This evening I set up on the ground. I have been eyeing this one small area for some time, past couple of years, and this year there seemed to be indications of a big buck using the area again. Nestled on private property, the buck has been calling this area home for a few years.
So I got set up. My scent wick out in front of me. Did some rattling/grunting at 3:30 and again at 4:30, trying to get the buck I was certain living only a hundred or so yards away, to show himself.
I could hear him coming. I knew he was big as I could hear branches slapping off his antlers as he made his way out into the opening.. He finally showed himself at about 60 yards. BIG!!!!
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)
I'm assuming he caught a bit of my scent, perhaps mixed with doe-in-rut. He turned around and went back into his comfort zone. Just walked slowly. I tried grunting him back out but he refused. Eventually he snorted and holed up in his bedroom.
What to do now?? I'm sure if I had a buck decoy I would be writing a different story. Will he fall for the rattling again?? I can hunt the same outskirts of his bedroom morning or evening with the right wind. I can't get out again until next weekend.