Another missed opportunity, another lesson learned.

[The Bug House]

I had 3 does within 20 FEET of the stand, and I had no idea they were there. The path that they came down cuts through a break in a rock wall (they're all over the forests here) and is pine needle covered up until the rock wall. They took me by surprise as I was looking to my right, they snuck up on the left. It was about 1030 and I let my guard down and moved enough to spook them and they bolted. Snorting like crazy again, boy I've heard that noise a lot! I feel that I've kept my scent controlled, been using scent killer diligently.

I also captured 2 bucks on the camera, one is a 4 pointer that I got a pic of in full velvet, and the other ......well, I haven't seen him before. He's big by VT standards, I only got him bounding away from the camera and doesn't turn until our of IR range. (Smart fella). His rack was wider than his butt and quite tall. Couldn't tell how many points, an 8 I think.

I'm going to change tactics for Nov and Dec, I'm going to get a ground blind and put it uphill from where yet another rock wall funnels them through. Planning on setting it up and brushing it in later this week, and let it soak until rifle opener. We can take a buck with an arrow during rifle here then we open back up 2nd week of dec for ML and archery. I figure a blind will be much easier to sit all day in late season. In the meantime ill hunt the stand a few more times. I can't believe with all the action I've seen I haven't killed anything! Either was its been exciting!

[wtnhunt]

Good luck bug. Those educated does can be a real thorn in your side. Switching it up with a ground blind may be a real good move.

[fly]

Love it when nature provides funnels to improve a hunters odds. Good luck!