!$#^*&^!!$$*^&*%%$$!!! whitetail deer! AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!!

Even though season opened the last day of Sep. here, I've only managed to get out three times so far, and for 2 hours or less at a time. The last two times were to a spot that is new to me. First time there was exploratory, although I didn't have much time at all to explore, so I set my stand in a spot where I could observe the most ground. I knew it wasn't an idea spot for hunting, but at least I could see more and hopefully at least get an idea of the travel route.

As luck would have it, I was set up ON the travel route, but not hidden nearly well enough. Too low (the deer here know to look up), no cover, practically out in the open. Got busted from behind, twice (same deer, I think).

Ok, I think to myself, at least I know there's deer here and I'm on the right track. Went back today, got about 15 yds off the trail, and about 15 yds into the woods. Lots of folliage and limbs below me (leaves haven't nearly all dropped yet), not many holes to shoot through but at least I'm hidden--I thought. Prime time, just before dark, I was sitting perfectly still, busted again. Still didn't see the deer, but it sounded the same when it blew and when it ran off. Sounds like a dang big deer--almost like a horse galloping off (yes, my wife has a horse, I've owned a horse before, and know just what a horse galloping sounds like--I also had a mule at one time). Pretty sure it came in looking up, because this time it sounded more alarmed, and it saw me before I could see it. It was pretty close, but that dang thick cover.........

Hope to go back in the am, but not real sure what to do. Other than the food plot, this is some thick stuff--hunting the trail from the ground isn't feasable. Shoot, it's hard to find a hole to shoot through from a stand, if you can find a tree to climb that isn't wrapped in vines and briars. Hoping that changing the time I go in will help. Going to try to get in even deeper, but might wind up messing up worse. Not sure whether togo in deep, set up on theother side of the trail if I can,or get on the other side of the food plot. Iknow every time I screw up this deer gets smarter.

This is driving me nuts!! Any suggestions?

Chad