i believe they have a memory heres my observation, i have a permanint stand i built about 20 years ago .through the years i noticed their pattern changing they always end up in the same place, they just skirt the area i can cover now . and i know they arent winding me or sensing me in any way. i believe they not only are wary of this area they are passing it to thier offspring through the years i have taken many deer out of this stand . i believe they associate that area of the woods as dangerous ! and right they are for 3 weeks in november .