Having a downer season.

Moxie · Post by **Moxie** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:04 pm

I've been in one of my ladder stands since opening day here in Massachusetts, with very few exceptions; and yet, I have not seen one deer. I hear what sounds a deer walking only to find four very big Toms coming through; and, it's not legal to shoot them. I'm not really sure what has happened to the deer; but, I will not pass up any stand time I get. Being in the stand with no deer is better then being at work all day, anytime.

I did have a very nice 6 pointer show up in front of one camera; but, at 0400 in the morning. He and I were not coordinating our action very well.

prossbow · Post by **prossbow** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:12 pm

I've been hard at it too, with no shot fired. I had a nice doe the other day that I had to pass a shot @ +/- 20yds due to obstruction. Up to then nothing and nothing since.

Hope it picks up for you, keep at it.

Cheers.

longwinters · Post by **longwinters** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:29 pm

I can relate from previous seasons. I have hunted in an area where I would see 10-15 deer a day. The wolves came in one winter and the following fall I saw 3 deer in 5 full days of hunting. Stayed like that for the last several years until I finally stood defeated and moved to another county to hunt.

If the deer sign is there, then the deer have to be there somewhere. But if there is little or no sign maybe it would be worth it to look else where.

Hope things improve soon.

Long

gogo · Post by **gogo** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:38 pm

It is very hard to hunt day after day and not see anything, just do not give up, dont let it get you down. One day everything will come together and it will make up for the tough times.

deer jamie · Post by **deer jamie** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:32 pm

on a brighter note not to gloat but i was in the same situation for the past 2 weeks but i got a beautiful 8 point thismornin walked out 20 yards i i took care of him so dont get down things can change in a instant just be patient and persistant

tdhe old saying good things come to those who are patient!!

vixenmaster · Post by **vixenmaster** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:41 pm

well by gosh lets not throw in the towel! they're moving i knowed that fer a fact & the rut is on here in Mo. Bucks are tending Does now! find the Doe's!

deer jamie · Post by **deer jamie** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:47 pm

yup there wer i believ 3-4 does withen 100 yards of me in the drk i heard a few snorts and lots of crashing probly 6:15 and shot my buck at 7:50

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:23 pm

A lot of outside factors affect deer movement. If they have been there in the past in good numbers it might be a good idea to look around the area and see if something obvious has caused them to change patterns. It may be temporary (like changes in crop field planting) or it may be long term (like logging clearcuts). If temporary you might be good just to stick it out, if long term you may have to adjust your location.

fdegurse · Post by **fdegurse** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:42 am

time to bring out the tricks, bag of corn, vanilla, apple cooker, salt block

good luck or...

change your stand location and find what direction the water is and cut them off.

saxman · Post by **saxman** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:07 am

I can relate
I have seen only 3 deer all season.
Perhaps a stand move is in order.

sumner4991 · Post by **sumner4991** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:09 pm

It does seem like a lot more midnight moves. I have seen very little during the daylight hours.

Horizontal Hunter · Post by **Horizontal Hunter** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:01 pm

planter wrote: PS.. Who does the deer count. Our F&G department says there are deer behind every tree. I say they're NUTS.. If I can't see them how do they count them!!

They don't count them they "estimate" the deer population. I think that is code for making up a number that they think will sell licenses. Hang in there Moxie, it hasd been a strange year with all of the mast on the ground.

Bob

frisky · Post by **frisky** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:37 pm

Hang in there Moxie. I had a so-so season, but filled two tags on two consecitive days 4/5 Nov

Moxie · Post by **Moxie** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:02 pm

I have four stands I use depending on the wind. I will be in one of them every chance i get. If I'm not there and they are; I blew it. Besides, the worst day in the stand is far better then the best day at work I know of. I'll keep hunting and who knows, the deer and I just might get our act together.