And most of time enter the food plots from upwind, trusting their eyesight to detect any danger in the fields. And relying on their noses to detect anything that might be following them.
True that.
I have had a similar experience to yours, this year. The terrain sounds very similar. I remember Mauser telling me the deer would actually use the ravines to travel in...and I discarded it.......at first. Now I know better. The sign is there. They use them. Period.
I've had to get away from the thinking of what looks good to ME.....and think about what they feel comfortable traveling in. That was a biggie.
But the biggest thing I learned is.....If I'm solely looking for a buck....and I'm seeing does......
.............it's time to move.