WMU 56 Antlerless tag. Any takers?

[Karl Marques]

So, I've been told this is bad form but, what the heck. I'm going to say it anyway. Anyone out there feel like helping out a new hunter bag his first deer? I just got my antlerless tag in the mail for WMU 56. I chose that WMU because there's a lot of crown land up there and being new I don't have access to ANY private land at all yet. If there's anyone in the area that feels like going up during the gun season (Nov 2 - 15) and showing me the ropes when it comes to whitetail hunting, I'd be much obliged. The way I read the regs you can party hunt for whitetail in that area so I'd be happy to share my tag with whomever decided to help me out. Anyway, there it is. Any takers? Like I said, I've been told before that it can be bad form to ask for help in a thread but I have to learn from someone. Starting out as a hunter a little later in life and living in the city can present it's challenges.

[greatwhite]

Nothing wrong with asking, could help to also mention what gear you have to help with the hunt. Also keep an eye on the big game and hunting threads, soon members will post if they want someone new.

[Karl Marques]

Good idea about the gear. I don't have a whole lot of stuff. I'm assuming you mean firearm? Tree stands? Blinds? Well, basically all I have is some camo, orange cap and vest, and a Mossberg 500 12ga with a rifled barrel. My hunting budget isn't exactly huge so I'm hoping to build up my gear slowly over the years.

[Dythbringer]

Best of luck to you. I haven't ever hunted that WMU. While it isn't bad form to ask for help getting your first deer, just be prepared not to have guys rushing to help you too much. Most of us have stories where we share the results of our hard work (sweet spots, crown land which hold a certain species) only to find the next year the guy you helped brought his four buddies with him and now your sweet spot has been overrun. I am not saying you would do something like this but it has happened in the past.

While you are waiting for a response, maybe be a little proactive. Go up for a weekend or two in the area you want to hunt and find crown land with good deer sign. Pick out stand spots. Look into motels/places to stay while you are up there. Don't wait until the last minute where you don't have a response from anyone on the forums and you are scrambling to get set up. You have a tag which will let you shoot any deer which happens to come across your path so you don't have to be set up perfectly. Doing your own legwork will help you learn the area more if you plan to hunt WMU 56 in the future.

Dyth

[LeakyBoots]

There is nothing wrong with asking. Next year you might have better luck making arrangements with a group before you buy tags, but you are here now.

I would continue doing what you are doing and hope to find some guys. At the same time I would prepare yourself in case you don't get a response.

By that I mean I would make a scouting trip out there and find a camping spot and some areas to setup. I would also spend some time reviewing all the post-shot stuff in articles and you tube. It is totally realistic to imagine going out there on your own, and dropping one. If you by chance have that happen, you need to know what to do to harvest the animal. Sure it is better to have help and instruction, but you can do it on your own.

Sometimes with all the drama and politics of my group, I honestly think seriously about going out on my own...

[Karl Marques]

... Most of us have stories where we share the results of our hard work (sweet spots, crown land which hold a certain species) only to find the next year the guy you helped brought his four buddies...

Yeah, I can see how that would be a concern. I think that's the reason that I've been told that it can be bad form. I personally would never betray someone's trust like that but you don't know that. I have some time off coming up. I'm hoping to spend a night or two out there just getting a feel for a nice spot.

[seabast]

Sorry I don't hunt in your WMU, but you got all you need as long as you also have a knife, a rope and have a good idea on how to gut a deer.
The first deer I shot in Ontario was alone, on crown land and seated on a stump so all you need is to start going in the bush now to find deer sign. Go there at the opening and wait. Just be aware that a group might already hunting this area, so make sure you have a clear view of what you shot before squeezing the trigger, and make sure other see you too. Who knows you might find who you are looking for while hunting....
Good luck

[chrispret]

It is totally realistic to imagine going out there on your own, and dropping one. If you by chance have that happen, you need to know what to do to harvest the animal. Sure it is better to have help and instruction, but you can do it on your own.

Very true. Last year was my first season and I was too late for the draw. So I had only a buck tag. I had at least 5 opportunities to take a decent sized doe.

By opportunities, I mean I drew my bow and aimed off to one side to practice the real deal if a buck came along.

Something I wish I knew earlier, the best hunting time is first light and last light. If you're making the effort to go out there, make sure you stay until the last legal time. Almost all my opportunities were within 30 minutes of last light.

[3030]

I'll think about it

[Karl Marques]

Yeah, I can see how that would be a concern. I think that's the reason that I've been told that it can be bad form. I personally would never betray someone's trust like that but you don't know that. I have some time off coming up. I'm hoping to spend a night or two out there just getting a feel for a nice spot.

Just to add a little to this post; I've met up with people through this forum before and I've been taken to some other favorite hunting spots. I've never gone back to those places and hunted those grounds without permission. A major part of hunting for me is the interaction with people. The camaraderie and making new friends. Showing up on someone's land or favorite hunting spot without permission goes completely against that in my opinion.