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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 08:22:50 AM

Title: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 08:22:50 AM
As many know I’ve had a medical issue. It made me completely deaf in one ear. It’s a little frustrating at times. At night my girl comes w me to help roost birds. I can’t tell direction.
When I run hounds or even deer hunt the steady sound of barking or walking of hooves in leaves allows me to turn my head n see where it’s the loudest. GPS collars on dogs point direction.
Gobbling birds can be tough.  By the time I start moving the gobble is over and often I don’t feel I can move. There’s prob no solution besides what I’m doing and to be honest I’m glad I’m doing it but if anyone has any ideas let me know.
Btw Hearing enhancers can’t work. My hearing nerve was crushed.
Thanks for any ideas
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Spitten and drummen on January 15, 2020, 08:59:31 AM
Take a compass bearing to the bird when he first gobbles and estimate the distance. Take you time and when you get close to where he was just sit and see if you can work him. Once you figure out if you can move , take another and repeat. Its just an idea. Hope maybe that helps.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: DerekDixon on January 15, 2020, 09:31:52 AM
I have hearing loss in my right ear,  can’t hear certain frequencies, I use the Howard light impact ear muffs. They have microphones on the front or can be on the rear depending on how you put them on they seam to amplify on the side the sound is coming from. Helps me with direction listening to them gobble. Helps more with the hens in the morn but have been using them for about the last 5 years.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 10:06:38 AM
Take a compass bearing to the bird when he first gobbles and estimate the distance. Take you time and when you get close to where he was just sit and see if you can work him. Once you figure out if you can move , take another and repeat. Its just an idea. Hope maybe that helps.
The compass bearing can’t happen. I have zero idea out of 360 degrees which way it is. Being totally deaf in one ear I can’t triangulate at all
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 10:08:05 AM
I have hearing loss in my right ear,  can’t hear certain frequencies, I use the Howard light impact ear muffs. They have microphones on the front or can be on the rear depending on how you put them on they seam to amplify on the side the sound is coming from. Helps me with direction listening to them gobble. Helps more with the hens in the morn but have been using them for about the last 5 years.
It’s not a partial loss. It’s totally completely deaf. That’s my prob
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Spitten and drummen on January 15, 2020, 10:18:43 AM
Wow buddy. I just think maybe you are just gonna have to just deal with it. I hate it for you and know thats got to be terrible. Hard enough to course a bird with 2 good ears sometimes much less with one. Good luck.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: paboxcall on January 15, 2020, 10:46:49 AM
Take a compass bearing to the bird when he first gobbles and estimate the distance. Take you time and when you get close to where he was just sit and see if you can work him. Once you figure out if you can move , take another and repeat. Its just an idea. Hope maybe that helps.
The compass bearing can’t happen. I have zero idea out of 360 degrees which way it is. Being totally deaf in one ear I can’t triangulate at all

Years ago my very good hunting buddy lost his hearing in one ear, and like you could not triangulate. We hunted together way more often after that happened so I did the pointing and we tag teamed a lot of birds. So your best option may be what you are doing at night, and hook up with someone who enjoys your company and hunt as a team.

After all was said and done, in hindsight I'd rather have had those mornings with him than to have hunted alone. Miss my buddy and mornings with him stand out way more than mornings on my own during that time.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Jroddc on January 15, 2020, 10:59:36 AM
Bring a buddy with good hearing that likes shooting doubles with you.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 11:00:07 AM
Thanks boxcall. It’s pretty much exactly what I’m doing. Jrrodc n I did a bit last year our ratio was really high. We doubled 2 out of 3 times out on long beards. We called in another long beard the other day. Just wondering if there was anything else. I kinda knew there wasn’t but it was worth a try.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 11:00:55 AM
Thanks again guys
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 11:04:24 AM
A pic of last years doubles w Jrrodc


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Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 11:04:45 AM
The other


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Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: LaLongbeard on January 15, 2020, 11:07:24 AM
That is tough, hearing being one of the most important tools in Turkey hunting. I don’t have the answer but if you haven’t read Herb McClure’s book “Native  Turkeys “ he has a similar hearing problem and was determined not to let it stop him. Good luck and persevere
     
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 11:55:06 AM
Doesn’t stop me either. Thank you
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: paboxcall on January 15, 2020, 12:07:46 PM
Thanks boxcall. It’s pretty much exactly what I’m doing. Jrrodc n I did a bit last year our ratio was really high. We doubled 2 out of 3 times out on long beards. We called in another long beard the other day. Just wondering if there was anything else. I kinda knew there wasn’t but it was worth a try.

