Need help filling a tag......

[Blackmamba]

You're doing good, just hang in there. I've let maybe 20 deer walk this year but they all were younger deer, big does but with yearlings in tow, or not legal bucks. I'm public land bow only and bucks must have 4pts on one side or 12in spread. The only legal bucks or big single does just have not presented a shot yet. I've sat in a climber in one area, continue to see deer behind me 70 yrds, move to that area and where I was originally is now the new hang out. Sometimes you don't need to be far back on public land, 50-75 yrds will be enough most places. I hunt like you, I'm set up and hour before sunrise, at least, and do not leave until dark. The 2 times I decided to move, deer walked all over the old site, 1 time I moved my gear to the new tree, sat everything down, went back for the climber and an doe and 9pt walked within 20yrds of me with my bow setting at the new location....you can't get dishearted. Hang in there and luck will prevail at some point, at least that's what I keep telling myself..

I have been hunting an area very similar here at home. Bow only and 4 pts on each side. Same spread. Only guns I hear are/were duck hunters. I think

 

[Blackmamba]

You're doing good, just hang in there. I've let maybe 20 deer walk this year but they all were younger deer, big does but with yearlings in tow, or not legal bucks. I'm public land bow only and bucks must have 4pts on one side or 12in spread. The only legal bucks or big single does just have not presented a shot yet. I've sat in a climber in one area, continue to see deer behind me 70 yrds, move to that area and where I was originally is now the new hang out. Sometimes you don't need to be far back on public land, 50-75 yrds will be enough most places. I hunt like you, I'm set up and hour before sunrise, at least, and do not leave until dark. The 2 times I decided to move, deer walked all over the old site, 1 time I moved my gear to the new tree, sat everything down, went back for the climber and an doe and 9pt walked within 20yrds of me with my bow setting at the new location....you can't get dishearted. Hang in there and luck will prevail at some point, at least that's what I keep telling myself..

I have been hunting an area very similar here at home. Bow only and 4 pts on each side. Same spread. Only guns I hear are/were duck hunters. I think

Where do you live? You just looking to kill any deer?

Like others have said, there's usually no need to go miles back, I've had tons of deer in range within 200yrds of the road on Michigan public land.

Infalt, Eberhart, and The Hunting Public are great to watch for targeting bucks. Depending on the time of year, the strategies would be different for does.

I live in the upstate of South Carolina. I wouldn’t say I’m just trying to kill any deer. That’s why I hunt a area I guess is considered trophy. In Greenwood SC if a buck is a spike he better hide it. Those boys will shoot a deer with a nub down there lol. I was nervous walking in there so I quit going.

 

[Kurt]

I always try to get as close as possible to the thickest cover. If you have snow go out tracking one day. You'll get a good feel for how deer travel in your woods. The pressure is tough. But the deer disappear somewhere, you have to find out where. I hunt all public land all the time. I love vegetative transitions. Deer stick to the edges like glue. I got on a track this year just to follow it. See what they see. It's amazing how little the cover needs to be different for them to gravitate to it. I agree with many that you don't need to travel the furthest just hunt the smartest. In season scouting shouldn't be considered throwing hunting time away. In season scouting is hunting time. The guy that kicked the deer out from under you today probably won't be there tomorrow but the deer might. So you shouldn't necessarily discount that spot. If your in an area that has deer,use that area wisely. Be mindful of your entry and exits. Be mindful of the wind. If you know where the majority of the hunters are going in, go in somewhere different. Just because there may be limited places to park doesn't mean you have to join the parade and go in there. Hike up or down the road a half mile and cut in in a different spot. Public land can be tough, if it wasn't it would be called private. You got this.

 

[Weldabeast]

I forget this so much. This is important to have fun. It will be so much more rewarding. The same applies I guess when I started fishing tournaments. 11 years later it’s second nature where to look for bass. I’m the want it to happen right now kind of guy lol.

