Hunting mistakes

Salutations, Forum!

We have a feature in our next issue focusing on lessons learned the hard way which also includes contributions from a few of our regular columnists.

We'd like to add to this feature by including some more contributions, and to open it up to general hunting failures. We know our Forum Community probably holds a lot of insights in this matter, too.
If you have a short, but riveting note about making a mistake, and what you learned from it, that we could include, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you, all!

This smells of entrapment, do we get immunity?

Big mistake #1: When hangin' yer butt over a log,make sure the log's not rotten.

A few on here will recall 12 years ago when i did this:

https://live.staticflickr.com/4484/3...eb66b4c1_b.jpg

Pay attention to your digits when using a crossbow - the string hurts - plus it made me miss my shot.

If pulling a light on-road trailer miles down a 4x4 trail bring lots of spare parts - like at least two spare tires, set of leaf springs and a spare axle. The trailer in question has been replaced with a purpose built axle-less offroad trailer.

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Originally Posted by Species8472

A few on here will recall 12 years ago when i did this:

Pay attention to your digits when using a crossbow - the string hurts - plus it made me miss my shot.

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Man, I wish I could unsee that!

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

This smells of entrapment, do we get immunity?

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Lol not looking for illegalities, more like missteps, or missed opportunities.

remember the keys for your gun locks!

BDH been there, half your boat ride to the blind in the dark, get all set up with decoys. wait till legal take gun out and crap, 20 min back in daylight and another 20 back. buddy got all the shooting before I got back to blue skies.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BDH

remember the keys for your gun locks!

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I use combination locks now for that reason ;)

The biggest mistake I make is turning off my alarm and going back to sleep. Every time I regret it and it's easy to do when the weather isn't great but my best hunts are always when I decide to go anyway.

Here a few mistakes:
- Forgetting your ammo or firearm
- Forgetting essential gear like a harness, compass, or knife
- Misplacing your tag
- Trespassing
- Not listening to others and ending up in the wrong place
- Getting to your stand too late
- Leaving your stand too early
- Not “reading” or ignoring game sign
- Being stubborn and not adapting to changing situations
- wearing out a stand
- Ignoring the wind and not accounting for your scent
- Not being quiet or invisible
- Not respecting your quarry’s senses or intelligence.
- Not sighting in your firearm
- Not practicing/shooting enough
- Shooting at game that is out of range
- Shooting beyond your capabilities or abilities
- Not paying attention to your surroundings
- Not taking the time to know what is beyond your target
- Being out of shape and not going for regular checkups
- Hunting carelessly, when under the influence, or when exhausted
- Not studying or learning about your quarry
- Being rude to others
- Not being a mentor to others
- Not appreciating being out in the woods and not giving thanks for the day

I can go on and on!