GMMAT

I've been hunting th ebucks on their normal patterns all year. So far....I haven't seen anything that would lead me to believe the rut has started here in NC.....other than some lighthearted "dogging" of some does by a few bucks. I think that's all gonna change in the next few days, though.

My strategy, so far, has been to hunt the bucks where they are. I'm gonna switch that up and hunt the does, exclusively, now.

Here's my dilemma.....

On the new grounds.....I only have one concentration (doe family group) that I've been able to pattern with a modicum of regularity. The spot I've found them in (that I can hunt) is a little, thick drainage area (if they choose to go that trail) or a small (4 acre?) woodlot on the side of a ridge (if they choose the upper trail). I saw my only mature buck dogging them up there a week ago Tuesday. I needed him to come 10 more yards to offer a shot. He didn't. I also had him at 40 yds, but he was up on the ridge....and I was down in the ravine (same hunt previously mentioned). I've seen as many as 8 does in there, together.

My other option is the lands I've been hunting. Good concentrations of does.....but I truly believe that the larger bucks will be on the other property. I haven't seen a buck that would go over 70" in the old lands, BUT....this is the spot where I've taken two good 8 pointers in the last two seasons. Will a "traveler" come through? It's anyone's guess. Is there a mature buck using these lands that I haven't seen, yet? Who knows?

The beauty is.....I have a place to hunt does now on most any wind (barring a W wind). I'm just gonna play the wind to the best of my ability.....and hunt these three little spots HARD for the remainder of the season.....and abandon the buck spots.

iamyourhuckleberry will be here on 11/19....and I'm looking forward to that. I don't want him to think ALL I do is hunt these little spots....but I do believe it'll be our best chance to score a decent buck, then. If he wants to take a doe.....we'll be in the right spot(s). if he chooses to hold out for a buck.....we'll still be in the right spot(s). I DO have a good doe spot I can hunt to give these spots a rest.....and maybe he can take one there if he chooses that route.

Seems like a LOT of hard work has come down to hunting some REALLY concentrated areas for the remainder of the season.....but I honestly think it's the best strategy. I may spend the rest of my '08 bowhunting season in approx. 10 acres of woods (3 spots). Does this sound "familiar" to anyone? Does it appear to be a sound strategy?

Thanks!!

StrikeTrue

This sounds very similar to my overall strategy for this season. The woodlot i primarily hunt is small in nature. It sounds like a good strategy, i find these areas easier to break down than big woods but harder to pattern deer movement accurately due to many suburban influences. I am of the opinion that such small pieces of timber can be very productive. Goodluck Jeff.