Appreciate that. I was on the fence about making this video. But convinced myself that its important for people to understand the reality of traditional bowhunting and the challenges of it.
Really glad to see hunter’s talk about their success and downfalls when it’s comes to their season . Hunting is so dynamic and the struggle is what keeps the passion of it all so strong ! Last year was my worst year to date wounded the biggest buck of my life “luckily” showed back up on camera this year. Wish more people would be honest like yourself. Thank you for all the great content and being so transparent. Got my first recurve during Christmas plan to practice during off season and going full trad next year.
Yep we take the good with the bad and learn from it all. Congrats on your new up coming traditional bowhunting journey. You ate going to love how fun and rewarding it is.
Thanks for making a real video about the ups and downs of hunting. As a disabled hunter i struggle to even get to hunt at all and always having to have someone to help me in the woods gets tough at times but I did manage to get a 11pt buck with the recurve on my one hunt with it so ill cherish that 1 hunt and hopefully ill get to hunt more next year and best of luck to you next year too. Keep up the great videos 👍
Love that you were able to fill the freezer and put a nice buck on the wall. And glad to hear you are not letting anything stop you from enjoying the woods!
I consider a bad season is when you fall out of a stand ! Refreshing to see someone struggle who is a far better hunter and archer than myself. Bow hunting is not as easy as TV makes it look. Thanks for being so candid. Wish you the best in the New Year!
The world has a way of crushing our egos, screwing our best laid plans and giving us another opportunity in the future. Next year will be the best year ever! Love your content!
It's always good to hear the good and bad that come with hunting, you won't get this kind of content from the "pros" very often. Jason sorry about your year. I'm with ya about being pissed, and sore about it. I struck out in my homestate of PA and had multiple shooters on camera. Never even seen a buck while in stand. And the only bucks I saw in Ohio during my 6 day trip, were along the road at night. All we can do regroup and move forward! Thank you for your content, I learn a ton from your videos and love the podcasts!
@tradbowpodcast yes sir! Are you still open to taking in guys to your patreon? I'm not a trad guy, I'm a compound guy but I really appreciate and respect the traditional bow guys! I feel like as a compound bow hunter I could learn so much from the traditional community, that could make me an exceptionally better hunter. I've heard you say it's a tight knit group and I've considered joining! Thanks
@shumberson you sure can. Lots of compound and even some crossbow hunters in there. And so much hunting tips, education etc in there. Plus all my actual hunting video vlogs and map my hunt series. Patreon.com/tradbowpodcast
man the fact that you got 12 shots on deer with traditional equipment is super impressive. Im looking forward to following you throughout this years journey and i’m sure you will approve upon 2023. Keep your head up man your one of the realist dudes in the youtube hunting industry
Last year I was shooting darts out of my longbow, shot my biggest buck, this season I struggled quite a bit. Missed a big 8pt shot right under his heart. It happens. Traditional archery is a mind game, keep those positive thoughts when things look grim. Enjoy the content!
Man I needed this. Had a HARD year myself and the same as you it wasn't for a lack of getting into the deer . I hunted well but couldn't make it happen with the long bow. Thanks for the honesty and keeping it real. It makes me feel better because of a guy that shoots as well as you can miss, then it's more understandable for me.
2023 was my first year with the trad bow. I had 4 misses. 1 deflection and 3 S****y shots. Also, I had several shot opportunities that I probably should have taken but didn't....I hate you had a bad season, but this video was very very helpful to me.
Hey Jason. I'm not giving you a hard time. Look on the bright side bud. You're seeing game and getting archery close. I'm with you on 2023 being a bad season, but I would gladly trade you. I'm in PA and have hunted all my life, and I'm fairly successful compared to most. This year however, i only took one doe, and could count on my fingers and toes how many deer i saw this year. All we can do is hope for better next season. Take care bud. Thanks for all the videos.
I have been hearing that alot lately about the NY and Pennsylvania areas. I hope the numbers get back up there. Your right, it's a new year and new opportunities!
We all get humbled and that's just the nature of the beast. I've been bowhunting since 86 and I got my butt handed to me this season. Shot at and non mortally wounded the biggest buck of my life in November on an out of state hunt. I just try to learn from my experiences and move on.
My season was bad as well. Only squeezed in 10 sits. Saw a lot of deer early season but weather and more hunting pressure than before bummed me out. Here I sit at home on the last day of season. Maybe I’ll sneak out this evening.
I picked up a crossbow this season because MN opened it up to everyone in 2023. I figured I would try this archery thing and get much more opportunities before gun season started. Boy was I humbled. I could only hunt weekends, but I managed to get probably 12 sits in. It was pretty discouraging only glimpsing 2 deer and no shots. 2 unfilled tags. Just have to learn and get better.
Yep the learning curve for getting in close to them is a challenge. But makes you all that much better of a hunter. A crossbow hunter will always be a better hunter than a gun hunter, a compound hunter better than a crossbow, and a traditional bowhunter better than a compound bowhunter. Not because of the weapon but because of the limits of the weapon and how each level has to learn so much more to get into range consistently. That's the beauty of all bow hunting. It forces us to learn so much more and makes us that much better eventually.
Just starting my traditional journey. Took out my sage recurve for the first time last night seen 10 deer. Haven’t seen 10 deer all season. Thinking my recurve is gonna be my savior I hope… Thanks for another awesome video.
It's commendable you putting this out there when so many people don't have the character to and that shows an admirable amount of humility and dedication to growing the trad bow community. I just picked up bowhunting this year after shooting trad for 13 years now and I missed my fair share of grouse and lost about $70 in arrows to get one bird haha. It's painful but I think we learn from it and come back as far better hunters than we ever were before. Keep up the fantastic content, I love your podcast and channel brother!
Still a ton of opportunity left Jason. Come down to Florida....rutt in Walton County starts around February! I'm in Tallahassee. Hunt over there every year as a last hoorah. Happy new year!
Jason thanks for posting this! Very big of you. I live in northern MI Montmorency county. We miss ya up here! I have had the worst season of my life mostly due to outside sources. New house remodel and another child all during hunting season. But hearing another person share it is great. Love your content buddy. Happy new year!
In this modern social media world, I appreciate this video so much! I got skunked this year and it’s nice to see hunters as accomplished as Jason being honest.
Years like this humble us and force us to hone our skills. Failures are developmental. I’ve had years that I can’t do anything right, and I’ve had years I can’t do anything wrong. Thankfully we usually have successful seasons with few failures and many awesome memories!
Love your honesty in this video. Although it can be very disappointing, often times the animal wins. But that's ok. It's called hunting, not killing. If we scored 100% of the time, then somehow it wouldn't be as special when we are successful. Keep up the good work Jason and good luck in 2024!
Wish my season sucked half as bad as yours! I got 1 deer. A 2-1/2 year old 4 point (135 lbs) However, I truly am happy with him. I have zero doubt that you are going to have a great 2024 season. Even a blind Hog can see how dedicated you are to hunting. God Bless
"you'll never see my channel unless you crawl upstairs and ask your grandma for her youtube password" Love Jason for who he is absolutely. Lay it out to play it out my friend. I had a rough season too. first season with trad bow ... shot over because of angles shot under because of my poor judgment in distance.
You’re gonna have a great 2024! Misses hit hard when you get started at port Huron state game area. I remember how a single miss there might mean never having another opportunity. Glad you’re in an area of many opportunities. What pants do you have on in this video?
