This is exactly why Jason is one of the most important voices in the hunting community today. What a prime example of a true and honest woodsman.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Appreciate that. I was on the fence about making this video. But convinced myself that its important for people to understand the reality of traditional bowhunting and the challenges of it.
@mylesfalconer9183
9 ай бұрын
The world has a way of crushing our egos, screwing our best laid plans and giving us another opportunity in the future. Next year will be the best year ever! Love your content!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Very true. The world can humble a guy pretty quick
@johnd7215
9 ай бұрын
I consider a bad season is when you fall out of a stand ! Refreshing to see someone struggle who is a far better hunter and archer than myself. Bow hunting is not as easy as TV makes it look. Thanks for being so candid. Wish you the best in the New Year!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
That's very true. Getting home at the end of each hunt is very important! And any day in the woods is really a good day. Happy new year!
@lucaskiel4683
9 ай бұрын
You have the best content. Nobody is more detailed than you.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. Appreciate that.
@danvanhoosen3086
9 ай бұрын
Thanks for posting this video. Takes guts to admit our failures. This is helpful for all of us that aren't "perfect "
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
I was on the fence about making this video. But figured it would help ease the pain for someone else that bad a rough season
@watchhuntbetter
9 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBowSo glad you made this video!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thanks@@watchhuntbetter
@leemeeks2385
9 ай бұрын
man the fact that you got 12 shots on deer with traditional equipment is super impressive. Im looking forward to following you throughout this years journey and i’m sure you will approve upon 2023. Keep your head up man your one of the realist dudes in the youtube hunting industry
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thanks! Looking forward to kicking off 24 here real soon
@highlightreel241
9 ай бұрын
I loved the intro part....was laughing so hard listening to the scolding to any nah sayers .....hahaha im still laughing 😂
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
I'm too old and stubborn to take anyone's shit😂😂
@cmvasey
9 ай бұрын
In this modern social media world, I appreciate this video so much! I got skunked this year and it’s nice to see hunters as accomplished as Jason being honest.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Appreciate that. Sorry you got skunked. But we learn more from the hard times than the successes. Next year will be better for us both
@TheJohnbortle
9 ай бұрын
We all get humbled and that's just the nature of the beast. I've been bowhunting since 86 and I got my butt handed to me this season. Shot at and non mortally wounded the biggest buck of my life in November on an out of state hunt. I just try to learn from my experiences and move on.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep that the attitude right there. Learn from it and move forward.
@RJ-wl2ws
9 ай бұрын
Hey Jason. I'm not giving you a hard time. Look on the bright side bud. You're seeing game and getting archery close. I'm with you on 2023 being a bad season, but I would gladly trade you. I'm in PA and have hunted all my life, and I'm fairly successful compared to most. This year however, i only took one doe, and could count on my fingers and toes how many deer i saw this year. All we can do is hope for better next season. Take care bud. Thanks for all the videos.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
I have been hearing that alot lately about the NY and Pennsylvania areas. I hope the numbers get back up there. Your right, it's a new year and new opportunities!
@davisstellman
9 ай бұрын
It's commendable you putting this out there when so many people don't have the character to and that shows an admirable amount of humility and dedication to growing the trad bow community. I just picked up bowhunting this year after shooting trad for 13 years now and I missed my fair share of grouse and lost about $70 in arrows to get one bird haha. It's painful but I think we learn from it and come back as far better hunters than we ever were before. Keep up the fantastic content, I love your podcast and channel brother!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Agree 100% we learn more from the missed opportunities that we do the success
@john91083
9 ай бұрын
No Bull 💩! Need more of that nowadays… Love the content man!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it
@neabowhunters8107
9 ай бұрын
Just starting my traditional journey. Took out my sage recurve for the first time last night seen 10 deer. Haven’t seen 10 deer all season. Thinking my recurve is gonna be my savior I hope… Thanks for another awesome video.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
That's awesome! Sounds like you found a sweet spot. Good luck in the late season and you are going to love hunting with a traditional bow!
@MrDiamond135
7 ай бұрын
Good information, thank you very much!
@SamkoTradBow
7 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@ryanr6656
9 ай бұрын
You’re gonna have a great 2024! Misses hit hard when you get started at port Huron state game area. I remember how a single miss there might mean never having another opportunity. Glad you’re in an area of many opportunities. What pants do you have on in this video?
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep we take the good years with the bad. Always try to learn from each time out and have fun. These are wrangler cargo pants from walmart
@lugnutzz75
9 ай бұрын
Awesome video. And congrats on your first full time season in the south. Worst from harvest maybe but you have learned a lot about southern deer hunting and how southern weather can change instantly. You went from far north to far south. It take a real person to admit all this and tell the world. You owned it to and didn’t pass it off.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thanks! I'm loving it down hear and all the challenges! Can't wait to see what 2024 brings!
@cipesnevets
8 ай бұрын
I saw very few deer during bow season and none during rifle. no deer down this year. slowest year i had since i started hunting. had fun hunting but still kinda bummed about it hopefully turkey season will be better
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Hopefully next year will be better for us both
@craigholland2274
9 ай бұрын
Though so far for me too. Last year had 3 chances at mature bucks and one probably over 160. This year I haven't seen a mature buck all year and feel like I've hunted a lot.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep we all have good and bad years. All part of the game. I hope 2024 is an amazing year for you!
