New to Hunting

[GetOutside253]

I'm reaching out for some advice as I prepare for my first deer. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to glass a promising buck for about three hours. I returned when archery season began, and spent three days glassing the same location, but he didn’t show up.

I'm curious about your strategies in similar situations:
1. Scouting Tips: What are some effective methods to locate a buck that has seemingly disappeared? Would adjusting glassing locations be beneficial or focusing more on tracking signs like rubs and scrapes?
2. Timing and Patterns: How do you determine the best time to return to a location for another attempt?
3. Adaptation: Have you ever had success by changing your approach, such as still hunting versus setting up a stand, after an elusive buck fails to appear?
4. Ethical Practices: Above all, I want to ensure I'm hunting ethically. What practices do you recommend to maintain ethical standards while pursuing a specific buck?

 

[Steve300xcw]

I'm reaching out for some advice as I prepare for my first deer. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to glass a promising buck for about three hours. I returned when archery season began, and spent three days glassing the same location, but he didn’t show up.

Decent looking buck! Theres a chance that he got ran outta there or even killed already. I wouldnt spend all that much time searching for one buck.

I'm curious about your strategies in similar situations:
1. Scouting Tips: What are some effective methods to locate a buck that has seemingly disappeared? Would adjusting glassing locations be beneficial or focusing more on tracking signs like rubs and scrapes?
2. Timing and Patterns: How do you determine the best time to return to a location for another attempt?
3. Adaptation: Have you ever had success by changing your approach, such as still hunting versus setting up a stand, after an elusive buck fails to appear?

That really depends on the area you are hunting.

4. Ethical Practices: Above all, I want to ensure I'm hunting ethically. What practices do you recommend to maintain ethical standards while pursuing a specific buck?

huh?

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I'm reaching out for some advice as I prepare for my first deer. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to glass a promising buck for about three hours. I returned when archery season began, and spent three days glassing the same location, but he didn’t show up.

I'm curious about your strategies in similar situations:
1. Scouting Tips: What are some effective methods to locate a buck that has seemingly disappeared? Would adjusting glassing locations be beneficial or focusing more on tracking signs like rubs and scrapes?
2. Timing and Patterns: How do you determine the best time to return to a location for another attempt?
3. Adaptation: Have you ever had success by changing your approach, such as still hunting versus setting up a stand, after an elusive buck fails to appear?
4. Ethical Practices: Above all, I want to ensure I'm hunting ethically. What practices do you recommend to maintain ethical standards while pursuing a specific buck?

View attachment 934258

1. I have never hunted a specific buck, but the easiest way to find any buck is to find where the does bed down and be nearby when the rut starts. I hunt where does are.

2. In the pre-rut, I look for fresh scrapes and try to be on the scrape line at first light and last light.

3. Yes. I never expect to sit in one spot and expect the deer to come to me. If I am on a spot, it is because other people are moving around and making the deer move. Or I am sitting in a spot where I can safely shoot 350 yards in many different directions or over a vast area. I usually still hunt.

4. Hunting ethics are pretty straightforward. You can look them up online. And your own state game laws trump anything general you read.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[shootnrun]

What state are you in? Its very common for bucks to rub their velvet and go nocturnal in WA. So not seeing him isn't terribly concerning. Bucks beyond forkies usually aren't the dumbest. They often dont go terribly far, they just stay in the thick til dark. And may not be seen in the open til he slips up from thinking with the wrong head.. I know of folks that will find a buck in the summer and sit that cut every day of rifle, sun up to sun down, til he shows his face. Or vitals anyhow. I can't do that. But one individual I'm particular kills very nice bucks. If hes the one you want, thats an option. If you want a respectable buck, wait til the last week of October and check does you know frequent particular zones. Eventually a nice framed, white faced buck will be on her tail. Shoot him. Thats my strategy. Hasn't failed me.