I hate rifle season .... more than ever.

[2BHNTN]

I posted up in the bow forum about a 145ish 10 point that I had to let walk due to having already taken a buck.

As some of you know I hunt up near Brooksfield area ( New Boston ) which is made up of mostly CRP with very little timber. What timber is there is in small strips along the bottom of draws. When I hunt, I try to make the least impact possible and try not to spook deer causing them to change their pattern. Them fuggers all around us were hunting from the back of the trucks, driving around the top of ridge lines while using pushers on their GD four wheelers. Two guys in the back of the trucks would open up as the deer were jumped out of there beds. The folks adjacent from where I hunt took that 10 point in this very manner. I guess they were successful, and I was not in my pursuit of this buck. I however do not agree with their intrusive, lazy azz method of hunting.

[PoisonSnake]

I tell you anymore rifle season just gives me the blues. If I owned 250 acres, it wouldn't be so bad. But, I know of a lot of bucks that have been shot in the same way of which you mention or on every 3 and 5 acre tract of land. It isn't like I'm any different hunting only on 61 acres, but I try to approach and leave the woods with the stealth of a jungle cat.

[Duck Me Runnin]

[PoisonSnake]

[Warmouth]

Road hunters suck. I found out after I took LA up to Kirksville that there was a jackazz driving down the pasture and parking his truck near our blind every morning/evening during the week. The tire tracks in the pasture told the whole tale.



I have nothing against organized drives with regular posters and walkers, I actualy enjoy them, but at least get your butt out of the truck.



Abig part of the bennefits to gun hunting is that you don't have to be as much of a hunter as in bow hunting. Noises, scent, bumping deer etc isn't nearly as bad for your gun hunting. With bow hunting every detail is important, and you must hunt their patterns to have success. For gun season though, you hunt the gun season (escape cover etc.), more than the deer imo.



Also with road hunting and party hunters, it doesn't take much of them to put a lot of pressure on the deer, and screw up any chance of success with normal hunting techniques.

[LadyAngler]

Helll, half (well probably more) of the hillbilly boys I know are straight poachers. Road hunting is just what they do. It will never be different cause it's too easy to sit down your jug of shine... grab the gun, roll down the window and shoot a fuggin' B&C buck with your only camo being that filthy ol cap you always wear.

[Triton X2]

I know this has been discussed a number of times, but does anyone forsee a change in the rifle season to where it will be shotguns only? I know there have been a number of accidents, although I dont know if it is more than in years past...Could they have been prevented by switching from rifles to shotguns? Just wanted some input.

[PoisonSnake]

I wouldn't mind having some of their homemade shine, but the rest is utter nonsense. Makes me want to join them so that I have a straight up chance of killing a booner myself.

[Outdoorsfool]

2B - ease up there a bit. Just because slob hunters kill deer using a rifle does not mean all rifle hunters agree with the tactics. Unfortunately those type of tactics and shooting deer at 300 yards + are common tactics up north. I let small bucks walk, didn't participate in any drives other than beating the brush where I thought some were hiding, saw a couple of does that stayed hidden and in the end...have no deer in the freezer yet. Helll, the only shot I've taken in a week was at a 'yote yesterday morning.

PS - I know a lot of bucks have been taken on nuisance tags too. I also know there are people that circumvent the Xbow regulations with a note from their doctor.

Whether you boys like it or not or agree with it, rifle season is necessary to keep the population in check. There are slobs in every segment of the population, yes, even in bow hunters.

I love me some rifle hunting, but am always glad to see the season end. Smoke pole jumped out of the closet when I got home last night with a big ole grin on it's "muzzle" cause it knows it gets to go hunting Friday!

[Outdoorsfool]

Triton - Won't ever happen. Rifle season is too engrained in MDC and any change would be a major impact to the $$$, season, population, etc.. I would hate to see MO take centerfire weapons out of the equation. If they are going to do away with centerfire, shouldn't they also outlaw modern muzzleloaders? Helll the scoped in-lines with a pocket full of speedloaders aren't much different than any most centerfire rifles. The majority of hunters out there should not be punished for the actions of a few. Besides, can you see the boys up north trying to whack deer at 300 yards with a slug?

[RB]

Triton, good question. I don't think you will see shotguns in Mo. That would be very unpopular with the opening weekend masses who only own a deer rifle that gets used once a year. Don't forget its not the guns that cause the accidents its the guy with it in his hands. 2b I feel for you and the problem you had. Fortunately I have good neighbor/hunters around us and the only time you know they are in the woods is when they shoot. The folks next door are avid 4 wheelers most of the year but they keep them parked during deer season except to haul one out. You can't teach stupid.

[LadyAngler]

I hear ya Snake. After my little adventure (or lack there of)... the "good ol boys" wanted us to go with em on a drive. Well, I knew I would have a chance to kill something, but didn't want that whole ethical baggage deal. Saying "Yeah, I shot this beauty here." "Where?!? Well, ahhhh... over yonder.... offa dat there road."

And look out... the shine will kick your azz. Trust me!

[PoisonSnake]

I have heard that the MDC could be considering a change to a December rifle season within 5 or so years. This is second hand from a very good source. But, it is still second hand and means absolutely nothing. I'll believe it when I see it. I just got word from a guy about a real jackass that is buying every piece of land near the HFA. Seems he is lying about the buck he shot to some folks and telling another story to others. I'm half inclined to turn him in to at least have it checked out. Lying SOB.

[Triton X2]

Something that is happening up where we hunt is a number of farmers are leasing large areas of land so they in turn can sublease( I think that would be some a correct term) to hunters.....I hope this doesnt happen where we are at, but the money would be challenging to turn down.

[Warmouth]

I would favor a rifle season out of the rut, before I'd take a shotgun season in the rut.



The reality is that whenever the season, and whatever the gun, there will be poachers and road hunters. Just the way some people are.



The other reality is, that moonshine mixed with apple cider and cinamon, will be great in the evenings, and very hard to get over in the mornings.