Bummed out by not seeing any potential for bow season

[keep6matt]

Well I set out cameras on an 80 acre pc of land I have got permission for archery season. Seen a huge bull moose there many times and quite a few whitetail deer, even found a matching shed last year for a WT. Went to check the camera and nothing. Been scouting for trails, looking for evidence of animals and coming up short. Wondering what the heck I am doing wrong. I know there are animals there and with the season right around the corner, is there any pointers that I need to be aware of or something that I may be doing wrong? Kinda discouraged that this season maybe a big goose egg.

[Okotokian]

Well I set out cameras on an 80 acre pc of land I have got permission for archery season. Seen a huge bull moose there many times and quite a few whitetail deer, even found a matching shed last year for a WT. Went to check the camera and nothing. Been scouting for trails, looking for evidence of animals and coming up short. Wondering what the heck I am doing wrong. I know there are animals there and with the season right around the corner, is there any pointers that I need to be aware of or something that I may be doing wrong? Kinda discouraged that this season maybe a big goose egg.

I'm certainly not an expert hunter, and perhaps because of that, I wouldn't put all my eggs in one 80 acre basket. Put some mileage on and get yourself permission on at least a couple sections. That way, if you are like me and you are too inept to find game on one spread on a particular day, you've got some options. :)

[Redfrog]

two things come to mind to turn things around Bait, and Costco.:)


I can't imagine targeting only one 80 acre plot. A guy could just about hunt that with a wrist rocket and a hockey stick.

Don't get discouraged, it is a little early to write the season off because you have no horn porn. Things turn around in short order.

Enjoy your time out hunting and count any game taken as a bonus.

Don't stress about it. hunting is supposed to relieve stress.:)

[SportHuntingHelp]

Have you glassed the area early morning and the evening to see where they are traveling to and from? If not I would start there get out before first light and watch. The deer have needs which include a food source, water, bedding area's etc. Locate these area's and find the routes they need to take to come and go. Don't get discouraged sounds like you are running one camera on 80 acres there is allot that happens you can't see with a camera alone. Chances are they are out there but like said above don't put all your eggs in one basket find some other land to hunt if possible. Good luck and have fun no matter what the end result is.

[keep6matt]

Good plan, thanks guys, i will be doing some major scouting this weekend again. I was pretty pumped to see constant animals throughout the spring and summer in that area and now nothing. But will be scouting again for new areas this weekend. Not even interested in a trophy (would be nice) but more for the meat for the winter months. Thanks again Oko and Redfrog...also is stalk hunting effective for bow or simply set up on a well used trail and be patient and scent free?

[Okotokian]

Good plan, thanks guys, i will be doing some major scouting this weekend again. I was pretty pumped to see constant animals throughout the spring and summer in that area and now nothing. But will be scouting again for new areas this weekend. Not even interested in a trophy (would be nice) but more for the meat for the winter months. Thanks again Oko and Redfrog...also is stalk hunting effective for bow or simply set up on a well used trail and be patient and scent free?

Not a bow hunter, but from what you read and watch on TV it seems to be primarily stand hunting over trails, rubs, or bait (where legal), which makes some sense given the range you have to get to.

[Redfrog]

Not a bow hunter, but from what you read and watch on TV it seems to be primarily stand hunting over trails, rubs, or bait (where legal), which makes some sense given the range you have to get to.

He;s right you know. IO| hate to say that.:)

Stalk works as well and is certainly more challenging and consequently more rewarding. It takes some serious focus to get close enough to arrow a deer knowing all the time there are a ton of things that you have little control over that could send that buck into full flight mode. A two hour stock blown in a seconds.:angry3:
It will make you a better hunter in a lot of ways.

[SportHuntingHelp]

You will probably see more animals spot and stalking but it is a tough go. Either way in a stand or stalking the woods it is a great time and you will have a blast.

[calgarychef]

That's a small patch to hunt but it might turn out to be some of the best hunting you can imagine. First off don't pressure the deer or they will move off, then learn where they go and why. Then look for that one magical spot where a stand will work best. If there are deer there will be some sort of funnel and that's the spot to hunt.

[slough shark]

It may be a good idea to watch from a distance if you can where the animals are moving and then place your camera/stand accordingly.

[roland1]

Don't give up on your 80 acres!

run at least two cameras.

AND MORE IMPORTANTLY.... what kind of land surrounds your 80 acres?

see...I have 40 acres of field in my back yard. and 40 more acres of field beside me. I have access to hunt this total of 80 acres...

however there is another 80 acres of forrest butting up to my hunting land. do I plan to hunt it? no. I cant afford more cams and more treestands. but the land is there. there are a few deer on my 80 acres of hunting land. most likely thanks to the surrounding land.

you probably do have deer accessible to you on your 80 acres. and you will find them.

if its near open fields and you have a treeline. stick a cam facing out from the treeline.

the deer on my cams travel along the treeline in the field.

[pottymouth]

I'm certainly not an expert hunter, and perhaps because of that, I wouldn't put all my eggs in one 80 acre basket. Put some mileage on and get yourself permission on at least a couple sections. That way, if you are like me and you are too inept to find game on one spread on a particular day, you've got some options. :)

Having more options is always great advice!

Your spot might not be a early season place. Or it just might be a transition parcel. Don't give up on it . Scout in the morning, mid day and evening. Also look around at adjacent properties to see what you can find. Watch and Pattern. Whitetail are real easy to pattern in the early season.

[Beta-pg]

Move your camera man... I had a trail cam setup last season on a WELL USED trail leading to an open field... I know, because like you, I've watched animals from moose, deer, bears and even people walk through and got NOTHING on my camera.

For whatever reason, my camera, it its location along the trail was either snapping slow or whatever, I don't know why! Moved it to the other side of the trail and a little further out... ALL KINDS of pics!

[keep6matt]

Thanks everyone for the solid advice , keeping the hope and gonna give it my best efforts as to all your suggestions, appreciate it alot.

[waterninja]

i have also noticed less activity this season. could have been the harsh winter. BUT CHEER UP! there out there and we are going to "get some". looking foreward to the post with a pic. of your first arrowed deer.

[waterninja]

i agree with previous post about moving your cams. just so happens i have a spot for them by sherwood park that i'll rent to you for free. hell, i'll even pay you. lol.

[338Bluff]

It is August and over 30 above with the humidex rating. Animals are likely keying on shade and alternate feed sources.

Be patient. You have nearly 90 days of archery season coming. So what if its not an opening day event? If they were there once they will be back.

[pikeslayer22]

He;s right you know. IO| hate to say that.:)

Stalk works as well and is certainly more challenging and consequently more rewarding. It takes some serious focus to get close enough to arrow a deer knowing all the time there are a ton of things that you have little control over that could send that buck into full flight mode. A two hour stock blown in a seconds.:angry3:
It will make you a better hunter in a lot of ways.
Wow would it ever! I would Love to watch someone stalk a mature white tail and kill it with a bow!

[L.O.S.T.Arrow]

:D ...Dont forget that on button...doh...speaking from experiance #blush#...lol
works better that way

neil

[Unregistered user]

Don't feel so bad, on monday I fell off my bike and broke my elbow. Bow hunting is out for me this year.