Our deer season cranks up in October as well. Unfortunaltely I have been out of town more than I ke and need to do a crash course getting my shooting skills back up to par before I go hunting. It never bothers me too much to miss the early part of bow season in Louisiana, it is too darn hot and way too many skeeters in October.
I don't get on the site that often, just found your request and hope it was "accepted" properly. Also love the traditional archery scene and have been using a recurve for (I hate to say how long now). We are getting geared up for the upcoming Pennsylvania Archery Season which starts October 3rd. Have been seeing a few decent bucks and the herd is coming back a bit since our Game Commission instituted antler restrictions, combined seasons, multiple licenses, etc. about seven years ago. Wish you the best of luck with your Damon Howatt Hunter this season.