I have scouted my 2 favorite bow hunting areas since June (about twice a month I spend 1-2 hours at dusk in these areas in my stand) and have noticed lots of fawns and does with some young bucks. Acorns are beginning to drop slowly in a few of my areas and the forest floor is pretty dusty and dry due to the summer heat and lack of rain. The adjacent field is full of tall grass as usual and deer migrate to that area every night lick clockwork.

What I haven't seen is a large buck or bucks. However, in years past I haven't seen them until October/November so this isn't too unusual.

What have you noticed (same or different from year's past)?

This is my first year in IL so scouting has been fun. I've been learning the different types of trees and shrubs...which ALL seem to have some kind of thorns on them! We have the low down on some heavily worn trails, and the camera is going out this week as well. Also found some good climbing trees.

My scouting has proved that I taste good to ticks and mosquitos.[8D]

I have learned that I need to move out of town and get my own little section. I haven't even got to get out in the woods yet. Hopefully after this weekend I won't be so damn busy with work and stuff on the weekends...it is getting way too late and I don't even know what is out there.. about the only thing I have is 10 years experience in the woods that I will be hunting so I know the usual tendancies of the deer in that particular area.

I've learned that it is next to impossible to sneak up on a beded deer witoutthem seeing you first.

I have heard that it is very possible to stalk a bedded deer. One important thing to keep in mind is that they will have their backs to the wind so they can smell danger from behind them, and see any danger in front of them. I have also heard that people stalk with the socks only on if you really wanna get serious

I have learned where not to hunt.

That I won't get lost in the woods this fall.

That deer no longer exist in Illinois!

I have a lot of deer in my areas. And a some real nice bucks.