Hot Days and Tall Weeds This weekend we headed to our lease near Newcomerstown, Ohio, to swap batteries in our trail cameras and do some summer deer scouting. On paper it sounded easy, but late August scouting is no joke. The weeds were taller than my son Teddy in some spots, and the heat hit 89 degrees. Within minutes we were sweating through our clothes. Moving around in thick cover made it tough to see much, but we still picked up a few lessons about scouting deer in Ohio during the summer months. Our Trail Camera Setup We’ve got four cameras running right now: 1 Muddy cam 1 Fusion X Pro 2 DECEPTOR Max cams Trail cameras are the best tool for scouting deer in summer, especially when the woods are overgrown. They capture movement we would miss in person and show us deer behavior around the clock. One of the first surprises came from a scrape we found last winter. It’s no longer just a scrape — now it’s a hole dug deep into the ground. Around it were both deer and cow tracks, but something had definitely worked it over. Later that night, our cell cam at that exact spot sent us an image of a nice buck standing right over the scrape. That’s the kind of sign that makes sweating through August worth it. What We Found While Scouting in August This trip gave us a mix of challenges and discoveries: Trails in the weeds: Even though the cover was thick, deer trails stood out clearly, cutting lines through the tall grass and weeds. Old scrape turned hole: A scrape we marked months ago has become an active spot, with tracks and a buck caught on camera. No live deer sightings: Other than what the trail cam captured, we didn’t see deer moving while we were out. Wildlife encounters: Teddy spotted a butterfly on a branch, we ran into a giant spider guarding its tree hole, and Hannah took time to clear branches from the two-person stand she shares with Teddy. These little details remind me that August deer scouting isn’t just about finding the deer you can see. It’s about piecing together the signs, patterns, and camera images to prepare for the season ahead. Family in the Woods The best part of the trip wasn’t just checking cameras — it was being out there together. Teddy rode on my shoulders to stay above the weeds, Hannah got their stand cleaned up for fall, and we all got a laugh despite the heat. Hunting prep can feel like work, but when it turns into family time, it’s easier to push through the sweat and frustration. Even when deer don’t show, these afternoons build memories that last longer than any season. Lessons Learned from Summer Deer Scouting Here are my takeaways from this trip and why summer deer scouting in Ohio is still valuable: 1. Thick cover hides more than it shows. Once summer weeds grow up, it’s almost impossible to scout the same way you do in early spring. But clear deer trails still stand out, and those lines tell the story. 2. Trail cameras carry the load. In late summer, it’s the cameras that keep you connected. They run 24/7, catching movement you’d never see while walking through brush in the middle of the day. 3. Don’t expect instant results. Summer scouting doesn’t always mean spotting deer in person. It’s about setting yourself up for success in fall, when sign and movement are easier to read. 4. Scrapes can change. An old scrape might not look the same months later. Ours turned into a hole, and the buck image from that exact spot proves deer are still checking it out. 5. Family time makes the heat worth it. Even on days when it feels like you’re not getting much done, bringing your kids or spouse turns the grind into something enjoyable. Wrapping It Up This trip wasn’t glamorous. It was hot, sweaty, and overgrown. But that’s the reality of summer deer scouting. You won’t always spot deer with your own eyes, but trail cameras, old sign, and fresh tracks give you the puzzle pieces you need. Most importantly, it’s time well spent. Between a nice buck showing up on the scrape cam, Hannah and Teddy getting their stand ready, and a few unexpected encounters (that giant spider won’t be forgotten anytime soon), the day was a win. Even when summer scouting feels humbling, it builds the foundation for fall success — and creates memories along the way.

