I have enjoyed 16 years of bowhunting in New York state so far. Us bowhunters have always enjoyed getting a jump on the rest of the deer hunters with the first open season. This year NY state is considering opening an early muzzleloader season for 2 weeks before the opening of bow season. Do any other bowhunters out there have to deal with any type of firearms season before the opening of your bow season? If so how does it effect your early season deer patterns and how do you adjust for hunting deer that have already been pressured for a few weeks?

I've unfortunately been only hunting public land that last few years. We bowhunt up to the start of the rut. We have to contend with idiot slug gun hunters* tromping around looking for a stand location horthier 1st 4 day season.

I missed a great oppertunity on an monster Illini buck 3 years ago to two dufuses that were "scouting" at dust. I had rattled & call this old buck when Dumd & dumber came tromping by talking & smoking ciggarettes.

That's public land,,,Sheesh

What to do?...Hike out a few more miles

Good luck!