Actually I wouldn't consider that to be very lucky. I live in the same type area and have two dogs outside. I was in my driveway talking on the phone, besideone dog AND smoking about 6pm one night and the dog suddenly popped up to attention. About two seconds later a large buck walked out of our other driveway about 25ft from me, turned and walked straight up the dirt road without looking in my direction or hurrying once. I didn't hunt at the time, but if I did I'd surely have had this one to clean. Not excitement, no rush, not even a look toward me. I could have walked up and slap it on the tail if I wanted a kick in the head.

I think they become accustomed to their surroundings and don't bother to react when nothing throws up a flag. Oddly enough, I've seen many deer walking or standing around within gun range when I was in the yard doing something and not prepared, but use all the cover scents and everything else and I only saw two deer in the past month. I'm considering walking out to my stand making noise wearing street clothes and smoking like a chimney, maybe I'll see something.