mobow,

One trick that I learned when I was heavy into waterfowl hunting was to turn your head back and forth ALL THE TIME. I've applied this to deer hunting and I never get surprised by a deer appearing anymore, unless they come from behind me. I can't tell you how many times I have been totally zoned out daydreaming about some odd thing or other, and then catch that shadow passing between trees that is a deer. Talk about a bucket of water thrown in your face - you are instantly backtotally focused on that movement. I've never been busted by a deer moving like that either, they are always spotted a long distance off. It's just a matter of putting yourself in the habit of constantly moving your head right and left. In fact I let myself daydream as much as I want, as long as my head is moving, because you will never miss that movement that any animal makes, no matter what problem you are working out in your mind at the time.

Just my opinion,