I am hunting in maine and its the last week of our special archery season. Gun season ended on 11/24, so that should relieve some pressure. Last wednesday I was hunting out of a new set and had an encounter with a nice 10 pt probably 3 1/2. I couldnt get a clean shot so i backed off and watched him go up bank and into field. He looked like he was cruising for does and then urinated on tarsals. My stand is located on a shelf between a creek bottom and a hay field. My question is will he stay on same pattern and return to area?

Thanks
croc2116

If he was really cruising my guess would be no. If there are doe in the area to hold his interest then you have a better chance IMO. Good luck I hope you get a crack at him.

Thank you.Good luck to you.

Good answer! Bucks have a core area most of the year, but who knows where they will be during the rut unless there are plenty of does coming into estrus to hold him in a small area.

a buck can travel 19 miles outside his normal routine during the rut. if he is ruttin then i would get a doe estrus or two and hang it high for the wind to take it...dont let them smell you though, and be ready for them to come in down wind to get a look, but could duck out and show up anywhere.

In the rut usually if there is does there is at least one or two bucks. Try some antler rattling.

If you are really tedious on your scent control, wear rubber boots and drag some scent wicks through the creek bottom leading to your setup before light and sit all day. Maybe if he even comes close to the creek bottom he might sniff it out and follow your trail. This trick has worked for me hunting draws and creek bottoms, but you have to be sure not to brush you hands or coat on anything along the way, and use latex gloves when applying the scent to the wicks and attaching them to your boots with strings. After i get done laying the trail down i dip the wicks again and hang them where i want the buck to stop for a shot. Whatever you decide to do, i hope you get him!!