So today while I was hunting and I had a 120" 9-pointer come at 15 yards. He was going to walk straight in-front of me in my stand and while I was grabbing my bow from my hanger he all of a sudden stopped, then he slowly turned away and bolted. Do you think he saw my movement?? He was never looking at me he was staring straight ahead. Let me give you details on my environment. I hunt next to pine trees and most of the pine trees are only 4-5' tall, it was really windy today probably 20-30 mph gust winds, wind was in my favor and I am approximately 12-15' up in a tree. I would just like your thoughts on this and if he did see my movement do you think he'll come back?
He probably heard something that didn't sound right to him. If he wasn't real scared he may be back,also he may make a mistake with a doe and you might get lucky. I never hang my bow... keep it handy. Q
It sounds like is what busted you was scent, from the 'slow turn' then bolting...hard to say for sure though. Is it possible he hit your path at that point? As for his returning...if this is part of his territory and travel route...and the does are around then likely he'll be back. It is my opinion that he didn't react to seeing you, but if he did, then he will remember to look in that tree next time around and you may want to move your stand.