Not Seeing Any Deer...Looking for Advice Hi everyone I'm new to this site but have been bowhunting for about 20 years. I spent most of my life bowhunting in hardwood hill country in Mississippi. This year I have been hunting a WMA in Louisiana that is comprised of mixed piney woods and oak hills that empty into swamp land. October has been a tough month so far since I've only seen two deer at a distance. I've been focusing mostly on white oak and overcup acorns. This year has been a bumper crop but the deer don't seem to be interested in the acorns at all. I'm scratching my head and frankly getting a little discouraged. I'm watching my wind and taking showers and using scent eliminators but i'm just not seeing the deer. The tracks are there so I know the deer are around. I was just wondering if anyone else has a similar experience or had any suggestions. I know others have seen deer and a few have even taken a few deer out of there (no one I know) but not me.
I can't say I'm the most knowledgeable hunter in the world, but I can say one of three things is probably happening. They're either moving mostly at night r/t heat, etc. They're moving through the area, but not at the times you're there, AM vs PM, or they aren't there, which you've already said you have tracks. Since you're having issues, I'd investigate what other food sources are in the area. If they aren't really paying attention to acorns, their interests are elsewhere. They could very well be passing through where you're sitting every night, but on their way to somewhere else. If you find that spot you will most likely have more sightings. (this would be my bet in this particular instance) It's also possible that the pressure on these deer is high being that it's WMA, which would also affect you seeing deer. I can't really say, because I'm fortunate enough to hunt areas with little pressure. Here's to hoping that my information helps you in some way, and best of luck the rest of the season.
Thanks Thanks, Unfortunately for the first time in my life circumstances have made it so that WMA is my only option this year. It really sucks. I don't care how much I have to pay. Next year I'm getting back on private land.
I think that is a very good plan. My advice for you this year would just get as close to bedding as you can and play the wind. You never know what can happen
