I'm reading a new book that Ghemry turned me onto that will change the way I hunt deer from now on. You just learned a valuable lesson on stand placement. I would have done the same thing you did. I think, next year, I'm going to hunt more places......but hunt less days at them. I'll still try to find a little "honey hole" to spend a lot of afternoons......whether I see any bucks....or any big bucks, or not. I just love being out there.....and this will be a place to take my son.....who doesn't practice the scent control measures that I do.

If there's one thing I've found out, this year......it's that I don't have enough places to hunt. I'm convinced my deer know I'm there.....and I've NEVER had a deer blow at me while I was on stand. I'm convinced.....more and more......that the first time you hunt a stand.....is your best chance. I think there' sexceptions to this.......and I think I may have one. I hunt almost EXCLUSIVLEY in suburban areas. I can hear people, cars, lawnmowers, dogs, leaf blowers, etc...at all times. I think my deer herd MUST be accustomed to "some" human scent AND sight of them. I think the more they see/smell me in there, though......the less chance I have at one of the ones Im after.

I'm just going to hunt SMARTER, next year......starting about Feb. with my prep.

Jeff