@Bonobo_J0E
9 ай бұрын
Great video! Really appreciate this feedback. My first year hunting and I harvested 1/3 deer I shot at. No mortal wounds which was good, but it took a real emotional toll on me as the missed shots were my first two days out. I’ve been watching lots of your videos and your content has given great advice and help to a guy who is just trying to figure this stuff out.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep been there. Tough pill to swallow. It being your first year its also expected. It will get much better for you as the experience builds. Have fun and enjoy the time hunting. No better way ro spend your free time!
@billyhammond3350
9 ай бұрын
Feel this completely! Had the worst year I’ve ever had. This video helped! Thanks for the up load.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Glad it helped. We can wallow in our misery together😂. 2024 will be much better for us both
@veteranswithoutbenifitsgui9738
9 ай бұрын
I hunt the exact same places you do. Nothing compares to walking swamps for Hogs in Coastal GA. I drill them with compounds, lever bows, but I can’t find them after I hit them. Retrieving bow shot hogs in the swamp should be part of Army Ranger training. Actually hunt the base more than WMA’s.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep the terrain these hogs live in down here are absolutely brutal for recovering them. People that don't live here will never understand it.
@jscott4431
9 ай бұрын
Love your honesty in this video. Although it can be very disappointing, often times the animal wins. But that's ok. It's called hunting, not killing. If we scored 100% of the time, then somehow it wouldn't be as special when we are successful. Keep up the good work Jason and good luck in 2024!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Great point and well said. Agree 100%
@EthanPageHunter
9 ай бұрын
I missed 5-6 and killed two. My worst year by far. I feel you man.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
That hurts. I am suffering right there with ya. We can wallow in the misery together😂
@EthanPageHunter
9 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBow 😂 I’ve found contentment in the misses. They were mostly freak things that were out of my control and I certainly learned. Here’s to 2024 🤙🏼
@urbanarcher3535
9 ай бұрын
I had a deflection on a real nice buck this year at 15y hit him in the leg. Won’t be fatal but huge bummer. You’re a man by putting it out there brother, it seems like an outlier for you for sure. Look out in 2024 GA!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Been there before. Sure does suck. We just need to shake it off and get back in the woods
@hf-nctrnl1890
9 ай бұрын
After a few years of hunting I still haven't even got my first deer so don't feel too bad haha
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Took me 3 years as a traditional bowhunter to kill my first deer. Those 3 years were the most valuable years ever. I learned so much. Stuck with it. It's all amazing wilderness education that pays off soon.
@MNDood2122
6 ай бұрын
Don’t feel bad, 8 years hunting and I’ve only seen 2 deer (my first hunt) doesn’t matter what I do, play the wind but all the scent soaps etc.. I just never see deer while hunting. That was all firearm hunting too. This year I’m trying trad archery and I’m hoping to see something but even if I don’t I just love being out in the woods. There’s always next year!
@SamkoTradBow
6 ай бұрын
Yep hunting is not easy. But it sure is fun and peaceful. Nothing better than time in the woods. And especially with a traditional bow in your hand.
@jonah-n8l
20 күн бұрын
Play the wind stop wasting money on scent products
@timbailey4069
9 ай бұрын
Been there almost stopped like you sensitive about it at the time. Your point of you are getting the opportunity to make the mistakes is spot on. All we can do is the work to get better figure it out and keep trying. Hope your hunting is as rewarding as you want this year.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Great points and agree 100% always good to be able to be in the woods. We shake off the bad stuff and get back at it.
@jeffeager9779
9 ай бұрын
Last year I was shooting darts out of my longbow, shot my biggest buck, this season I struggled quite a bit. Missed a big 8pt shot right under his heart. It happens. Traditional archery is a mind game, keep those positive thoughts when things look grim. Enjoy the content!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Your spot on. It's a mindset and an emotional test for sure. We take the good with the bad and keep learning
@REDNECKROOTS
9 ай бұрын
Great video man !
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@Mouse357
9 ай бұрын
Don’t sweat it buddy, it keeps you humble. Still a great season in my book! 👍🏻
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Very true. And we learn more from the tough seasons.
@hunterwommack5014
9 ай бұрын
Really glad to see hunter’s talk about their success and downfalls when it’s comes to their season . Hunting is so dynamic and the struggle is what keeps the passion of it all so strong ! Last year was my worst year to date wounded the biggest buck of my life “luckily” showed back up on camera this year. Wish more people would be honest like yourself. Thank you for all the great content and being so transparent. Got my first recurve during Christmas plan to practice during off season and going full trad next year.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep we take the good with the bad and learn from it all. Congrats on your new up coming traditional bowhunting journey. You ate going to love how fun and rewarding it is.
@wolfpreparation
9 ай бұрын
I had a bad year as well Jason. All we can do is learn from it and have a better 2024! God bless brother
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Agree 100% shake it off and get ready to hit the woods again
@Deerpoo22
9 ай бұрын
Very sorry to hear. Had a very aggravating season as well. I had so many magnificent bucks on cam all year i just could not connect with them on stand. Nocks your confidence down alot when you dont see them snd start questioning your stand sites
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep. And without confidence its hard to be motivated to hunt or even hunt hard.
