New plans/strategies for 2026 archery season

[Acorn]

I am of the mindset that I’ll never be done learning and growing as a hunter/outdoorsman. As we approach this upcoming hunting season, let’s share some lessons learned and what we’re gonna change this year to get better.

What’s a mistake or shortcoming that you experienced last year, and what are you going to do differently this year to improve?

For me, I made the mistake of improperly fueling for a packout. First, I underestimated the amount of effort and time it would take to break down a bull by myself. I ate a small snack before beginning the work, but only had some water once I was done before loading up and beginning the first trip. Well that about took me out! I was completely tanked after 1/4 mile and was having to stop every 50 yards or so and rest with my hands on knees—at that point it was the heat of the day. Ended up crashing in the shade, dumping my pack, and eating all the snacks I had with me. 20 minutes later, I was a new man. Covered the next 2 miles in the same amount of time as the first half mile.

This year I plan to carry more food with me, and eat as much as possible BEFORE I have a heavy load to haul.

 

[SleepyJones]

Shot my bull, went to reload and my gun jammed due to frost and neglect. Luckily the one shot did the job but I felt foolish for having my equipment in poor shape.

I've already cleaned it so it's ready for next year.

 

[jgilber5]

Continuing to use my critical thinking skills beyond day #5 haha.

I seem to be in a pattern where if its not happening, I tend to result to brute forcing it and hiking myself into the ground rather than slowing down and hunting smart. So far it has worked as I've gone 4/4, but shockingly, I had a dry spell for 5 days last season until I finally took a slow morning to glass and got back on them. Still going to hunt just as hard, but want to focus that effort a little more "tactically".

 

[Gerbdog]

I need to give myself more than 1.5 days to hunt....

Which means i can slow down. I made every rookie mistake in the book last year (not staying in setup, blowing setup location, wind) in those 1.5 days and blew some absolutely great encounters on great bulls. Slow down, take my time, think the setup through a bit, be more patient and i'll get the mature bulls.

 

[mad_angler]

My 2025 mistake was not sticking to my plan... I had 6-8 spots that looked good and needed to be checked out. I got tired and wimped out. I did not get to all the spots.