put a lot of time in the woods this year and seen a lot of deer ....might even have a little venison ,but I noticed a few changes................number one I hunt new York and PA and I noticed a decline in other hunters in the woods, big time ! I sure notice a lot more cross bows in use ....I hope ny soon follows suit with other states and open all of bow season up to crossbows ..........you guys that are cursing me for my opinion will change as you get older and that draw weight starts coming down .i noticed a lot of personal changes . I hunted hard but not as hard as a few years ago and I sure turned down deer this year ,in my mind size didn't mattered as much and the idea of not making a clean shot sure did ....am I more ethical? no just more practical, I see all my family members that still hunting getting up in age and slowing down and a lot have gone to the other side ,hunting has become more a time to be together sharing and making memories..... before I killed myself to be in the woods every minute I could and to get every deer I could to work for that huge buck ..... somehow that mission has changed .....we laughed more ...told more stories and ate the walleyes we caught this year and enjoyed each other ..... no huge bulwinkle for trap but I got a 90 pound doe that fits nicely in my freezer .....funny .....I think it's been the best season I ever had...........wish more young folks would take up hunting .....and I hope you all have a great season I sure am enjoying it
Yes, well said Trapper I think you echo the sentiment of most of us older hunters. Hunting is a lot like fishing in many ways. You start out trying to catch the most fish, then the biggest fish but in the end you realize the experience is the most important part. I do respectfully disagree with your view on crossbows. That may change in the future though, I've only turned my poundage down once so far! Everyone enjoy the season and be safe.
Nice, trapper My Dad felt the same way.He has been gone 13 years, he loved deer hunting.I think of him all the time when in the woods. The good times we had and the adventures we shared. hinkydo
well with less and less hunters and the hunters we have are all getting older it keeps people hunting longer ...... my arms are about shot and I'm hunting with 50 pounds ...... any lower and it's not fair to the animal ....... there are points to both sides ....having hunted PA for a number of years I can say crossbows did not harm the opportunities of any bow hunter it just increased the possiablities for older and disabled people ....another thing if hunters don't start harvesting the deer the state wants taken how long will it be before sharp shooters are used in your woods ...like fayettville long island Westchester county and Ithaca ...... just things to consider while we have time. we have more deer then ever and less people .....