I think your analogy is right on..... You'll learn the structure and bottom that fish hold on. Sometimes conditions are right and you'll be good but sometimes nobody home..... And a good fisherman will know where to look based on conditions. Once I started looking at the woods in that mindset I started having better luck..... Just harder to walk than drive in a boat

 

[Blackmamba]

You're doing good, just hang in there. I've let maybe 20 deer walk this year but they all were younger deer, big does but with yearlings in tow, or not legal bucks. I'm public land bow only and bucks must have 4pts on one side or 12in spread. The only legal bucks or big single does just have not presented a shot yet. I've sat in a climber in one area, continue to see deer behind me 70 yrds, move to that area and where I was originally is now the new hang out. Sometimes you don't need to be far back on public land, 50-75 yrds will be enough most places. I hunt like you, I'm set up and hour before sunrise, at least, and do not leave until dark. The 2 times I decided to move, deer walked all over the old site, 1 time I moved my gear to the new tree, sat everything down, went back for the climber and an doe and 9pt walked within 20yrds of me with my bow setting at the new location....you can't get dishearted. Hang in there and luck will prevail at some point, at least that's what I keep telling myself..

I have been hunting an area very similar here at home. Bow only and 4 pts on each side. Same spread. Only guns I hear are/were duck hunters. I think

Where do you live? You just looking to kill any deer?

Like others have said, there's usually no need to go miles back, I've had tons of deer in range within 200yrds of the road on Michigan public land.

Infalt, Eberhart, and The Hunting Public are great to watch for targeting bucks. Depending on the time of year, the strategies would be different for does.

I live in the upstate of South Carolina. I wouldn’t say I’m just trying to kill any deer. That’s why I hunt a area I guess is considered trophy. In Greenwood SC if a buck is a spike he better hide it. Those boys will shoot a deer with a nub down there lol. I was nervous walking in there so I quit going.

It took me 7 years of hunting before I filled my first tag. Ha the first 3 or 4 years I never even saw a deer even though I knew they were there. My first filled tag was on the second day of Archery season. The only bummer was that year we were limited to on tag so I was done. It was one of those bitter sweet moments.

I think you are already on track with being mobile. Like already stated pay attention to where you bump deer keep a mental not and go back before a rain comes in and see if you can see trails that they might be using and mark those spots. I like to scout before big rain falls come in because me scent will be washed away quickly. I also like to go in different directions of other hunters. You can tell where people like to sit and to be honest that is the last place I will. Not because I think I am a better hunter but because I don't know what they have left behind for the deer to smell. If its thick I am doing in because most hunter wont.

I personally am glad that I went years with out filling a tag because it kept me on the quest. Since I have filled a tag all but one year in the last 7. The year I didn't we had a new born in September and moved in September also so my woods time was not there. Those drought years are what keep me going.

I really like the advice on scouting before the rain for scent. I was trying my best not to educate deer. When I’m looking at trees to set up in I try to find those that aren’t impossible but that don’t have human sign from climbing stands or the like. The trees you have to work a little bit to get in but not unsafe.

 

[Blackmamba]

I always try to get as close as possible to the thickest cover. If you have snow go out tracking one day. You'll get a good feel for how deer travel in your woods. The pressure is tough. But the deer disappear somewhere, you have to find out where. I hunt all public land all the time. I love vegetative transitions. Deer stick to the edges like glue. I got on a track this year just to follow it. See what they see. It's amazing how little the cover needs to be different for them to gravitate to it. I agree with many that you don't need to travel the furthest just hunt the smartest. In season scouting shouldn't be considered throwing hunting time away. In season scouting is hunting time. The guy that kicked the deer out from under you today probably won't be there tomorrow but the deer might. So you shouldn't necessarily discount that spot. If your in an area that has deer,use that area wisely. Be mindful of your entry and exits. Be mindful of the wind. If you know where the majority of the hunters are going in, go in somewhere different. Just because there may be limited places to park doesn't mean you have to join the parade and go in there. Hike up or down the road a half mile and cut in in a different spot. Public land can be tough, if it wasn't it would be called private. You got this.

It never dawned on me to park and pound sand up the road a bit. I usually just followed the crowed and whipped into the parking lots. I like the smaller limited parking areas. Guys usually won’t pull in if one or 2 trucks is there kind of thing.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I hate walking through the woods so much now scouting, but I don’t have a choice.

Don't worry too much about this, especially if you're on heavily pressured land. The deer are used to human presence. To paraphrase @WHW, scout until you find the best sign then hunt it. If you think you've stirred it up too much just make a note of the spot and come back in a few days. Most likely the conditions that had then there will keep them there.

