First time...

[MUP]

I cant remember a season where I've ever thought to myself that I may be "burnt out", but I fear I may be at that point. This season, and all the calamity associated with it, has just zapped me of about any desire to get up and go hunt I believe. I've pretty much been one of the "diehard", hunt to the last day types, thru the lean early years when I would might go several days and not even see a deer, up till now I think. Maybe I'm just getting older and worn out sooner from the early part of the season, but I thought I'd be up and getting out there this morning, and I just don't have that desire to even wonder what might walk by. So, here I sit, up in plenty of time(been up since 3:45 c.s.t.) to have been out to my stand, with a good wind, and just thinking I don't care to go. Not asking for pity or prayers guys, its just been a season unlike I've ever experienced before, and just want to move past it at this point I believe. Sheesh...I hate this lack of desire for what has been a passion in my life for over 35 yrs.

 

[DEERDOWN]

I'm on stand now in hardin county cold windy and doubt I'll see anything so don't feel bad. Been a bad yr here to for my first ever bow only season

 

[eightpointer]

Me and the boy sittin in a blind in Lincoln county. MUP. Just do what feels right man.

 

[HuntingandHarleys]

I know exacatly what you are saying. I used to log alot of hours in the stand but the last several years have been less and less. I still love to hunt but I don't have the drive I had at one time. A 6 and 7 day a week work schedule has not helped either.

 

[7mminatree]

I feel the same way, I'm not even going this weekend. Even though I've been lucky and killed a 10 pt. during the muzzleloader season. I'm just not seeing many deer period. Watching the trees grow is not productive nor is it a thrilling hunting experience. Going to take the wife to Pigeon Forge and do some Xmas shopping. I hope all you guys and gals out there tag a good one today. Merry Christmas to all.

 

[300wby]

best and ONLY ruttin activity i have seen this year goin on now. I felt same way u did till bout 35 minutes ago. Hope u get pased it.

 

[MUP]

That's just it, I saw good rut action during ML and first week of rifle, AND had my opportunities to get it done(two shots fired, and a no shot opp) , but thru every fault of my own I didn't seal the deal. Oh, did I mention the misfire from my rifle on the best buck seen this season, AFTER possibly gut shooting him, then having a second AND third shot opp, in which the 3rd was the misfire? I'm almost afraid to get in the stand to find out what else could go wrong.

 

[tcuurry]

Been hunting for 19 years all I would talk, think, watch, dream about for 365 days and this year I have not cared one time about going iv been and seen a lot of deer just getting feed up with it seems more like a job then a hobby to me so I know we're your coming from bud we will make it through this troubled time

 

[MUP]

Yes, it is feeling more like work anymore to me also...the work of a security guard or policeman of my property. Had to break off our Thanksgiving Day traditional hunt at 7:15 that morning after 3 shots rang out just over the hill from me, and just up the ridge from my cousin, AND , ON my uncles property. Guy was back across the line by the time I got down and climbed that steep ridge in the snow,(new tenant to the land adj to my property) but he said he killed a spike just on his side of the line. We couldn't see it as he walked across the line and met me, and my cousin, before we got close to his house, which is about 10 yds from the line anyway. But, I know where the shots came from, and they were from my uncles prop, which also borders mine. Neverending.

 

[EastTNHunter]

Steve, I understand. If you don't feel like going, then don't. If you are out there and not into it then you will be daydreaming, fidgeting, and possibly getting down early, possibly messing up future hunts. There is no need in going if you don't want to.

Hunting is supposed to be fun. I know that obligations are often not fun, so if I feel obligated I will probably not have much fun. Take a few days off (or a week or two), and then the desire and fun may come back. If not, then hang it up until next year, when I am sure that the fever will begin to fester starting mid-spring or so.

Just something else to think about, but maybe you need a change of scenery. When doe days open back up in a couple of weeks, come over here and hunt with Daniel and I on the river. Maybe you will like it, or maybe it will make you yearn for your own land. That's up to you.