@marcmiller7588
9 ай бұрын
25 years bow hunting and this year almost broke me mentally.
@hoosierdonkeys8073
3 ай бұрын
From time to time, I hunt with Excalibur crossbow if I don't feel right about the set up. I still only shoot 20 yards max. I don't want to wound more than I want the perfect feeling of taking game with my longbow. All depends on the setup.
@SamkoTradBow
3 ай бұрын
Yep the ethics matrer with any weapon.
@theamputeehunter2074
9 ай бұрын
Sorry to hear about your year you’ll have a wonderful year in 2024 I believe in you
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. Happy new year
@theamputeehunter2074
9 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBow happy new year to you also
@ericlind3569
9 ай бұрын
Dude!!! At least you had a bunch of opportunities!! I haven’t even SEEN a deer since a week before our gun season in November & it’s New Year’s Eve !!! Lucky I’ve got until the end of January to push hard and hopefully get some in the freezer!!! It’s not over yet!!!!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Wishing you great luck on making it happen in the late season! Happy new year!
@jeffm.1256
9 ай бұрын
I’ve been hunting for 30 years, 2023 was also my worst year ever. Although I DID shoot my biggest buck a few weeks ago, I saw less deer than I ever have this season in upstate NY. I went 7 straight sits the 1st 2 weeks of gun season without seeing a deer from a stand. And i hunt 3 different counties. Happy new year Jason, keep the videos comin. 🤙🏻
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep we take the good years with the bad ones. Still wouldn't trade it for anything.
@MikeRaposa-fg5fe
9 ай бұрын
That’s crazy. I explains the same thing in Pennsylvania sat on stand first week in November at sunrise to sunset for eight days and I literally only saw one. I mean one deer on stand. I’ve never experienced anything like this before I have no idea what happened the bucks? Literally just disappeared.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
@MikeRaposa-fg5fe yep its hard to have confidence when your not seeing deer. We all have good years and bad years.
@MikeRaposa-fg5fe
9 ай бұрын
It was like that all over the place we have friends in New York, that said the same thing and in Iowa not sure if had anything to do with the weather, CWD, the moon been hunting over 25 years never seen anything like this, but beats better than working lol
@jeffm.1256
9 ай бұрын
@@MikeRaposa-fg5fe sure does bud! 😁👍🏻
@brandonbruin9489
9 ай бұрын
Amen to blocking the haters . People don’t understand how personal this journey is with traditional equipment. How many hours and In your case years and years of hard work that is put into being efficient with trad equipment. the highs and lows that we go through, heck for me the highs and lows seem to be weekly. Most will not understand the soul crushing pain of the lows and up lifting spirits of the highs. You and Robert Carter are the best on KZitem and I appreciate you two for all of the knowledge. Keep your Head up and strong for 2024!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep I won't tolerate the haters. I block them, smile and move on. Life is tough enough without jackasses.
@robertcarte95
9 ай бұрын
I feel your pain. I only got 2 deer and 3 hogs this year. I missed 3 deer. I suck! Lol
@bqoutdoors2334
9 ай бұрын
You are the man rob don’t be hard on yourself ✌🏼👊🏼🤙🏼🏹
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
I suck more! But it's not a competition 😂😂
@dennispalmer8622
9 ай бұрын
30 opportunities is awesome! Because of health reasons this is the 1st time since I was 14 that I wasn't able to hunt. Turkey, deer, nothing. Hopefully next year will be better. I'm with you, worst year ever!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
I hope those health issues get sorted for you and you can enjoy some time in the woods again soon. Even if not hunting just getting out there to breathe it all in. Happy new year!
@thrivingarkansas1925
9 ай бұрын
people shooting compounds acting like they still don't miss lmfao. Get a trad bow and you bout to find out.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep I know many people that miss with all weapons. Stuff happens. All part of the game
@mr.skeptical3071
9 ай бұрын
Last yr shot three good ones, didn't see one this year. Only a pretty good one. Still gt two bux and two does though, everyone in SC said it was bad
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Well done and you have a full freezer. Thats the key
@sarafayelawton652
9 ай бұрын
Jason I got no deer this year 100% public land, and 100% traditional. For alot of reasons. You just got down here in the South, which is a TOTALLY different environment. Don't be so hard on yourself. We have a clean slate for 2024. Happy New Year!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep I think we are all hard on ourselves when we don't hit a goal etc. I'm loving it down here and having the time of my life! We all have so much to be thankful for and any time in the woods is good time spent. Happy new year!
@sp3_outdoors
9 ай бұрын
Not too many know the reality of archery hunting, particularly public land archery hunting. Was in the woods probably 100 hours during bow season and didn't get a shot off :/ Luckily for me, gun season changed things. Best of luck next year!!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep public is a tough place to be these days. Glad you were able to fill the freezer though!
