Two years in a row, I've located a nice buck from my area. I've seen this current 8 about 3X, now (only hunted the area 4-5X). Today, I snuck to within 30 feet of my tree.....and I jumped the biggest 8 I've seen all year (he's no monster,). He was 10-15yds on the other side (of "my" tree). I had a great wind to hunt the spot. I figured a buck would be cruising the downwind side of the doe bedding area. I didn't figure he'd be bedded, there. Kind of dejecting, ya know? Exact same scenario occurred last year in a different woodlot. I never did get on that buck, again (after I bumped him, going in). What's the protocol on this situation? I know they're all (bucks) individuals. But, I'm wondering how much he'll put up with? I'll keep him guessing, I suppose. But, I or someone hunting with me has had this buck within 20yds on 2 out of 4 occasions, there (and we've spotted him out of range a couple of more times).....and he's still in the area. I've always been one to strike while the iron's hot. If I had the right wind, I'd be back there in the AM. Looks like a few days before I'll get that, again, though. Just rambling...............
Take this as a learning lesson... and guess why he's there. You've already said he was bedded downwind of a doe bedding area... so you know he was in the mood and looking for love. Use this to your advantage if you can. Right time... right buck. Don't leave him to hunt another if you want him and know where he is or the mood he's expressing. Continue hunting that doe bedding area the next couple days or the next (doe bedding area) nearest. Bucks love to bed... downwind of doe bedding/transition areas and scrapes.
I can't get to him ont he "other side", Mike. I'm already on the edge of a man-made breakline (parks land). I have to hunt him when I get the right wind for "my" side. I'm content with my thinking (and I agree with you on all accounts). I had the right idea. If the wind had been right this morning, I'd have probably seen him, again. Here's the situation..... Tomorrow, the wind will be from the NE. IF I hunt this spot, it'll be on the upwind side of the bedding area.....BUT, it'll be on the "good" wind side of them returning. Conundrum. My gut says it's still too early to chance going in there. My gut also says he'll be coming "home" on the heels of the does coming back to bed. I just have a very hard time with my scent blwoing into a doe bedding area.....no matter the chance of "reward". I'm not gonna chance it.
i would go get him when and where I feel like he would show up at. If that blows scent into a doe bedding than so be it. You may not get another crack at him, you "know" where he is now, so set up to take him now. I know thats aggressive but it seems like you pretty much have him pin pointed to degree. He may not be in the area in a day or week or two. Just my personal opinion and I totatlly respect and understand why your not willing to risk it. Please do not take it as me bashing you. Good luck and I hope you put your tag on him.
Is this where he lives, his "core" ? Either way, he's either there for does or there because he feels safe. Bumping him 1 time(that you know of) isn't going to cause him to vacate. He's there for a reason. Get back in there as soon as you can, good luck.
Give it time you will get him! I have jumped some deer to have them come right back a while later. Walking in to hunting is two differant things that they know. I think if you got busted in stand that would be a whole nother case than getting busted walking in. I walked in this year to have the doe I shot with shotgun investigate on what it was that walked in the woods. It can go either way. You will figure it out just a matter of time.
I don't think bumping bucks when they've got love on their mind Is all that bad but once the love stuff Isn't there then I'd get worried about It. November 4th when the rut was In full swing around my woods I bumped a 5.5 year old buck that was bedded with a doe. I threw up a stand close to where I bumped him and 4 hours later he was back In the exact spot I bumped him but this time by himself. I had him at 15 yards for 5 minutes but too f'n thick to shoot. He then hit my walk In trail at 11 yards which he didn't care for and off he went.
I'd be as easy as I could but I'd stay on him. like gri22ly said he's got a purpose 4 being there so you may bump him but he's on the hunt his self so good luck hope you make him comfortable on the kitchen table!
