RE: Afternoon Deer?
Depends on the area. Over the years I've harvested a number of nice bucks between 11-2 and that was during ML, well before the rut. I've noticed a lot of movement especially if there is a weather front moving in. As others have stated, during the rut bucks can show up anytime. Up here we call it, "running stupid". 3 years ago I took a doe on the last day. Before I climbed out of the tree I thought I would have a smoke and just contemplate the season. Half way through the smoke a buck showed up and went and started smelling the doe whom was dead as a doornail 20 yards from my tree. He was getting real excited and started pushing her around with his antlers. I watched for about 2 min. as he tried to get her up. Since my son had a tag yet to fill I dropped him also. Now not only was I having a smoke but the sound of my 7 mm mag going off not 3 min. before he showed up didn't even deter him. Stay in that stand as long as you can. You justnever know, especiaqlly during the rut.