So yesterday I had a amazing encounter with very large 12 point I was finished and I left my stand at 10:30 and walking on the path when I noticed bunch of fresh rubs all-around me at once I froze once I saw the fresh shavings laying loose on top of the grass I knew he was hanging out right there! Acting on impulse I grab my grunt call and let out a couple grunts. I saw a dos get up and trot away. I waited a bit and started moving away. I got about 30 yards when I heard a snap I look to my left and saw the beast and I started shaking as I saw how big his antlers were. He walked right to where I was standing when I called then laydown he Musta knew I was there because he kept staring at me. I waited for a clearer shot but I was shaking so much I couldn't even use my range finder. Soon he started walking away towards where that doe had went. I could hear a doe bleating like a drunken maid. I throw a grunt at him and all the hair on his back stood up straight. He started heading back to the path looking at the shaking jackass I am. Eventually he had enough and blew at me then ran off. He was up wind of me the entire time, so I know smell me. As I continued my sad exit there were more rubs and scrapes all over. Here is my question should I try setting up in that location Saturday or leave it alone. This buck was one of the Biggest if I ever seen so obviously I want another chance
I would be back in that spot super early Saturday morning and plan on sitting all day or as long as you can. With all of the activity in that area, I would be hard pressed not to think he won't be back. And his reactions to your grunt call were pretty much exactly what you want. Be sure to spray down before heading into your spot, especially is you have a marginal wind. If it were me, no doubt I would be right back in there tomorrow morning. Remember to keep calm and concentrate on your shot when the opportunity presents itself. Best of luck and hopefully we will see a picture soon!
Is there an adjoining area where the wind would be more favorable? If they are responsive to calls, sometimes you can pull them quite a long ways. You could even lay down a trail with a drag to get him to go right where you want.
The wind was a SW Thursday which is perfect for where I was standing; however, tomorrow s wind will be NNW. From previous years, I truly believe hes coming from the SE direction. Funny thing is my 2man stand was 40 yards south of where all this went down, but I've been putting off moving it because all the deer I see from it are too far away. It could be a good stand with the wind, but I know I can't see the man deer trails where all the tracks and scrapes are. If I set up on the tracks I would have to set up east of itand pray the west winds are very NW. Im still doubtful yet optometrist?????? My original plan for tomorrow is on the north west corner ladder stand I hung last summer. No one has hunted this stand or area since 2010. That yeat we called that area the buck haven due to all the sings, pics and encounters. We decided after hunting too much that year to allow it a couple of years to calm down. After time we found better spots, so the wind would be perfect for it but its not proven. Another factor I found after my encounter, fresh acorns laying all over the trail.
