I am going to be hunting the first week of gun season in the South Eastern part of the state. I was wondering, how long does it take for the deer to vanish? I know it is hard to generalize, but how long does it take for you to notice that you aren't seeing many deer, and the shooting is getting sparse? Here in Michigan where our number of hunters are many, I'd say by 9:30 on opening morning, you better hope you have your buck. All the deer bunker down!! I'd like to be selective if given the opportunity, but if a marginal shooter walks out at lunch time, I'm thinking I better shoot if your opening day is anything like ours. Good luck to all!!
Depending on your area all times of the day could be good not just till 9:30. Deer here during shotgun season are constantly being pushed especially on weekends. Plus when everyone gets up at 9:30 they will be pushing deer so sit for awhile. Find some good funnels for the weekend and good food source during the weekdays. Don't be afraid to let that marginal shooter go either. You never know what will fall on your lap during WWII, I mean shotgun season. good luck
TT
TT
Shredder
Life Member
Tall Tines hit the nail on the head.....don't shoot a marginal deer just to say you killed a buck.....heck take a doe home with you rather than a small buck. you will be doing the DNR a favor plus the Buck hunting in IA won't suffer as much. If you are hunting with an outfitter, I would make sure he does not have a penalty for shooting a dink buck....some can cost you $100 per inch under 130....As ar as the question, depends on the area you are hunting, if the drives are not in your immediate area, you can hunt them just like you are bowhunting. If you are spending that much on a tag though....really, hold out for a good buck til the end or just take out a doe.
I'd say by noon Saturday every deer in the county knows its shotgun season. That said, other than the rut, there is no better time to be on stand all day. The more shooting you hear, the longer you should stay. All that activity moves a bunch of deer, and that doesnt usually start real early.
Good luck and keep your head down!
Good luck and keep your head down!
sureshot
The Hunt Never Ends....
You need to be hunting all day. With neighboring areas being pushed sporadically throughout the day, the deer will be moving to new timbers. Be ready, as a buck can come running up on you very quickly without much notice. It sounds like you are hunting a very good part of the state with a lot of big bucks. Be patient, and wait for a big one, because they are definiatley there. Good luck, and keep us updated on how your hunt goes.