Thanks. I do believe the missed opportunities help make us better hunters. But sure sucks at the moment and you realize the freezer needs to wait longer to fill.
I hunt the exact same places you do. Nothing compares to walking swamps for Hogs in Coastal GA. I drill them with compounds, lever bows, but I can’t find them after I hit them. Retrieving bow shot hogs in the swamp should be part of Army Ranger training. Actually hunt the base more than WMA’s.
Thank you for making this video. I have been watching your channel for a while now and am glad to have the opportunity to learn from you. I plan on getting your white tail course soon, as I have just started to hunt with a recurve. Thank you for always being real and not “perfect”. This is awesome. Hope to bump into you in the woods in northwest Florida next season🍻
Jason sure do appreciate all your content and great information you post. This is my first year going total traditional I love the adventures but it has been a struggle but gotta keep working I know you will get back in the groove for sure hope you get some good chances the remainder of the season and thanks for sharing the good and bad. I did get to take my first deer with longbow took a nice doe but the learning curve is real I spine shot her due to her jumping string but I did get a quick follow up 👍🏻but couple days after that I took a shot at a super nice buck he kinda duck and roll I did hit him but it was super high I’d say it is a hit he will live on but it sure is hard to swallow just gotta stay after them sorry so long but just wanted to share and thank ya
Glad you are enjoying traditional bowhunting. And congrats on the doe. Sucks that happen with the buck. I've been there. Good luck the rest of the season if you get back out!
Though so far for me too. Last year had 3 chances at mature bucks and one probably over 160. This year I haven't seen a mature buck all year and feel like I've hunted a lot.
Awesome video. And congrats on your first full time season in the south. Worst from harvest maybe but you have learned a lot about southern deer hunting and how southern weather can change instantly. You went from far north to far south. It take a real person to admit all this and tell the world. You owned it to and didn’t pass it off.
Great video! Really appreciate this feedback. My first year hunting and I harvested 1/3 deer I shot at. No mortal wounds which was good, but it took a real emotional toll on me as the missed shots were my first two days out. I’ve been watching lots of your videos and your content has given great advice and help to a guy who is just trying to figure this stuff out.
Yep been there. Tough pill to swallow. It being your first year its also expected. It will get much better for you as the experience builds. Have fun and enjoy the time hunting. No better way ro spend your free time!
I hunted ten weeks straight out of state. All I did was hunt everyday. Up at 330 am, in bed at 930-1030 pm. I didn't even fill 25% of my tags. I did miss 3 shots with my bow, branches and twigs on two and one I didn't range and was two inches high. Completely my fault. In my home state I had one shot on buck before I left for my 10 week trip. Had branch deflection on that one too. I did get a turkey with my bow a few days after that but man it was a ruff year. My 10 weeks the weather wouldn't cooperate. It would be hot for 5-6 days then cooler for one or two days, then back to being hot. I was only seeing deer right before first light or right after last light on those hot days. It's like they knew the legal light was coming and split. Hoping 2024 will be a lot better for all of us.
@@SamkoTradBow @tradbowpodcast haha, I hope it is. Thank you, it was good to be out there so long. Like life therapy and peace that was definitely needed. Thank God for muzzleloader/rifle season or I wouldn't have filled any deer tags. I did miss the intimacy and connection of a bow harvest. People that don't hunt with a bow won't understand that moment you share with not just the animals you harvest but also the ones you let walk. Being that close to such a majestic animal is an experience all on its own. I am prepping now for the 2024 season. I know you can't "buy" a successful season. However you can improve the possibilities with new equipment like an ATV, or a more accurate rangefinder/binocular. You can increase the capabilities of your equipment by making modifications like I see in a lot of videos you post. Big help by the way. Sometimes those little modifications save time, energy and frustration over a long trip. You are right, it was a long trip and I definitely found things I needed to improve upon. Not because the season was so harsh but in spite of it. In years past, hunts happened so fast and I was so focused on filling tags I didn't spend the time to analyze my capabilities until the season was over. This year I had the time and I used it to really think about how I wanted to improve my skill set, minimize my equipment limitations and maximize my productivity in the future. I truly wasn't prepared for a season like this one. Just when you think you have thought of everything I realized I thought of everything I could think of when things and conditions were right, but I didn't focus on things for an off season like this one. I'm rambling. Thank you for your reply and I hope you still tag a big one this season if yours is still going that makes all the rest of the season worth it.
@JohnGreyman that right there is the perfect mindset and attitude. We learn more when the chips are down or we are forced to hunt harder or longer. It's nature's way of fine tuning us.
Sometimes the worse it gets, the worse it gets. Take a breath and regroup. We've all been there before (the honest ones of our group). BTW a thermal monocular may help with some of the poor hits especially in thick cover.
Great points. I used to have a thermal Leopold monocular and it was a great tool. Down hear it would not penetrate the thickness of gulberry. And often the Temps are warmer than body temps
I think that you did great. Totally understand the frustration though! I am a brand new hunter. It has been close to a few decades since I was a kid helping on hunt drives. Early 2023 I got a hog at a camp, so that doesn’t count. I went out on my own at Florida WMA public lands. At those hunts, I got Zero(!) kills. In fact, I didn’t even see an animal. Total combined of about 5 full long days with a combo of still and stalk. Saw plenty of signs though. I have plans to be out again 2-3 days each weekend in January and maybe a couple more during the week. This is with a gun since I am physically challenged due to my limitations. I hope to do bow next year if my disabilities allow me. Needless to say, your numbers are great!
Glad you are gett8ng out there and enjoying the swamps! Hogs take some seriously practice to learn where the hang out and how to get into them. When I first started hunting hogs I averaged seeing hogs once for about every 5 full days of walking. Now I see hogs usually everytime. Or say 7 out of 10 times. It will all come together for you are you learn the areas. Keep having fun and glad to see you not letting disability stop you from enjoying the woods. That's a huge win right there
Don’t feel bad, 8 years hunting and I’ve only seen 2 deer (my first hunt) doesn’t matter what I do, play the wind but all the scent soaps etc.. I just never see deer while hunting. That was all firearm hunting too. This year I’m trying trad archery and I’m hoping to see something but even if I don’t I just love being out in the woods. There’s always next year!
I agree. This was the worst hunting season ever. I had six or seven shooter bucks on camera on my property all the way up until almost the end of October then all of a sudden they just disappeared. No idea what happened Went to our hunting camp in Pennsylvania. Was there for nine days. Hunted sunrise to sunset, and I literally only saw one deer on stand. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I have no idea what happened.
@@SamkoTradBow it was crazy I had about seven shooter bucks on camera on my property consistently October 20 came around give yourself they all just disappeared, Pennsylvania, one deer on stand, which is so unlikely. Something happened this year can’t figure it out.
I had a horrible season as well. Soon as hunting season started my water supply line busted, my hot water heater died, my truck completely died and repairs took 4 weeks, a stray dog got into my yard and killed half my flock of chickens/ducks. The little bit of Elk/Deer hunting I got in was a total failure. In Elk camp a freak wind storm destroyed my tent and then... we got pouring rain.
I always appreciate your authenticity! Im curious about if youve had this many opportunities in the past? Archery in general is such a mental game and by the sounds of it you'll end up using this season as a season of opportunity. Keep up the awesome work!