 :icon_thumright:
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: dirt road ninja on January 15, 2020, 02:40:03 PM
Im jealous that your birds gobble.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: J.D. Shellnut on January 15, 2020, 03:42:43 PM
Have you talked to your Dr about a cochlear implant? A friends wife was having ear trouble and they was worried about her becoming deaf. A specialist told her that if you have ever been able to hear we can make you hear again. Now that sounds far fetched to me but that's what he told me. I read a little on the cochlear implant and it seems you have to try a few things before becoming a candidate for it. Wouldn't hurt to mention it to your Dr.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 15, 2020, 06:14:51 PM
I had a brain tumor. It crushed the nerve flat they said. Like a truck on a garden hose but never to unflatten they told me. The impulses can’t get through. No way to fix it from what they say damage was done to it
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Tail Feathers on January 15, 2020, 08:35:31 PM
You need a hunting partner, maybe a young one with good hearing.  He can point the direction, estimate a range and send you while he goes for another bird. 
It's not ideal, but it would help.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Sir-diealot on January 15, 2020, 08:41:39 PM
Have you talked to your Dr about a cochlear implant? A friends wife was having ear trouble and they was worried about her becoming deaf. A specialist told her that if you have ever been able to hear we can make you hear again. Now that sounds far fetched to me but that's what he told me. I read a little on the cochlear implant and it seems you have to try a few things before becoming a candidate for it. Wouldn't hurt to mention it to your Dr.
Thank you, I wanted to mention this but could not remember what it was called. Have heard a lot of good about it.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: StruttinGobbler3 on January 15, 2020, 09:50:41 PM
I’m not sure if this will help, but as a coon hunter I have found when trying to course a hounds direction at a distance, this helps. I turn one ear toward the general direction of the hounds and cup one hand behind my ear, and it seems to help with isolating your hearing to a more specific direction. Only other suggestion I have is to burn a lot of boot leather, find areas with concentrated gobbler sign and hang trail cameras there. That could give you an idea of the time of morning and frequency that a gobbler visits that area, which could give you a higher percentage area to call from. Lot easier to call a gobbler where he already wants to go.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 16, 2020, 09:12:17 AM
I’m not sure if this will help, but as a coon hunter I have found when trying to course a hounds direction at a distance, this helps. I turn one ear toward the general direction of the hounds and cup one hand behind my ear, and it seems to help with isolating your hearing to a more specific direction. Only other suggestion I have is to burn a lot of boot leather, find areas with concentrated gobbler sign and hang trail cameras there. That could give you an idea of the time of morning and frequency that a gobbler visits that area, which could give you a higher percentage area to call from. Lot easier to call a gobbler where he already wants to go.

Thanks but don’t have a problem getting gobblers close. Give ya a for instance. Last year I went out and struck a bird running n gunning alone. The bird was barely audible and I got him close enough to feel his gobbles. Old days he woulda been done. I never saw him. My optic nerve was hit during surgery so I don’t have right peripheral and I don’t make tears so though I can see out of the eye it’s not clear. I’m not complaining believe me. Add that to I didn’t know which way to face its slightly frustrating.
This type thing happens regular. I never was a big blind guy. Now I roost a bird, my girl helps me at night if she’s free. Come daylight I know where to look. But if another bird moves in as he gobbles I try n swing head around to see where the most volume is coming from. It requires motion. A blind hides my head. I carry the blind n set each morning in a new spot but running n gunning was always my thing as soon as a roost n shoot didn’t work. Even for roosting a blind was never used. Now I give more time to the roost set up and when I run n gun odds are way lower. Hey but I’m still able. Thank God for that. Better one ear than never hearing another gobble.
Anyway good luck this spring boys
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: StruttinGobbler3 on January 16, 2020, 09:17:59 AM
I’m sorry this happened to you, I’m sure it is frustrating. But I’m glad you can see the bright side. Any day we wake up above ground and are able to enjoy our passion is a good day.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 16, 2020, 09:24:55 AM
I’m sorry this happened to you, I’m sure it is frustrating. But I’m glad you can see the bright side. Any day we wake up above ground and are able to enjoy our passion is a good day.

Buddy I appreciate it but no need to be sorry. It’s just part of life. It coulda been someone I care about. Glad it was me.  I can take it. No worries, no complaints. Just wondering if anyone had ideas
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: GobbleNut on January 16, 2020, 10:25:31 AM
In summary, Bowguy,...your situation REALLY SUCKS, buddy!  Hope you eventually find a solution!
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: drenalinld on January 16, 2020, 11:22:49 AM
I don’t know if any solutions. Glad you still get after them. I know a guy totally deaf in both ears but he goes and loves it. Gobbles inside 60 yards he can feel. No idea of direction though.


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Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Sixes on January 16, 2020, 12:19:05 PM
I am not completely deaf in my left ear, but it is measured at around 15% and none for certain frequencies. I have audiograms yearly though work so I kind know the loss and if it get worse year to year.

I know what you are talking about, hear the bird gobble and not sure how far or what direction. What I have learned over the years is that when I hear a bird at a distance or walking though the leaves, it is always to the left of where I think it is by about 60 degrees.  If i hear it walking to my right, then it is probably in front, if I hear it to my left, it is behind me, if it is behind me then it is to my right.

It's weird but that is the pattern and thinking I use when hunting. I deer hunt a lot and it is the same with them and that is how I developed "my" direction theory.

