How do you deal with poor harvest rate in the field?

[Predator_SD]

No

Please don’t….

 

[Pony Soldier]

Strangely enough, my experience has been that the areas with the least amount of elk have some of the largest bulls but also the fewest number of hunters.

In my home hunting range, I see young bulls with the cows during the summer but they completely disappear during rifle season. I haven't seen but one bull older than 3 in nearly 40 years. I haven't seen a legal bull during rifle season since 2016. We just keep pulling cow tags.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Hey all. Wanted to put this out there to see if I could lean on anyone else’s experiences.

I have hunted my whole life. Up until recently I never seemed to have a problem harvesting animals. We hunted, found animals, had some luck on our side, and harvested. I live out west and have hunted some private land and now, mostly public otc hunts with 1 private land hunt every other year.

My work and a gracious wife allow me to spend a lot of time in the woods.

About 5 years ago, for whatever reason, animal harvests just seemed to disappear. This includes 4 out of state hunts, and several more in state hunts. Both on foot and on horseback. Close to roads and as far as 14 miles in from a trailhead. I live 4-6 hours from my hunting spots so every hunt turns into a lot of travel.

I hike. More than most. Typically finding myself in areas away from people. Some hunts have had close calls. And some have seen nothing. I feel like I have put in the work, but for whatever reason lacking that last bit of luck to harvest.

Where I’m going with this.

This have challenged my love for hunting. Guilt has crept in now with a wife and two young kids. Many days and nights away, putting the burden on my wife, to come home empty handed time and time again. Its affected my confidence in the field and overall attitude towards hunting. I have found myself in some beautiful places, but it is beginning to feel like the juice is not worth the squeeze.

I do enjoy the hunts and the time spent with buddies. But I do consider a harvest an important part. I don’t expect to harvest on every hunt. But like I said, 5 years, 4 out of state hunts and many in state hunts leaving me frustrated with the time, effort and money spent.

Maybe I sound like a total jackass but any insight would be appreciated. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Would love to hear some thoughts.

Your feelings are normal concerning the way you are analyzing your situation. Everyone who’s been where you are have done the same.

As far as harvesting animals you know that quitting isn’t an option. While the kill is a major variable, it’s not the only reason you hunt. So, don’t quit. Regroup.


Have you considered changing areas? Changing time lines of the hunts you do? Maybe consider there’s nothing to change. You just got hunt through it. It’ll turn around.



I’m in the same boat where I rifle hunt deer. Deer numbers are good. But, the over story of beech and hemlock have died in much of this area. Creating thousands and thousands and thousands of acres of extremely thick country.


The deer are there. The sign is there. You hear them. You just can’t see them. And, when you do it’s a glimpse. I’ve saw 4 deer in 20 days of hunting over the last 3 years. And killed 3 of them. It’s tough.

It’s frustrating to say the least. But, I’m going to spend winter finding better ground. I ain’t quitting. Just relocating.

Good luck whatever you do.

 

[Amos Keeto]

Your feelings are normal concerning the way you are analyzing your situation. Everyone who’s been where you are have done the same.

As far as harvesting animals you know that quitting isn’t an option. While the kill is a major variable, it’s not the only reason you hunt. So, don’t quit. Regroup.


Have you considered changing areas? Changing time lines of the hunts you do? Maybe consider there’s nothing to change. You just got hunt through it. It’ll turn around.



I’m in the same boat where I rifle hunt deer. Deer numbers are good. But, the over story of beech and hemlock have died in much of this area. Creating thousands and thousands and thousands of acres of extremely thick country.


The deer are there. The sign is there. You hear them. You just can’t see them. And, when you do it’s a glimpse. I’ve saw 4 deer in 20 days of hunting over the last 3 years. And killed 3 of them. It’s tough.

It’s frustrating to say the least. But, I’m going to spend winter finding better ground. I ain’t quitting. Just relocating.

Good luck whatever you do.

^^^^This!^^^^

If you're one of those who is independently wealthy or have a 7 digit income, it's no big deal.
Some of us middle income folks have to scrimp, save and make hard choices.
While my kids were in high school, I literally gave up hunting.
There was no way I could give them what I wanted them to have AND afford a lease and spend vacation time away from home.
I did get to do a few "invite" hunts. Seldom successful, but at least I was in the woods! LOL!

So don't feel bad. You're not the first hunter who has had to make hard choices.

Your responsibilities are:
1) God
2) Family
3) Country
4) Hunting fits in here or below.

 

[Mtns2hunt]

I have puzzled about this subject the past couple years. I got skunked a couple times but still had fun. The worst was when I owned my own bussiness. Very little time to hunt.

This year ten shots ten kills one Turkey nine deer. My other hobby is working on guns. I am not happy unless my guns are sub moa. I am not into super custom rifles I like taking factory and customizing.

Maybe more diversify is the answer. More fishing, small game hunting including involving the family more.

When I am tired and burned out big game hunting I take out a shotgun I nicknamed crow killer. Using an electronic call the action is usually fast and furious

Hope you find the answer to your dillima. You just need to hunt for it.

 

[Amos Keeto]

This year ten shots ten kills one Turkey nine deer. My other hobby is working on guns. I am not happy unless my guns are sub moa. I am not into super custom rifles I like taking factory and customizing.

I'm a frustrated "gunsmith"!
I worked in a gunshop under two different 'smith's for about 3 years.
One of the 'smith's was a mentor I hunted and fished with for years! He taught me alot.
The most important lesson he taught me was, "Know when you're getting in over your head!"
It has saved me many, many heartaches and friendships over the years!
- Yeah, I can fix that! -
- No. You need a REAL gunsmith. Not me. -

It's also the reason I got into AR's! Though I haven't built (assembled?) one on years, it's something I learned to do that "scratches my gunsmith itch"!

 

[realunlucky]

maybe you should try hunting during the day

@Bambistew will you mentor this guy?

@robertpaulsen this is unnecessary go grind the axe elsewhere

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[realunlucky]

Jesus, as we’d say in the garage “Empty barrels make the most noise.”


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@chasewild Take this tit for tat elsewhere


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[chasewild]

@chasewild Take this tit for tat elsewhere


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Gladly. Thanks for stepping in.


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