I miss a few deer and hogs every year. I hunt alot and get many opportunies. I usually slow down my hunting more and more as I fill the freezer. normally I can fill the freezer full. some years 10 deer some years 4 deer. i just moved down here so hogs are now a big part of my hunting. but hope for 8 or 10 hogs a year too.
I saw very few deer during bow season and none during rifle. no deer down this year. slowest year i had since i started hunting. had fun hunting but still kinda bummed about it hopefully turkey season will be better
I had a deflection on a real nice buck this year at 15y hit him in the leg. Won’t be fatal but huge bummer. You’re a man by putting it out there brother, it seems like an outlier for you for sure. Look out in 2024 GA!
Jason, your 2023 with 30 opportunities was unbelievable --- I wish I had a fraction of that! Plus you are hunting with primitive gear --- hats off --- you are going after smart critters the hardest way possible. I think your numbers are fabulous, truly. 99% of the hunters out there do it with easier methods --- no knock on them, but trad bow, stick and a fix broadhead inside 20 yards, with 30 opportunities and countless opportunities that you couldn't even take the shot. I would take that any day and twice on Sunday! Any of us that hunt with a stick and a bow would look at your numbers and be envious --- I certainly am.... Peace brother and Happy New Year!
Not too many know the reality of archery hunting, particularly public land archery hunting. Was in the woods probably 100 hours during bow season and didn't get a shot off :/ Luckily for me, gun season changed things. Best of luck next year!!
We all have rough hunting seasons buddy. We all miss and make bad shots. That's just hunting. I've watched dozens of your videos. You're a dang good shot and a good hunter. Keep your head up. Next season will be better for you. 👍
Hard to gauge success on just animals harvested. Some of my best hunts have ended in a miss. Or an encounter with no shot opportunity. Critters always have been and always will be good at humbling a hunter. I have found that the best way to deal with a bad shot or missed opportunity is to try and put it out of your mind. Just focus on the next hunt.
Hey Jason, I had the same type of you, maybe worse, Ugh, I hate to admit it. I hit 4 deer that I did not recover. I know two of those were fine (had on trail camera later), The other two i was not certain on, One had no blood and ran over 4 yards in my sight so I think that one is fine, The last one had just a few small drops of blood, I the arrow went through that no vitals area just under the spine. So I think all of them made it but I don't like not making a clean shot. I did get one deer this year and that was a great shot at 40 yards with my compound. Thanks for being so honest that is what makes your videos so good.
You had a bad season but a lot of learning down south where it’s a bit tougher with our weather horrible bugs and swamps. It definitely a learning curve. Don’t worry brother I have a feeling 2024 is going to be amazing for you and me🏹✌🏼🤙🏼
Great Video! It’s the reality of traditional bow hunting. I went 2/3 on pigs and 4/7 on deer. And I believe myself to be an above average shooter, but sometimes the moment gets the better of us or things we can’t control happens when that arrow hits the animal. A good friend of mine told me one time when I was beating myself up “it ain’t the first time it’s happened to you, and I bet it won’t be the last” And he is exactly right. Like you I try to learn what I can do better from each encounter wether a good one or bad one.
Great PEP talk Jason! Thanks for sharing! Years ago some VERY well known hunters spoke to me about my videos and commented-"Your doing a great job Bill, Your videos are good, We know you got the critters, but you shouldn't show the marginal shots or misses" That never sat well with me...I try to be transparent as possible with the exception of not showing to much blood or to much of the animal giving up the ghost. Thank you for sharing and your honesty!! Keep up the good work!!
Agree with you 100% to keep the videos clean and humane as possible. And I see where those guys are coming from not wanting to give bow hunting a bad reputation. But it's also important to let other bowhunters especially new ones see the reality of it that happen sometimes. Like you said, it doesn't sit well with me to not be honest and transparent. But the big take away is even when we do everything right, close range shots only, great high percentage angles, things can still go wrong. Happy new year and excited to see what videos you have coming this year
Been there almost stopped like you sensitive about it at the time. Your point of you are getting the opportunity to make the mistakes is spot on. All we can do is the work to get better figure it out and keep trying. Hope your hunting is as rewarding as you want this year.
We all have missed. I wounded a big buck. Searched for hours and hours. Lost blood never recovered the deer. I’m still butt hurt about it. The wounding of an animal is what hurts. Missing wouldn’t bother me as much.
Spot on Jason ,despite a couple opportunities and a few thousand miles ,3states ,been archery hunting for some 35yrs and never had such a non productive season also
From time to time, I hunt with Excalibur crossbow if I don't feel right about the set up. I still only shoot 20 yards max. I don't want to wound more than I want the perfect feeling of taking game with my longbow. All depends on the setup.
A lot of guys would go the easy route and pick up a compound or crossbow when things get tough. Your dedication is admirable. Nothing but respect from me sir.
Thank you. I would not be the hunter I am today if I shot any other weapon regularly. The longbow has force fed me so much education it's un imaginable! Would not trade that for anything.
Jason, I would call it a success. The fact that you are consistently on wild animals on public shows you are a master. I know it would have been sweeter with high kill ratio. Next year you’ll get back in the money the way you want to. Anyway congrats on the four deer and nine hogs.
Thank you! Yep I'm already trying hard to make sure I'm focusing every shot and trying to be better prepared for this year. My new season starts in 2 days. High hopes and excited.
Still got a good bit of meat in the freezer though. Don’t beat yourself up too much cause like you said, it happens……. Apparently to the best of us too😂 I remember Robert Carter talking about a time he said he struggled bad. I been practicing and I hope next year I can make the switch to my trad bow completely. I think the worst thing I could do was trying to do both compound and trad. Shooting trad instinctively seems to affect my compound hunting adversely. I don’t know, a house divided cannot stand I guess
Hey Jason, I think I got you beat!!! lol I haven't even seen 8 animals this entire season. Only weekends and days off hunting. did get to do my first "rutcation" in November this year. However, it has been a horrible year for me. I tagged out last year and now only 1 doe this year. Hopefully muzzleloader season will be better. Hunt in Northeast Texas. Combination of unusually hot temps late in the season, severe drought and some health issues (fungal infection, Poison ivy and Covid) have wrecked my season. All seem to hit at once. Plus, am not as young as I once was. Appreciate your videos, in my opinion, you had a great year. Keep it up!!!!
Glad to hear the health issues were minor. We all have a bad season here and there. All part of the game. We just keep hammering away and having fun doing it.
Thanks for the video, it just shows you're a real hunter just like the rest of us. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. As long as we had fun and we learned from it. I'm in Ontario Canada and my goal is a 3.5+ year old buck each fall as I love the challenge and I don't want to end my season early on just any deer. 24 hunts total. 9 morning hunts, 15 evening hunts. 40 deer seen while hunting. 7 bucks and 33 does/fawns. Had 22 deer in range that I could of shot. 3 shooter bucks seen while hunting, all within range but no shots fired. No deer harvested in 2023. Overall I'm happy with my season however I made the mistake of chasing a rack too much instead of filling the freezer. I'll be making some changes in 2024!
I have a lot of respect for traditional bowhunters it's so difficult with the time and dedication it takes. When I was young, I used to watch old Fred Bear videos, and he used to spot and stalk whitetails bears and other big game in africa . Approximately 5 Years ago, I started watching adrenaline whitetails with Jared Scheffler. For me, the ultimate hunting skill is spot and stalking whitetails with a trad bow on publicland. For me, the ultimate kill shot video for whitetails was when Jared Scheffler killed a 190' buck by spot and stalk method using a trad bow(Defiance DVD).
