Spooked deer????????

[Recurve50 LBS]

Last weekend I got busted while drawing on a doe by another doe in the group of 10 - 12 does. They were spooked real bad, they ran off 200 yards and snorted for 15 minutes.

I'd like to hunt in the same area this weekend since the wind is good, but not sit in the exact same spot but about 25 yards away.I don't think this area has seen any hunting prerssure. At least I haven't seen another hunter there in the area this season.

Do you think it's ok to hunt this area again or should I look for another spot to sit?

[maineac]

I'ld go back.  You've given it time.

[Bowwild]

Yep. I've been busted many times and return for good action.

The doe's home range isn't very large, they have no choice but to revisit much of it frequently.  It would take far more than a sighting of you to change their home range. Even coon hounds running them all night can't make them change their home range (research proven).

I do like your idea though of moving the stand a bit if you can, especially if you can get a bit better covered.

[OS]

I'd go back,  Heres a hint as well when deer catch you in a tree start yelping (turkey calls) I have had them settle down and walk right back in for a shot!

[Bill Carlsen]

Getting busted can be due to a lot of things. Some deer are just more prone to leaving at the slightest hint of something different. Others react to sound or movement. I have even, on more than one occasion, shot, missed and  had deer (and bear) return to see what had happened. The biggest thing that will keep them at a distance is that if they get spooked several times because they smell you. Your odor will change their patterns more than anything else. Moving 25 yards might help...might not. In a nutshell I would keep going back as long as the deer keep showing up. Sounds like you were seen and not smelled...that's good in my book.

[hvyhitter]

When I hunt public land and the deer may be a little pressured and wary, I will have a diaphram turkey call in my mouth and if a doe gets a little curious about me in a tree sometimes a few soft yelps and put will put them at ease. I think that they know something is in the tree but not sure what it is and the sound of a turkey is something they recognise.

[BEN]

Go Get 'em!! Espec. if you're moving to a new tree! If only 1 doe saw you out of the group----she can't tell the others WHAT spooked her. The rest just followed suit.
I have been busted in the same tree several times and deer kept coming back as long asthe food is there and  you give them some time and they don't SMELL you. THAT will make them remember you the most. If they come in looking for you in the tree---it is time to go; move to another tree; set up on the incoming trail; whatever.

Deer are skittish----when 1 spooks, they all spook. Its survival. esp. with does who still have young ones with them. Better for them to run first, check back later, even if they don't know what the fuss is about.

[insanedeerhunter]

i got busted the other day and the same doe came back three differnt times stomping and glaring at me not in bow range she finally walked away

[Recurve50 LBS]

Well I went back this afternoon. Sat in a diffrent spot about 20 yards away from where I was last week. It was very windy here and at 4:05 I hear a deer trotting down the hill I came down on my way to my spot an hour before. As far as I could tell she used the same trail as me. This happened very fast because I heard her when she was almost on top of me, again very windy. She stops 3 yards away from me....3 yards I paced off on my way out of the woods.  Any way no time to grab my bow until after she passes me but never got a good angle to shoot. She wanted to go some place and was in a hurry. She only stopped 2 times. One 3 yards away from me and the other way out of my bow range just before she dropped over the shelf I was hunting. It was cool! Tomorrow is another day, look out deer.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Only being spooked once, coupled with the fact that you are hunting 25 yards away, is just fine. The deer shouldn't be the wiser.

7-10 days following them busting you, they will not totally avoid the area; They may slightly alter the trails they use but they won't stop using the area, provided it is within their normal bed to feed travel corridors.

[Recurve50 LBS]

Went back to same spot as yesterday. Sitting only 5 minutes and Yogie decides to stroll into my set up. I let him know I was there when he was about 40 yards out. He circled caught my sent and was out of there like a flash. I also spotted a few deer tonight on my way out of the woods. Found an active scrape and 2 spots I want to give a try.

[beetlebailey1977]

I would always go back.  And I always have my bow in my hand at the ready with a arrow nocked when I am on my stand.