Orange Army

[booneriverbucks]

Wonder how all this snow will impact harvest. For guys sitting & not driving - man it’s gotta be way more deer sighted and shot. Deer drives….. hmmm. But louder & harder to get around. Bet the trespassing issues are way down with the snow

Good topic to bring up…. Also shows why sometimes different people have different opinions of the state of hunting.
Last year was awesome for the the group we do deer drives with.. arguably the best ever. This year we shot a third of the bucks we normally do.

It was a dud sitting in the eveing at my farm last year. Very few deer and very little mature buck movement. This year it was awesome sitting at my place. You’d think the deer population had never been stronger. Lots of deer and movement from all age classes.
If I was only going off of this year and had no prior experience I’d say sitting over a food plot in a heated blind was too easy and if I was a whiner I’d be crying and saying it should be illegal.. I would say doing deer drives was one of the toughest and least effective ways to hunt.. Last year it would have been the complete opposite. Kind of nice it evens out eventually.

On another note, this deep snow and cold seems to be making the antlers drop in a hurry. We’ve been seeing around 15 bucks fairly regularly at my place and 4 of them have dropped in the last few days. Hopefully that means they have a better chance of making it to next year.. as long as they don’t get mistaken for does.

 

[Bucksnbears]

I've lived in nw Mn for 60 years. From the time I was about 12 years old untill about 2010, " orange army" was a term that fit this area perfectly.
During gun season, it was a SEA of orange. Miles after Miles !
Groups of 10_ 30 people pushing every square inch of land that had cover.
That's back when you just (went). Nothing was posted. You just went wherever.
Super fun times.
When the " big buck" craze hit bout 15 years ago here, EVERYTHING changed!
Nowdays, it's like a vacuum here.
Nobody makes drives, everything is hush hush, enclosed blinds EVERYWHERE and the whole atmosphere of what I grew up in is Gone!.

20 years ago, not uncommon to hear 100/ 200 shots opening morning.
I think I heard 7 shots the whole season this year.
Does not bode well for the future of deerhunting. No kids being recruited.
I just bowhunt nowdays 【 last 15/ 20 years】 but I truly do miss the excitement that was once the " orange army ".

Nowdays, prime riverbottom land can be way overpopulated with deer. 100 deer per square mile in spots but the only ones being taken are bigger bucks.

Winter starvation during bad winters is the only thing we have here now for population control and it truly SUCKS watching deer die by that.

 

[newfarmer]

I've lived in nw Mn for 60 years. From the time I was about 12 years old untill about 2010, " orange army" was a term that fit this area perfectly.
During gun season, it was a SEA of orange. Miles after Miles !
Groups of 10_ 30 people pushing every square inch of land that had cover.
That's back when you just (went). Nothing was posted. You just went wherever.
Super fun times.
When the " big buck" craze hit bout 15 years ago here, EVERYTHING changed!
Nowdays, it's like a vacuum here.
Nobody makes drives, everything is hush hush, enclosed blinds EVERYWHERE and the whole atmosphere of what I grew up in is Gone!.

20 years ago, not uncommon to hear 100/ 200 shots opening morning.
I think I heard 7 shots the whole season this year.
Does not bode well for the future of deerhunting. No kids being recruited.
I just bowhunt nowdays 【 last 15/ 20 years】 but I truly do miss the excitement that was once the " orange army ".

Nowdays, prime riverbottom land can be way overpopulated with deer. 100 deer per square mile in spots but the only ones being taken are bigger bucks.

Winter starvation during bad winters is the only thing we have here now for population control and it truly SUCKS watching deer die by that.

I always thought “I just don’t hear the shooting anymore”… the neighbors all run 350s with suppressors. You can barely hear them out there- they are the same ones who drove all my fence lines

 

[booneriverbucks]

I've lived in nw Mn for 60 years. From the time I was about 12 years old untill about 2010, " orange army" was a term that fit this area perfectly.
During gun season, it was a SEA of orange. Miles after Miles !
Groups of 10_ 30 people pushing every square inch of land that had cover.
That's back when you just (went). Nothing was posted. You just went wherever.
Super fun times.
When the " big buck" craze hit bout 15 years ago here, EVERYTHING changed!
Nowdays, it's like a vacuum here.
Nobody makes drives, everything is hush hush, enclosed blinds EVERYWHERE and the whole atmosphere of what I grew up in is Gone!.

20 years ago, not uncommon to hear 100/ 200 shots opening morning.
I think I heard 7 shots the whole season this year.
Does not bode well for the future of deerhunting. No kids being recruited.
I just bowhunt nowdays 【 last 15/ 20 years】 but I truly do miss the excitement that was once the " orange army ".

