In a slump...

[4Falls]

With last months javelina season I've begun the 8th year of my slump. Last kill was a javie in ought five.

I'm pretty sure no one here has ever been in one this long, but whats the longest one you've experienced?

[mattys281]

With last months javelina season I've begun the 8th year of my slump. Last kill was a javie in ought five.

I'm pretty sure no one here has ever been in one this long, but whats the longest one you've experienced?

 

 

I bowhiked for about 5 years before I finally lucked into my first kill with stick & string when I was 19 years old. Didn't kill another thing with my bow until I was 28 or 29. Suddenly started dropping rabbits like flies, then killed another javi, a couple deer, another javi another deer.... Currently, I haven't put an arrow into an animal since Jan, 2011.

 

I'm not sure about your situation, but I know exactly what my problem has always been: I get wrapped up in work & family & end up not scouting or hunting. During the last 12 months I've spent a total of 10 days hunting. Hard to complain about not killing when I don't spend much time trying.

 

Keep positive bud, & put as many hours in as you can. That's about all you can really do.

 

If you have a little extra cash, I think it's worth the drive to go plug an exotic on a ranch in Texas or Ca. I shot a nice looking sheep at one over in Ca a few years ago. It's certainly not the same as killing a deer in the forest, but it's a good practice/confidence builder. Kinda like hitting the batting cages before playing in a big ball game.

[POB]

I've been in a slump for the entire century. Started bowhunting Elk and Javi's in 2000. Haven't killed a darn thing. I just hit 63 so I don't know if I've got enough years left to get the job done, but I'm gonna keep trying until they throw dirt over me. Just closed out my 13th unsuccessful pig season. Never killed one with any weapon.

[bigorange]

Well if you count a few years I took off hunting due to college and work, I'm looking at about 19 year slump. Just started back hunting seriously 3 or 4 yrs ago though. Still looking for first blood since starting back. I agree with the recommendation of trying somewhere else as a sort of batting cage approach I you can afford it or have access. Considering a roadtrip this Fall to hunt my uncle's farm back east if elk and antelope fall through.

[4Falls]

Well it looks like I'm in some good company anyway.

Time and confidence are my two biggest enemies.

I've had some good years, but I think those days have past and ive come to terms with my new normal.

[muledeerarea33?]

As long as you've had fun trying, that's all that matters. Getting the chance for a kill is f'ing amazing, being able to pick and choose your kill is exceptional, killing a monster is breath taking. I hate to be cliche, but the most passionate fun there is, is trying.

[4Falls]

Don't misunderstand, I have a great time when Im out. Every opportunity is a gift from God.

[Coach]

Keep at it! If there's one good thing about a slump, it's looking forward to breaking out of it. Hunt as much as you can, try to learn something new each time you go out, and things will turn around for you.

[PRDATR]

All I can add is to spend as much time scouting as you can so when the time rolls around you will have a place or two to hunt. Are you hunting areas where there is sign? If you can I find it helpful to get out a few days after a good rain so you can look for tracks.

That is the surest way to see if they are in an area.