I just got back from a hunt where for the first time I was able to watch deer at a distance. I have always been aware of the fact that deer are survival machines and able to adapt and survive hunting pressure. I got to witness how just one time hunting an area can negatively affect deer movement. Most of my hunting is done in areas that are so thick that I have no idea whats happening past 50 yds. So my question is what do other hunters see in their neck of the woods. I would like to seperate the rut from this info. So I'm only interested in info that is gathered outside of rut related movement. here's the question: If you have killed a mature buck or even saw a mature buck within 50 yds of your stand.(outside of the rut) , how many times did you hunt there when you killed/saw that buck? Please share your thoughts concerning multiple hunts in the same spot and your chances of getting a chance at killing a mature buck there.
I personally believe that you can do very well before the rut. My own experiences have shown that I can pattern them better and they're a little more predictable. As for hunting repeatedly, sure why not, as long as the wind is right. I've had quite a few come in close durring early season and my best bow kill was opening weekend in 2006. Scent left in the area or deer seeing you on stand is what hurts you when it comes to negatively affecting their movement. However, when rifle season starts all bets are off. It's like someone flips a switch and they become invisible. This is just based on my own personal experiences, I'm sure opinions will differ.
Todd .... I am by no means a big buck hunter ... but I did hunt one specific buck for 3 years ... .he was very "patternable" .... the last time I saw him, he somehow got under my treestand before I looked ... I thought he was a squirrel ....typical ..anyway, that was the closest he got to me ... his back looked as wide as a car and he was totally gray ...