Nowdays, prime riverbottom land can be way overpopulated with deer. 100 deer per square mile in spots but the only ones being taken are bigger bucks.

Winter starvation during bad winters is the only thing we have here now for population control and it truly SUCKS watching deer die by that.

Of course nobody would dare step out in their timber and scare “their” deer to the neighbors!! How could anyone live with that?!

It’s ironic that the promotion of trophy bowhunting (the golden goose of the hunting industry) has put us on a path to less access and less participation by the average guy and less people buying products.. so easy to see why being a one buck state and turning a bunch of gun hunters into bowhunters (crossbows) is the only clear path to keep sales up.

 

[hillrunner]

Of course nobody would dare step out in their timber and scare “their” deer to the neighbors!! How could anyone live with that?!

It’s ironic that the promotion of trophy bowhunting (the golden goose of the hunting industry) has put us on a path to less access and less participation by the average guy and less people buying products.. so easy to see why being a one buck state and turning a bunch of gun hunters into bowhunters (crossbows) is the only clear path to keep sales up.

I'd love to see a chart of deer hunting products purchased showing a downward trend.

 

[booneriverbucks]

I'd love to see a chart of deer hunting products purchased showing a downward trend.

It’s not yet… Definitely a trend of more products and less people currently going on. People have been pushed into hunting the most product heavy methods of hunting available. It’s the “cool” thing to do now. What was once a more traditional method of hunting is now the most tech/product heavy way to hunt. One of the biggest draws of bowhunting used to be the additional access it provided to people who normally didn’t have it so great during the gun seasons. Was awesome to be out when there was less people,pressure, etc. Now bowhunters arguably are the main cause of the lack of access for all forms of hunting (not just deer). Gun seasons all across the midwest are not what they used to be. This isn’t a great sign for hunting in the future.

 

[abell3]

It’s not yet… Definitely a trend of more products and less people currently going on. People have been pushed into hunting the most product heavy methods of hunting available. It’s the “cool” thing to do now. What was once a more traditional method of hunting is now the most tech/product heavy way to hunt. One of the biggest draws of bowhunting used to be the additional access it provided to people who normally didn’t have it so great during the gun seasons. Was awesome to be out when there was less people,pressure, etc. Now bowhunters arguably are the main cause of the lack of access for all forms of hunting (not just deer). Gun seasons all across the midwest are not what they used to be. This isn’t a great sign for hunting in the future.

You have some strong opinions on this site I'll give you that! Bow hunting has become increasingly more popular since the early 2000's. I agree with you there. When I first started bow hunting I didn't have much for competition. Bow hunting popularity is a reason for lack of access. But nothing is going to stop people with the means to buy land or lease it. The reason access is very limited now is the money we put into growing deer. Like it or not its a rich mans game. Anyone passionate about growing deer to a certain age isn't going to let other hunters ruin that. Gun hunters get a bad rap no doubt. But I see their lack of access being a big reason why the deer drives quit.

Look at it this way. Technology has made it easier than ever to kill deer. Thus, why were seeing quality go down rapidly. With this trend continuing you'll only see guys with the means buying up more ground around them to isolate themselves. Or lease more ground. If this trend continues the lack of access only get worse. Guys want to grow mature big deer. They won't let the lack of regulations or technology hurt them. They'll just buy the neighbor farm out who keeps shooting 4 year old's. Or worse.... they'll high fence their side. Your comment is correct in lack of access. Complaining out bow hunters isn't good for anyone and isn't solving any issues however. I think we agree here?? But can't point the finger and complain about deer managers.. They aren't going away. Attitudes that point the finger will only make more of them.

 

[pkostelecky]

I think during the rut is one of the hardest times to kill a mature buck. No pattern and they are always locked down with a doe. Lots of deer get killed during the rut because that's when all the hunters are out. Personally, I'd pick almost anytime except the rut to take a mature buck.

Agree but it is definitely a fun time to be in the stand. Tougher to Kill one but some great experiences for sure!

 

[booneriverbucks]

You have some strong opinions on this site I'll give you that! Bow hunting has become increasingly more popular since the early 2000's. I agree with you there. When I first started bow hunting I didn't have much for competition. Bow hunting popularity is a reason for lack of access. But nothing is going to stop people with the means to buy land or lease it. The reason access is very limited now is the money we put into growing deer. Like it or not its a rich mans game. Anyone passionate about growing deer to a certain age isn't going to let other hunters ruin that. Gun hunters get a bad rap no doubt. But I see their lack of access being a big reason why the deer drives quit.

