LAST UPDATED: May 8th, 2015
On Sunday January 9, I looked out my window and watched the sun set over the suburbs of Minneapolis and let out a big sigh. The end of the archery season (in Wisconsin) is always tough, the end of any hunting season is. As a bowhunter – I spend so much energy and time preparing, hunting, changing tactics, and dealing with the cold, rain, snow, sleet, heat, and wind that I am exhausted by the time January rolls around. This December in Minnesota and Wisconsin was particularly difficult as we received over 30” of snow making some very tough hunting… snowshoes were a necessity and deer movement was limited. My highlight was November 7 – shooting my best archery deer to date (on film) in Wisconsin. I made a great 30+ yard shot (heart) but didn’t know until the recovery; it’s always better to wait when you are unsure. The hunt was featured on Bowhunt or Die Episode 7 and if you haven’t already check it out here. I also was able to harvest a doe early season (here) in one of my metro spots.
Pepin County Buck – November 7, 2010
Overall it was a great season but with the turning of the New Year it’s time to spend a bit of time on the storylines for my 2011 season:
“Breaking the Streak”
Grant Jacobs is my hunting partner for the Bowhunt or Die series here on bowhunting.com and he has been hunting hard since 2009 to get to deer down. His last successful hunt was October 29, 2009 – he was able to harvest a nice 3 ½ year old buck. Since then however he hasn’t had been able to shoot a buck or doe with his bow! To his credit – he has had many opportunities but trying to get it on film is a unique challenge. This year he will shoot a big buck, and I will be behind the camera to capture it.
Grant and I in the tree during the November Rut
“Big Surprise”
This is an individual goal for me – hunting the tough terrain of Houston County, MN I only saw him during daylight hours once last year… and he will be #1 for me next year!
The latest photo of this monster – December 14, 2010 (After Shotgun Season)
“Turkey by Arrow”
This is an individual goal I had for several years now – I applied for Minnesota Turkey License and if I am drawn I would love a chance to get a turkey (on film). For those who turkey hunt check out bowhunting.com for all the latest turkey gear at: https://www.bowhunting.com/shopping/search.aspx?keyword=turkey
“Gear, Products, Tools, and Ideas”
Finally, this year will be a year of testing new gear, new products, new tools, and new ideas. Last year I spent lots of time trying to figure out new properties and setups; this year my goal is to focus on strategies and new gear to help make my hunts on my properties better. This will start this spring with Turkey Hunting, Shed Hunting… then Summer Scouting with trail cameras and food plots, and finally fall bow season preparations.
See you in the woods,
Neal McCullough