@shumberson
9 ай бұрын
It's always good to hear the good and bad that come with hunting, you won't get this kind of content from the "pros" very often. Jason sorry about your year. I'm with ya about being pissed, and sore about it. I struck out in my homestate of PA and had multiple shooters on camera. Never even seen a buck while in stand. And the only bucks I saw in Ohio during my 6 day trip, were along the road at night. All we can do regroup and move forward! Thank you for your content, I learn a ton from your videos and love the podcasts!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep we learn more from a bad year then we do from a good one. We just shake off the bad ones and get right back in the woods!
@shumberson
9 ай бұрын
@tradbowpodcast yes sir! Are you still open to taking in guys to your patreon? I'm not a trad guy, I'm a compound guy but I really appreciate and respect the traditional bow guys! I feel like as a compound bow hunter I could learn so much from the traditional community, that could make me an exceptionally better hunter. I've heard you say it's a tight knit group and I've considered joining! Thanks
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
@shumberson you sure can. Lots of compound and even some crossbow hunters in there. And so much hunting tips, education etc in there. Plus all my actual hunting video vlogs and map my hunt series. Patreon.com/tradbowpodcast
@Bearsfan871
9 ай бұрын
"you'll never see my channel unless you crawl upstairs and ask your grandma for her youtube password" Love Jason for who he is absolutely. Lay it out to play it out my friend. I had a rough season too. first season with trad bow ... shot over because of angles shot under because of my poor judgment in distance.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep had both of those happen to me many times. We shake it off and get back in the woods.
@dannybyrdjr919
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for making a real video about the ups and downs of hunting. As a disabled hunter i struggle to even get to hunt at all and always having to have someone to help me in the woods gets tough at times but I did manage to get a 11pt buck with the recurve on my one hunt with it so ill cherish that 1 hunt and hopefully ill get to hunt more next year and best of luck to you next year too. Keep up the great videos 👍
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Love that you were able to fill the freezer and put a nice buck on the wall. And glad to hear you are not letting anything stop you from enjoying the woods!
@ryancosta839
5 ай бұрын
You're an inspiration to me. Enjoy the outdoors!
@dannybyrdjr919
5 ай бұрын
Thank u
@shawnhagen6871
9 ай бұрын
Still got a good bit of meat in the freezer though. Don’t beat yourself up too much cause like you said, it happens……. Apparently to the best of us too😂 I remember Robert Carter talking about a time he said he struggled bad. I been practicing and I hope next year I can make the switch to my trad bow completely. I think the worst thing I could do was trying to do both compound and trad. Shooting trad instinctively seems to affect my compound hunting adversely. I don’t know, a house divided cannot stand I guess
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep we take the good with the bad. Andnim with you, I could not switch from compound to trad off and on. It messed me up.
@kholmes1979
8 ай бұрын
2023 was my first year with the trad bow. I had 4 misses. 1 deflection and 3 S****y shots. Also, I had several shot opportunities that I probably should have taken but didn't....I hate you had a bad season, but this video was very very helpful to me.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
We can wallow in our misery together😂....but glad you had so many opportunities.
@mattd8411
9 ай бұрын
Awesome video buddy. I've had more KZitem hate from little punks that don't know their ass from a hole in the ground. They killed one deer on mommas property they baited in and they think they are a expert. I got a 9 point and a 10 this year but I've caught the worst Luck ever season before that and not killing a buck last year. No one understands the difficulty in hunting hard and especially recurve hunting. Keep on grinding buddy or come up to tn ill get you on some trout. Hope you guys have a happy new year
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep the haters and trolls some times make me laugh and other times make want to beat with a cane stick😂. Hope you have an amazing 2024. Happy new year!
@justinkelley4984
9 ай бұрын
Everybody misses or wounds. Nothing to be ashamed of. If you bowhunt long enough you will miss or wound whether if it’s a traditional, compound, or Xbow. If you don’t miss or wound your a liar or haven’t shot at enough animals. Plain simple.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Agree 100%
@nevadafitch5647
9 ай бұрын
Jason, you had a better year than I did, but I managed to kill 2 doe with my recurve, one with crossbow and a nice buck with my rifle, but I missed 2 doe, and one buck with my recurve, and missed one deer with the crossbow, and missed one other nice buck with my rifle. And it really burns me that I missed that other bigger buck with my rifle, If I had shot sooner, I would have killed him. Oh, and I almost forgot, I let one nice buck walk with my longbow, because I had not been shooting that good, and he was standing on the edge of my effective range, and I was hoping to get a better shot. Just curious, what was the average range of you hits and misses?
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep sounds like you had a rough one too. We can wallow in our misery together 😂. I won't shoot at an animal beyond 20 yards (I saw 20 cause if I miss judge he might be 22 yards but keeps me from risking shots at 23-25. So I say 20.) I have missed deer between 15 and 20 mostly this year.
@mikebringardner6670
9 ай бұрын
Jason sure do appreciate all your content and great information you post. This is my first year going total traditional I love the adventures but it has been a struggle but gotta keep working I know you will get back in the groove for sure hope you get some good chances the remainder of the season and thanks for sharing the good and bad. I did get to take my first deer with longbow took a nice doe but the learning curve is real I spine shot her due to her jumping string but I did get a quick follow up 👍🏻but couple days after that I took a shot at a super nice buck he kinda duck and roll I did hit him but it was super high I’d say it is a hit he will live on but it sure is hard to swallow just gotta stay after them sorry so long but just wanted to share and thank ya
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Glad you are enjoying traditional bowhunting. And congrats on the doe. Sucks that happen with the buck. I've been there. Good luck the rest of the season if you get back out!
