ORIGINAL: GMMAT
If you really do some investigating, you'll find that most people have harvested thier best bucks between 10am and 2pm.
Huh?
Sounds like a good magazine article theory.....but I doubt it's true in real-life.
I've hunted all day a few times, during the rut. I just dont see the activity I see in other times of the day. Call me lazy, uncommitted, etc........I just don't have the patience to sit through what "I" feel is an unproductive time of day "for my woods". I've seen good bucks (relative) here after 11:00.....but that's usually when I'm thinking of climbing down. You also have to remember that a buck don't have to travel far or look real hard to find a doe in my woods.
In reality.....I'm sure there are some great bucks killed during the middle of the day. I also think it's "a" way for some hunters to perch themselves on the "I am extremely dedicated and you just don't want it, enough" perch. I actually don't know anyone who's killed one in the middle of the day, here.
You are not going to see a lot of activity during the mid day. You are looking for 1 good deer. Location of your stand is critical for mid day success. Sitting on or near a food source is not going to produce. Place yourself as Greg h suggested and you will have a better chance.
All day sits are tough. especially when you are not seeing deer. But they can produce.
I have seen big bucks moving during the middle of the day too many times to believe it is a fluke. I have seen them cross 1/4 mile of wide open field in the middle of the day in highly pressured areas.
Maybe try going out later in the morning a few times and sitting until early afternoon. Success breeds success. If you see a few it may give you the confidence to hunt that time period more often.