I woke up early, grabbed my gear, and headed to Silver Creek Archery Range with my wife. The weather was perfect. I was excited to finally start dialing in my shots for deer season. We got there around 8 a.m. and were set up and slinging arrows within minutes. The plan was simple: start at 10 yards, move to 20, then 30. Just a solid, confidence-building practice session. Everything was feeling great... until it wasn’t. From Dialed In to "Uh OH" I had just finished my 30-yard grouping and was walking back to grab more arrows when my wife looked at my bow and said, “Hey... is your string supposed to look like that?” 30 yard arrow grouping Serving on bowstring coming loose Sure enough, the serving near my yoke was starting to unravel. Not completely blown apart, but definitely not right. It was one of those “Oh crap” moments where your stomach drops a little. Especially when you realize you’ve been shooting like that for a while. I stopped immediately. I didn't know if this could damage my bow and didn't want to risk it. Thankfully, we had my wife’s crossbow in the car. We passed it back and forth for the rest of the morning so we could both still get some practice in. But that little unraveling string taught me a big lesson. What Is Serving(and Why It Matters)? If you’re newer to archery like I am, you might not even know what “serving” is. The serving is the thread wrapped around key sections of your bowstring. Usually at the nocking point, the cams, or the yoke. It protects the string from wear and friction and helps hold everything together. If the serving starts to come apart, it exposes the string underneath to damage. Left unchecked, it can lead to a frayed string, inconsistent shots, or even dangerous string failure. Which, obviously, we don’t want. What I Should Have Done (and Will Do From Now On) Looking back, the signs were probably there. I just wasn’t in the habit of inspecting my string before shooting. That’s changed now. Here’s my new pre-practice checklist. Short, simple, and beginner-proof: 1. Inspect the serving. Look at the yoke, cams, and center serving. Any loose wraps or fraying? Time to stop. 2. Check your nocks and arrows. Make sure each arrow is in good shape with no cracks or splits. 3. Look for string wear. If you see fuzzing or separation, consider waxing or replacing. 4. Test your draw slowly. Make sure everything feels smooth and sounds normal. My current bow setup It takes less than a minute and could save you from a ruined session or worse, a busted bow. Silver Creek Anchery Range We were shooting at Silver Creek, a free public range maintained by the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODNR). If you’re in the area and haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend it. There are multiple target distances, a raised shooting tower, and it’s usually pretty quiet if you get there early. Plus, it’s free. For us budget-conscious hunters, that’s a win. There’s even a sign at the top of the tower that recommends wearing a harness when shooting from elevation. A good reminder that safety applies at every level of practice. Shooting the Crossbow (and Getting Schooled by My Wife) After I set my compound bow down, we took turns with my wife’s crossbow. I’ve got to admit, it was a nice change of pace. The power and simplicity of it were fun. Honestly, she out-shot me more than once. She doesn’t get out to shoot as often as I do, but when she does, she makes it count. Watching her shoot with confidence while I nursed my humbled ego reminded me why I love bringing her along. There’s something about these outdoor moments. Small gear problems, friendly competition, and problem-solving on the fly all come together to make every trip memorable. Me shooting my wife's crossbow What I Learned (and Who Helped Me Fix It) I’ve heard people say “your bow will tell you when something’s wrong.” But this time, it wasn’t the bow that told me. It was my wife. Still, the lesson stuck. Always check your gear before you shoot. Even a simple practice session can turn into a learning experience. And I’d rather learn this lesson now than during hunting season with a deer in range. As soon as I got home, I took my bow to Bounce Archery in New Franklin, Ohio. Not only did they fix the serving, they reinforced it with extra wrapping and didn’t charge me a dime. If you're anywhere near northeast Ohio, I can't recommend them enough. Super helpful, honest folks. Final Thoughts This trip reminded me that every piece of gear matters. So does the routine you build around it. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been hunting for years, it pays to slow down and inspect the little things. My plan for the next couple of weeks is to keep practicing with more intention, keep an eye on my gear, and keep working toward opening day. If you’re new to archery like I am, hopefully this story saves you a headache. And if you’re in the area and need a trustworthy shop, definitely check out Bounce Archery in New Franklin. Want more beginner-friendly stories and tips? Follow along here on the blog or catch short clips from this outing on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Stay safe, shoot straight, and always check your gear.