Look at it this way. Technology has made it easier than ever to kill deer. Thus, why were seeing quality go down rapidly. With this trend continuing you'll only see guys with the means buying up more ground around them to isolate themselves. Or lease more ground. If this trend continues the lack of access only get worse. Guys want to grow mature big deer. They won't let the lack of regulations or technology hurt them. They'll just buy the neighbor farm out who keeps shooting 4 year old's. Or worse.... they'll high fence their side. Your comment is correct in lack of access. Complaining out bow hunters isn't good for anyone and isn't solving any issues however. I think we agree here?? But can't point the finger and complain about deer managers.. They aren't going away. Attitudes that point the finger will only make more of them.

I don’t disagree! My complaint is with the people that can’t accept reality. Way too many people’s management goals are bigger than the balance of their checkbook. It’s nobody else’s fault. We all need to be realistic!! Way too many people thinking they are the next Lee Lakosky when they control a small percentage of the land he does and probably have 1% of the talent.

 

[Windlooker]

It’s amazing how owning and controlling a couple thousand contiguous acres increases one’s “talent” exponentially.

 

[booneriverbucks]

It’s amazing how owning and controlling a couple thousand contiguous acres increases one’s “talent” exponentially.

I agree with what you are saying but have no doubt I will never know what some do! And i’m 100% ok with that!! I also played hoops in my driveway once and eventually relaized I was not gonna be the next Michael Jordan.. some will never get it

 

[booneriverbucks]

Way too many people trying to profit off of peoples lack of reality…. Every proposed regulation is full of potential dollars. Maybe we can dangle another carrot in front of this guy to get him to splurge for xyz…. It’s disgusting. The battle plan might change by the decade but the war is the same. Get the dumb to spend their money on what we are currently selling and when they figure it all out we will change the enemy and get them to spend more fighting another war.

 

[booneriverbucks]

You have some strong opinions on this site I'll give you that! Bow hunting has become increasingly more popular since the early 2000's. I agree with you there. When I first started bow hunting I didn't have much for competition. Bow hunting popularity is a reason for lack of access. But nothing is going to stop people with the means to buy land or lease it. The reason access is very limited now is the money we put into growing deer. Like it or not its a rich mans game. Anyone passionate about growing deer to a certain age isn't going to let other hunters ruin that. Gun hunters get a bad rap no doubt. But I see their lack of access being a big reason why the deer drives quit.

Look at it this way. Technology has made it easier than ever to kill deer. Thus, why were seeing quality go down rapidly. With this trend continuing you'll only see guys with the means buying up more ground around them to isolate themselves. Or lease more ground. If this trend continues the lack of access only get worse. Guys want to grow mature big deer. They won't let the lack of regulations or technology hurt them. They'll just buy the neighbor farm out who keeps shooting 4 year old's. Or worse.... they'll high fence their side. Your comment is correct in lack of access. Complaining out bow hunters isn't good for anyone and isn't solving any issues however. I think we agree here?? But can't point the finger and complain about deer managers.. They aren't going away. Attitudes that point the finger will only make more of them.

“You have some strong opinions on this site I'll give you that”.

My opinions should be the hunting version of “I believe marriage is between a man and a woman and I believe illegal immigration is wrong”

My strong opinions were mainstream a few decades ago.. who has really changed??

Why are my opinions taboo?? Do you not support traditional marriage?? I mean hunting?

This is not personal..

Why is all the money in the hunting industry against regular people? If we can solve that question we will solve other things

 

[iowavf]

I know a lot of people on this site want to do away with party hunting, straight wall rifles, modern ML's, and shorten gun seasons stopping all deer hunting on December 31st. I think if this happens, you'll see a huge push for crossbows because the gun hunters who can't shoot a bow, can buy a crossbow and enjoy the archery season. I can't hit the broad side of a barn with a bow, that's why I never got into bow hunting. I don't think crossbows should be allowed during archery season, unless a person is handicapped and can't shoot a bow. If gun seasons are shortened up or combined to just a few days, crossbows will gain some extra backing to sell more products. If Iowa did change gun season regs, like many are wanting, and crossbows become legal for archery, yes I'll be getting one and start hunting during archery season.

 

[abell3]

“You have some strong opinions on this site I'll give you that”.

My opinions should be the hunting version of “I believe marriage is between a man and a woman and I believe illegal immigration is wrong”

My strong opinions were mainstream a few decades ago.. who has really changed??

Why are my opinions taboo?? Do you not support traditional marriage?? I mean hunting?

This is not personal..

Why is all the money in the hunting industry against regular people? If we can solve that question we will solve other things

You just compared basketball talent with deer hunting talent. I laughed when I read your comment about Laskosky's talent. We probably have similar mindset on most things in life. Just have a different way of viewing it. Which is great and what this site is for.

I don't believe in the "poor me" mindset. I hate it. If you want something go work harder and achieve it. Don't complain land is too expensive vs 25 years ago along with many other complaints I often hear along with hunting. I'm in no way saying this is you. Just talking out loud.

