Well ... we finished up in 5BN without much luck, but had a lot of fun. We did get on a MASSIVE BULL but he was an elusive SOB and never gave us shot opportunity. Even though they were quiet, and not coming in to calls, we got on bulls daily. It was nice to see the animals, even not rutting.
We did have some great learning experiences when it comes to dealing with other hunters, and it was mostly positive. Couple of times my son got to his blind and someone was in it, using it. Each time that happened, they volunteered to move on, and each time my son told them "No ... 1st come 1st serve ... just leave my blind as you found it please. Thanks." I was proud of his response there, and pleased that the other guys offered to move, even though they didn't have to. Showed respect and etiquette all the way around. On the other side of the coin, my buddy and I went to scout a tank with his granddaughter and some guys were camped on both sides of the road leading into it. We waived as we drove by, and low and behold they followed us in. When we got out they said "We are hunting this tank ... we have blinds there." We informed them we were just checking it out, but they acted like it was "theirs", even though no one was actively on the tank. We did walk it ... then left. Later, my buddy said he felt like they were trying to "be intimidating". Not sure if they were, or if he just got that feeling ... but it sure doesn't have any place in hunting if they were. I kind of see it like my son lived it. 1st come 1st serve. If I am late to where I want to hunt ... so be it. If I take a break and come back to someone hunting it ... so be it. I just have to be committed to where I want to be and be the 1st one there ... and stay until I am DONE.
Maybe next year, my 26 points will get me drawn. I'll try to have my son's attitude ... though there will be a LOT fewer tags when I get drawn.