We had big plans for this trip — two full days of camping, fishing, and hanging out as a family at Nimisila Reservoir Campground. But like most of my outdoor adventures, things didn’t go exactly how I imagined. Between the heat, bugs, and a surprise thunderstorm, our stay was shorter than expected. Still, it ended up being one of those trips we’ll remember forever — especially for the time we got to spend together before things got wild. Setting Up Camp (Team Effort Style) We rolled into camp on July 25 with a full crew: Kaiden, Angel, Wyatt, Teddy, and me. Everyone pitched in right away — setting up the tent, helping unload gear, figuring out where things should go. Kaiden was setting up his hammock for the first time and even learned a few knots to get it rigged properly. It was one of those cool dad moments where you get to teach something, and they actually use it. Once we were settled, we grabbed water bottles and went for a walk around the campground to explore. The kids helped me scout around for the best fishing spot for the next morning. We checked out the docks and eventually stumbled across a small playground where they messed around for a bit and just let loose. We didn’t start the fire until it got dark, but once we did, we added one of those color-changing fire packets and just hung out by the flames. That part felt like the picture of what I want these trips to be — fun, relaxed, together. Almost Movie Night, But Not Quite We tried to do a movie night on the tablet after the fire, just as a way to chill together in the dark, but the bugs were too much. Even with citronella candles and bug bracelets, they found us. So we bailed on the fire and all crammed into the tent. Now here's where it got a little rough — the tent technically sleeps four, and we technically had four people in there. But once you factor in a full-size air mattress, the summer heat, and no real airflow, it was like a sweaty game of human Tetris. We were trying to stay cool, trying not to touch each other too much, and trying to pretend we were tired. Wyatt at least was happy that we were only about 20 minutes from home — close enough to still get decent signal. He passed some time on his phone and even got his PlayStation Portal working. Not exactly “roughing it,” but hey, whatever keeps a 12-year-old happy while camping. Bugged Out and Back Home By about 10:30 PM, it was pretty clear the night wasn’t going to get any more comfortable. The heat, the bugs, the tight space — it all added up. Angel, Wyatt, and Kaiden were ready to tap out. I couldn’t blame them. So I drove them back home and returned to camp with Teddy. Just the two of us. Teddy’s Adventure Day At 6:00 AM, a thunderstorm rolled in and dumped buckets on our tent for a couple of hours. It woke us up, but there was something kind of cozy about it — just listening to the rain while hunkered down in our little shelter. Once the storm passed, Teddy and I got up and cooked some scrambled eggs for breakfast. Then we grabbed our rods and hit the lake. Teddy was all in — we used a bobber and red worms, and he ended up catching nine fish : eight bluegill and one yellow perch. Kid was pumped. After fishing, we went back to camp and played Uno, Pass the Pigs, and a few rounds of Yahtzee. We tossed some more beanbags on the corn hole boards and just soaked in the calm before the next storm hit. Around 1:00 PM, we packed up and headed out before the sky opened up again. The Classic Dad Moment Oh — almost forgot. At one point I tried to rinse worm guts off my fingers at the boat ramp and completely wiped out. The ramp was so slippery that I fell straight into the lake. Honestly, the water felt great on a hot day, so no complaints there. What made it memorable was trying to get back out — I slipped a few more times before finally crawling off the side into the rocks and making my way to shore. Meanwhile, Teddy just stood there grinning and said, “Bruh, you scared my fish away.” Definitely one of those core memory kind of moments. Nimisila Reservoir Camping: What This Trip Taught Us July is way too hot  for comfortable tent camping (unless you’re part mosquito) Bring all the bug gear… then bring some more Tight tents and summer heat don’t mix — no matter how good the air mattress is The air mattress was 1000% better than the inflatable sleeping mats Movie night sounds great… until the bugs say otherwise Teddy is a champ — ready for anything, full of good energy, and totally into the adventure Final Thoughts Even though the trip didn’t go as planned, it ended up being one of those great memories that stick. That’s kind of how it always goes, right? You can plan all you want, but the real joy shows up in the unexpected stuff — slipping into a lake, catching fish with your kid, or just laughing around a smoky fire. If you’re planning a family trip to Nimisila Reservoir, I’d recommend spring or fall over the middle of summer. But regardless of the season, bring the games, pack extra bug spray, and keep your expectations flexible. The magic’s in the moments you didn’t plan.

We hit Memorial Park Pond in Wadsworth, Ohio for a quick evening fishing trip. It was just a couple hours — 7:30 to 9:30pm — but a lot happened in that short time. My kids caught fish. I lost two. And I learned that fishing knots matter a whole lot more than I thought. What I Was Trying: Mono Leader on Braid I’d read that braid line can spook fish in clear water, and using a mono leader helps reduce visibility. So I decided to test it out. I was targeting bass with my baitcaster and tried two different baits: A Texas-rigged black and blue flake worm A 3/8 oz jig in the same color To connect the mono leader to my braid, I used a blood knot, and on the hook, I tied an improved clinch knot. The Knots That Failed Me My first cast with the Texas rig got hit almost instantly, but the fish took my worm and hook with it. The improved clinch knot had slipped. Frustrated but still hopeful, I tied on my jig. Got another bite… and lost the whole leader. The blood knot failed this time. Meanwhile, my daughter Angel was catching catfish using a Carolina rig with nightcrawlers, and my son Teddy was pulling in bluegill after bluegill using a bobber and red worms. I didn’t land a single fish. Chaos, Catfish, and Slime Teddy couldn't resist poking one of Angel’s catfish and wiped the slime on her shirt. She was not amused. Then, just to round things out, I accidentally cast my jig right into a group of geese. They exploded into the air like I owed them rent. I managed to grab an 8-second video of Angel’s catfish and a couple of photos, but most of the night was spent trying to figure out what went wrong. Angel holding her first catfish and Teddy trying to feel it. Angel holding another catfish that she caught. What I'll Try Next (And What You Should Avoid) The mono leader definitely seemed to help. I got more bites than usual. But losing both fish to knot failure was frustrating. I used a blood knot to connect braid to mono and an improved clinch knot on the hook. Clearly, something wasn’t right — either with my technique or knot choice. If you’ve had similar issues, you’re not alone. I’m going to test out other braid-to-mono knots like the double uni and FG knot to see if they hold better. What About You? Got a go-to knot for braid to mono? Had a fishing knot slip on you? Drop a comment or message me on social. I’m all ears — and clearly need the help. Fishing trips like this are a mix of wins, fails, and lessons. This one had all three, plus some unexpected laughs and a slime-covered shirt.

