About a month ago, we purchaseda new home that sits on 1.3 acres but backs up to about a 100 acres of woods behind the house and larger wooded tract sits across the street.I've regularly been putting out feed in the lower part of our side yard about 60-70 yards from the house, close to a well used deer trail.The action has been tremendous, to the point that if I go an evening without seeing a few deer I'm surprised. One evening a few weeks ago, we had a bachelor group of 5 bucks in the yard which was amazing to see. The deer are just tearing up the corn/textured horse feed mixture that I've been putting out.

There is one deer, an 8 pt buck, that seems to be a little more regular in his visits to the feed. One night last week, while the 8 pt and a 6 pt were down at the feed, I decided that I was going to loop back behind them somewhat so I could observe where they head after they eat. Once the 8 pt re-entered the woods in his departure, he spotted me and started, ever so slowly, approaching me to see what I was. His approach was deliberate, stomping etc. He eventuallygot within 15 yards of me,on the other side of some saplings and brush, beforeI alerted him and he left. All the while, he kept looking at me but I thought that perhaps he couldn't make out exactly what I was, therefore coming closer and closer.

2 nights ago,the scene was repeated, but this time I put on my camo and went to the same spot in the woods. The 8pt was at the feed and when he heard me entering the woods, he came in to investigate. This time, over the course of an hour, and all the while stomping in his approach, he came closer and closer until he was within about 6-8 yards of me! He stood there, right in front of me and on the other side of a fallen tree, but it seemed as though he didn't know what I was(at least I hope). However, I must admit that once he stopped and turned toward me at that distance, I got a little nervous and stood up. He bolted, but only for about 30 yards. I walked to the edge of the woods and waited to hear him walk off. Instead, he walks back up to the general area I was sitting at and proceeds to blow repeatedly, I'm talking like 12-15 times as he's walking back into the woods away from me.

Any thoughts as to whether this is normal behavior for this time of year? I'm not all that experienced in observing deer behavior but it seems a bit aggressive coming in that closely. Would his behavior give any indication as to whether he is the dominant buck in the area and he's ready to go after anything that might be infringing on his territory? Please enlighten me....