Some times it is just the luck of the draw. One field yields a deer while another doesn't. It sounds like you are trying to bring the odds in your favor with scent control etc. One thing that might tip it your way seeing how you spend a lot of time in the stand is set one up in the woods between the known bedding area and the field. Many deer are reluctant to hit the field until just B-4 dark and get out of dodge as dawn awakens. If you are in a transition area you might get them when they move around and get ready to make the field or return to beds. I wouldn't get anywhere near the bedding (thick) areas but stay out of sight of the fields. A stand overlooking a creek crossing is another sure bet since the crossing will usually be evident through the tracks. Tracks in a field usually show what is happening at night. Be careful of calls and scent bombs. There is a time and place for them and thinking they are a shortcut is a mistake. They can really add to the effectiveness of a hunt but can also ruin a setup if used improperly. My advise is stick to the basics of good scent control. Good luck and with your attitude I am sure you will start to be the one to get the deer. Keep it up….CI
Last edited by Champlain Islander; 11-03-2009 at 01:54 PM.