It’s been a while since my last post — February 9 — and a lot has happened since then. While I haven’t been posting, I’ve definitely been out there, living the Seasons of a Hunter mission: learning, growing, and getting outside with my family every chance I get. Spring Turkey Hunt Back in the spring, I took my youngest son, Teddy, out for his very first turkey hunt. We didn’t tag a bird, but we did call one in. He got so excited when it came in close that he moved a little too much and spooked it — but honestly, I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything. The look on his face, the thrill of calling it in... it was one of those father-son memories that sticks with you. Fishing Season Adventures As the weather warmed up, we leaned hard into fishing — and both of my younger sons have had some great success. My 11-year-old son Wyatt and I entered a fishing tournament together, and he caught his first bass! I think I was more proud than he was. There’s something special about seeing your kids find confidence out on the water. And then there’s Teddy, he is 8. That kid is always ready for an adventure. He’s been reeling in bluegill like it’s his full-time job. Anytime I mention fishing or hiking, he’s grabbing his boots and rod before I finish the sentence. My daughter even got in on the action — she caught her first catfish, and of course her little brother immediately wiped slime on her shirt. It was an 8-second TikTok moment that pretty much sums up our family’s outdoor life: messy, real, and full of laughter. Prepping for Fall Behind the scenes, I’ve been getting ready for deer season. I’ll be heading out to scout my private lease soon and swap out batteries in my trail cameras. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s part of the process — and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s been moving through while we’ve been fishing and camping. Even though I haven’t been blogging, I’ve been doing exactly what this space is meant to capture — putting in the work, spending time in the outdoors, and making memories with my kids. What’s Ahead Here’s what’s coming up: Scouting my lease and checking trail cams More fishing trips (we’ve got some bass to find!) Pre-season prep, gear checks, and fitness work Regular blog updates as deer season gets closer Thanks for following along. Whether you've been here from the beginning or just found this blog, I’m glad you’re here. This isn’t about being perfect — it’s about getting outside, learning along the way, and building something that matters with the people you love. More updates soon.

My son and I out on our first Post-Season deer scout The weekend is here, and deer season is over—time to start preparing for the next one. Yesterday marked my first post-season deer scouting trip, and while I haven’t done much of this before, I’ve been watching plenty of YouTube videos and reading articles to understand what to look for. My main goal was to find well-worn trails and bedding areas. Since I wouldn’t be hunting, I decided there was no need to leave before sunrise. Instead, I took my time and hit the woods around 8 AM. Bringing My Son Along for the Post-season deer scout Since it was the weekend, I invited my 17-year-old son to join me. He’s been hunting with me a few times and is showing more interest in it. He enjoys getting outdoors, and this was a great opportunity to teach him more about scouting. We layered up for the 25-degree weather, grabbed breakfast to fuel the adventure, and set out. Keeping It Light on Gear I wanted to travel light since we’d be covering multiple miles. I packed two trail cameras, binoculars, a first aid kit, and my new Insta360 X4 camera to capture some footage. Given the muddy conditions, we both wore our hunting boots, ensuring we had good traction for navigating the terrain. Scouting the South Corner We arrived at the property about an hour later. This is private land in Southern Ohio that my family has hunted for about 20 years. The land is divided into three main sections: Top Side  – A ridgeline with a small cabin, open fields, and established treestands. South Corner  – A challenging section with steep draws, a creek, and thick timber. Bottom Side  – A hilltop with steep spurs leading to a creek bottom. This trip was focused on the South Corner, an area we hadn’t hunted before. After pulling into the property, my son hopped out to open the gate. Right away, we ran into our first mistake—I hadn’t packed enough batteries. I thought each camera took eight AA batteries, but they actually required 16. That meant we could only set up one camera instead of two. Lesson learned! Finding Sign & Setting Up the Camera We began by walking the edge where the field meets the tree line, searching for deer sign before pushing deeper into the woods. It didn’t take long—we found a well-worn trail with fresh droppings. Following the trail downhill, we soon discovered an area covered in deer droppings with disturbed leaf litter. A broken branch caught my eye—it looked like a licking branch, but the ground didn’t resemble a traditional scrape. After analyzing the area, my son and I concluded that deer were likely feeding here. We marked it as a potential feeding zone. From there, we followed two trails leading out: Northward Trail  – This led down to the creek at the property boundary. We noted it as a potential crossing point but couldn’t follow it further. Northwest Trail  – This followed the creek along a downhill slope and was loaded with deer droppings. As we moved along, we spotted small rubs—an