We'll we're a week away what do you think? I've been out since September and taken a nice 7 pointer in velvet with my bow but there is nothing like opening day in Maine. Have you seen much rut activity during your scouting trips? Up here in Old Town we are just starting to see a few scrapes I'm really trying to break the 200lb mark this year (185 last year) but we'll see when we're 3 weeks into the season. Anyway let me know what you think for this year.

Arghhhh!! Your making me homesick. God don't I miss Fall in Maine, or any time. I am in the process of getting a PSE Thunderbolt LC in hopes of hunting back there next Fall with my father. Good luck with your hunt!

I'm not seeing much activity here at all in Maine. I've seen a few does and fawns but no bucks. Haven't found a scrape yet either. Not looking good in my area.... Hopefully it will get better quick.

I don't scout my hunting area. I've hunted the same area for 20 years and there are a lot of deer there. The area is set up perfectly with various types of habitat all coming together within a about 1/2 mile of each other. Except for a single logging road down the middle of it there are no sign of people (other than the other hunters that are familiar with this area) throughout the entire month of November.
There are hundreds of different trails that the deer travel inside of that area but with the hunting pressure and the numbers they seem to always travel the one I happen to be sitting on at least once every couple of days. I don't think I've ever gone more than 3 days without at least a sighting.
With IF&W's increase in any deer permits for that zone by 6000 this year I expect the situation to only be better.
But man, I can't wait until next Saturday. This is the ONE thing I schedule my vacation around every year. It's the one time every year I get to spend some good quality time with my Father doing something we both really enjoy. And with the permit increase both he and I have the chance to tag out two each so the excitement level is that much higher this season.
I hope everyone has a successful season and good luck on that 200 pounder Jim!