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- Nov 10, 2008
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I am relatively new to hunting, and this is my second season. I finally bought a climbing stand and although I am yet to take a deer, I have had deer come within shooting range of it, but due to cover in the shooting lane I was unable to take the shot.
Last year I tried still hunting and found it tough to get in range, though I have seen deer. Yesterday, I tried still hunting again in an area where the cover is low and no stand can be used, but the deer are often there. I took my time, almost an hour to get 50 yds into the swampy area. Once again, I spotted two large does (I have one antlerless permit) about 60 yds away, but as I approached at an even slower pace, they bolted off when I had only made it ten more yds. There was a stiff cross wind between us and I thought there was very little chance they could wind me. On top of it, the ground was wet and quiet and I was in full camo. I had done all I could to control my scent. This is about the third or fourth time this has happened to me. One of my theories is they can see my eyes. I have been trying to squint as I approach to avoid this.
Has anybody had any success still hunting with a bow? If it was gun season, this would have been a relatively easy take. Any advice on how to get closer or what might be going wrong?
Last year I tried still hunting and found it tough to get in range, though I have seen deer. Yesterday, I tried still hunting again in an area where the cover is low and no stand can be used, but the deer are often there. I took my time, almost an hour to get 50 yds into the swampy area. Once again, I spotted two large does (I have one antlerless permit) about 60 yds away, but as I approached at an even slower pace, they bolted off when I had only made it ten more yds. There was a stiff cross wind between us and I thought there was very little chance they could wind me. On top of it, the ground was wet and quiet and I was in full camo. I had done all I could to control my scent. This is about the third or fourth time this has happened to me. One of my theories is they can see my eyes. I have been trying to squint as I approach to avoid this.
Has anybody had any success still hunting with a bow? If it was gun season, this would have been a relatively easy take. Any advice on how to get closer or what might be going wrong?