I do miss deer hunting in michigan! But love it down here with the deer and hogs and long warm seasons. I've heard from Michigan friends that it was a tough year for many up there. 2024 should be better!
Sam, you're an awesome dude man. I shoot a compound and next year will be my 7th season... I've lost 4 deer. For me, it's not about picking a spot on the deer, it's all about the pre game mindset of just being a straight up killer in my mind and keep my pin on the vitals. I think it's all practice to defeat target panic then during the hunt, it's mindset. My last 2 years have been the worst for me.
Yep buck fever and target panic can hit us all and can be brutal. I fought it for 4 straight years. Was brutal. And buck fever still gets me quite often. All part of the game
@@SamkoTradBow being open and honest is a testament to the type of man you are. Shooting a giant buck really says nothing about you as a person, but being an honest man says everything bro
A video such as this should be mandatory for ALL hunting channels. When a young person gets started into the sport they think that based upon all the giant buck success vids out there - it should be an easy pursuit. They try it for a few sits then may give up after 1-2 years and never come back. The thrill of the chase is what true hunters will always tell you on why we keep doing it - I actually prefer watching videos that represent more of the grind aspect of hunting (since it is more relatable).
Going to a wma in Georgia to hunt hogs. I have a family member that has been able to contact you and ask you different questions about the inflatable raft you use and what not but he was telling me that this wma has been having issues with weather recently. I’m just wondering if you been out to the place and noticed anything different with the water levels being extremely low, bought myself some hip wader to hopefully have to avoid using chest waders. Definitely enjoy watching your channel and been learning some new stuff along the way. P.S i don’t know if you remember but we actually met you while hunting hogs back in 2022 in January.
I do remember you and your dad! Last time I was at that wma was 8 days ago. Water levels were low enough to go to the places you guys normally do in just knee high boots with inches to spare. Lots of hog sign, but 3 different groups of guys hunting squirrels with dogs and I only jumped one bedded lone hog all day. Have not been back there since. But I bet water level is probably similar. And the areas you guys spent most of your time in is the nest sign I found on the whole wma. You guys should have an excellent trip. If I didn't ha e new counters coming and need to rebuild my island before they get here I would come join you for a day. But doesn't look like I will be done in time. If I get a chance to swing out there I will let you guys know. Any questions when you guys are there hit me up. Your dad has my number.
Well me made it out to the wma and the water levels are perfect. So far we have only had to wear knee high boots. Also lots of hog activity from what we are seeing. Got stands set up yesterday and going out this evening to try to get hopefully a few hogs
This is exactly why Jason is one of the most important voices in the hunting community today. What a prime example of a true and honest woodsman.
Appreciate that. I was on the fence about making this video. But convinced myself that its important for people to understand the reality of traditional bowhunting and the challenges of it.
Thanks for posting this video. Takes guts to admit our failures. This is helpful for all of us that aren't "perfect "
I was on the fence about making this video. But figured it would help ease the pain for someone else that bad a rough season
@@SamkoTradBowSo glad you made this video!
Thanks@@watchhuntbetter
Really glad to see hunter’s talk about their success and downfalls when it’s comes to their season . Hunting is so dynamic and the struggle is what keeps the passion of it all so strong ! Last year was my worst year to date wounded the biggest buck of my life “luckily” showed back up on camera this year. Wish more people would be honest like yourself. Thank you for all the great content and being so transparent. Got my first recurve during Christmas plan to practice during off season and going full trad next year.
Yep we take the good with the bad and learn from it all. Congrats on your new up coming traditional bowhunting journey. You ate going to love how fun and rewarding it is.
This is why I love Jason's channel. He tells the truth and speaks facts.he is the voice for traditional bowhunters and for the people. Much respect
Thank you. Greatly Appreciated.
Thanks for making a real video about the ups and downs of hunting. As a disabled hunter i struggle to even get to hunt at all and always having to have someone to help me in the woods gets tough at times but I did manage to get a 11pt buck with the recurve on my one hunt with it so ill cherish that 1 hunt and hopefully ill get to hunt more next year and best of luck to you next year too. Keep up the great videos 👍
Love that you were able to fill the freezer and put a nice buck on the wall. And glad to hear you are not letting anything stop you from enjoying the woods!
You're an inspiration to me. Enjoy the outdoors!
Thank u
I consider a bad season is when you fall out of a stand ! Refreshing to see someone struggle who is a far better hunter and archer than myself. Bow hunting is not as easy as TV makes it look. Thanks for being so candid. Wish you the best in the New Year!
That's very true. Getting home at the end of each hunt is very important! And any day in the woods is really a good day. Happy new year!
I needed this video. I’ve had a string of bad years. I love to see Jason put this out. Thanks.
Hate those tough years. But we take the good with the bad and keep looking forward to the next hunt.
The world has a way of crushing our egos, screwing our best laid plans and giving us another opportunity in the future. Next year will be the best year ever! Love your content!
Very true. The world can humble a guy pretty quick
That's a great analysis of your hunting season! I can see how breaking the season down like this will help a hunter improve for next season.
Yep helpful but also shows the reality...lol and sometimes that hurts.
Finally, an honest straightforward hunting video!! Thanks Jason!!👍👏🏼
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it
I had a bad year as well Jason. All we can do is learn from it and have a better 2024! God bless brother
Agree 100% shake it off and get ready to hit the woods again
It's always good to hear the good and bad that come with hunting, you won't get this kind of content from the "pros" very often.
Jason sorry about your year. I'm with ya about being pissed, and sore about it. I struck out in my homestate of PA and had multiple shooters on camera. Never even seen a buck while in stand.
And the only bucks I saw in Ohio during my 6 day trip, were along the road at night.
All we can do regroup and move forward!
Thank you for your content, I learn a ton from your videos and love the podcasts!
Yep we learn more from a bad year then we do from a good one. We just shake off the bad ones and get right back in the woods!
@tradbowpodcast yes sir! Are you still open to taking in guys to your patreon? I'm not a trad guy, I'm a compound guy but I really appreciate and respect the traditional bow guys! I feel like as a compound bow hunter I could learn so much from the traditional community, that could make me an exceptionally better hunter. I've heard you say it's a tight knit group and I've considered joining!
Thanks
@shumberson you sure can. Lots of compound and even some crossbow hunters in there. And so much hunting tips, education etc in there. Plus all my actual hunting video vlogs and map my hunt series. Patreon.com/tradbowpodcast
man the fact that you got 12 shots on deer with traditional equipment is super impressive. Im looking forward to following you throughout this years journey and i’m sure you will approve upon 2023. Keep your head up man your one of the realist dudes in the youtube hunting industry
Thanks! Looking forward to kicking off 24 here real soon
This video shows why you are important to this community.
Thank you. Greatly appreciated
Last year I was shooting darts out of my longbow, shot my biggest buck, this season I struggled quite a bit. Missed a big 8pt shot right under his heart. It happens. Traditional archery is a mind game, keep those positive thoughts when things look grim. Enjoy the content!
Your spot on. It's a mindset and an emotional test for sure. We take the good with the bad and keep learning
Man I needed this. Had a HARD year myself and the same as you it wasn't for a lack of getting into the deer . I hunted well but couldn't make it happen with the long bow. Thanks for the honesty and keeping it real. It makes me feel better because of a guy that shoots as well as you can miss, then it's more understandable for me.
