I've been a "lurker" here for long enough-2 yrs or so. Opening day of firearms season in NY seems a good time to go public.
I've hunted since I was a kid,primitive season is really my bag- both bow and muzzleloader; but as the username says I do take advantage of all 3seasons here in 4u. Went out this a.m. and, honestly, have a few questions/observations & perhaps a little venting as well:

Due to work -related time constraints these past several years I've let more than a few good hunting properties go to others & spent most of my time afield on one local farm. I have a great time, and am usually successful on this property-it's just a nice place to be. Until rifle season. Past few years has been similar:
Today I was up at 4:15, scent free shower, wind in my favor, in the stand( below the pines and above 4 nice fields w/ an oak tree laced funnel )quietly by 5:00. Other group who hunts there actually drove to their stands, all of which are in/on large open fields a bit later. By 7:30 it seemed like all those guys had shot, some a few times, while I was looking at a squirrel. One.
Same story all morning-I lost count at 70 or so, shots all around the area. At least a few rounds sounded alot like a Howitzer- I half expected air support to be called in . Now, I've been on this farm for the past few weeks during bow season and did not see 7 deer total, which was very unusual, let alone 70 bucks( no DMP's here) all in fields. At the same time!
So-what's going on here? Is every tactic I was taught pointless then?
Frustrating-I'm already looking forward to muzzleloading season-cap & ball .50 cal.
Open to thoughts/comments,etc.