Getting real frustrated and real tired. Can't seem to get close enough to anything. I have seen deer in the stand, but not close enough to shoot. My hunting area is surrounded by water to the North, South and East. A good size ridge, but not really any hollows. All hardwoods. There is a bedding area nearby. I have been generally moving my stand site where I see deer moving. I will sit in that site for a few days with no deer being sighted. Tons of trails, none containing any scrapes or rubs. This area has some small bucks, but has mostly doe in it. I am hunting an area rich in nuts. So there is an abundance of food. Is there something I'm missing? Wind has been good to me, I'm not moving around in my stand. Like I mentioned before, I try to move my stand where I see deer activity. This also keeps me from over-hunting that particular site. At least, that is what I am trying to do. Anyone has any ideas or suggestions, thanks. If those of you have a question before you can give ideas or suggestions...just ask.
Be patient, don't get frustrated as the best hunting is still to come. I always like to keep a positive attitude about hunting, it feels like when I do this I see more deer and luck is more on my side. Everyone in hunting needs some luck and eventually luck will come to you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
I'd stop moving the stand around, either be patient and stick with one stand or put another stand or two out and alternate. Moving stands around in the middle of season in pre-rut, in my opinion, is a bad habit to get into. Chances are when you move a stand, there were probably deer moving through that night or so. It sounds like a good area and in most cases where there's a lot of deer sign, ample food and water in a good sized area...you just have to try to control your scent, play the wind and be consistent in spending time in the stand. You may be going too far in and booting deer on the way into your area too...maybe try a more conservative approach.
You were right CoveyMaster. I seen 3 doe tonight. They come in to around 40 yards away. Just couldn't get them any closer. Stupid deer caller didn't want to work. Thanks everyone else for giving me more reason to be out there. Now for my next question...If my call was working properly, which it is now...what would I have used to get the doe closer? A doe bleat or a small buck grunt? Not too sure what to use. Thinking a doe bleat, but I have heard that they will come in to a grunt sometimes...what do ya'll think?
Hey awesome...I guess I can't be wrong all the time....lol. I'm just glad you got to see some deer fairly close for a change. I can't offer much about calls, I've had totally mixed results with calls on does and bucks and never have figured out why sometimes I have good luck and sometimes bad with them. I've about reached the conclusion that it's up to the individual deer's state of mind at the time. As such, I just about have given up on calls completely. Once in a while I'll grunt with my throat if I have a buck tha tI ca nwatch to judge his reaction but that's about it.
I am in East Tennessee now, but used to live in Michigan. The last year I hunted Michigan, was in '03. I seen two different bucks at two different times/days. I was set up off from an old field that used to produce soy beans (I think). I was able to call both those buck in by using a True Talker call. Both of them were at least 80-90 yards away and they both came right on in to where my stand was at. They had to change direction to come to my stand. That was after the grunt. So, I believe they work...maybe not all the time, but... Now, I just watched a video that someone else posted on here and that guy did use a grunt call to call in a doe. So, maybe I need to use a 'quiet' grunt.?.? Just trying to figure out how to get them closer. If that is not the direction there are going.
Yep...I have called deer, both bucks and does, in with calls but I've also had them give either no reaction or run away....so I don't know. I'm sure some of the other guys will chime in with something enlightening on the subject.
To me, there is nothing wrong with moving your stand site. In fact I do it every hunt. You are seeing deer, you are putting in the effort, now here is what is going to get you a deer.... 1) Entering your hunting area quietly without spooking any deer 2) Picking a tree that will take advantage of as many deer trails and thick cover as possible, while still playing the wind correctly You have any maps of your property?
I feel your pain man, been chasing a smaller 8 pointer all season and have had him come within 20 yds, but just doesn't grant me a shot. It's just a matter of time though, and he will make a fatal mistake. Just have to put the time in.