We can wallow in our misery together..lol Yep missing is part of the game but the education a lngbow or and traditional bow teaches us in priceless.
2023 was my first year with the trad bow. I had 4 misses. 1 deflection and 3 S****y shots. Also, I had several shot opportunities that I probably should have taken but didn't....I hate you had a bad season, but this video was very very helpful to me.
We can wallow in our misery together😂....but glad you had so many opportunities.
You have the best content. Nobody is more detailed than you.
Thank you. Appreciate that.
Hey Jason. I'm not giving you a hard time. Look on the bright side bud. You're seeing game and getting archery close. I'm with you on 2023 being a bad season, but I would gladly trade you. I'm in PA and have hunted all my life, and I'm fairly successful compared to most. This year however, i only took one doe, and could count on my fingers and toes how many deer i saw this year. All we can do is hope for better next season. Take care bud. Thanks for all the videos.
I have been hearing that alot lately about the NY and Pennsylvania areas. I hope the numbers get back up there. Your right, it's a new year and new opportunities!
I loved the intro part....was laughing so hard listening to the scolding to any nah sayers .....hahaha im still laughing 😂
I'm too old and stubborn to take anyone's shit😂😂
great video, great to analyze our efforts out there hunting, It was a good year for me, but 2022 was a rough year. Hoping next year is like this year.
Yep we take the good with the bad. Hoping we both ha e an amazing year next year
We all get humbled and that's just the nature of the beast. I've been bowhunting since 86 and I got my butt handed to me this season. Shot at and non mortally wounded the biggest buck of my life in November on an out of state hunt. I just try to learn from my experiences and move on.
Yep that the attitude right there. Learn from it and move forward.
My season was bad as well. Only squeezed in 10 sits. Saw a lot of deer early season but weather and more hunting pressure than before bummed me out. Here I sit at home on the last day of season. Maybe I’ll sneak out this evening.
Hope you can get out more in 2024. Nothing eases the mind more than some quality trerstand time
One year I missed 6 out of 6 deer. That was a rough one. Great video.
Yep thats a tough year too. But we take the good with the bad and keep hunting
I picked up a crossbow this season because MN opened it up to everyone in 2023. I figured I would try this archery thing and get much more opportunities before gun season started. Boy was I humbled. I could only hunt weekends, but I managed to get probably 12 sits in. It was pretty discouraging only glimpsing 2 deer and no shots. 2 unfilled tags. Just have to learn and get better.
Yep the learning curve for getting in close to them is a challenge. But makes you all that much better of a hunter. A crossbow hunter will always be a better hunter than a gun hunter, a compound hunter better than a crossbow, and a traditional bowhunter better than a compound bowhunter. Not because of the weapon but because of the limits of the weapon and how each level has to learn so much more to get into range consistently. That's the beauty of all bow hunting. It forces us to learn so much more and makes us that much better eventually.
Yea archery ain’t xbow hunting
Just starting my traditional journey. Took out my sage recurve for the first time last night seen 10 deer. Haven’t seen 10 deer all season. Thinking my recurve is gonna be my savior I hope…
Thanks for another awesome video.
That's awesome! Sounds like you found a sweet spot. Good luck in the late season and you are going to love hunting with a traditional bow!
It's commendable you putting this out there when so many people don't have the character to and that shows an admirable amount of humility and dedication to growing the trad bow community. I just picked up bowhunting this year after shooting trad for 13 years now and I missed my fair share of grouse and lost about $70 in arrows to get one bird haha. It's painful but I think we learn from it and come back as far better hunters than we ever were before. Keep up the fantastic content, I love your podcast and channel brother!
Agree 100% we learn more from the missed opportunities that we do the success
Still a ton of opportunity left Jason. Come down to Florida....rutt in Walton County starts around February! I'm in Tallahassee. Hunt over there every year as a last hoorah. Happy new year!
Yep have a few days of deer I plan to do in about a week and then it's all about the hoga for me u til Sept. I love the hogs
Jason thanks for posting this! Very big of you. I live in northern MI Montmorency county. We miss ya up here! I have had the worst season of my life mostly due to outside sources. New house remodel and another child all during hunting season. But hearing another person share it is great. Love your content buddy. Happy new year!
Happy new year and congrats on the new baby! Life is good! Hope you guys have an amazing 2024
In this modern social media world, I appreciate this video so much! I got skunked this year and it’s nice to see hunters as accomplished as Jason being honest.
Appreciate that. Sorry you got skunked. But we learn more from the hard times than the successes. Next year will be better for us both
Years like this humble us and force us to hone our skills. Failures are developmental. I’ve had years that I can’t do anything right, and I’ve had years I can’t do anything wrong. Thankfully we usually have successful seasons with few failures and many awesome memories!
Very well said and agree 100%
Keep up the good work Jason. Been following you for years, love your content.
@@wmcreighton thank you
Love your honesty in this video. Although it can be very disappointing, often times the animal wins. But that's ok. It's called hunting, not killing. If we scored 100% of the time, then somehow it wouldn't be as special when we are successful. Keep up the good work Jason and good luck in 2024!
Great point and well said. Agree 100%
Wish my season sucked half as bad as yours! I got 1 deer. A 2-1/2 year old 4 point (135 lbs) However, I truly am happy with him. I have zero doubt that you are going to have a great 2024 season. Even a blind Hog can see how dedicated you are to hunting. God Bless
Thank you and congratulations on the buck! A freezer full of venison makes for a happy winter
"you'll never see my channel unless you crawl upstairs and ask your grandma for her youtube password" Love Jason for who he is absolutely. Lay it out to play it out my friend. I had a rough season too. first season with trad bow ... shot over because of angles shot under because of my poor judgment in distance.
Yep had both of those happen to me many times. We shake it off and get back in the woods.
Thanks for being honest, my friend. Hunting is very hard on public land. Period.
It sure is. So many variables to hunting public land that we can not control.
You’re gonna have a great 2024! Misses hit hard when you get started at port Huron state game area. I remember how a single miss there might mean never having another opportunity. Glad you’re in an area of many opportunities. What pants do you have on in this video?
Yep we take the good years with the bad. Always try to learn from each time out and have fun. These are wrangler cargo pants from walmart
Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for the honesty in your video Jason. Always enjoy watching your content. Great job getting yourself into that many opportunities 👍🏼
Thank you. And glad you are enjoying the videos
Just to get that many opportunities for a shot shows what a good hunter you are if it can happen to you it can happen to anyone keep it up bro
Thanks. I do believe the missed opportunities help make us better hunters. But sure sucks at the moment and you realize the freezer needs to wait longer to fill.
Listen man you’re doing a great job with all you videos keep up the great work.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the comment.
I hunt the exact same places you do. Nothing compares to walking swamps for Hogs in Coastal GA. I drill them with compounds, lever bows, but I can’t find them after I hit them. Retrieving bow shot hogs in the swamp should be part of Army Ranger training. Actually hunt the base more than WMA’s.
Yep the terrain these hogs live in down here are absolutely brutal for recovering them. People that don't live here will never understand it.
Thank you for making this video. I have been watching your channel for a while now and am glad to have the opportunity to learn from you. I plan on getting your white tail course soon, as I have just started to hunt with a recurve. Thank you for always being real and not “perfect”. This is awesome. Hope to bump into you in the woods in northwest Florida next season🍻
Glad you are enjoying the content! And welcome to the amazing world of traditional bowhunting! You are gonna love it.
