Do you have a favorite place to hunt? I’m sure you do, because I do. Why do you hunt there? Is it because you have been hunting there for years or because you harvested a trophy animal there in the past? Perhaps, its a public area, and you try to avoid any complications related to accessing private land. Regardless of your reasoning, you probably feel comfortable there. And, whatever your reason is for hunting there, I’m sure it’s a good one; then again, maybe it’s not.
How do you know there’s not a better spot? It’s like your parents telling you, “you’ll never know if you like it until you try it!” Let me be honest, I am as guilty as anyone for hunting the same old haunts year after year. I have had trailcameras and treestands in the same spot for Coues deer for years now, and I know others that have been exceptionally successful hunting the same areas every year. All I am suggesting is the following.
- Scout hard each year to find the BEST place to hunt. It may be right where you’ve hunted for years or it might not.
- Scout at least one new location every year. If it doesn’t pan out, back out; and, if you have time, scout another location.
- Set a goal for yourself early on, and stick with it through the hunt. Tell yourself, “I am going to find and harvest a 140-inch whitetail or a 350 bull,” and set out to accomplish it.
- Find time to get out more and enjoy the “hunting-woods.” Scouting can be just as fun as hunting.
- Above all, keep the hunting tradition strong, and HAVE FUN!
Good luck, and Happy Hunting!
