OK,
This year is turning out to be about the same as my previous few years, so I'm looking for some advice to break my pattern because I'm obviously doing something wrong. The rut is on and I've seen at least 8 different bucks in the last 2 weeks, but no size. 1 buck might be a 3 year old but he is missing half his rack. Earlier in the season I've seen 2 nice shooter bucks but since the rut started they have disappeard along with most the does. As far as I know, I have not been detected by any of them. Also all the activity I am seeing is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, all the dawn and dusk movement is dead in my area.
My main question is, would you guess the does changed feeding areas so I should try different food sources? Or do the dominent bucks usually round up the gals and control where they are at. (if so any suggestions on what type of area to look for them?)
My other question is: This is the first year I remember that dawn and dusk activity is completely dead. Does anyone have any ideas why I am only seeing deer mid-day? I know I am next to a very good bedding area, and even though this is public land I've seen very few other bow hunters all year. I am starting to wonder if someone is running coon dogs at night or something.
IaCraig
This year is turning out to be about the same as my previous few years, so I'm looking for some advice to break my pattern because I'm obviously doing something wrong. The rut is on and I've seen at least 8 different bucks in the last 2 weeks, but no size. 1 buck might be a 3 year old but he is missing half his rack. Earlier in the season I've seen 2 nice shooter bucks but since the rut started they have disappeard along with most the does. As far as I know, I have not been detected by any of them. Also all the activity I am seeing is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, all the dawn and dusk movement is dead in my area.
My main question is, would you guess the does changed feeding areas so I should try different food sources? Or do the dominent bucks usually round up the gals and control where they are at. (if so any suggestions on what type of area to look for them?)
My other question is: This is the first year I remember that dawn and dusk activity is completely dead. Does anyone have any ideas why I am only seeing deer mid-day? I know I am next to a very good bedding area, and even though this is public land I've seen very few other bow hunters all year. I am starting to wonder if someone is running coon dogs at night or something.
IaCraig