Jason sure do appreciate all your content and great information you post. This is my first year going total traditional I love the adventures but it has been a struggle but gotta keep working I know you will get back in the groove for sure hope you get some good chances the remainder of the season and thanks for sharing the good and bad. I did get to take my first deer with longbow took a nice doe but the learning curve is real I spine shot her due to her jumping string but I did get a quick follow up 👍🏻but couple days after that I took a shot at a super nice buck he kinda duck and roll I did hit him but it was super high I’d say it is a hit he will live on but it sure is hard to swallow just gotta stay after them sorry so long but just wanted to share and thank ya
Glad you are enjoying traditional bowhunting. And congrats on the doe. Sucks that happen with the buck. I've been there. Good luck the rest of the season if you get back out!
Good information, thank you very much!
Glad you enjoyed it
No Bull 💩! Need more of that nowadays… Love the content man!
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it
Though so far for me too. Last year had 3 chances at mature bucks and one probably over 160. This year I haven't seen a mature buck all year and feel like I've hunted a lot.
Yep we all have good and bad years. All part of the game. I hope 2024 is an amazing year for you!
It happens man! I’m in the same boat. Have not got spanked like this year since I was a kid and disobeyed my parents.
😂😂😂 we can wallow in the misery together
Awesome video. And congrats on your first full time season in the south.
Worst from harvest maybe but you have learned a lot about southern deer hunting and how southern weather can change instantly. You went from far north to far south.
It take a real person to admit all this and tell the world. You owned it to and didn’t pass it off.
Thanks! I'm loving it down hear and all the challenges! Can't wait to see what 2024 brings!
Great video! Really appreciate this feedback. My first year hunting and I harvested 1/3 deer I shot at. No mortal wounds which was good, but it took a real emotional toll on me as the missed shots were my first two days out. I’ve been watching lots of your videos and your content has given great advice and help to a guy who is just trying to figure this stuff out.
Yep been there. Tough pill to swallow. It being your first year its also expected. It will get much better for you as the experience builds. Have fun and enjoy the time hunting. No better way ro spend your free time!
I hunted ten weeks straight out of state. All I did was hunt everyday. Up at 330 am, in bed at 930-1030 pm. I didn't even fill 25% of my tags. I did miss 3 shots with my bow, branches and twigs on two and one I didn't range and was two inches high. Completely my fault. In my home state I had one shot on buck before I left for my 10 week trip. Had branch deflection on that one too. I did get a turkey with my bow a few days after that but man it was a ruff year. My 10 weeks the weather wouldn't cooperate. It would be hot for 5-6 days then cooler for one or two days, then back to being hot. I was only seeing deer right before first light or right after last light on those hot days. It's like they knew the legal light was coming and split. Hoping 2024 will be a lot better for all of us.
We can wallow in our misery together 😂. But congratulations on being able to hunt that much. Life is good and 2024 will be better for us both.
@@SamkoTradBow @tradbowpodcast haha, I hope it is. Thank you, it was good to be out there so long. Like life therapy and peace that was definitely needed. Thank God for muzzleloader/rifle season or I wouldn't have filled any deer tags. I did miss the intimacy and connection of a bow harvest. People that don't hunt with a bow won't understand that moment you share with not just the animals you harvest but also the ones you let walk. Being that close to such a majestic animal is an experience all on its own.
I am prepping now for the 2024 season. I know you can't "buy" a successful season. However you can improve the possibilities with new equipment like an ATV, or a more accurate rangefinder/binocular. You can increase the capabilities of your equipment by making modifications like I see in a lot of videos you post. Big help by the way. Sometimes those little modifications save time, energy and frustration over a long trip. You are right, it was a long trip and I definitely found things I needed to improve upon. Not because the season was so harsh but in spite of it. In years past, hunts happened so fast and I was so focused on filling tags I didn't spend the time to analyze my capabilities until the season was over. This year I had the time and I used it to really think about how I wanted to improve my skill set, minimize my equipment limitations and maximize my productivity in the future. I truly wasn't prepared for a season like this one. Just when you think you have thought of everything I realized I thought of everything I could think of when things and conditions were right, but I didn't focus on things for an off season like this one. I'm rambling. Thank you for your reply and I hope you still tag a big one this season if yours is still going that makes all the rest of the season worth it.
@JohnGreyman that right there is the perfect mindset and attitude. We learn more when the chips are down or we are forced to hunt harder or longer. It's nature's way of fine tuning us.
Thank you for the honest video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Sometimes the worse it gets, the worse it gets. Take a breath and regroup. We've all been there before (the honest ones of our group). BTW a thermal monocular may help with some of the poor hits especially in thick cover.
Great points. I used to have a thermal Leopold monocular and it was a great tool. Down hear it would not penetrate the thickness of gulberry. And often the Temps are warmer than body temps
I have more bad seasons than good, so im right there with you! Be thankful you came home safe every time and best wishes next year
Great point about coming home safe! Happy new year
I think that you did great. Totally understand the frustration though!
I am a brand new hunter. It has been close to a few decades since I was a kid helping on hunt drives. Early 2023 I got a hog at a camp, so that doesn’t count. I went out on my own at Florida WMA public lands. At those hunts, I got Zero(!) kills. In fact, I didn’t even see an animal. Total combined of about 5 full long days with a combo of still and stalk. Saw plenty of signs though. I have plans to be out again 2-3 days each weekend in January and maybe a couple more during the week. This is with a gun since I am physically challenged due to my limitations. I hope to do bow next year if my disabilities allow me.
Needless to say, your numbers are great!
Glad you are gett8ng out there and enjoying the swamps! Hogs take some seriously practice to learn where the hang out and how to get into them. When I first started hunting hogs I averaged seeing hogs once for about every 5 full days of walking. Now I see hogs usually everytime. Or say 7 out of 10 times. It will all come together for you are you learn the areas. Keep having fun and glad to see you not letting disability stop you from enjoying the woods. That's a huge win right there
Don’t feel bad, 8 years hunting and I’ve only seen 2 deer (my first hunt) doesn’t matter what I do, play the wind but all the scent soaps etc.. I just never see deer while hunting. That was all firearm hunting too. This year I’m trying trad archery and I’m hoping to see something but even if I don’t I just love being out in the woods. There’s always next year!
Yep hunting is not easy. But it sure is fun and peaceful. Nothing better than time in the woods. And especially with a traditional bow in your hand.
Play the wind stop wasting money on scent products
You are not alone. Have had some rough years. Thanks for sharing! Take care and God Bless!
Yep all part of the game. Happy new year and cheers to an amazing 2024
I agree. This was the worst hunting season ever.
I had six or seven shooter bucks on camera on my property all the way up until almost the end of October then all of a sudden they just disappeared. No idea what happened
Went to our hunting camp in Pennsylvania. Was there for nine days. Hunted sunrise to sunset, and I literally only saw one deer on stand. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I have no idea what happened.
Been there too. Sometimes seems like no matter what we do always wrong place at right time.
@@SamkoTradBow it was crazy I had about seven shooter bucks on camera on my property consistently October 20 came around give yourself they all just disappeared, Pennsylvania, one deer on stand, which is so unlikely. Something happened this year can’t figure it out.
LOL best intro ever! I’m going to run upstairs right now and hide under grandma’s bed.