Personally I like to hunt edges. Transitions between thick and thin woods, pine edges, along terrain features etc. I find deer tend to move along those edges so I set up on them when the wind is blowing perpendicular to the edge. This has been a pretty productive approach for me over the years. As other have said, it takes a bit to learn to see the setups but once you do you'll start seeing opportunities everywhere.

Finally, again as others have said, for me the success criteria is not necessarily the kill. I enjoy the experience and process and am happy when I get them in range even if I don't succeed in killing them. I've been deer hunting 45+years and every trip out is still an opportuity to learn something new. Good Luck and enjoy.

 

[Blackmamba]

I think your analogy is right on..... You'll learn the structure and bottom that fish hold on. Sometimes conditions are right and you'll be good but sometimes nobody home..... And a good fisherman will know where to look based on conditions. Once I started looking at the woods in that mindset I started having better luck..... Just harder to walk than drive in a boat

True enough. I’m so wet behind the ears with hunting I’m sure they are still dripping. I don’t mind putting my nose in the book and boots on the ground to learn deer habits and movement based on weather, pressure etc

 

[philsanchez76]

Hats off to you man! I just want you to know that hunting a spot with pressure like you’re describing is just freaking tough no matter how you slice it. It doesn’t get tough like that for me till gun season. During archery I see deer every sit. Once gun opens I struggle to find one deer. All the sign I see seems to be made at night this time of year. Stick with it, you’re doing good and you’re definitely not alone!

 

[Blackmamba]

I started to have the realization last season that I may like a given spot, but why would a deer like it? That has changed my entire approach. Outside of areas where I have access to hunt food plots, I hunt fresh sign. That change led me to my first archery kill earlier this year.

That’s what I struggle with. I’ve caught myself finding areas I like then i think if I found it this easy somebody else has been here or will be in here too. And that exact thing has happen. The cool thing is I watch some guys walk by that never spot me even when I try to signal them or wave at them. That was initially why I started going in a few miles. But I have spotted deer coming out under 100 yards from parking access. Go figure lol.

 

[Blackmamba]

Hats off to you man! I just want you to know that hunting a spot with pressure like you’re describing is just freaking tough no matter how you slice it. It doesn’t get tough like that for me till gun season. During archery I see deer every sit. Once gun opens I struggle to find one deer. All the sign I see seems to be made at night this time of year. Stick with it, you’re doing good and you’re definitely not alone!

Thanks man

 

[Kurt]

I have been hunting an area very similar here at home. Bow only and 4 pts on each side. Same spread. Only guns I hear are/were duck hunters. I think

I live in the upstate of South Carolina. I wouldn’t say I’m just trying to kill any deer. That’s why I hunt a area I guess is considered trophy. In Greenwood SC if a buck is a spike he better hide it. Those boys will shoot a deer with a nub down there lol. I was nervous walking in there so I quit going.

I really like the advice on scouting before the rain for scent. I was trying my best not to educate deer. When I’m looking at trees to set up in I try to find those that aren’t impossible but that don’t have human sign from climbing stands or the like. The trees you have to work a little bit to get in but not unsafe.

Hunting mature deer is a whole other complicated and complex matter. Hunting mature deer when your as green as a fresh cut willow whip is the ultimate challenge. Doing it on heavily pressured public land is....... not impossible....But like I like to say, go big or go home. Good luck out there.

 

[tntrker]

My last day of the season was Saturday. I'm still in a climber, my complete saddle hunting set should all be here by this week.., but in the stand an hour before sunup. right at sunup, a small 6 pt walked by at 10yrds(not legal), an hour later, a doe walked the ridge across from me and that's where I used to sit. about 80yrds behind her, the 10pt I been after all season was trailing her. I grunted, bleated, but he was focused on her, which I could still see. 30 min after they disappear, a doe and yearling came in on that same ridge but towards me. They both bedded down 50yrds from me and stayed there for an hour before the mom saw me finally jumped. I was watching her through the binoculars and her eyes were closed but as soon as my butt hit the seat, bam, she blew out and up the ridge some. she stopped looked around and waited for the yearling to catch up then casually walked away. She must have had a bad dream was my thoughts, haha. Sat the rest of the day until dark and saw nothing. Season over..

