#1 sign of deer, when on public land

[RedShaft]

Good luck!

[toddster]

This is what I have used to success, mainly from Gene Wensels books (get them).

I Study the Area- by map topo/satellite.  I figure where the funnels and food would be.
Feel the flow- I will either stalk it, if possible.  Or I will set up a "Recon" stand 100 or more yards away and glass deer movements.
*note- I look for sign of deer being there and use of wind/terrain, don't hunt first trial with deer pellet in it*
Hunt- Once I understand the movement-deer and wind, I will hunt it.  Key is to get in and out without getting alerting the deer where your hunting.

Know and use other hunters- they will affect the pattern of deer.  I would go in late, and get set up with out deer knowing, then when they leave move them.  Also, they seen same as you, so when you see a stand ask "why", then think if he/she spooks deer where they going, then set up there.

[freedomhunter]

Well I didn't get to go this a.m.  I woke up with the entire family in the bed.  We had a decent cold front enter last night which dropped the temps in the low 60's.  So we had the windows open.  Wife and I had our two little ones sleeping next to us.

I hear you about watching deer movements, but honestly I am lucky to see a deer at all.  The furthest you can see is maybe 50 yards and that is truly stretching it.  The ground clutter palmettos, briars, vines, and all the other crap is so thick that you can't see very far.  Where the deer go during the day is so bad you wouldn't be able to draw a bow let alone release and arrow and not have it hit something within the first 2 feet.  I tried the map deal from google and the only thing you can really tell is the difference in the tree tops.  Like when it switches from pines to a cypress swamp.  I learned hunting that ridge can be successful and saw two deer last year.  A nice buck I missed and a doe.  

Getting in and out without alerting is important, but how soon would you clear an area for shooting opportunity?  I found a spot with acorns on the ground, rubs, and prints, but I had to clear a lot of the area of palmettos and vines.  I have not been back for sometime to try to let things get settled back down and I have no clue if the deer have returned.

[NittanyRider]

Originally posted by freedomhunter:
Well I didn't get to go this a.m... Wife and I had our two little ones sleeping next to us.
 

I don't blame you one bit... that's an instant hunt canceler for me too!