@jake22-1
8 ай бұрын
Nice video Jason. I am a fairly young KZitemr creator and haven't quite gotten all the dumb comments yet. Just waiting for them all to come.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Lots of jackasses out there. They will come 😂😂
@chrisroe4324
9 ай бұрын
We all have missed. I wounded a big buck. Searched for hours and hours. Lost blood never recovered the deer. I’m still butt hurt about it. The wounding of an animal is what hurts. Missing wouldn’t bother me as much.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep the wounds hurt real bad. And they stick with us. But we need to shake it off and get back in the woods.
@raymondjones6024
9 ай бұрын
At least you had a bunch of shots I only get out one day a week but lost 7 weeks in a row with down pours early fall bow and NJ has been hit hard 2 years straight with EHD I'm passing does to try to recoup the populations and small bucks only to crossbow hunters killing them during extreme low lighting conditions with there light gathering abilities through front objective lens that putting a serious toll on whitetails over any weapon for its ease of use.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yeah ehd and cwd are really causing some problems in a lot of places. Hopefully it bounces back soon in your area. Hope 2024 is an amazing year for you. Happy new year!
@joec1212
9 ай бұрын
Still a ton of opportunity left Jason. Come down to Florida....rutt in Walton County starts around February! I'm in Tallahassee. Hunt over there every year as a last hoorah. Happy new year!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep have a few days of deer I plan to do in about a week and then it's all about the hoga for me u til Sept. I love the hogs
@samzahaykevitz1840
9 ай бұрын
Sometimes the worse it gets, the worse it gets. Take a breath and regroup. We've all been there before (the honest ones of our group). BTW a thermal monocular may help with some of the poor hits especially in thick cover.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Great points. I used to have a thermal Leopold monocular and it was a great tool. Down hear it would not penetrate the thickness of gulberry. And often the Temps are warmer than body temps
@adamolson7724
9 ай бұрын
Hey Jason, I had the same type of you, maybe worse, Ugh, I hate to admit it. I hit 4 deer that I did not recover. I know two of those were fine (had on trail camera later), The other two i was not certain on, One had no blood and ran over 4 yards in my sight so I think that one is fine, The last one had just a few small drops of blood, I the arrow went through that no vitals area just under the spine. So I think all of them made it but I don't like not making a clean shot. I did get one deer this year and that was a great shot at 40 yards with my compound. Thanks for being so honest that is what makes your videos so good.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Yeah that makes for a tough year. We can wallow in our misery together.lol Hopefully 2024 is better for us both!
@jasonbarnes3188
9 ай бұрын
Hard to gauge success on just animals harvested. Some of my best hunts have ended in a miss. Or an encounter with no shot opportunity. Critters always have been and always will be good at humbling a hunter. I have found that the best way to deal with a bad shot or missed opportunity is to try and put it out of your mind. Just focus on the next hunt.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Well said and agree 100%. Learn from it, shake it off, and try again
@Strugglingsportsman
9 ай бұрын
My season was bad as well. Only squeezed in 10 sits. Saw a lot of deer early season but weather and more hunting pressure than before bummed me out. Here I sit at home on the last day of season. Maybe I’ll sneak out this evening.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Hope you can get out more in 2024. Nothing eases the mind more than some quality trerstand time
@pobontragers
8 ай бұрын
great video, great to analyze our efforts out there hunting, It was a good year for me, but 2022 was a rough year. Hoping next year is like this year.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Yep we take the good with the bad. Hoping we both ha e an amazing year next year
@gregandbethpawluk2316
9 ай бұрын
were imperfect hunters shooting imperfect systems at imperfect animals on imperfect terrain and in imperfect conditions. keep grinding! still better than working a 9-5
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Very well said. Agree 100%
@derekrush3116
9 ай бұрын
I killed one buck with my long bow this year and the coyotes devastated him before I could find him... wasn't my year either.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Been there too. Had it happen to one of the does and a hog this year. Hate the damn yotes.
@RobertEatonOutdoors
8 ай бұрын
That's a great analysis of your hunting season! I can see how breaking the season down like this will help a hunter improve for next season.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Yep helpful but also shows the reality...lol and sometimes that hurts.
@TheBeingReal
9 ай бұрын
Do you miss deer hunting in Mich? I saw only 1 buck this season, too far for a good shot (crossbow). Do love the course on deer hunting you did.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
I do miss deer hunting in michigan! But love it down here with the deer and hogs and long warm seasons. I've heard from Michigan friends that it was a tough year for many up there. 2024 should be better!
@alchapman7376
8 ай бұрын
Finally, an honest straightforward hunting video!! Thanks Jason!!👍👏🏼
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it
@MollyDogg1234
9 ай бұрын
I'm just curious, what do you do with all those hogs? That's alot of meat!!! I'd weigh 400 lbs if I had access to all that bacon!!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
You actually don't get alot of meat off a hog. Thier legs are short and butt is little and vitals go up into the neck with not much neck meat. We can eat a whole hog in a Sunday dinner with a few family members over.