 

[Blackmamba]

My last day of the season was Saturday. I'm still in a climber, my complete saddle hunting set should all be here by this week.., but in the stand an hour before sunup. right at sunup, a small 6 pt walked by at 10yrds(not legal), an hour later, a doe walked the ridge across from me and that's where I used to sit. about 80yrds behind her, the 10pt I been after all season was trailing her. I grunted, bleated, but he was focused on her, which I could still see. 30 min after they disappear, a doe and yearling came in on that same ridge but towards me. They both bedded down 50yrds from me and stayed there for an hour before the mom saw me finally jumped. I was watching her through the binoculars and her eyes were closed but as soon as my butt hit the seat, bam, she blew out and up the ridge some. she stopped looked around and waited for the yearling to catch up then casually walked away. She must have had a bad dream was my thoughts, haha. Sat the rest of the day until dark and saw nothing. Season over..

I’d possibly call that some success. That 10 will be a year older next year. You know where the does like to hang and from what I’ve learned you want to be near the doe or at least deer in order to harvest a deer! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Blackmamba]

Watch

fbwat.ch

I’m trying to get on the deer meanwhile this guy......

 

[peteherbst]

Watch

fbwat.ch

I’m trying to get on the deer meanwhile this guy......

Must be using full scent lock.

 

[redsquirrel]

Forget everything you've read on the internet for a while at least and start simple. Deer are creatures of edge. Find an edge along something that has good cover for them to hide in a spot where you are finding deer sign, ie tracks and deer poop. A good spot would be a spot with a trail following the edge of the cover and a trail coming out of the cover. Pick a tree that will allow you to shoot to the intersection. If you play the wind, pick a couple trees for different wind directions. Try to find and lightly mark a trail so you can get to your tree as quiet and easy as possible ( i use reflective tacks). Now go hunt this spot until you see something. If you have the time, find a few spots like this and rotate your hunts through them. At some point something will walk out. If the deer are pressured your best "edges" will be transitions from thicker areas to areas that are still thick. This could be something like a swamp to a brushy thicket.

The best way to learn is boots on the ground scouting and then putting time in a tree. You will make mistakes, you will screw things up, you will spend time in spots that turn out to be unproductive and eventually you will have bucks that haunt your dreams years later. If you stay at it and practice good woodsmanship while following this simple concept you will kill deer. Good luck!

 

[Blackmamba]

Forget everything you've read on the internet for a while at least and start simple. Deer are creatures of edge. Find an edge along something that has good cover for them to hide in a spot where you are finding deer sign, ie tracks and deer poop. A good spot would be a spot with a trail following the edge of the cover and a trail coming out of the cover. Pick a tree that will allow you to shoot to the intersection. If you play the wind, pick a couple trees for different wind directions. Try to find and lightly mark a trail so you can get to your tree as quiet and easy as possible ( i use reflective tacks). Now go hunt this spot until you see something. If you have the time, find a few spots like this and rotate your hunts through them. At some point something will walk out. If the deer are pressured your best "edges" will be transitions from thicker areas to areas that are still thick. This could be something like a swamp to a brushy thicket.

The best way to learn is boots on the ground scouting and then putting time in a tree. You will make mistakes, you will screw things up, you will spend time in spots that turn out to be unproductive and eventually you will have bucks that haunt your dreams years later. If you stay at it and practice good woodsmanship while following this simple concept you will kill deer. Good luck!

Thanks man. I’ve found some great hot sign on edges and transitions. Most of ours are from hardwoods to planted pines or natural pine thickets. For some reason I gues inexperience I have a habit of keep following this sign instead of setting up immediately because I don’t see or hear anything right then.

 

[Blackmamba]

Must be using full scent lock.

I’ve read on the back of the little scent bottles do not apply to your person....... I may have to revisit that statement.

 

[redsquirrel]

Thanks man. I’ve found some great hot sign on edges and transitions. Most of ours are from hardwoods to planted pines or natural pine thickets. For some reason I gues inexperience I have a habit of keep following this sign instead of setting up immediately because I don’t see or hear anything right then.

I would say when to set up on those depends on the situation and comes with experience. You might have a nice small thick area that has sign all around the transition but if you try to approach it at any time during the day they'll see you and all you'll see is tails going the other way. On the other hand if you hit a nice spot full of sign on a transition into a larger bedding area that they might be bedding in further or at least can't see you, then that would be a good spot to hunt in the afternoon (morning too) when you are able to get there.