So I've been doing the all day sit for the last couple of days. In 14 days on stand I sat all day 4 times with 2 more planned before I tagged out. Here's my opinion (if anyone cares)... I can't stress enough how advantageous it is to do it. Not so much for the midday movement (I only saw deer once in midday) but for getting in to your set. I think we (atleast me) underestimate how many deer we spook getting into your set. Already being there for the evening movement is a big advantage. Just thinking outloud.
Close to bedding that's true, but along travel corridors or near feeding areas Idon't think it matters too much. Right now they may be moving at any time.
I agree that decreasing the amount of disturbance is important. Even though I hate mornings I'm usually in my stand and settled no less than an hour before shooting light for this reason. Now, for all day sits I'll push it up closer to daylight a little bit, but being in that stand is the best way to shoot deer. It is hard, but worth it IMO.
During the mid day hours I find it helps a lot to bring a book. Read a paragraph then look up again. That really breaks up the day.
If you have nothing else to do and arrowing a deer is your goal...why not? If the temps are good, the time of the year is right....then do it. Sleep in your stand if necessary. Less disturbance in the woods, especially in higher pressured areas is something you always want to achieve. Bring a book, pack a lunch or two.
I have three ahead of me for this weekend, got friday off, as long as I stay warm I can sit all day, take my lunch and my phone with internet on it if I get bored.
I'm planning on sitting all day Friday and Saturday. First time in a few weeks that work is going to allow me good amount of time in the woods. (This is assuming I get my stuff done here at work today and tomorrow.)
I think the absence of another entry/exit trail is by FAR the biggest thing to consider... I'm REALLY learning a lot about those this year.
I would sit all day much more duing this time of the year if I didnt have family needs. Its hard for me to do so when everyone is home, there is always something that needs done, but this coming weekend my wife and boys are headed south leaving me behind to just hunt. I am really looking forward to having one priority all weekend, whitetails. I've always enjoyed traveling out of state too, because when I do I have one sole focus, whitetails, all day sits are a norm for me out of state, well besided ND last winter when I hunted up to -45 degree wind chills, I couldnt sit on the ground out there all day.. no way not to mention the deer over christmas out there only moved the last hour or so of daylight and in the first few hours of daylight.. I agree going in just once and letting the day settle down is great for reducing all forms of intrusion from scent, sound, sighting etc.. I am gonna be camped out in the middle of a great big bedding area Friday morning. Be in stand before daylight and let the chips fall were they may, do a little calling on and off as I know bucks will be in earshot. I am ready to kill something this weekend, should be a good one our first does of the season will be coming into estrus but its still early out here.. most will come in over thanksgiving
I started doing all day sits a few years back. I've yet to see any worth while mid-day action, while actually in my tree. Sometimes I'll stay in the same tree all day because it's easier than moving, especially on warmer days. Most days though I will take 30-60 minutes to move trees for the late day sit.
The latest I have ever seen deer move is 10:30am and the earliest is 2:30pm. I have never seen anything between those times. However, I think the fact I was able to limit disturbance increased my chances.
Got an all day planned Friday, and possibly tomorrow...usually only a couple per year due to family. I have had some decent mid-day action - nothing crazy but usually a deer here and there to break up the time - and many times have deer move in late morning to bed for afternoon - that will keep you still during the mid-day. Good luck to all - tis the season.
can't remember the last time i sat all day, i normally sit til 10-11 and then go back out for the last 3-4 hours. according to experts in mags., on tv/ and videos i'm missing out on alot. i come in to take care of my dog, eat, take a nap whatever. oh well, i do however understand the importance of all day sitting, especially during the rut.
Sometimes I think the experts that tell you that you have to sit all day or are missing out on a lot forget something. Some people simply don't want to(can't) sit all day. If it isn't fun to sit all day then why are you sitting all day? This is supposed to be enjoyable right? I'm not one of those people that can't sit all day and enjoy myself. Some people however get stir crazy and I can understand why they don't sit all day when they are not enjoying it.
This weekend will be my first ever opportunity at an all day sit. I plan on sitting all day both Saturday and Sunday. My main question does concern lunch however. While in the tree, what do you do to feed yourself? Granola bars or something of that nature? I would think that you don't want to eat too much of anything, or else the scent becomes a variable again. Correct me if i'm wrong on this one. Sorry to hijack the thread a little.
Just take a ham sandwich. I have a small soft cooler bag that I keep some trail mix, two sandwiches a can of soda (for a pick me up if needed) and two apples. My sandwiches are usually Ham with some cheese. Look at it this way, you eating a sandwich for 10 min during the day is a lot better than walking in and out of the woods again. Maybe it's just me but I seem to actually see deer more as soon as I pull my sandwich out. Having said that, I would not take an double bacon cheeseburger with onions with you. :p Just be smart about it.
Yeah I agree. If my freezer had some meat in it I probably would not do it. I've done it in years past during gun season if I feel some mid-day deer drives have happened and/or someone else getting out of their stand may jump so deer. It all depends on how much sleep I got, how the weather is, and what my state of mind is that day in terms of odds of seeing deer during the mid day. I can't stress enough that IMO if you are not happy sitting all day then don't. Remember, enjoy yourself and let the chips fall into place.
All day sits during the rut can definitely pay off, my experience is you don't see large numbers of deer during mid day but many times they are good ones. It's a good time to see the deer that you don't normally get to see in a normal morning or evening hunt. If you are seeing young bucks during the rut that don't seem to show any dominance in morning and evening hunts then try a midday hunt and see if Mr. Big is cruising then.
I'm a fan of the all day sits. Disturbance is down and you have the chance to see mid day movement. My recent revelation is the mid day movement is better later in the year, but the disturbance doesn't matter as much. I do it almost every Saturday. I'd do it Sundays to if they'd let us hunt...
I'm a BIG fan of all day sits when the time and weather is right. Having a perspective that you'll be sitting all day helps, tons - I've found. Small books, handheld games, writing pad have all helped me. Also a camera or video camera. Now's the time. Agreed that less disturbance is a HUGE advantage...more so then midday activity.