exciting first for my son. Eventually, the trail led us to a steep draw. As expected, the deer trail crossed at the very tip of the draw, confirming what I had read about deer preferring high crossing points. We marked it in OnX and pushed forward. Deer droppings Discovering a Bedding Area After battling briars and brush, we reached a steep overlook above the creek. Catching my breath, I scanned the ground and noticed small, oval depressions in the leaves—deer beds! I climbed into one and found white deer hair, confirming it was an active bedding area. This was a major win—I’d never found a deer bed before, and it reinforced what I had read about bedding behavior. One of the deer beds we found with hair in it However, there was one issue—a tree stand was positioned just north of the beds, meaning another hunter had already claimed this area. At first, I was disappointed, but then we had an idea. If another hunter is in this bedding area, the deer will likely flee south toward the feeding zone we had discovered earlier. Since we hadn’t seen signs of other hunters there, it seemed like a great place to set up our trail camera. We retraced our steps and placed the camera in the feeding zone, hoping to gather valuable intel on deer movement over the next few weeks. Setting up our trail camera over the feeding area Wrapping Up After setting up the camera, we scouted briefly on the Bottom Side but were too exhausted to do much. We did, however, come across a working oil pump, which my son found fascinating. He took some photos and videos before we called it a day. Active oil pumpjack Key Takeaways Deer don’t always bed in the thickest cover.  This bedding area was in a small clearing with great visibility and sound advantage. Always double-check your gear.  Running out of batteries limited the number of cameras we could place. Deer movement is predictable.  We now have a solid theory on how deer travel between feeding and bedding areas on this property. This scouting trip was a huge success, and I’m excited to see what our trail camera captures. Have you done any post-season scouting? What have you learned from your experiences? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your insights!

Ohio’s 2024-2025 deer hunting season is coming to a close, and while some hunters are squeezing in their final hunts, my season has officially ended. With obligations this weekend, I won’t be heading back into the woods, but that doesn’t mean my journey as a hunter is over. In fact, it’s just beginning. Like I mentioned in my last post, this year is all about learning to hunt. I’ve always known that successful hunters don’t just show up on opening day and hope for the best. The most effective hunters spend time in the off-season scouting, understanding deer movement, and preparing their spots well before opening day arrives. This year, I’m committing to taking a year-round approach to hunting, focusing on scouting, preparation, and skill development. Learning the Art of Year-Round Deer Scouting One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from experienced hunters is that scouting isn’t something you do a few weeks before the season—it’s an ongoing process. The best hunters scout all year long, tracking deer movement, identifying bedding areas, and monitoring food sources. They explore new hunting areas while revisiting old ones, constantly refining their strategy to increase their chances of success when the season rolls around. I’ll be following a similar approach this year, even though I’m still learning the ins and outs of deer scouting. Since I don’t have years of experience under my belt, I plan to rely on hunting blogs, YouTube channels, and expert advice to build my knowledge. But more importantly, I’ll be putting that knowledge into action in the field, turning theory into real-world skills. A decent buck on one of my trail cameras that I set up in December 2024 My Post-Season Scouting Plan Rather than taking a random approach to scouting, I want to be systematic and intentional. My goal is to have well-prepared hunting spots before the next season begins so I can climb into a tree with confidence, knowing I’ve put in the work. Here’s how I plan to tackle my off-season scouting: 1. Identifying High-Traffic Deer Areas I’ll start by focusing on deer sign—tracks, rubs, scrapes, bedding areas, and trails. These clues will help me understand where deer are moving and how they’re using the landscape throughout the year. 2. Locating the Best Tree Stand and Saddle Hunting Spots Rather than scrambling to find a tree in the heat of the moment, I want to identify stand-worthy trees well in advance. That means looking for trees with good cover, solid shooting lanes, and positioned near high-traffic areas. 3. Using Trail Cameras While I don’t have a ton of experience with trail cameras, I know they can be a game-changer for scouting. I’ll place them strategically to monitor deer movement over time. I just recently purchased 2 more cameras that I intend to use for scouting in hopes I can figure out a target buck that I would like to go after. New Stealth Cam trail cameras I intend to use this upcoming season 4. Scouting at Least Twice Per Month With only weekends available, I plan to dedicate two weekends per month to post-season scouting. This should give me enough time to cover different areas and gather useful insights without overwhelming my schedule. 