2024 Deer Season

[INP8riot]

Well my youth season took a good turn! My oldest got skunked not for lack of effort though. And she made a very big decision….. she was stalking a buck AT last light…. Clock ticking down at the buzzer she didn’t pull the trigger she told mom she wasn’t comfortable with the shot. Meanwhile I was with my youngest and she took 2 deer a button and a doe. I only let her take the second because we saw the first one was down. Right at sunset 125yds My youngest (8) and I logged right at 25 miles in the last 3 days…. All with gear and quietly most of the time. She really wanted to do a spot and stalk again who am I to say no.

Happy/proud dad.

Shooting 1 deer at sundown to process is bad, but 2? That's a processing marathon! Can't let them hang in these temps either.

 

[greg]

Happy Hunting….Day one.

 

[model1994]

I didn’t see any trucks on the side of the road/fields on my way into work today. I know opening day archery isn’t no firearm opener but sheesh I thought I’d see 1 or 2

 

[two70]

This crap right here is why I shoot pigs in Texas. I feel like I need a lawyer with if I were to hunt for deer here. I support hunting here. But jeeez.

Compared to...
"To encourage hunters to shoot more pigs, TPWD has made the regulations simple and easy to follow. In Texas, hunters on private property do not need a hunting license to pursue pigs however, a license is still required to hunt public land. Feral hogs have also been classified as an unprotected species which means there are no restrictions on bag limits, seasons, shooting light hours, or method of take."

.. and before I someone asks, Yes I have seen a beltfed used to blast hogs..

Pigs are considered to be varmints not game animals so there is quite a difference between the regulations for them and the regulations for deer or other big game. Its like comparing coyote hunting regulations in Indiana to deer hunting regulations. I suspect many would find Texas deer hunting regulations at least as complicated as those here, especially with antler restrictions that vary by county.

 

[tcecil88]

Looking at the Harvest Data so far, Indiana is doing good. Over 3K so far. Perry County already has 30 turned in and they don't have a deer reduction zone.

 

[patience0830]

So as usual my sons aren't even close to ready for deer season. Well, one, the other has only hunted a couple times before and wants to get into it more. Now they are adults, the older boy is 30 who has only hunted a couple times, the other is 26 and has been hunting since he was 8 or 9.

Anyway the younger boy just told me that his bow is trashed. The other doesn't have one. The wife and I have been thinking about maybe getting them each one so they can hunt. A crossbow that is. I know there are people who don't like crossbows during archery, but it is legal so here we are. Found these at Rural King in Princeton. They had one each of camo and black left so we bought them. Did a little research, they aren't Ravin or even TenPoint, but they should work for a few years until they decide to spend their own money if they want fancy ones.

https://www.ruralking.com/search?searchTerm=x380

Quit babying them. They'll never grow up if you don't.

 

[patience0830]

I didn’t see any trucks on the side of the road/fields on my way into work today. I know opening day archery isn’t no firearm opener but sheesh I thought I’d see 1 or 2

Of I hadn't had a chemo appt for the wife' I'd have shot my doe this morning in the yard while she pruned my blueberry bushes.

 

[BigMoose]

Pigs are considered to be varmints not game animals so there is quite a difference between the regulations for them and the regulations for deer or other big game. Its like comparing coyote hunting regulations in Indiana to deer hunting regulations. I suspect many would find Texas deer hunting regulations at least as complicated as those here, especially with antler restrictions that vary by county.

Granted yes. But it doesn't make any less of a hassle.

That and I prefer a target rich environment.

 

[Michigan Slim]

Look up Michigan regs for deer. Indiana is easy peasy.

 

[Bleachey]

Quit babying them. They'll never grow up if you don't.

Totally agree, but at least they are making progress. In years past they would have spent money on something "fun" like a crossbow instead of paying bills. I have always told them that if their bills are paid I don't mind helping with fun stuff. If you come to me Saturday and say, "Dad, all my bills are paid, fridge is full and I have enough gas money to get through the week. Me and the boys want to go out to do something tonight but I don't have money for it", I will probably slip you some cash. But if you come to me Sunday night after partying Saturday and ask for gas or food money I am going to be pissed.

 

[duanewade]

Found this young doe back in our woods this afternoon. Called the DNR and he was pretty sure that it is EHD from what I told him. I live north of Columbia City in Noble county. I hope this isn't going to set a trend here.

 

[model1994]

Of I hadn't had a chemo appt for the wife' I'd have shot my doe this morning in the yard while she pruned my blueberry bushes.

I’m looking at a few in my yard now, but ain’t no way I’m sweating and fighting flies. I can wait for cooler weather.

 

[patience0830]

I’m looking at a few in my yard now, but ain’t no way I’m sweating and fighting flies. I can wait for cooler weather.

Raining and about 62 degrees here. I'd shoot one. It would be inside 20 yds and I know every nook and cranny here or the rain would make it a different story.

 

[yetti462]

Just got finished with butchering my son's youth season deer. I'd rather take a beating than cut up meat. The older I get the more I hate butchering. I'm cheap so I'll continue, plus it's a better job than a speed cut at the processor. The lem #22 pushed out 24# of burger in 12 minutes that's the best investment I've made in regards to butcher equipment.

 

[INP8riot]

Just got finished with butchering my son's youth season deer. I'd rather take a beating than cut up meat. The older I get the more I hate butchering. I'm cheap so I'll continue, plus it's a better job than a speed cut at the processor. The lem #22 pushed out 24# of burger in 12 minutes that's the best investment I've made in regards to butcher equipment.

It is a work out for sure. Makes me question the temps outside and no late hunts if it is warm outside and I don't feel like processing it right away. It almost becomes more of a chore than a fun activity!

I second the LEM #22! Expensive, but a lifetime grinder that's for sure. That's the wife's job in the process.

 

[yetti462]

^^ I got a fridge in the garage that makes the warm season meat chore a doable process.

 

[dak109]

Went out this afternoon in the wind and a little bit of rain.
No deer were harmed prior to this post.

 

[yetti462]

This buck had a double brow that was broke off, I'm assuming from rubbing. Jr. Will now, bow for a doe.

 

[cg21]

Shooting 1 deer at sundown to process is bad, but 2? That's a processing marathon! Can't let them hang in these temps either.

So for youth season it is the only exception I make….. I take them to a friend who is a processor and has coolers. So field dress slap a bag of ice in them off they go. It is reasonably priced especially if you look at the grocery store for meat. And I make up for it late season when I process my own fully. I may send him one more to turn into specialty stuff but that is just a luxury.

 

[patience0830]

Flower bed raider. Shot her while wearing sweat pants and crocs from behind the travel trailer.