Squints7

I realize this topic hasn't been answered for a while but I would advocate using a gun at first - to get your feet wet. My first deer- I was really young- I was super excited and had to take a couple of deep breaths to calm down and make a clean kill. I couldn't imagine taking my very first deer with a bow. To each his own but I'd recommend the gun at first. Also , a bow requires more than just scouting and watching for patterns. It requires months of practice to ensure you obtain that behind the front shoulder shot that ensures a clean kill. A bow requires a great deal of commitment. I know this because I'm going through it right now. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

Sorry it took so long to respond - been busy. The only thing about simply throwing corn on the ground is that other "critters" can get to it just as easily as deer. Squirrels , Birds, Turkeys(here in the south),Wild hogs( also here in the south) and various other creatures. We have to have feeders down here. Also, I don't know that simply throwing corn on the ground works. Deer tend to go where there is food all the time. If you are hunting a spot where deer are or you know there is activity there then I say go for it. However, I would say that you are likely to have more success with salt blocks. I don't know that squirrels don't mess with those but I haven't seen one do it. And my last statement contained a type- o. I meant to ask-"is there snow on the ground when you hunt?" - Im ignorant of the type of hunting done in NH... I would assume there would be but I had to ask .... . I don't know how well corn or any of these options holds up to extreme temperatures... Just another thing to consider...

I'm not even sure what I just saw..... Just.... Wow

I was in the military( Marine Corps) for six years as an infantryman. I own a Smith and Wesson M and P 15. Personally, I love it. It's a quality gun at a reasonable price. There are all kinds of custom guns and high-speed/low drag brands that may out-perform my gun- but not in a way that I would notice. I don't shoot competition. The other guys have suggested some pretty good brands on here and they all have pros and cons. I'd suggest actually going and looking at them personally. Hold it, feel it, see what you like. I say all this with the disclaimer that I'm not an expert

Thanks man- I appreciate the advice - I'm going to try that when I get home. I watched a few YouTube videos on how to tie the arbor knot and I've used it before with monofilament. Apparently, I didn't understand that braided line "slips" if you tie it directly to the reel. Great information and thanks for taking the time to respond.

So I should only use mono to back it or will fluorocarbon work - I have mono- I was just wondering if that was the only thing that you use?

I recently tried tying on some braided line to my Abu Garcia Revo Sx. I came away (while practicing in the yard) with a birds nest that nightmares are made of. Is braided line not a good idea on baitcasting reels? Should you only use them on spinning reels? Also, I tried tying an overhand knot on to the reel (with the same line) and I believe that's where this disaster really began. I don't think the knot held and I ended up with a mess.... . Bear in mind- I'm very new to fishing and I am just trying to learn...

Thanks to both of y'all - I appreciate it

Mike , what kind of natural food is on your property for the deer to eat? And what I would suggest is a very important question: Is there snow on the ground when you are hunting?

Thanks guys, I certainly appreciate it

My name is Squints(no not my real name). I'm 29 years old- a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. I've been fishing seriously for about two months. I've hunted all my life, but didn't take up fishing until my best friend introduced me to it. Then I started watching YouTube. And then the bait monkey struck and I've bought three rods and reels over the past three weeks. My wife... Still loves me-somehow. I work at a major manufacturing plant near Alexandria Louisiana and i will go fishing with zero sleep - having been up for 24 hours. Anyway, that's my story. Joined this forum to learn because I know next to nothing. I like throwing a swim-bait, though.