You always figure it out man. Next year will be better!
😂😂 I'm too old and cranky to deal with the jackasses.
I had a horrible season as well. Soon as hunting season started my water supply line busted, my hot water heater died, my truck completely died and repairs took 4 weeks, a stray dog got into my yard and killed half my flock of chickens/ducks.
The little bit of Elk/Deer hunting I got in was a total failure. In Elk camp a freak wind storm destroyed my tent and then... we got pouring rain.
Man so sorry to hear this. That's definitely a tough year.
I always appreciate your authenticity! Im curious about if youve had this many opportunities in the past? Archery in general is such a mental game and by the sounds of it you'll end up using this season as a season of opportunity. Keep up the awesome work!
I miss a few deer and hogs every year. I hunt alot and get many opportunies. I usually slow down my hunting more and more as I fill the freezer. normally I can fill the freezer full. some years 10 deer some years 4 deer. i just moved down here so hogs are now a big part of my hunting. but hope for 8 or 10 hogs a year too.
I saw very few deer during bow season and none during rifle. no deer down this year. slowest year i had since i started hunting. had fun hunting but still kinda bummed about it hopefully turkey season will be better
Hopefully next year will be better for us both
Don't put too much pressure on yourself!
Just relax and enjoy all the time you get to hunt. You are doing great!
Thank you. That's my plan for this season
I had a deflection on a real nice buck this year at 15y hit him in the leg. Won’t be fatal but huge bummer. You’re a man by putting it out there brother, it seems like an outlier for you for sure. Look out in 2024 GA!
Been there before. Sure does suck. We just need to shake it off and get back in the woods
Thank you sooo much for this video and keeping it real I also had a bad year ... Hope you feel better, my friend
Only direction is up! We both are gonna have an amazing 2024!
Jason, your 2023 with 30 opportunities was unbelievable --- I wish I had a fraction of that! Plus you are hunting with primitive gear --- hats off --- you are going after smart critters the hardest way possible. I think your numbers are fabulous, truly. 99% of the hunters out there do it with easier methods --- no knock on them, but trad bow, stick and a fix broadhead inside 20 yards, with 30 opportunities and countless opportunities that you couldn't even take the shot. I would take that any day and twice on Sunday! Any of us that hunt with a stick and a bow would look at your numbers and be envious --- I certainly am.... Peace brother and Happy New Year!
Thank you. Greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to 2024 now! Happy new year and good luck hunting this season!
Hang in there buddy. I lost two deer this year I’m devastated about it. Sorry for people that talk crap.
Yeah the lost animals hurt and stick with us. Need to shake them off and get back at it
@@SamkoTradBow I agree 💯! Thank you for sharing your story, it helped me realize I’m not only one. Cause when it happens we tend to think that
Not too many know the reality of archery hunting, particularly public land archery hunting. Was in the woods probably 100 hours during bow season and didn't get a shot off :/ Luckily for me, gun season changed things. Best of luck next year!!
Yep public is a tough place to be these days. Glad you were able to fill the freezer though!
We all have rough hunting seasons buddy. We all miss and make bad shots. That's just hunting. I've watched dozens of your videos. You're a dang good shot and a good hunter. Keep your head up. Next season will be better for you. 👍
Thank you. I can't wait! 2024 season stars for me in 2 days!
@@SamkoTradBow thats awesome. 👍
Love the honesty. Helps you get better too. I have botched more opportunities than I have connected on in my hunting career.
Yep all part of the game in bowhunting. Would not trade it for anything though
Nobody said the road would be easy, you will learn from your mistakes and you will be stronger mentally, cheer up, happy new year
Great points. Happy new year
Hard to gauge success on just animals harvested. Some of my best hunts have ended in a miss. Or an encounter with no shot opportunity.
Critters always have been and always will be good at humbling a hunter. I have found that the best way to deal with a bad shot or missed opportunity is to try and put it out of your mind. Just focus on the next hunt.
Well said and agree 100%. Learn from it, shake it off, and try again
Good self criticism...in fact i must compliment you sir on an eloquent critique.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it
Hey Jason, I had the same type of you, maybe worse, Ugh, I hate to admit it. I hit 4 deer that I did not recover. I know two of those were fine (had on trail camera later), The other two i was not certain on, One had no blood and ran over 4 yards in my sight so I think that one is fine, The last one had just a few small drops of blood, I the arrow went through that no vitals area just under the spine. So I think all of them made it but I don't like not making a clean shot. I did get one deer this year and that was a great shot at 40 yards with my compound. Thanks for being so honest that is what makes your videos so good.
Yeah that makes for a tough year. We can wallow in our misery together.lol Hopefully 2024 is better for us both!
I Enjoy a guy that likes to talk as much as me , being a trucker I enjoy the longer vids- keep inspiring Jason!!
I can definitely talk alot😂😂
I’ve missed 2 does with my compound this year.
Yeo we all have good ones and bad ones. All part of the game. Shake it off and we keep hunting
You had a bad season but a lot of learning down south where it’s a bit tougher with our weather horrible bugs and swamps. It definitely a learning curve. Don’t worry brother I have a feeling 2024 is going to be amazing for you and me🏹✌🏼🤙🏼
Thank you. Definitely a learning curve down here but I'm loving it
Feel this completely! Had the worst year I’ve ever had. This video helped! Thanks for the up load.
Glad it helped. We can wallow in our misery together😂. 2024 will be much better for us both
Great Video! It’s the reality of traditional bow hunting. I went 2/3 on pigs and 4/7 on deer. And I believe myself to be an above average shooter, but sometimes the moment gets the better of us or things we can’t control happens when that arrow hits the animal. A good friend of mine told me one time when I was beating myself up “it ain’t the first time it’s happened to you, and I bet it won’t be the last” And he is exactly right. Like you I try to learn what I can do better from each encounter wether a good one or bad one.
Yep just shake it off and move forward. No use dwelling on it.
Great PEP talk Jason! Thanks for sharing! Years ago some VERY well known hunters spoke to me about my videos and commented-"Your doing a great job Bill, Your videos are good, We know you got the critters, but you shouldn't show the marginal shots or misses" That never sat well with me...I try to be transparent as possible with the exception of not showing to much blood or to much of the animal giving up the ghost.
Thank you for sharing and your honesty!! Keep up the good work!!
Agree with you 100% to keep the videos clean and humane as possible. And I see where those guys are coming from not wanting to give bow hunting a bad reputation. But it's also important to let other bowhunters especially new ones see the reality of it that happen sometimes. Like you said, it doesn't sit well with me to not be honest and transparent. But the big take away is even when we do everything right, close range shots only, great high percentage angles, things can still go wrong. Happy new year and excited to see what videos you have coming this year
Jason, lastly, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CHANNEL AND GREAT INFO! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thank you. Happy new year!
I feel your pain. I only got 2 deer and 3 hogs this year. I missed 3 deer. I suck! Lol
You are the man rob don’t be hard on yourself ✌🏼👊🏼🤙🏼🏹
I suck more! But it's not a competition 😂😂
Been there almost stopped like you sensitive about it at the time. Your point of you are getting the opportunity to make the mistakes is spot on. All we can do is the work to get better figure it out and keep trying. Hope your hunting is as rewarding as you want this year.
Great points and agree 100% always good to be able to be in the woods. We shake off the bad stuff and get back at it.
