lots of sign...no bucks
 

I have a 440 acre property that I have hunted for two years. Every year there is great sign but never see the buck i am after. Basically the layout of the land is hardwoods with a few interior fields totaling about 100 (CRP) acres of the property. Creeks running through the entire property. Highest point 950 ft. Lowest point 750 ft. This is a very sharp drop off. Anyways, so far there are two main scrape lines, one on the bottom of the property in an interior field that leads into more scrapes going up a ridge and one on top of the property. Have hunted both evening and morning on both areas. Some does but no bucks. Are these scrapes being done at night? Does anyone have any input on what to do here? Would anyone be willing to look at an aerial view and help me out if i posted one?
Tough hunting here in kansas so far, do have one doe under my belt[:-]

RE: lots of sign...no bucks
 

First off, welcome to the board:). As far as the land you are hunting,
I' m not a big fan of hunting over " hot sign" . The majority of scrapes
are visited at night, especially those on field edges that are exposed.
In addition, any bucks that made those scrapes may not return at
all. I know a few hunters that have taken bucks over scrapes, but
I know a lot more that have been unsuccessfull.

I' d recommend hanging some stands over features that funnel deer
movement; creek crossings, fence crossings, inside corners, brushy
fencelines, benches, saddles, etc. This way you' re set up where
he' ll be and not where he was;). When trying to hunt over fresh
buck sign, we' re always one step behind the animal we' re hunting[:@].

Sounds like you' ve got some good land, with some new stand
locations and a little patience you should do just fine[:-]. The best
part of the rut is yet to come:D.

Good Luck
TB

RE: lots of sign...no bucks
 

Lots of sign here in PA and no deer [:@] Its gotta be me though alot of other hunters seeing deer.[:' (]