@bobamerican755
9 ай бұрын
Worst season ever with 4 deer down? Lol I haven’t even drawn on a deer (buck or doe) in 3 years. That’s public land in NY.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
I hear NY is tough hunting especially on public! Keep at it. Forward is the only direction that matters.
@shadowbanned69
9 ай бұрын
Yea ive heard alot of hunters in my area have had alot of bad numbers this season. In maryland the eastern shores deer numbers are usually pretty good and alot of guys havent even seen any deer. I almost wonder if the animals know something we humans dont.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep could be a bunch of things from wrong place at right time to food source changes etc. We have good and bad years. But the bad ones teach us more.
@georgehardin8452
7 ай бұрын
This is why I love Jason's channel. He tells the truth and speaks facts.he is the voice for traditional bowhunters and for the people. Much respect
@SamkoTradBow
7 ай бұрын
Thank you. Greatly Appreciated.
@marvinwenger5035
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for being honest, my friend. Hunting is very hard on public land. Period.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
It sure is. So many variables to hunting public land that we can not control.
@MrTrapper1111
9 ай бұрын
I mean these things go wrong with a compound bow, can only imagine traditional bow. Can only go up from here
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep still learn a lot even in a bad year. Just need to get back in The woods and make it better. I'm gonna start in 2 days!
@billmoran935
9 ай бұрын
Wish my season sucked half as bad as yours! I got 1 deer. A 2-1/2 year old 4 point (135 lbs) However, I truly am happy with him. I have zero doubt that you are going to have a great 2024 season. Even a blind Hog can see how dedicated you are to hunting. God Bless
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thank you and congratulations on the buck! A freezer full of venison makes for a happy winter
@erichardin6056
4 ай бұрын
I needed this video. I’ve had a string of bad years. I love to see Jason put this out. Thanks.
@SamkoTradBow
4 ай бұрын
Hate those tough years. But we take the good with the bad and keep looking forward to the next hunt.
@marvinwenger5035
8 ай бұрын
What state are hunting if I may ask? I live in Alabama and I still haven’t killed my first hog.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
I live in Georgia
@outdoorsmanofmichigan3858
9 ай бұрын
It happens man! I’m in the same boat. Have not got spanked like this year since I was a kid and disobeyed my parents.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
😂😂😂 we can wallow in the misery together
@cottojn
8 ай бұрын
Listen man you’re doing a great job with all you videos keep up the great work.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the comment.
@Pro-ez9eb
8 ай бұрын
I picked up a crossbow this season because MN opened it up to everyone in 2023. I figured I would try this archery thing and get much more opportunities before gun season started. Boy was I humbled. I could only hunt weekends, but I managed to get probably 12 sits in. It was pretty discouraging only glimpsing 2 deer and no shots. 2 unfilled tags. Just have to learn and get better.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Yep the learning curve for getting in close to them is a challenge. But makes you all that much better of a hunter. A crossbow hunter will always be a better hunter than a gun hunter, a compound hunter better than a crossbow, and a traditional bowhunter better than a compound bowhunter. Not because of the weapon but because of the limits of the weapon and how each level has to learn so much more to get into range consistently. That's the beauty of all bow hunting. It forces us to learn so much more and makes us that much better eventually.
@jonah-n8l
20 күн бұрын
Yea archery ain’t xbow hunting
@barrystricklin2230
8 ай бұрын
Just to get that many opportunities for a shot shows what a good hunter you are if it can happen to you it can happen to anyone keep it up bro
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
Thanks. I do believe the missed opportunities help make us better hunters. But sure sucks at the moment and you realize the freezer needs to wait longer to fill.
@billsoos7793
7 ай бұрын
My worst year after 50 years of hunting, don't be so angry. I understand how it feels.
@SamkoTradBow
7 ай бұрын
We can wallow in our misery together
@MikeRaposa-fg5fe
9 ай бұрын
I agree. This was the worst hunting season ever. I had six or seven shooter bucks on camera on my property all the way up until almost the end of October then all of a sudden they just disappeared. No idea what happened Went to our hunting camp in Pennsylvania. Was there for nine days. Hunted sunrise to sunset, and I literally only saw one deer on stand. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. I have no idea what happened.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Been there too. Sometimes seems like no matter what we do always wrong place at right time.
@MikeRaposa-fg5fe
9 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBow it was crazy I had about seven shooter bucks on camera on my property consistently October 20 came around give yourself they all just disappeared, Pennsylvania, one deer on stand, which is so unlikely. Something happened this year can’t figure it out.
