Spooked Buck

[Ajberwald]

I had this deer come behind my climber about 15 yards straight up sprinting like he was spooked. I didn’t hear or see him, just heard him running when he got behind me. He was downwind of me. Should I let that spot go for a bit and wait to hunt or get back it? I’m not even sure if it was I who spooked him, but I have a feeling with him downwind and behind me he sensed something he didn’t like

 

[ILrutaddict]

Without knowing it was you or not, I’d give it a few days. Sometimes it seems to depend on the deer as well. In my experience deer will change patterns when spooked hard, but rarely leave their home range. I try to be as cautious as possible pre rut, but I get much more aggressive during the rut.

 

[brancher147]

Were thermals rising or did the wind blow your scent over him or did he smell you? If he smelled you I would get back in there but not that exact spot. If he didn’t smell you then try that same spot. If he came by in daylight this time of year chances are he’s bedded close. I would stay on him if you want to shoot him just change it up a bit.

 

[Dexter Grayson]

You said he was down wind of you. It was you! He’s still in the area, probably just nocturnal.

 

[ddowning]

Bump and dump is the most effective tactic to kill big bucks this time of year. The closer to the rut you get, the less consistent the pattern will get.