Prefered hunting time

[Elkaholic]

Me and my father hunt more morning and evening, but we have shot a number of dandy animals at 12-3 in the afternoon, we tend to think the older smarter animals do this cuz they know when the hunting pressure is coming and now how to get around 99% of the people.

[416]

l like being "somewhere" before daybreak and watching. That being said l have taken animals at all times of the day over the years. More activity in the mornings then in the afternoon, a more sightings in nasty weather all day long, then on clear days..

[Salty]

By far my favorite is to be where you want to be at the break of day. Like said if nothing else just watching the bush wake up is worth the trouble. And, its usually a productive time to hunt.

Last year, I shot my dear at about 11:00am, so you never know, but I've seen most game near daybreak or near dusk.

[MRBucks]

Mornings for me.
I like others have said prefer to have the rest of the day to pack out an animal. I hate leaving one in the bush overnight.

One time I popped a buck, late in the afternoon. By the time it was gutted, it was dark, and I was cold. After a few hours in the trailer, supper eaten, and warm, I got to urging my partner to go back up the hill,and drag the deer back down to the truck. He thought I was crazy, but agreed, and off we went with flashlites. Nothing like a good, understanding partner! I slept better that night, knowing it was safe and sound in camp.

The other problem with the evening hunt, is counting tines. I hate having to do that in the first place, but it pi$$es me off when the light has gotten bad, and the critter is standing in the shadows. I mean, you have to pass on it, as many areas have the antler restrictions, and you just can't take a chance You watch it till your eyes feel like they are going to melt, hoping to get a good view of the antlers, and then its totallly dark, and your hooped till morning!

Yup. My votes for AM.

[Foxer]

Mornings are best. Not just for results but for pure enjoyment.

There's nothing quite like that feeling staring out over a feild when you're just waking up, that sweet wind is in your face, your bones are just warming up, and the woods feel alive and the day is FULL of possibility. Greatest feeling there is.

Plus i hate skinning in the dark.

[Rufus]

Yes i agree with all day to deal with downed game. I've been in the same situation as MRbucks, but i had to leave it over nite. Luckly it was cold over nite. Got back early in the am, the ravens or coyotes hadn't got to it. Last fall i passed on a nice sized black bear because it was near dark. Great responce to the poll, thanx

[BCrams]

Wow -

Just so you all know ..... I am currently the LONE vote for Evening hunts.

I don't know why, but I do quite well hunting late afternoons and evenings.........

I will admit though, I get caught frequently far and away from the truck with a downed animal, or having to walk out in the dark .... and its miserable as hell sometimes with cold wind, rain, snow etc ...... and not to mention its quite EERIE hiking an hour or two in the dark under compass to get back to the road that leads to the truck or vehicle etc ...... Not to mention I get soooo bagged and tired.

Quartering an animal in the dark after cleaning and then packing the critter out is no fun either .........

BUT ... most times I've got a big SHEET EATING GRIN when I'm packing or dragging that big buck out !!!!

[stonesheep]

Well I cant leave you alone out here RAMS, I too like the twighlite setting down for the evening. I have had most of my luck just an hour or two before dark, and yes as you all say this means dealing with the dark.....the bewitching hour for all that is toothy and evil. Only ever had one one in in all my years that made me pee my pants so to speak, so I will go with the odds.

Ps. Hey BCRAMS, did i miss the story of your stoner hunt or has it just not been posted, I have been waiting to hear what went on and what you guyds saw on you trip....I did see your pics and they look good

Jody

[tracker]

Sorry to break this down like this but I hunt every animal different.

whitetail-- evenings

muley---- morning

moose ---- morning

elk --- evening

bear ---- evening

grouse --- both

So I guess that makes me undecided . Just get out when ever I can.