Success! Thank you Dan and Hunting Beast - with video

[parkerdurham]

Hello all, long time lurker but new member here. I killed my first deer of the year on Saturday, and my first buck in 3 years. The last couple years, I have been a lot more confident as a hunter and woodsman, hunter deer rather than hunting spots; but I just couldn't close the deal. (I had to let down from full draw twice on the buck I was hunting last year.)

I owe a lot of that confidence to Dan and this forum, as I would take tips, apply them, and learn from my experiences. This buck meant a lot to me because it was not just "dumb luck" that I killed him like some of the other deer I have killed. I found the sign he was laying down the week before season started, including a large rub, droppings, tracks, and hair in his bed; and with a perfect NNE wind, I set up for him to come back to bed Saturday morning. Here's how it all unfolded:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt5uedP ... x4iCV3dGlA

If you do watch the video, I was wondering if you could offer any and all criticism that I could improve on, be it the hunting, camerawork, or editing. I've got thick skin, so please speak freely or even harshly. I've committed to self filming my hunts this year, and feedback from beast members who are better hunters and woodsmen than myself would help me accomplish my goals.

My "goals" for doing all this is:
1) To demonstrate a passion for the chase and the utmost respect to the animal that will connect to like-minded hunters, and will be tasteful and thought-provoking to others.

2) To be somewhat educational. I have tons to learn myself, but it would be nice if one person could pick up at least a piece of helpful advice.

The last thing I want to do is make this about me by boasting or seeking any accreditation. I just want to share a glimpse of the outdoors that often leaves me inspired. If my video takes any attention from that, I have failed miserably.

In closing, thank you to Dan and thehuntingbeast for not only providing excellent woodsmanship and hunting advice, but also giving the average Joe the confidence needed to succeed, and also the frame of mind that lack of success does not necessarily mean failure, as long as you learn, persevere, and keep hunting.

[Edcyclopedia]

Zero tracking does not suck...!
Nice buck - Spectacular job!

[botemple]

My only tidbit of advice is it would have been nice if you would have thrown in an aerial map to explain what all was going on rather than just pointing to random spots. I get it though if you don't want to give your spot away because of an aerial photo. Congrats on a good buck.

[Jackson Marsh]

Congrats on a good one AND filming the whole hunt

[Kevin2]

Congratulations. Nice that he fell right over.

[treeroot]

Congrats. Nice buck

[mheichelbech]

This is not a criticism...I am always amazed at guys hunting with no gloves on. I just couldn’t do that, if nothing for fear of poison ivy!

[Racks&Beards]

Congrats!

If I had any criticism, it would be that seeing videos like yours just makes me want to start bringing my camera along again

[stash59]

Just a little tip. I know the mic picks up and makes some things sound louder than they are. But you can hear the arrow when you draw. When it gets colder it gets louder. And from personal experience, I know deer can pick this up. And not end up giving you a shot.

[mipubbucks24]

Congrats nice deer, and good job self filming, hard to to.

[Matt Gill]

Congrats on a nice buck! I liked the video just fine

[walleyeralph]

Nice buck and video.

[BAS4109]

Great job! Nice video.

[PK_]

Sweet buck. Good job

[headgear]

Congrats! Like others said a nice map and breakdown of the setup would be cool, help others learn how to get it done.