The size of your checkbook does 100% increase your odds of killing bigger deer. I agree with you there. But if your bank account has hardly any money you can still choose to have great expectations and standards. Hell a young kid shot a 210 on public this year and slept in his car because he couldn't afford the gas to drive back and fourth.

All the money is hurting regular people because rec ground in Iowa is a better investment than it's ever been. Guys with a lot of cash aren't going to sit around and let the neighbors keep killing young deer. This has been happening for 15 years and now it's starting to show more prevalent. It's become "cool" to own land in Iowa and shoot giant deer. I'm a regular joe and its hurt me over the years as well. No way of solving it. Just have to put your head down and work hard to achieve what you want. No more of this "poor me" bull crap I see everywhere.

 

[hillrunner]

I know a lot of people on this site want to do away with party hunting, straight wall rifles, modern ML's, and shorten gun seasons stopping all deer hunting on December 31st. I think if this happens, you'll see a huge push for crossbows because the gun hunters who can't shoot a bow, can buy a crossbow and enjoy the archery season. I can't hit the broad side of a barn with a bow, that's why I never got into bow hunting. I don't think crossbows should be allowed during archery season, unless a person is handicapped and can't shoot a bow. If gun seasons are shortened up or combined to just a few days, crossbows will gain some extra backing to sell more products. If Iowa did change gun season regs, like many are wanting, and crossbows become legal for archery, yes I'll be getting one and start hunting during archery season.

I think there is probably merit to this. For the record, I don't think we should shorten gun seasons, definitely not 1&2 regular gun season, they are already quite short. However, I do wish they had stayed shotgun/muzzleloader only. I have my doubts we can roll straight wall rifles back at this point but I'd like to.
I'm afraid that if you lop off the last 10 days of late muzzy season, a lot of those guys will switch to gun 1 or 2 which enjoys a higher success rate anyway.
I'm more interested in dialing back technologies that have come about recently. I also think we can make muzzleloader a more primitive season as that would seem more in line with the original intention.

 

[sure shot]

I gun hunt also, but the orange army shot 25 does off my 250 acre permission hunt farm during 2nd season. They also gave at least some of them away, so they were killing them just to kill them...

Sent from my SM-S711U using Tapatalk

 

[JNRBRONC]

I've watched the orange army die in my area. In the early '90's, gun seasons saw trucks full of orange clad hunters in the cab and even in the bed of pickups zipping up and down the road. Gun fire was pretty constant up and down the river. This past season, no trucks, maybe 20 shots during opening day. I talked to a neighbor probably 15 years ago who's group used to push the area, then lost permission as "segmentation" started. His group hangs out in their "deer hunting shed" and plays cards now. Most locals have gone to blind hunting.

 

[scottonbuck]

I gun hunt also, but the orange army shot 25 does off my 250 acre permission hunt farm during 2nd season. They also gave at least some of them away, so they were killing them just to kill them...

Sent from my SM-S711U using Tapatalk

Thats a lot of deer for 250acres

 

[booneriverbucks]

You just compared basketball talent with deer hunting talent. I laughed when I read your comment about Laskosky's talent. We probably have similar mindset on most things in life. Just have a different way of viewing it. Which is great and what this site is for.

I don't believe in the "poor me" mindset. I hate it. If you want something go work harder and achieve it. Don't complain land is too expensive vs 25 years ago along with many other complaints I often hear along with hunting. I'm in no way saying this is you. Just talking out loud.

The size of your checkbook does 100% increase your odds of killing bigger deer. I agree with you there. But if your bank account has hardly any money you can still choose to have great expectations and standards. Hell a young kid shot a 210 on public this year and slept in his car because he couldn't afford the gas to drive back and fourth.

All the money is hurting regular people because rec ground in Iowa is a better investment than it's ever been. Guys with a lot of cash aren't going to sit around and let the neighbors keep killing young deer. This has been happening for 15 years and now it's starting to show more prevalent. It's become "cool" to own land in Iowa and shoot giant deer. I'm a regular joe and its hurt me over the years as well. No way of solving it. Just have to put your head down and work hard to achieve what you want. No more of this "poor me" bull crap I see everywhere.

Totally agree! I’m well aware that the equivalent money 30 years ago would have bought X amount more land than today.. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we don’t have to cater to older landowners vs newer ones. Eventually you gotta deal with reality and admit it’s not gonna be easy. People will NEVER be happy until they accept reality.. Will freely admit the basketball thing is an extreme example and not necessarily apples to apples but sometimes it takes extremes to get people to see the reality. I’m comfortable knowing I’m not going to be the next Lee Lakosky just like I am knowing I wasn’t the next Michael Jordan. Some aren’t and that is the problem