I just have to hope a turkey gobbles multiple times for me to get a good bearing and move on. One thing that has verified my directions is to see/hear turkeys that are in the open and then hear them gobble and that helps to learn your direction of hearing.

Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 16, 2020, 12:19:42 PM
In summary, Bowguy,...your situation REALLY SUCKS, buddy!  Hope you eventually find a solution!

Gobblenut I understand what you’re saying. I don’t feel sorry or upset though. It’s just part of my life now. Somewhere someone is way worse off and wishes they had this trivial problem. Let’s be honest, in the scheme of things it’s real small.
Another girl I know of is going through the same issue right now. One of my neurologists said I might not make surgery so it gives me some insight for others. She’s scared she might not make surgery but I look at it from another angle. If it was your kid, you’d want him to stay positive n fight. We gotta lead by example. They’re only gonna know what we show him. What a blessing to be able to show them as opposed to just saying so without really being there.
I really don’t think I fared out too bad and thank God He gave me the mentality n strength to deal w it.
Everything in life boys can be turned into a positive if you look for it

Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Spurs on January 16, 2020, 12:38:09 PM
I'm not sure how "techy" you are, but this was an interesting subject that I dove into a few years back...just a hair-brained idea that I never tried, but Acoustic Location or Sound Triangulation has been around for a long time, but just recently, technology has become sort of "mobile". 

It would take some serious time and determination, but I honestly think you could get something out of this if you really wanted to get something that could work.  Again, this was just a quick google search, but this guy really seems to be going in the right direction...could be something to revolutionize the hunting world too. :anim_25:

https://hackaday.com/2011/05/10/diy-sound-localization-sensor/
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 16, 2020, 01:20:34 PM
Thank you buddy, I’ll check this after work!
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: randy6471 on January 16, 2020, 07:31:06 PM
   Hey Bowguy...sorry for your situation, especially when hearing is such an important part of what we all love to do, but I must say I really admire your perspective/outlook.

  It’s pretty easy to find something to complain about or a reason to feel sorry for ourselves, but all we need to do is to take a look around and it’s not hard to find someone that’s worse off than we are.

  A couple years ago I lost a long time turkey hunting buddy to cancer at only 53 years old. Over the years we hunted together alot, both at home, as well as trips to other parts of the country and we spent many, many mornings together, out listening for the first gobble of the day. Now I think of him often, especially while waiting for that first bird to sound off....and wish he could hear just one more gobble.

  I don’t post a ton on here, but I read a lot and the one thing that I’ve noticed is that there are many hunters on this forum (including myself) that are lucky enough to spend MANY days, sometimes in multiple states, chasing spring gobblers every year.....we should try to cherish every day we get to do it!

  But to your situation, I have another buddy that I hunt with quite often who has poor hearing and like you, he especially has trouble with direction. We work around it by.....

  1. Relying more on my ears.
  2. When possible, we set up shoulder to shoulder, so we can whisper to each other.
  3. His left ear is his strong ear, so I always walk and sit to his left. He shoots lefty and I shoot right, so when sitting together it works good anyway to cover the most area.
  4. If we can’t/don’t sit right together, he sits where he can keep a close eye on me. If I shift or adjust my gun, he knows that I either see or hear something, so focuses toward that area as well.
  5. We have some subtle hand signals and I use some specific hen talk on a mouth call to let him know if I hear something behind us or if I hear a gobbler drumming. (which he can rarely hear)

   Sorry for the long post, but keep up the positive attitude and you will make out just fine.






 
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: rakkin6 on January 16, 2020, 08:55:50 PM
I understand I lost the hearing in my left ear in the Army. I usually just try to get a general direction and start moving generally in that direction. I usually have to call a little more than most until I know I am definitely on the right track. I can usually get a general direction and just hope I can keep him gobbling for a little bit. I know this goes against what a lot of people do but I try to haul a** in that direction so I have to call less and make any corrections if needed.
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 17, 2020, 01:59:58 AM
I'm not sure how "techy" you are, but this was an interesting subject that I dove into a few years back...just a hair-brained idea that I never tried, but Acoustic Location or Sound Triangulation has been around for a long time, but just recently, technology has become sort of "mobile". 

It would take some serious time and determination, but I honestly think you could get something out of this if you really wanted to get something that could work.  Again, this was just a quick google search, but this guy really seems to be going in the right direction...could be something to revolutionize the hunting world too. :anim_25:

https://hackaday.com/2011/05/10/diy-sound-localization-sensor/

That was interesting. Idk if it be practical but it’s def got possibilities
Title: Re: Question about direction
Post by: Bowguy on January 17, 2020, 02:05:42 AM
I actually practice trying to pin point sound. When I run dogs, when they’re working even they could be close or far (there’s no issue figuring how far btw) but I try n pin point then by volume. I believe it could be getting ever so slightly better. I’ll guess where I think they are than glance ar my gps collars remote. It points right at em. Again the difference is barking or bells jangling are more constant than a quick turkey gobble.
Thank you again guys