 

[MUP]

Thanks for the invite Ryan, much appreciated buddy! I might just do that, then again, we have a doe week for the first time ever in my county week after next! I hope to take my daughter out to get her first deer sometime during that time

 

[Columbia Scott]

The older I get the less inclined I am to hunt on windy days, scout up and down ridges, sit in a stand soaking wet and miserable, ask mean ol' bastards for permission to hunt or even climb in a climbing stand. Hunting for me has become a simple pleasure now, not an adrenaline pursuit. I like my big ladder stand on the field edge, my Thermos full of coffee and a good book. The deer are incidental. I managed to get a big 9 point this year so all is good in my neck of the woods.

 

[MUP]

Then again, it could have something to do with my little girls birthday party today...maybe deep down, I just wanted to stay home today to spend this day with her. It's not till noon, but doesn't feel right to go hunting, even tho I could have been back in plenty of time.

 

[MUP]

Not her actual birthday mind you, just the party for her and her friends.

 

[BSK]

MUP,

Hunting is supposed to be fun. If it's not fun, well...

And every year is different. I'm just sorry to hear of your negative experiences that have taken the fun out of the hunt this year.

I'm in the opposite situation, where I've been so successful early on that I've killed everything I wanted to kill for the year, and now have no reason to hunt anymore, as I wouldn't actually be hunting (no intent to kill).

 

[DEERDOWN]

I wish I would have stayed in the warm house the only thing moving was me in a cold north wind. Maybe one of these days common sense will override barbaric nature and I too will be at the house instead of 30 ft in the air swaying around.

 

[darn2ten]

MUP, I understand where you are coming from. When I was in my twenties I hunted like I was obsessed. My buddies use to tell me I had a Golden Horseshoe up my rear, killed a lot of deer. It use to totally consume me, even during the off season. I've definitely slowed down a little. It's easier now because I just walk out my door and to the back fourty. More selective about the days I hunt now, used to be nothing stopped me. Just this morning I went out on the back deck at about 5. Wind was blowing like crazy and 27 degrees, turned around and got back in bed with the wifey. Ain't no since being miserable, that ain't enjoyable. I think you'll get over this and be a renewed man next year, couple things you been through this year could wear any man a little thin.

 

[Devin2009]

I cant remember a season where I've ever thought to myself that I may be "burnt out", but I fear I may be at that point. This season, and all the calamity associated with it, has just zapped me of about any desire to get up and go hunt I believe. I've pretty much been one of the "diehard", hunt to the last day types, thru the lean early years when I would might go several days and not even see a deer, up till now I think. Maybe I'm just getting older and worn out sooner from the early part of the season, but I thought I'd be up and getting out there this morning, and I just don't have that desire to even wonder what might walk by. So, here I sit, up in plenty of time(been up since 3:45 c.s.t.) to have been out to my stand, with a good wind, and just thinking I don't care to go. Not asking for pity or prayers guys, its just been a season unlike I've ever experienced before, and just want to move past it at this point I believe. Sheesh...I hate this lack of desire for what has been a passion in my life for over 35 yrs.

Felt the same way in "11, nothing went right the whole year. Didn't give up bc that just ain't me, but last year "12 was by far my best ever year, an this year so far is up their. You just got to appericate the bad times when they happen, savor every bit of the good times.

 

[Mike Belt]

My buddy tells me I'm not as mad at the deer as I used to be. I suppose he's right because I would never miss an opportunity in the woods before. Now I pick my days and give myself a break and I don't scout near as hard and cover near as much ground as I used to. I still move more than most and hunt a lot but I've really calmed down. Maybe you need to do the same and keep it fun.

 

[WGK]

Hang in there buddy. Take a few days off go hunt with ET hunter you just need a good hunt and that will change your whole outlook.

 

[callemquacktn]

I cant remember a season where I've ever thought to myself that I may be "burnt out", but I fear I may be at that point. This season, and all the calamity associated with it, has just zapped me of about any desire to get up and go hunt I believe. I've pretty much been one of the "diehard", hunt to the last day types, thru the lean early years when I would might go several days and not even see a deer, up till now I think. Maybe I'm just getting older and worn out sooner from the early part of the season, but I thought I'd be up and getting out there this morning, and I just don't have that desire to even wonder what might walk by. So, here I sit, up in plenty of time(been up since 3:45 c.s.t.) to have been out to my stand, with a good wind, and just thinking I don't care to go. Not asking for pity or prayers guys, its just been a season unlike I've ever experienced before, and just want to move past it at this point I believe. Sheesh...I hate this lack of desire for what has been a passion in my life for over 35 yrs.

