Bowhunting Success in December?

[Royal Rack]

Well, I have had no success after almost 6 weeks of bowhunting. I will try to hunt a few times with my slug gun but my heart is always in bowhunting.

How many out there are going to probably tag their first deer after November 30th with a bow? How many have had luck with a bow in December? Other than lots of layers and a few pounds less on the bow what other advice can people provide out there?:confused:

[ChasinSprints]

I have had plenty of success in late bowhunting. Patience, patience and more patience is key. Knowing late season travel routes is vital. Most of the deer I have seen then were usually herded up so it may be a few days before one sees some deer.

[dtg]

I have access to a tiny piece of private land that is always good for the late season doe. I took one the Friday before Christmas last year.

I've yet to take anything during gun season in 9 years of hunting.

[SPITFIRE]

I have access to a tiny piece of private land that is always good for the late season doe. I took one the Friday before Christmas last year.

I've yet to take anything during gun season in 9 years of hunting.
Im with ya on that, I havent taken one with gun in years but I only go 1 day or 2 during gun. Opening day of gun last year I used my bow and let 3 does pass by. I think I will be doing the same this year and use my bow for the opener.

[moebedda]

With over 50 deer to my credit, not one of them was i december with a bow. Most of mine are taken in October. With gun season and a decent amount of time to muzzle load, i just don't see the need. I see a lot of talk of gun hunters whining about the legth of the archery season. Most archers are not hunting in december. They can take away the late season and we can call it even. It's to cold for a bow IMO.

[buckwiz]

With over 50 deer to my credit, not one of them was i december with a bow. Most of mine are taken in October. With gun season and a decent amount of time to muzzle load, i just don't see the need. I see a lot of talk of gun hunters whining about the legth of the archery season. Most archers are not hunting in december. They can take away the late season and we can call it even. It's to cold for a bow IMO. No No No dont take it!!! The late season is the best bow hunting season. I know the deer are shot up on public land, on good private land its a whole different world. ;)

[Royal Rack]

With over 50 deer to my credit, not one of them was i december with a bow. Most of mine are taken in October. With gun season and a decent amount of time to muzzle load, i just don't see the need. I see a lot of talk of gun hunters whining about the legth of the archery season. Most archers are not hunting in december. They can take away the late season and we can call it even. It's to cold for a bow IMO.

I don't mind the cold, that is what good layering of clothes can help with. It's the lack of sighting of bucks that seems to be my problem and I hunt private property in Washtenaw County. I get this feeling that ALL of the bucks are gone and the does are just herding back up after the rut is over with. Of course I know there are bucks left after gun season BUT WHERE ARE THEY AT! :sad:

[fishinmachine2]

I love Dec. bow hunting!! Just remember to find the food and you will find the deer!! PLus you have the woods to yourself.

Scott

[jme]

I'm with Buckwhiz - please don't take away Dec bowhunting! I love hunting in the snow, which isn't always a given in SE Mich. Yeah, it's cold but I'd rather have this than the 70/80 degree days of early bow season. It's a great time to scout for the next season. Find where they're moving after being pressured during gun season and you'll know where to set up next year (snow really helps.) It's a very quiet, tranquil time in the woods, which I also enjoy. I've been lucky and whacked 4 in late season. The best was on Jan 1 a couple years ago - the very last day of the season! One of my dreams is to get one on the very first and very last dayof the same season. I've gotten a couple on Oct 1 and a couple on Jan 1 or 2 (depending on the year) but never in the same deer season.