Trying to take the next step

[Swamp_bucks]

The last 4-5 yrs I’ve started pushing myself to hunt and find bigger bucks.  I’ve had good luck and still have a bunch to learn. Since 2017 I’ve tagged a 3.5 or better about every other year with a couple 1.5yr olds towards the end of the season. I’m trying to get that 3.5 or older to every year.  None of them scored great but genetics on the pieces I was hunting at the time just are what they are.  Score doesn’t bother me I want a certain age class. My goal every year is  3.5 or older. 

I’m at the point I can read sign good enough to know if it’s put down by something mature. I usually have a good idea how pieces work and how deer use them. I can get good deer for stateland on camera regularly.  However getting to the point of closing the deal still eludes me. 
 

For those that are successful with mature deer on a yearly basis did you go through the same type of procession in skills?  I only hunt stateland so altering the landscape to help myself isn’t an option and a mature deer is anything 3.5 and up.  Was there something that one day clicked for you?  Did someone give you a piece of advice? 
 

I know what cost me a chance at a good buck today and it was pure laziness for not getting up this morning. I knew there was bucks in that area and I was too lazy to go back and get my stand after the drag last night and cost me going this morning.  If I had I would’ve been in position this morning setup and waiting on that buck I encountered. 
 

even though there’s still a good amount of season left I’m starting a list on what to improve on. 
1) need to be in better shape, 2) suck it up when tired/sore and get out there when the time is right, 3) do more spring scouting, 4) looking into saddle setups, 5) more cameras

Any pointers that helped or improved how you went from taking any buck to moving into the older age class would be greatly appreciated.

[mowin]

It sounds like you are progressing nicely. I don't think there's any definitive advice someone can give except, hunt where there are 3.5 and older deer.  

[Swamp_bucks]

8 minutes ago, mowin said:

It sounds like you are progressing nicely. I don't think there's any definitive advice someone can give except, hunt where there are 3.5 and older deer.  

Thanks I’m happy with how far I’ve come just want to get to that next level. 

[Ncountry]

1st of all I'm not a big buck killer guru..lol.. Being in good shape definitely is a great help. I've become a better hunter as I've aged .Unfortunately not a more athletic hunter..There are places that I'm not willing to go as often, even though I know a nice buck is likely there.

On public lands, I have early season spots .  Also rut hunting locations that  I leave untouched until the "right" time..

Also , never underestimate the easy overlooked spots.. Our group has probably killed more nice bucks in these spots in the last dozen years than we have 300'+ down in a  river bottom, miles back in ,or deep in the cattails..lol 

Smarter or lazier? I'm not sure. Just because you can see the cars go by doesn't make it bad..

[BowmanMike]

I have no advice on your hunting progression but would be happy to talk saddle setup with you. There are so many options and different ways to climb it is mind boggling.

I found what I like,but I would be happy to give you some pointers if you want. Heck,you can try out my saddle if you want.

[Swamp_bucks]

29 minutes ago, Ncountry said:

1st of all I'm not a big buck killer guru..lol.. Being in good shape definitely is a great help. I've become a better hunter as I've aged .Unfortunately not a more athletic hunter..There are places that I'm not willing to go as often, even though I know a nice buck is likely there.

On public lands, I have early season spots .  Also rut hunting locations that  I leave untouched until the "right" time..

Also , never underestimate the easy overlooked spots.. Our group has probably killed more nice bucks in these spots in the last dozen years than we have 300'+ down in a  river bottom, miles back in ,or deep in the cattails..lol 

Smarter or lazier? I'm not sure. Just because you can see the cars go by doesn't make it bad..

Found a spot like that this year, actually where I had my encounter today.  Haven’t figured out the price yet but does take me by year 2 to get it somewhat figured out.

[grampy]

Disclaimer!! I am no expert! I'm still learning after 50+ seasons.

But I've taken a fair share of older bucks. What changed more for me than anything else? One word.... PATIENCE.  

And slowing things down in the deer woods. Picking up the clues that some miss. 

The very best teachers, are the deer themselves. 

[Ncountry]

15 minutes ago, Swamp_bucks said:

Found a spot like that this year, actually where I had my encounter today.  Haven’t figured out the price yet but does take me by year 2 to get it somewhat figured out.

I know aerial photography has saved me years of on the ground scouting as well.

[Swamp_bucks]

25 minutes ago, Ncountry said:

I know aerial photography has saved me years of on the ground scouting as well.

Same, I spend hours in the off season looking at aerial photos