5. Bringing My Kids Along One of the best parts of this journey is that I don’t have to do it alone. I plan to bring some of my kids along for the scouting trips, turning it into a learning experience for all of us. Not only will they get to enjoy the outdoors, but they’ll also start picking up valuable hunting knowledge at a young age. 6. Combining Scouting with Turkey Hunting Spring turkey season is coming up, and I see it as a perfect opportunity to scout for deer while chasing gobblers. By covering ground for turkeys, I can simultaneously look for deer sign, mark good tree stand locations, and prepare for the fall season—all while enjoying some turkey hunting action. 7 Months to Prepare—The Countdown Begins With about seven months until Ohio’s next deer hunting season, I feel like I have plenty of time to prepare. However, I know the key to success isn’t just time—it’s consistency. That’s why I’m committing to scouting regularly, documenting what I learn, and refining my strategy as I go. This journey is about more than just filling a tag—it’s about becoming a better hunter. By dedicating myself to the scouting process, I hope to not only increase my chances of success next season but also deepen my appreciation for the sport of hunting. I’ll be sharing updates on my scouting trips, what I’m learning, and how my hunting strategy is evolving. If you’re also taking a year-round approach to hunting, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what scouting techniques have worked for you? Let me know in the comments! Stay tuned for more hunting insights, and let’s make 2025 our best season yet!

View from the saddle. A hill behind me made me feel like I wasn't high enough. Learning Tree Saddle Hunting The walk to the tree was quiet and uneventful, just about a quarter-mile up a dirt road. I turned to my cousin and said I’d head north to find a tree. I didn’t have a particular reason for choosing that spot, but I figured it was worth a shot. Following a set of deer tracks, I found myself at the side of a hill. I picked a random tree and decided it was time to put my saddle to the test in real conditions. Preparing in the Basement Before heading out on this trip, I’d spent some time testing my saddle in my basement. I really wanted to have a warm and fuzzy feeling about tree saddle hunting before I really tried it in a tree. I practiced attaching my climbing sticks, securing my tether, and getting comfortable hanging from the saddle. This dry run allowed me to troubleshoot a few minor issues, like adjusting my lineman’s rope for easier climbing and figuring out the best way to attach my platform. Those basement sessions gave me the confidence to try the system in the field and made the process much smoother when it really counted. Setting Up in the Field Once I reached the tree, I placed my pack on the ground, strapped on my saddle, and pulled out my climbing sticks. I attached a pull rope to my bag and saddle to haul my gear up once I was in position. As I prepared to attach the first climbing stick, I realized I’d mounted it too high—an annoying but minor mistake. After repositioning the stick, I wrapped my lineman's rope around the tree and climbed onto the first step. It felt a little sketchy at first, but my basement practice paid off, and I got the hang of it quickly. One by one, I attached the other sticks and made my way up the tree. Once I reached my intended height, I secured my platform and hangers and pulled my bag up with the rope. I attached my tether and settled into the saddle. It felt good, but I noticed I was swinging slightly to the side. The tree's angle and the platform’s position were to blame, so I made a mental note to account for that next time. Overall, I felt comfortable and settled in for the next few hours. Cold Weather Challenges High winds were really blasting me with the snow! As temperatures dropped and snow began to pile up, I started to feel the cold seep in. I also questioned whether I was high enough in the tree. Although I had used all four climbing sticks, being on the downhill side of a hill made me feel exposed. From my vantage point, it seemed like a deer walking along the trail I was watching might end up at eye level with me. Despite the cold and lack of activity, I reminded myself that this outing wasn’t about harvesting a deer. My main goal was to test the saddle and get comfortable with it. After a few hours without any sign of deer, I decided to call it a day and head back to the cabin. An Unexpected Success at the Cabin Our "cabin" isn’t exactly a cabin—it’s more like a blind with shooting windows. My cousin and I hung out there until nearly dark, chatting and watching the woods. As the light faded, a deer walked out in front of us. My cousin quickly loosed an arrow, making a perfect shot on what we thought was a doe. The deer ran about 30 yards before dropping. Toni was proud of this little guy. When we reached it, we realized it was actually a small button buck. While it wasn’t what we’d expected, we were still thrilled. Success is success. Reflecting on the Experience Although I didn’t personally harvest a deer, I consider this trip a huge success. Testing my saddle in the basement beforehand made the learning curve in the field much easier to manage. Once in the tree, I learned how to use my saddle under real conditions and was impressed with how comfortable and functional it was. There’s still a lot to learn and perfect, but I feel confident that this new system will play a vital role in helping me harvest a buck next season. Every trip into the woods teaches you something new, and this one was no exception. I’m excited to continue refining my skills and putting them to the test.

