Back in August, there was a thread about realistic expectations for deer seen/harvested for the upcoming season. I thought I had posted on the thread, but apparently not. My post would have to kill my first deer in my first season to hunt with a gun.

http://www.aldeer.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1038183&page=1

Luckily, I met my expectations. Got my first deer, a doe, on 12/31/14. Got my first buck 1/17/15. Both were shot in Marion Co. on the land where my grandfather grew up (55 acres). I appreciate the tips from everyone on here!





And I've got this guy to dream about for next year...



How would you say you did this past year in terms of meeting your own expectations? I know many said they saw fewer deer than "normal." I certainly had many days without so much of a glimpse of a deer, but glad I got those two!

Great pictures. Looks like you had a great first year.

Congrats man! Good luck with that one next season.

Congrats on a great and memorable season! As far as expectations go, I'm usually happy with just seeing deer and putting a doe or three in the freezer. But my season far exceeded anything I ever could have dreamed of with three wall worthy bucks. I chalk it up fully up to luck and new connections.

Glad it worked out! Congrats!!

That gives you something to look forward too.

Congrats on yours and as far as my expectations go, I've learned not to expect a lot and be thankful for the chances you get. I killed 2 bucks, one nice one and the other not so much, missed a really nice one which was all my fault so all in all I am pleased. I don't have a bunch of jam up, well managed land to hunt, just some small private pieces so I'm always tickled with a decent buck.

No expectations,.....no disappointments.I hunt to have fun and enjoy nature. Mission accomplished.
Congrats to you, looks like you had fun and that's what it's all about.

Congrats on your season. I killed a nice bow buck so my season was made off of that.

I didnt have very high expectations for this year because I changed jobs and moved 2 hrs from my family land and 3 hrs from my lease. I killed 2 does with my bow in one weekend, killed a 15" wide 8 point with my muzzleloader, and a 18" wide 6 point that was 4 or 5 yrs old with a rifle. I had a great year considering I didnt hunt as much as normal.

Nice work Joe. Really enjoyed getting to know you this year. We've got to get together next season and hit em.

Congratulations - you had a fantastic season!!!!

Congrats on your season. Mine was a success. Got to have fun and spend time with family and friends in the woods and at camp. We even killed a few deer.

My goal was met when my 16 yr old daughter killed her first buck. Circle of hunting life continued as I was able to put my 74 yr old Dad in the right spot for an 8. Loaded and cleaned for him, just as he had done for me on many occasions. Youngest daughter killed a doe as well.
One w my bow is the only thing left on my "to do list" this year. 8 more days to make it happen.

Congratulations on a great first year and always remember "they are all trophies"

Congrats on your deer. My season may have been disappointing in the killed column (I killed only one deer and he was the ugliest deer I had ever seen. 5 nice points on one side and a 12" cowhorn on the other side.)

But I got to spend alot of time with my family and friends.

I saw many beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

I know nobody who was injured or died during hunting season.

So I consider this a sucessful season. But Ill be planting corn and soybeans before long... and hoping for a better one next year.

My season way exceeded my expectations. I killed two trophies (to me) and missed two others, and saw three others. Saw somewhere between 150-200 deer probably. Still got a few days left.

Congrats

Congrats Joe! My season started with the expectations of being lucky to see a few and maybe shoot a doe or two. This season surpassed all my expectations, spent some great time fellowshipping with a few buddies and my step father in the woods, enjoyed some great shows put on by mother nature, had quite few opprotunities and passed as i was asked to do on particular deer, was able to harvest two deer One being my best. I feel like I was blessed with a great season.