@pathfinder5804
9 ай бұрын
New area, traditional equip and the pressure you feel to succeed most subliminal at first but right up front after a couple things go sideways. Ya you’ve shot trad for most your life but misses/wounds are going to happen at some point naturally. Now being in new area your already pressing from start cuz it’s all new to you relatively speaking so being in new area your more likely to be thinking more about am I in best spot? is there a better tree over there? The signs good here but is it better over there? That all takes bits of focus off the shot and that as a trad hunter is a huge issue. Then once things start not goin perfect more focus changes adding pressure and pressure leads to focus lost. Showing this is REAL and you not alone and if someone says not them they are lying!!! I watched “The Hunting Beast” wound a buck on video and he didn’t edit it out. I think showing this stuff is important to everyday hunters and new hunters!!! It happens but it’s not end of the world. Refocus, reboot and keep nose to the grindstone. For me 1 deer 2 misses this yr.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
This is all so very true. It's like a snowball effect. Problems just get bigger the more you roll it. Agree 100%
@ray650420
9 ай бұрын
I don't think those numbers are bad. I would love to have got that many.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
It's the missed opportunities that bum me out.
@christopheroleary2512
9 ай бұрын
I think that you did great. Totally understand the frustration though! I am a brand new hunter. It has been close to a few decades since I was a kid helping on hunt drives. Early 2023 I got a hog at a camp, so that doesn’t count. I went out on my own at Florida WMA public lands. At those hunts, I got Zero(!) kills. In fact, I didn’t even see an animal. Total combined of about 5 full long days with a combo of still and stalk. Saw plenty of signs though. I have plans to be out again 2-3 days each weekend in January and maybe a couple more during the week. This is with a gun since I am physically challenged due to my limitations. I hope to do bow next year if my disabilities allow me. Needless to say, your numbers are great!
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Glad you are gett8ng out there and enjoying the swamps! Hogs take some seriously practice to learn where the hang out and how to get into them. When I first started hunting hogs I averaged seeing hogs once for about every 5 full days of walking. Now I see hogs usually everytime. Or say 7 out of 10 times. It will all come together for you are you learn the areas. Keep having fun and glad to see you not letting disability stop you from enjoying the woods. That's a huge win right there
@Tyr-not-mars
7 ай бұрын
Good self criticism...in fact i must compliment you sir on an eloquent critique.
@SamkoTradBow
7 ай бұрын
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it
@JohnGreyman
9 ай бұрын
I hunted ten weeks straight out of state. All I did was hunt everyday. Up at 330 am, in bed at 930-1030 pm. I didn't even fill 25% of my tags. I did miss 3 shots with my bow, branches and twigs on two and one I didn't range and was two inches high. Completely my fault. In my home state I had one shot on buck before I left for my 10 week trip. Had branch deflection on that one too. I did get a turkey with my bow a few days after that but man it was a ruff year. My 10 weeks the weather wouldn't cooperate. It would be hot for 5-6 days then cooler for one or two days, then back to being hot. I was only seeing deer right before first light or right after last light on those hot days. It's like they knew the legal light was coming and split. Hoping 2024 will be a lot better for all of us.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
We can wallow in our misery together 😂. But congratulations on being able to hunt that much. Life is good and 2024 will be better for us both.
@JohnGreyman
9 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBow @tradbowpodcast haha, I hope it is. Thank you, it was good to be out there so long. Like life therapy and peace that was definitely needed. Thank God for muzzleloader/rifle season or I wouldn't have filled any deer tags. I did miss the intimacy and connection of a bow harvest. People that don't hunt with a bow won't understand that moment you share with not just the animals you harvest but also the ones you let walk. Being that close to such a majestic animal is an experience all on its own. I am prepping now for the 2024 season. I know you can't "buy" a successful season. However you can improve the possibilities with new equipment like an ATV, or a more accurate rangefinder/binocular. You can increase the capabilities of your equipment by making modifications like I see in a lot of videos you post. Big help by the way. Sometimes those little modifications save time, energy and frustration over a long trip. You are right, it was a long trip and I definitely found things I needed to improve upon. Not because the season was so harsh but in spite of it. In years past, hunts happened so fast and I was so focused on filling tags I didn't spend the time to analyze my capabilities until the season was over. This year I had the time and I used it to really think about how I wanted to improve my skill set, minimize my equipment limitations and maximize my productivity in the future. I truly wasn't prepared for a season like this one. Just when you think you have thought of everything I realized I thought of everything I could think of when things and conditions were right, but I didn't focus on things for an off season like this one. I'm rambling. Thank you for your reply and I hope you still tag a big one this season if yours is still going that makes all the rest of the season worth it.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
@JohnGreyman that right there is the perfect mindset and attitude. We learn more when the chips are down or we are forced to hunt harder or longer. It's nature's way of fine tuning us.
@Rob_Tradbowhunter
9 ай бұрын
We all have rough hunting seasons buddy. We all miss and make bad shots. That's just hunting. I've watched dozens of your videos. You're a dang good shot and a good hunter. Keep your head up. Next season will be better for you. 👍
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. I can't wait! 2024 season stars for me in 2 days!
@Rob_Tradbowhunter
9 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBow thats awesome. 👍
@NorthernMontanaHomestead
9 ай бұрын
I had a horrible season as well. Soon as hunting season started my water supply line busted, my hot water heater died, my truck completely died and repairs took 4 weeks, a stray dog got into my yard and killed half my flock of chickens/ducks. The little bit of Elk/Deer hunting I got in was a total failure. In Elk camp a freak wind storm destroyed my tent and then... we got pouring rain.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Man so sorry to hear this. That's definitely a tough year.
