I hunted my favorite WMA again this year and drew a big Nothing. Scouted my butt off found lots of sign, put up 6 cameras for 2 weeks, pulled the cards after first 2 weeks and again 3 days before the hunt. Picked the spots with good activity for the first two weeks on camera and set stands. I set morning and afternoon stands so I would not burn out any one location. Three days of hard hunting and not a single deer on camera or in front of me. Those of you who know me, know I am meticulous about scent control and stand setup. This is the second year in a row this has happened. I have killed a dozen deer on this WMA in various areas. Do you think the deer are just so smart they know when hunting season opens? The only think I can figure out is the roads are normally closed during the off season. Maybe they are spooked once they hear the vehicles? I am already walking 3/4 of a mile to the stand and would have thought that was far enough they would not care. Your thoughts?
Sounds like east of Orlando all 3 wma nothing being killed. No deer being seen.
I have been talking with a number of hunters and alot think the rut is later this year. My camp has taken 3 bucks since the bow opener and none were showing the normal signs. Perhaps that supermoon we had has something to do with it. With that being said, the next 7 to 10 days we are expecting some good action.
the pattern you are seeing is normal . Happens every year . As hunters start scouting and bumping deer they figure it out . They start heading for deeper cover . I generally like to use other hunters , by having them push deers my way . Go in deeper and stay longer . Or just hunt places that most people don't think hold deer . You'll be amazed the bucks that are shot close to roads . I've killed plenty of those . I have seen plenty of deers(bucks) this season . But I do lots of scouting and has always paid off . So far I have 3 bucks , 1 doe , and a hog . Also got my son on his 1st buck . Passed up a few and couple of misses in archery . Scouting is the key . Lot's of looking at Google Earth and figure them out . Then sit and wait . Good Luck