Cold hunt at my hunting property on 1/12/24 Introduction As I dive deeper into hunting, I keep asking myself, "Am I doing this right?" I don't know much about deer behavior or sign, so I figured the best place to start was learning the most effective method for hunting whitetail deer in Ohio. My hunting journey began in Colorado with elk, where I grew to like the spot-and-stalk method. However, that method hasn’t worked well for me in Ohio. This realization led me to research the "best" hunting methods. After plenty of digging, it seems hunting from an elevated position is the way to go. That brought me to explore mobile hunting solutions like hang-on stands and saddles. A mobile setup is crucial for me. I want to adapt to different locations, especially as I learn more about deer habits and movement. I’m also planning to hunt public land, so portability is essential. Plus, investing in one versatile setup beats buying a dozen ladder stands. Stick around as I share the frustrations of this research process and the decision I finally made. Past Experience In my first blog post, I shared a bit about my hunting background. While my efforts haven’t been stellar, I think it’s worth discussing how my previous experiences influenced my decision to hunt from a tree. Here’s what I’ve tried so far: ground hunting, ladder stands, climbing stands, and ground blinds. Each method has its strengths, but my struggles often boiled down to location choice, not the method itself. Ground Hunting & Ground Blinds : These are by far the easiest and most affordable methods. For ground hunting, all you need is a spot to sit and good camouflage. Ground blinds are also inexpensive and accessible. While I’ve seen deer from both, I struggled to get into bow range. Deer almost always spotted me before I could take a shot. Climbing Stands : I used a climbing stand while stationed in Georgia, where pine trees made climbing easy. I even shot my first deer from a climbing stand, though it was pure luck—I picked a random spot in a pine stand, and it worked out. In Ohio, however, climbing stands require extensive tree prep, and they’re heavy and cumbersome to carry. Ladder Stands : These are comfortable but lack mobility. I’ve spotted plenty of deer from ladder stands, but getting them into bow range has been a challenge. Why Hunt From a Tree? After doing my homework, hunting from an elevated position seems like the best strategy in Ohio. While it doesn’t have to be a tree, using one is the most practical and common option. Elevation helps mask your scent and keeps you out of a deer’s direct line of sight, increasing your chances of success. Height also gives you a better vantage point to spot deer early, allowing more time to prepare for a shot. Although there are plenty of scent-control products, simply getting above a deer’s nose can make a big difference. The Struggle With Choosing the Right Option Once I decided to hunt from a tree, I faced a new challenge: picking between a mobile hang-on stand and a saddle. Both options have pros and cons, but researching them was surprisingly frustrating. Here’s why: 1. Too Many Options There’s no shortage of options for both hang-on stands and saddles, which is great for variety but overwhelming for beginners like me. I leaned toward saddle hunting because it’s lightweight and portable. However, as I dove deeper, I realized the decision wasn’t that simple. Saddle hunting involves more than just the saddle—you also need a method to climb the tree. Options include climbing sticks, steps, ropes, or even one-sticking. Each has its pros and cons, making the choice daunting. Hang-on stands presented similar challenges. While they’re more straightforward, you still need a way to climb the tree, and the variety of brands and features made my head spin. As a beginner, I don’t have enough experience to know what I prefer. Everyone talks about “personal preference,” but what if you don’t know yours yet? It was frustrating to find no “starter kits” to simplify the process. 2. Cost When I compared costs, I was floored. Some setups—both saddles and hang-on stands—exceeded $1,000. With a family of seven, that kind of expense requires careful consideration. At the same time, I didn’t want to risk buying cheap gear, as safety is critical when hunting from a tree. I realized I’d need to spend at least $500 for a reliable setup, including a saddle or platform, climbing sticks, and accessories. No brand seemed to offer an all-in-one solution, leaving me to piece it together myself. To stay organized, I created a notebook to track prices and configurations for three saddle setups and three hang-on stand setups. Here’s the revised version of your blog post. I’ve kept your voice intact while improving grammar, structure, and flow. I’ve also included keywords at the end to help boost your SEO. Decision Time: tree stand vs saddle After all the research, I made my decision: I’m going with a saddle. My priorities are weight and versatility. I want to walk miles into a hunting spot and set up quietly. Having carried a heavy climbing stand in the past, I knew I wanted something lighter. My saddle setup will include: A saddle A platform Climbing sticks I considered advanced climbing methods like one-sticking and rope techniques, but they didn’t seem beginner-friendly. Climbing sticks are heavier but easier to use, making them the best choice for now. The Grit Workhorse saddle setup Conclusion I’m not entirely confident in my decision. Will I enjoy saddle hunting? Is it worth the investment? These are tough questions, especially given the cost. Will I regret choosing a tree stand vs saddle? But I’m committed to trying it out, and next season will reveal whether the saddle is a game-changer. I’d love to hear from you! How did you choose your hunting gear? Do you prefer a hang-on stand or a saddle? And if you’re a seasoned saddle hunter, I’m all ears for tips. My next post will cover my first time using the saddle—hopefully, it goes well!

