Went out Wed evening, Thurs morning and evening. Went to different spots all three times. First two times were in a treestand (got back in touch with my fear of heights) and didn't see jack squat. Third time in a ground blind in the corner of a field. In the blind, we did see 11 does in the field across the street...they have a couple of different trails that lead to the field we were in, but towards late evening as they started to cross the road, a mountain biker scared the bejeezus out of them and they ran. Only when it was too dark to shoot did they come into our field, about 100yds away.
I am not horribly disappointed, as being my first time out I learned a LOT:
[ul][*]climbing up high in a treestand scares the @#$! out of me. Call me a wuss or whatever, but I think I just need to do it a few more times before I'm comfortable enough to move around and do what I need to do. It may or may not be a height thing, as I climbed up into a 'homemade' treestand that was pretty high, but had plenty of room and rails all around. Felt comfortable there.[*]wind and scent control are critical. I feel like I did everything I could to control scent, and don't think it played a part in us not seeing anything (washed all clothes in scent free detergent, scent free soap/shampoo in the shower, scent killer spray on clothes, etc....).[*]I've heard plenty of stories, some from you guys, about not seeing or bagging anything your first few times out, so I don't feel so bad, I know it happens. I do know that the anticipation of thinking something is coming is a great rush, so even if I don't bag one, I'm still having fun.[*]being in the woods, especially for sun-up, is pretty darn cool.[*]there's always next time.
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So, Saturday it is. I think I'll hold off on taking a day off until the 1st week in November.
I just enjoyed that post more than any I've read in a long time.

I was RIGHT where you are exactly 2 years ago, this week.
I'm not far from there, now.....though I thought at one time I was.
Take it slow and enjoy the ride.
As far as the treestand (height).....I recall feeling the EXACT same way.

It will pass, soon. You've got the right idea about scent control. Much more knowledgeable than I was at your stage. Kudos.
Being in the tree.....and watching the woods come alive in the mornings....is heavenly. I'm never more at ease. Good for you for finding that.
Good luck.