Soooo many deer.......

[chuckwagon157]

I am new to hunting this year and I am bout to go on my first deer hunt. Since I didn't decide to start hunting until late summer, I really didn't have time to scout. So I am doing that now. I came across what I beleive to be the Mecca of white tail in my area. I was a real pain getting to this location and I lost a boot (and dang near my life!) trying to get to this wonderful place. Every wqhere I looked was a bedding, trail, or rub. It's right by a lake and also by one of the main roads into town. INfact, all of the trail come together at the tip of the lake to form a deer super-highway (seriously, this thing is like four foot wide and more tracks than I could count. And this trail is only about 70-80 yards away from the road. My first question is, should I hunt this trail with my back to the road? The rest of this place away from the road is all open marsh, and I live in the shotgun only zone in my state, So I have to keep my shots close. Second, in the middle of this marsh, there is a little sprout of shrubs and small trees. It is surrounded by bedding. I think it would be a good spot, but my blind really doesn't fit in with the surroundings. Will the deer notice me? And third, color me stupid, but is it illegal to soot a deer next to water? I have heard this, but I can't find it in the hunting guide. Thanks for any help. And ALL tips would be greatly appreciated, as I have alot to learn about my new-found love.

[Stainless]

ORIGINAL: chuckwagon157My first question is, should I hunt this trail with my back to the road?

I would let the wind direction decide this for you if it's possiable to hunt both sides of the trail. My vision might be obstructed a little but I can hunt 360 degrees out of my stand meaning I can stand up and lean around the tree.

Second, in the middle of this marsh, there is a little sprout of shrubs and small trees. It is surrounded by bedding. I think it would be a good spot, but my blind really doesn't fit in with the surroundings. Will the deer notice me?

Venturing into their bedding surrounded by water might not be easy to stay undetected. Usually you'll want to catch them on their way back to their bedding spots in the early morning. If they know you've been in the middle of it, they may go some where else and ruin your season. Plus you probably don't want to drag a gutted deer through stagnent water.

is it illegal to soot a deer next to water?

I don't know about the laws in your area but around here you can shoot as long as you or the deer are not in the water.

[RugerM77.270]

First catch them traveling to the bedding area not int he bedding area. Second make sure you have NO risk of shooting a car if you don't turnyour back to the road. Let the wind determine that. Third brushthe blind in and cover it with some natural foilage. Don't shoot a deer in the water after it gets out is fine.