RE: qdm=loss of hunting skills?
When I started hunting in 1980 it was in the north woods of MN. No food plots, ag fields or open meadow. I now hunt in the heart of the farmland since 1995 where prairie meets the decidous forests in Minnesota.
It is easier in the farmlands. In the northwoods we came home empty handed about five times in those 15 years. Each year in the farmland we at least had one deer.
About your question. We hunted in the northwoods but I think my family was lucky more than skilled. They cannot sit stil for an hour and they have to walk. Not stalk but walk. Us sitters were fortunate to see the deer they kicked up.
I do go up north on the third weekend of firearms and cherish what the north has to offer. When you see a deer there you are thrilled...........