I have been hunting for 3 1/2 years now.
Year 1: saw no deer except the ones I stumbled over on the way in or out
Year 2: began to notice deer signs, but still saw no deer
Year 3: started using tree stand, saw deer about 1/4 of my hunts
This year: seeing deer about 3/4 of my hunts

I still have not taken a deer, but each year I get closer. This year I have had a couple of deer come in close enough for a shot, but get busted drawing. Also took a shotwith my muzzleloader, but had a misfire and missed.

I figure if I see an improvement over the year before, I'm heading in the right direction. Even though I haven't taken a deer yet, I figure it's just a matter of time and patience.

-Rick C.