This is right on the money. With this idea in mind, I make a note of where the deer go, and then intentionally think where a deer could sneek out in the opposite direction
I've heard of people doing this before, so its cool to see that it can be done successfully. I would probably lose my shoes hahaha
The only thing my grandfather told me when I asked him to give me some advice for mule deer hunting was this. In an old timey kind of way of talking he said, “when you eventually stumble upon a mule deer, you won’t be ready for it and you’ll spook the first half dozen you come across but be ready. They’re can be forgiving to the common idiot and will sometimes turn around once on their way out to get a good look at that stupid look on your face.”
In my experience that water will get drank. Found myself in this scenario this year and I am thankful that my preseason scouting told me I couldn't count on finding water within a reasonable distance of camp and if I wanted to hunt my preferred area thoroughly then I needed to pack water in. Between standard hydration and dehydrated meals, water goes quick. Take as much as you can carry if there isn't a source at your destination and keep the focus on the hunt.
Rule of thumb is typically 1.5Gal/day for an adult. So figure 2 Gal/day.
Doing whatever it takes to be there at first or last light is so important, like you mentioned. A few years ago I was hunting in Idaho with some friends of mine who are experienced guides. I thought we were wasting our time by staying out so late. It was past shooting light so we weren't technically hunting, but those guys stayed until their eyes couldn't strain in the binoculars any longer. They actually spotted some deer and learned some habits that we were able to use later in the hunt. This knowledge wouldn't have happened if we would have given up when I was ready to throw in the towel.
ha ha ha I can just picture an old timy grandpa figure saying that in a gruff voice
I've had those same stand off moments too. It's insane how animals can stop in ways that don't offer you a shot. One time I watched some bull elk walking around, then turn back to poke their head around a tree to see what that sound was.
This can be especially hard for newer hunters. You bring up a good point that needs to be discussed with them so they are prepared. It's so important to be able to make shot happen quickly, but it doesn't help when we yell at them to shoot if they aren't ready.
I've always dreamed about outsmarting a Buck in the thick stuff, but never been able to pull it off. You have a good point about analyzing how well what you have been doing is working, then switching things up instead of just continuing to do the same old thing
Brother that moment haunts me!!! It was because I had to learn the hard way that with bow... 25yds means 25yds.. which means that halfway point BETWEEN 20yd and 30yd pin! And I say it haunts me because it was the nicest 3x3 I've seen in person so far in my short beginning hunting career.
#5 -> YES!!! If you've ever been in the field... and then way the hell over there you've seen hikers on the PCT... you know about how blaring the shine off trekking poles is. I make it a point to throw some electrical tape, or black marker over anything that's too shiny of a surface on equipment. Any little thing like sticks out like a sore thumb. Vortex used to be dumb about that with those laser-etched reflective branding parts on their binos. Always cut lil pieces of dull electrical tape to cover em up. Very little in nature is "shiny". Just leaves/vegetation, water, rock surfaces, and stuff on critters.
For me I found that hunting is all about making memories that stand out. I totally hear you on that experience haunting you. I've got a zillion of those burning memories, but over the years, they have become some of the most fun to retell