Bundled up against the chill, keeping a watchful eye from my tree stand. Hi, I’m David, and I’ve been hunting for about 10 years now. Wait a minute... why does the title of this post say I’m going to learn to hunt if I’ve been doing it for a decade? Well, the truth is, I’ve been trying  to hunt for 10 years, but I’ve only been successful once. Honestly, I still feel like I don’t really know much about hunting. Let’s dive into that. Since I don’t feel confident in my hunting skills, I figured it would be good to document my journey as I learn how to actually hunt. My hope is that my stories inspire others to get into hunting while also giving seasoned hunters a chance to share their wisdom with me. With any luck, this combination of reflection and feedback will help me improve faster. What can you expect from this blog? I’ll be sharing my struggles, successes, and everything I learn along the way. My posts will include insights into techniques, recaps of hunts, and plenty of my thoughts as I figure things out. I also hope to provide a few laughs because, let’s face it, I’m a complete amateur at this. A lot of what I share will likely be based on trial and error, so feel free to correct me or share your advice in the comments. A Little About Me I grew up in Northeastern Ohio in a family that hunted regularly. My grandfather was a dedicated hunter, so I was always around it, but I never really got into it as a kid. As an adult, I joined the U.S. Army, and my first duty station was Fort Carson, Colorado. It was there that I fell in love with the outdoors. That passion led me to study Outdoor Leadership and Recreation Technologies, which deepened my appreciation for nature. Around that time, some friends introduced me to hunting, and I decided to give it a try. My early hunting days were pretty unremarkable. I never even saw an animal while hunting in Colorado. However, when I was stationed in Georgia, I harvested my first whitetail buck—a tiny button buck. After four years of trying, I was proud of that little guy! What My “Hunting” Looked Like Here’s the reality: back then, “hunting” for me was carrying a climbing tree stand into the woods, picking a random tree, and sitting in it, hoping for the best. There was no real plan or strategy—just a lot of luck. Once, luck was on my side.\ My view from a tree stand overlooking a field where I hunt. When I left the Army, I moved back to Ohio to be closer to family, including my grandfather. I hoped to learn from him, but by then, he was already quite old. He had spent 20 years hunting the same private property and had numerous tree stands set up. I’ve been hunting that land for the past six years, but the pattern hasn’t changed much. I climb into one of his stands, wait, and hope. It hasn’t been very productive. Why I Need to Learn to Hunt Now you can see why I feel the need to actually  learn to hunt. I don’t just want to rely on luck anymore. I want to understand deer behavior, develop a strategy, and head into the woods with knowledge and purpose. To do that, I’ll need to spend a lot more time outdoors, something that hasn’t always been easy for me. I’m married with five children, so most of my free time has been dedicated to family. But now that some of my kids are older—and the younger ones are old enough to tag along—I’m determined to carve out the time I need to truly learn. My Goal for 2025 This year, I’m committing to getting into the woods and learning everything I can about the animals I hope to hunt. My focus will be on whitetail deer and Eastern turkey, and I’m taking a year-round approach to scouting and preparation. By the time hunting season rolls around, I aim to have enough knowledge to bag a decent buck. I’d love for you to share your own hunting experiences in the comments. How did you learn to hunt? Have you been successful? Do you, like me, rely on luck—or have you developed a real strategy? If you’re not a hunter but are interested in learning, I’d love to hear your plans for getting started. Let me know in the comments below.