I still don't understand how I got caught up in the camo bandwagon ha ha! Until a few years ago, all my hunting clothes were military surplus and the gear was whatever basic black, metal, wood, material it came in and no real attention paid to real tree/mossy oak. Once I found a deal on some clothes though, I suddenly started getting camo binoculars, belts, hip bags, etc. So far I've been lucky, I've heard enough stories of items being found in the woods years after the original owner lost it, so I look around my spot a lot before I leave...but my day is coming I'm sure.
I use a choked shotgun for deer every year and the sighting in process can leave your shoulder aching pretty quick. So try and plan efficiently rather than fine tuning with 20+ rounds at a sitting like you might with .270. But in general, I've used the same techniques I use with a rifle, just at closer range. Make sure all ammo is the same as you'll hunt with, shoot 3 shot groups before adjusting accordingly, etc. Of course, this is from my experience with a smoothbore and slugster ammo. If you have a rifled slug gun and using sabots, you're range and dependability will increase from mine.
It's all about risk assessment. Consider the liklihood an event could happen or go wrong and what the severity of that event may be...then plan accordingly. All previous posters have summed it up...it's going to depend on you, on that hunt, and any number of factors at that time and place. If a storm roles in and you're 1 mile from your truck in terrain you've hunted your whole life...keep hunting. If you're leary of your path back and dressed relatively light or running out of day light...call it a day.
After years of saying I was going to get a compound bow, I finally did just the other day. It is used with all the accessories (whisker biscuit, quiver, sight, stabilizer, etc.) and ready to shoot. I'm just looking for some general advice to help me make sure I get the most out of my bow, and myself, and can become an effective bowhunter. I've only ever hunting with a firearm and from the ground...so it's a new world for me. Any pointers/tips? Must have gear? Thanks in advance.
