bonzel22

Hey guys, i have been scouting this big non-typical. I wanted to see if I could get some of your feedback. Heres the situation, about 2 weeks ago I was leaving my parents house (neighborhood setting). When i looked in this guys yard (about 1 acre). There were about 6 doe and this monster buck which who was laying down. Him laying down made me think he was locking down with one of those doe that was about to go through her cycle. So the next day I went in this thick field behind his hosue which was surrounded by woods, he came out but i didnt have a valid buck tag until firearm season started. I have gone back multiple times to see him but no luck, alot of deer movement but not him. I saw him in the same yard 3 more times at night. havent seen him at all the last 4 days which i hunted him heavly this last weekend. Does anyone have any advice for me? Do you think he is still tending that one doe?... help

Pops423

2 Weeks ago he was tending that doe, I'd say he's moved on since then. 'Backyard Bucks' are tough to hunt in the rut. Believe me I know. they travel all the little pockets but for the most part, do so at night. I'd keep at it but try to find some natural funnels/travel areas that he may be using.

shed33

I am not saying hes gone, because there are more does in that local family group, but rarely in my experience will a buck stay with one doe more than 3-4 days before he moves on to other potential estrus does. A doe smells ready/right the day before estrus and smells right the day after, this explains the 3-4 maybe 5 day period us hunters may encounter a specific buck hanging with one doe. Maybe some of those other shelas in there will bring him back for another appearance. Or he could be a mile away locked onto another this time of year.