Well, one of the big things hunters state, and this is pretty much universal especially over the last decade, perhaps a bit longer, is that they aren't seeing the deer numbers they used to, and the buck quality they are seeing are either immature deer or no bucks!

Where I am going with this is simple. There was a time not too long ago when the majority of deer hunters were ground pounders, and treestands were basically tree forts nailed to a hemlock, which would rot and become a hazard. Lots of work, and not portable too, so many hunters opted for ground work.

Over the years, with the advancement of products and introduction of many new ones, more people are taking to the trees. What does this mean? Well, we have seen a tremendous improvement in our safety record, for certain, but we are also experiencing a lack of pushing deer around too. This includes neighbors who potentially would shag that deer over the property line, or whatnot. I have read many, many posts that tell of similar stories... First week of bow, deer were everywhere, then, I haven't seen a deer since! No kidding. They're beddd down by day, walking around and eating and humping at night, just like they always have done. Without guys moving about, you are less liekly to see deer, as you must rely on those that decide to get up, rather than having deer pushed right out to you.

That's another factor, a big factor dare I say in hunters seeing, or not seeing deer.

Of course, if you hunt near where I hunt, you'll see tons of them. I likethe eyeball to eyeball game, and have pushed many a buck and doe to other hunters. I have also taken my share of good animals, too. I always see a lot of deer, but sometimes it is only a tail.