It is like you wrote how I feel about this season.

 

[RidgeRunner94]

might be the late season blues... i go way less in december. but im itching to get in the stand come may. but everyone is different. do what makes u happy mup.

 

[MUP]

Well, after the party I had a chance to go this eve...so I went. Dangerous out there, had ice on the stik ladder and the base of the loc on....and didn't see a single deer. Pretty scenery tho, looked like a winter wonderland out on the mtn.

 

[Boone 58]

I cant remember a season where I've ever thought to myself that I may be "burnt out", but I fear I may be at that point. This season, and all the calamity associated with it, has just zapped me of about any desire to get up and go hunt I believe. I've pretty much been one of the "diehard", hunt to the last day types, thru the lean early years when I would might go several days and not even see a deer, up till now I think. Maybe I'm just getting older and worn out sooner from the early part of the season, but I thought I'd be up and getting out there this morning, and I just don't have that desire to even wonder what might walk by. So, here I sit, up in plenty of time(been up since 3:45 c.s.t.) to have been out to my stand, with a good wind, and just thinking I don't care to go. Not asking for pity or prayers guys, its just been a season unlike I've ever experienced before, and just want to move past it at this point I believe. Sheesh...I hate this lack of desire for what has been a passion in my life for over 35 yrs.

I have been there before, frustrating going and seeing nothing and not much satisfaction in that............especially when the worst weather rolls in. Sometimes I just don't go until better or more ideal conditions come. Still I love it!!

 

[JeepKuntry]

When your heart isn't in it, it's a waste of time. You won't enjoy being there. I've got a few hunts left for the season and I'm done. Been a down year, lack of mast in my area has everything out of whack. Minimal sign everywhere you look and low sightings. I was blessed with a small 7pt. so I've got some meat.

 

[3006hollowpoint]

I know the feeling but I haven't lost the passion. I was about to shoot my first doe the one time I got to hunt so far and these arses brought their squirrel dogs into the woods and spooked her off. Between that, finals, and my grandmother about to pass away, I also considered saying "screw it, I can't go til the last two or three weeks anyway" but for me it's somehow therapeutic to freeze my rear off waiting for a whitetail to come through the cedars.

 

[jaybird62]

As I sat perched in a too-small white oak, my Summit climber felt like it was barely clinging to the tree yesterday evening. Sleet would occasionally bounce off my nose or make a barely audible "tick" as it hit my glasses. I felt restless wanting to climb down, and battled with the justification that the conditions warranted still-hunting.

Another string of thoughts crossed my mind, like where I would build a tall, insulated, enclosed stand next summer. I've been climbing trees for 39 seasons, but the though of comfortable, permanent stands gets more appealing every year. I've always been a climber and Loc-On kinda guy, never really liking ladder stands. The thought of warmth, comfort and maybe the company of my friends and family mean more to me these days than killing a mature buck. (I know if I install a satellite dish so my wife can watch SEC football she'll be right there beside me.)

I guess that's a long-winded way to say we all change our minds about why and how we hunt. Getting frustrated by the way a deer season evolves is natural. It's ok if you clean your guns and gear and put them away until next year. It's ok to hunt less than you normally would for the remainder of this one, too. Just make sure you're making it enjoyable. I've been where you are now. It gets better.

 

[Stalkhunter]

Hi Mup for me its lack of land, and travel. I love hunting with Encore 06 but the 150 mile round trips get me. yes i can stay there, the invites are always there from my Bro, i dont like to intrude. I guess at almost 51 now i get tired lol. Slept in today, hunted dark to dark. stalked up on 2 doe. Cant shoot them.

 

[Winchester]

Lack of land has become without a doubt my biggest problem. I have in the past always kept at least one farm/area leased somewhere in Middle/West Tn. or Western KY. I have went a few yrs without one while my boys were young and us hunting close to home on mostly public land here in East TN. Now that they are old enough and still interested, Im back in the market to lease some property!! I think this will put some of the fire back for us as well!