I just returned from a verystrange trip to Alabama! 5 hunters hunted 3 days hunt in the Talladega N. Forest (SE of Tuscaloosa). Objectively, I would consider us VERY experienced huntaholics, already taking a combined total of 7 bucks, 5 does and 4 hogs here in Ark. this year. We also have manyyears expericence, in both private club and public hunting (ages 35-45). We spend two weeks studying "topos", and with two trucks, scouted approx. 100+ miles, yet seen very little sign deer sign(seldom even found tracks and never found new "pills"). We hunted holly thickets, Pine Thicket/cut-over borders, and large White Oak saddlesw/ our Summit Climbers. The areas were:North of the Oakmulgee WMA area, So. of Centerville and W. of Maplesville. I have never been on a hunt with so little deer sign! We took 11 ice chests after being told a Jan. rut was to begin!!!! Scent Lok Suits, were put on "at the truck" and used Scent-killer by the guarts! Have there been just too many deer killed by Jan., with the liberal bag limits? I hunted by heart out! Any comments from the Alabama boys? Please! I'm about to slit my wrists ! The people were fantastic but....

HERE IN THE SOUTHEAST THE DEER MOVEMENT HAS BEEN SLOW THE PAST FEW WEEKS. REALLY ALL OF DEC,THIS PAST WEEKEND GUYS IN OUR CLUB ALL SAID THE DEER ARE STARTING TO MOVE, HOPEFULLY HERE IN A FEW DAYS THE RUT WILL KICK IN, ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS LEFT,

One on One, my buddy left after New Year and has killed 3bucks already in Eufaula.