Well this past Sunday evening everything came together. The process that started months ago paid off and I had my #1 buck at 15 yds. I couldn't get drawn due to other deer right under me and they got nervous he ended up bumping out to what I thought was 33-34 yds( had ranged a spot that was 30). He ended up being 38 and I rushed the shot. Shot a couple of inches under him. My question is .. is that spot toast now? Its on the edge of a kill plot in beans/overseeded in winter greens. When I shot he trotted to the edge of the field and continued feeding. Conditions won't be right in the near future to get back in there. So just wanted some thoughts on if that buggered him up to the point that I need to switch something up next time I get in there? Or, if the same set will still be alright? I know there is no way to know for certain. Looking for anyone with prior similar experiences. I am in Ms so our rut hasn't kicked in and have no problem being patient and giving that set plenty of rest.
Might have to move the stand a bit. But from the bucks reaction I would say your still good in the spot. I wouldn't hunt it for a while then sneak back in there when the wind is right. What did the deer do that were under you? My above answer could change if they bolted from the area into cover.
No not all...especially if he continued to feed and act normal. The rut is in or near and he will forget about that and worry about something else. go in the next good wind ....he will be there chasing does around the plot...
Nah, from what it sounds like the buck didnt even know you were there, so unless he smelled you I am sure your spot is fine. Even if he did wind you though he might be a little leery for the next day or two, but if conditions aren't going to be good for a while anyway then I wouldn't worry about it.
The other deer did the same thing ran to the edge of the field and continued feeding. Not really sure why they bumped in the first place. Only thing I can figure is being right under me the caught a little wind of me. Not enough to blow them out but they did move relatively quickly back into the field. The does came down the treeline my stand is on and I never knew they were there until the bachelor group of bucks started my way and pushed the does up under me. Only reason they got in range was due to the does. It is rather early for them to be pushing does around but he was. Mistake I made was not getting up when the bucks entered the field. They were 100yds from me and feeding in the opposite direction and came my way due to the does I couldn't see and it brought him right down the tree line. I just waited too long to draw. As far as I know he never saw me nor caught wind of me. Just reacted to the other deer under me. Great hunt regardless, just frustrating not sealing the deal when the opportunity presented itself. And of course, I keep replaying what I could/should have done differently over and over again.
Never be afraid to do the work... Moving the stand 15-30 yards is worth it. Can you still hunt it yeah but it only takes a few minutes at pull and relocate
