Last year I was set up on public land an hour and a half before shooting time. I was the 1st one out. There are about 10 stand areas on the property for Archers. About a half hour before shooting time, i saw one other person walk in. He left about a hour after 1st light. When he left i could see it was an older guy and he was carrying a crossbow. Besides from him, there was no one else. Of course, I didnt see any deer that day either.
If the sign-in board was correct (IE everyone tells the truth) I was the only hunter to take a deer there during bow season. I talked to a guy who said he lost a brusier in the morning the same day i got my deer. I got my deer in the evening.
I guess it all depends on the area. As i was getting ready to leave the parking area last year on opening day, I guy stopped in and said he tried to hunt up the road (public land, different tract) and it was mobbed and the guys were pretty territorial. I told him the truth and said "this tract was dead". He was out the the next week in the afternoon. In fact, i would bet he pushed my first deer with a bow, right into my lap..... <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
12 days and counting!!!!
Any day spent huntin, is better than any day spent workin,,
Duckmastor2