@cameronwalrod7023
9 ай бұрын
Going to a wma in Georgia to hunt hogs. I have a family member that has been able to contact you and ask you different questions about the inflatable raft you use and what not but he was telling me that this wma has been having issues with weather recently. I’m just wondering if you been out to the place and noticed anything different with the water levels being extremely low, bought myself some hip wader to hopefully have to avoid using chest waders. Definitely enjoy watching your channel and been learning some new stuff along the way. P.S i don’t know if you remember but we actually met you while hunting hogs back in 2022 in January.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
I do remember you and your dad! Last time I was at that wma was 8 days ago. Water levels were low enough to go to the places you guys normally do in just knee high boots with inches to spare. Lots of hog sign, but 3 different groups of guys hunting squirrels with dogs and I only jumped one bedded lone hog all day. Have not been back there since. But I bet water level is probably similar. And the areas you guys spent most of your time in is the nest sign I found on the whole wma. You guys should have an excellent trip. If I didn't ha e new counters coming and need to rebuild my island before they get here I would come join you for a day. But doesn't look like I will be done in time. If I get a chance to swing out there I will let you guys know. Any questions when you guys are there hit me up. Your dad has my number.
@cameronwalrod7023
8 ай бұрын
Well me made it out to the wma and the water levels are perfect. So far we have only had to wear knee high boots. Also lots of hog activity from what we are seeing. Got stands set up yesterday and going out this evening to try to get hopefully a few hogs
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
@@cameronwalrod7023 wishing you guys great luck
@wv.bowhunter6094
8 ай бұрын
Dude i had the worst year in 25 years! i went all season trad bow hunting and crossbow. Never killed a deer last year. 2023 was not good...
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
We can wallow in our misery together 😂
@wv.bowhunter6094
8 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBow lol true! It happens to us all sometime.
@callenscreations574
9 ай бұрын
Working through our own failures and owning it 💯 is the way. It is the only way. Well done. This is part of the ebbs and flows of bowhunting, and life in general. Well freaking done sir. Edit to add, i understand the blocking of the ridiculous trolls. That said, use them as fuel. Im related to another popular youtube hunter who also happens to show the good bad and ugly, and he takes some heat for showing the real side of hunting with misses and wounded animals. It happens. Let them say what they say, hate how they will... knowing full well this stuff happens to ALL of us. And anyone saying it doesnt happen to them either doesnt hunt, or has a worse record than your 2023 on an annual basis.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. And we'll said. I don't tolerate the haters though. Seems like in this day and age we have to deal with jackasses everywhere. My channel is the one place I can give them the middle finger by banning them. I do it all the time. Probably banned a thousand people in last 10 years. I really really like that button😂
@callenscreations574
9 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBow Ha! That's what Dan says too! Love the channel. I think you do a great job with the content. I'm a Georgia boy who's gone north myself, in MN now. Some great urban hunting in Georgia. Love the remote North though.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
@@callenscreations574 yep northern deer hunting will always have a special place in my heart. I do miss it
@charlescavanagh7756
8 ай бұрын
Man I needed this. Had a HARD year myself and the same as you it wasn't for a lack of getting into the deer . I hunted well but couldn't make it happen with the long bow. Thanks for the honesty and keeping it real. It makes me feel better because of a guy that shoots as well as you can miss, then it's more understandable for me.
@SamkoTradBow
8 ай бұрын
We can wallow in our misery together..lol Yep missing is part of the game but the education a lngbow or and traditional bow teaches us in priceless.
@likeadog7752
9 ай бұрын
One year I missed 6 out of 6 deer. That was a rough one. Great video.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep thats a tough year too. But we take the good with the bad and keep hunting
@nickgironda8932
9 ай бұрын
Jason, when I first started bow hunting back in 1979, I did not even see a wild deer for seven years! It was R O U G H 😢 Traditional archery is H A R D 😢 I for one UNDERSTAND how you feel 😅 Shrug it off as best you can and look forward to next season. I’m sorry brother IT WILL GET BETTER 👍
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yep all we can do is shake it off and get right back in the woods to try again
@stevenhicks815
9 ай бұрын
Hang in there buddy. I lost two deer this year I’m devastated about it. Sorry for people that talk crap.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yeah the lost animals hurt and stick with us. Need to shake them off and get back at it
@stevenhicks815
9 ай бұрын
@@SamkoTradBow I agree 💯! Thank you for sharing your story, it helped me realize I’m not only one. Cause when it happens we tend to think that
@shawnhagen6871
9 ай бұрын
I’ve missed 2 does with my compound this year.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Yeo we all have good ones and bad ones. All part of the game. Shake it off and we keep hunting
@johnnyfishez
9 ай бұрын
This video shows why you are important to this community.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
Thank you. Greatly appreciated
@markburkholder3571
9 ай бұрын
I hate to say it, but your year is still better than mine. I guess that is why they call it hunting. Only 1 deer in the freezer.
@SamkoTradBow
9 ай бұрын
A deer in the freezer is great! Congrats on that. But you are right it's not ment to be easy.
@markburkholder3571
9 ай бұрын
Yep, I am in southern Michigan deer all over except at my place, lol. The corn just got taken down around me. I hope my coyote hunting goes better
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