Hunting Getting Harder!

[Roguedog]

It always seems to me that come December, deer hunting gets a bit more challenging. It seems that many are going nocturnal, and in general, the deer sighting during the day are down. I guess that means you just have to work a little harder. Do you guys find the hunting a little tougher this time of year?

Jeff

 

[Sperit de bois]

OH yes!! hunted hard,, not one sighting of any deer,see very few tracks or droppings,game camera out for a month,,nothing.
After the rut the bucks move into the feed and fatten up for winter so they change up and you have to as well.Full moons allow them to eat later and all night and lay up during the day...
This has been the worst hunting season I have experience in years,not even rabbits/hairs....
To much logging of wintering yards and predators, DIFW says this through their field studies.

 

[Roguedog]

Spirit de Bois,
What techniques do you utilize this time of year? I still pretty much do the same things. I go to a spot where I see deer sign, and then I sit and wait and hope something walks by.

Jeff

 

[SgtSchutzen]

That`s about the way it is around here too.

They`ve been hunted since October 1st and the ones that are still around stay holed up in the thickest cover they can find and come out when it`s safe after dark. Also the ruts mostly done by now and that`s another factor that causes the deer activity to slow down this time of year.

December hunting is harder no doupt, but it`s always been one of my favorite times of year to be out.

 

[Roguedog]

Yep, I agree. Love to be out in the woods anytime. The hunting may be harder but I figure my chances are better in the woods rather than on the couch. And.....sometimes we get lucky. Sure would like one more for the freezer.

Jeff

 

[SgtSchutzen]

If ya know the areas where the deer bed down for the day, that`s where I usually hunt this time of year. It`ll probably be the thickest cover around. Look for the trails they use coming and going, them find a place to hide and ambush one. It can get tricky though cause you have to get sneaky and get in and out without spooking them. Only hunt if the wind is in your favor. Also seems like I see more deer late in the day than in the morning this time of year.

 

[Shifty]

Yea around here these deer are run ragged by now,I have better luck mid moring to mid afternoon,saw a real nice 8-10 pt yesterday at 3:45 but no shot.

 

[Sperit de bois]

You have to go in and get them now,,,There not out looking for the does, their resting up back in the thickets.Find their bedding areas and sneak in.Like when we were young and chasing the ladies,,sleep all day,, run hard all night,,teenager style :haha: :hmm:

 

[ohiosam]

It's natural, as the days get shorter deer move less to conserve energy. Hunt food sources especially when there's a winter storm coming.

 

[stinkyfeet]

Nothing gets deer on their feet and moving during daylight then an old fasioned deer drive. If ya have a few trusted safe hunting stinky friends and a good wind that will push their stench throught he thick stuff a fre blockers and someone will tag out everytime unless they miss.

 

[Roguedog]

I'm gonna keep after them since I love being out there. Perhaps though I'll try moving closer to their bedding areas.

Jeff

 

[mccarthy.tf]

Don't forget to look behind you. The smartass ones will get out of your way let you walk by then sneak right back to the bed.

 

[Roguedog]

I wonder if slowly slipping around the woods, rather than just sitting, would be more effective this time of year? By moving around slowly, I might be able to cover more ground and rouse one up or spot one before it spots me. They just don't seem to be up walking around much during the day.

Jeff

 

[Sperit de bois]

Yep!!!Called "Still hunting" which means walking around and looking for them. South facing slopes and thickets,closer to food the better..

 

[rabjr]

Big change here the last two weeks. Was bumping into deer everyday until then. Passing on a couple of spikes I had seen almost dayly as I am hunting a big boy but once the Does in my area were bred he's moved on and the spikes as well. Which sucks! But I keep going out hoping anyway. Decided to stay in today though, which means the woods probably full of deer today. :haha: :idunno:

 

[Roguedog]

Swampy,
How are you doing? I remember you saying earlier you had a possible surgery coming up? I'm glad your out there hitting the woods.

Jeff

 

[rabjr]

They ain't gettin me until after hunting season ends. I won't let em. :haha:

 

[Roguedog]

I felt the same way one year. I had surgery coming up that was to keep me laid up for a long time. I waited until after the season to do it. I didn't regret it. It gave me some good memories to focus on while I laid there doing nothing. I wish you well on the rest of your season and on your upcoming surgery. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well.

Jeff

 

[Vhntr]

We have a 2 day gun season coming in this weekend going to hit the food source and hope I can get one with my .62 smooth bore .
God bless

 

[George T.]

Here in Texas we are allowed to feed them until their eyes pop out and even then they soon learn that it's safer to eat at night. My son uses all modern advantages like the game cameras and it at least gives him a look at what their not seeing in the day time. It seems that a little luck is always a good thing! Geo. T.