an in and out.
I'd love to come down again Bob!
Questions:
Who took the pics?
In picture #2 you have the face of a mass murderer. What were you thinking?
3rd buck/3rd pic Is that a box blind in the background? Did you shoot that one with the same Savage slug gun?
When are you coming back to Virginia?[/QUOTE]
I donate all but one to hunters helping the hungry.
I took the pics with my cell phone propped on my pack on a timer
I have a face for radio, you know that
Third picture was in the middle of a bean field and I saw that square looking thing in the background and I honestly have no idea what it is! Yes, it was taken with the same Savage 220 slug gun. I really wanted to retrieve the slug since I shot him in the shoulder, I figured it would be buried in the far shoulder. To my surprise, it was an in and out.
I'd love to come down again Bob!
25.) Bob Peck - 12/06/2018
[QUOTE=Jon;57431]I'd love to come down again Bob![/QUOTE]
You're always welcome in my home Jon!
We're wrapped up for deer (muzzleloader or bow) by Jan 5. Turkey opens April 13th - May 18th. Bring it!
You're always welcome in my home Jon!
We're wrapped up for deer (muzzleloader or bow) by Jan 5. Turkey opens April 13th - May 18th. Bring it!
26.) Jon - 01/17/2019
I have 2 weeks of hunting left, Saturday starts a week of shotgun and then followed up with a week of muzzleloader and then done.
Club rules are only 6 deer can be taken combined between states, with only 2 in each state being bucks. I'm currently at 6 BUT one was taken on a farm that deer don't count for the total tally(We're trying to get as many does as possible per the farmer) so the one tag left can be either buck or doe but then I'm done hunting club land.
My home property seems to have an over abundance of does BUT they all look pregnant and I hate shooting them when I can then see the babies moving around when I'm dressing them. I'm not sure what I'll do.
I did pop a big doe a few weeks ago with the crossbow at 5yds, the bolt didn't pass through which surprised me but she died in sight half way across the corner of the field. She wasn't carrying any babies.
Club rules are only 6 deer can be taken combined between states, with only 2 in each state being bucks. I'm currently at 6 BUT one was taken on a farm that deer don't count for the total tally(We're trying to get as many does as possible per the farmer) so the one tag left can be either buck or doe but then I'm done hunting club land.
My home property seems to have an over abundance of does BUT they all look pregnant and I hate shooting them when I can then see the babies moving around when I'm dressing them. I'm not sure what I'll do.
I did pop a big doe a few weeks ago with the crossbow at 5yds, the bolt didn't pass through which surprised me but she died in sight half way across the corner of the field. She wasn't carrying any babies.
27.) DParker - 01/17/2019
That's a nice haul for the season.