We all have missed. I wounded a big buck. Searched for hours and hours. Lost blood never recovered the deer. I’m still butt hurt about it. The wounding of an animal is what hurts. Missing wouldn’t bother me as much.
Yep the wounds hurt real bad. And they stick with us. But we need to shake it off and get back in the woods.
Spot on Jason ,despite a couple opportunities and a few thousand miles ,3states ,been archery hunting for some 35yrs and never had such a non productive season also
Yep was tough. We can wallow in our misery together 😂. This year will be better for us both
From time to time, I hunt with Excalibur crossbow if I don't feel right about the set up. I still only shoot 20 yards max. I don't want to wound more than I want the perfect feeling of taking game with my longbow. All depends on the setup.
Yep the ethics matrer with any weapon.
Think on the positive, look at all the New areas you learned. We all have years like this. Thank You for all efforts and Happy New Year
Yep a lot of silver linings in my season! I am a better hunter because of it. Happy new year!
A lot of guys would go the easy route and pick up a compound or crossbow when things get tough. Your dedication is admirable. Nothing but respect from me sir.
Thank you. I would not be the hunter I am today if I shot any other weapon regularly. The longbow has force fed me so much education it's un imaginable! Would not trade that for anything.
Jason, I would call it a success. The fact that you are consistently on wild animals on public shows you are a master. I know it would have been sweeter with high kill ratio. Next year you’ll get back in the money the way you want to. Anyway congrats on the four deer and nine hogs.
Thank you! Yep I'm already trying hard to make sure I'm focusing every shot and trying to be better prepared for this year. My new season starts in 2 days. High hopes and excited.
Still got a good bit of meat in the freezer though. Don’t beat yourself up too much cause like you said, it happens……. Apparently to the best of us too😂 I remember Robert Carter talking about a time he said he struggled bad. I been practicing and I hope next year I can make the switch to my trad bow completely. I think the worst thing I could do was trying to do both compound and trad. Shooting trad instinctively seems to affect my compound hunting adversely. I don’t know, a house divided cannot stand I guess
Yep we take the good with the bad. Andnim with you, I could not switch from compound to trad off and on. It messed me up.
Don’t sweat it buddy, it keeps you humble. Still a great season in my book! 👍🏻
Very true. And we learn more from the tough seasons.
Hey Jason, I think I got you beat!!! lol I haven't even seen 8 animals this entire season. Only weekends and days off hunting. did get to do my first "rutcation" in November this year. However, it has been a horrible year for me. I tagged out last year and now only 1 doe this year. Hopefully muzzleloader season will be better. Hunt in Northeast Texas. Combination of unusually hot temps late in the season, severe drought and some health issues (fungal infection, Poison ivy and Covid) have wrecked my season. All seem to hit at once. Plus, am not as young as I once was. Appreciate your videos, in my opinion, you had a great year. Keep it up!!!!
Glad to hear the health issues were minor. We all have a bad season here and there. All part of the game. We just keep hammering away and having fun doing it.
I'm having a tough season too brother it happens
It sure does. We all have good and bad ones. We just keep moving forward and learning!
thank you for sharing this with us !!!! my season just got better i got one the other day !!! I like you hyunting style
Congrats on the deer! Sure does feel great to be filling the freezer
Thanks for the video, it just shows you're a real hunter just like the rest of us. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. As long as we had fun and we learned from it. I'm in Ontario Canada and my goal is a 3.5+ year old buck each fall as I love the challenge and I don't want to end my season early on just any deer. 24 hunts total. 9 morning hunts, 15 evening hunts. 40 deer seen while hunting. 7 bucks and 33 does/fawns. Had 22 deer in range that I could of shot. 3 shooter bucks seen while hunting, all within range but no shots fired. No deer harvested in 2023. Overall I'm happy with my season however I made the mistake of chasing a rack too much instead of filling the freezer. I'll be making some changes in 2024!
Sounds like a fantastic hunting season! Very nice. I do agree throwing a doe in the freezer would be nice addition to that kinda season
Great video Jason I agree 100% this was last year for me thanks for the public land advice
Glad you are enjoying the content. Yep we all have a bad year every now and then. All part of the game
I have a lot of respect for traditional bowhunters it's so difficult with the time and dedication it takes. When I was young, I used to watch old Fred Bear videos, and he used to spot and stalk whitetails bears and other big game in africa . Approximately 5 Years ago, I started watching adrenaline whitetails with Jared Scheffler. For me, the ultimate hunting skill is spot and stalking whitetails with a trad bow on publicland. For me, the ultimate kill shot video for whitetails was when Jared Scheffler killed a 190' buck by spot and stalk method using a trad bow(Defiance DVD).
It sure does up the challenge. And Jared is amazing!
Do you miss deer hunting in Mich?
I saw only 1 buck this season, too far for a good shot (crossbow).
Do love the course on deer hunting you did.
I do miss deer hunting in michigan! But love it down here with the deer and hogs and long warm seasons. I've heard from Michigan friends that it was a tough year for many up there. 2024 should be better!
Sam, you're an awesome dude man. I shoot a compound and next year will be my 7th season... I've lost 4 deer. For me, it's not about picking a spot on the deer, it's all about the pre game mindset of just being a straight up killer in my mind and keep my pin on the vitals. I think it's all practice to defeat target panic then during the hunt, it's mindset. My last 2 years have been the worst for me.
Yep buck fever and target panic can hit us all and can be brutal. I fought it for 4 straight years. Was brutal. And buck fever still gets me quite often. All part of the game
@@SamkoTradBow being open and honest is a testament to the type of man you are. Shooting a giant buck really says nothing about you as a person, but being an honest man says everything bro
@@rorynelson7548 thank you
A video such as this should be mandatory for ALL hunting channels. When a young person gets started into the sport they think that based upon all the giant buck success vids out there - it should be an easy pursuit. They try it for a few sits then may give up after 1-2 years and never come back. The thrill of the chase is what true hunters will always tell you on why we keep doing it - I actually prefer watching videos that represent more of the grind aspect of hunting (since it is more relatable).
Very good points. Appreciate that and glad you enjoyed it
Going to a wma in Georgia to hunt hogs. I have a family member that has been able to contact you and ask you different questions about the inflatable raft you use and what not but he was telling me that this wma has been having issues with weather recently. I’m just wondering if you been out to the place and noticed anything different with the water levels being extremely low, bought myself some hip wader to hopefully have to avoid using chest waders. Definitely enjoy watching your channel and been learning some new stuff along the way. P.S i don’t know if you remember but we actually met you while hunting hogs back in 2022 in January.
I do remember you and your dad! Last time I was at that wma was 8 days ago. Water levels were low enough to go to the places you guys normally do in just knee high boots with inches to spare. Lots of hog sign, but 3 different groups of guys hunting squirrels with dogs and I only jumped one bedded lone hog all day. Have not been back there since. But I bet water level is probably similar. And the areas you guys spent most of your time in is the nest sign I found on the whole wma. You guys should have an excellent trip. If I didn't ha e new counters coming and need to rebuild my island before they get here I would come join you for a day. But doesn't look like I will be done in time. If I get a chance to swing out there I will let you guys know. Any questions when you guys are there hit me up. Your dad has my number.
Well me made it out to the wma and the water levels are perfect. So far we have only had to wear knee high boots. Also lots of hog activity from what we are seeing. Got stands set up yesterday and going out this evening to try to get hopefully a few hogs
@@cameronwalrod7023 wishing you guys great luck