Success in the field for deer hunters can be measured in a variety of ways not just by the points on the rack. Our crew hunts primarily all public land in the central part of the state and some days often leave you thinking there is not a deer in the state.Seeing deer on free land can be a huge success let alone taking a buck no matter the size .Our group saw several bucks in the area and we were able to harvest 4 bucks between 6 hunters throughout bow and gun season.One of our members was able to take a nice deer with a rack just out side the ears .The others were just average public land deer with average size antlers. I was able to take two bucks on separate occasions (archery/gun) when my two boys were present. For me, I wouldn’t trade that for any antlered monster in the woods. I have always told my sons that getting a hunters safety certificate was the smallest part of the ” Hunters Journey” and the certificate doesn’t make you a hunter. One buck we had to track and both deer needed to be hauled out which is all part of the game. It was nice to see my oldest boy putting the pieces together as we were tracking.Things were starting to click for him as we tracked though some big country and I have no doubt the next blood trail Casey encounters he will look like a pro. My youngest son Shawn actually picked the spot for my stand so I know he has a eye for the game. Gutting, another job that can be unpleasant , can turn a young hunter away from the sport all together .I made a bad shot with my rifle and the odor was not so pleasant when we gutted the deer . The boys both let me know it but another lesson learned for them although they didn’t realize it at the time. Both my sons are still looking to harvest their first deer and its frustrating for them at times. I see what my boys are doing and they are being successful and their time will come. I was glad they both could share camp time with their grandfather and their three uncles and that’s part of success as well. Most of the time a hunters journey doesn’t start by getting a buck of a lifetime or even getting a buck at all but many of us still count points as the marker of being successful . I heard both of my boys talking about next years hunting season so that alone makes my hunt a success … Now its time to spool up the ice fishing gear and get ready for winter. See you on the ice……….
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