What would you do? (Update) pics added

[Crittergetter]

  I've been hog hunting this property for several years with good success. (Rifles and compounds) I didn't start hunting trad only till last year. I took my first trad harvest here (sow) this spring. I've had permission to hunt hogs only. Well, there has been several sightings of BIG buck here in the last 2 years. In conversation with the owner he gave me permission I take this deer if I had the chance with the only rule beeing I had to shoot every hog I had the oppertunity to take. So the game begins! The owner has seen the buck close to the crossing at the yellow x. My brother saw it a couple years ago at the same crossing while hog hunting. He lives in Wyoming and when he says a deer is big I believe him! I have a feeder at the pink dot and a lockon at the yellow dot for hog hunting. Tonight I sat on the ground at the red dot because the wind swirled to much. I had a small forked buck (not legal) come by at 4 yrds. I stayed till past shooting light and started walking back to my truck wich took me past the crossing. When I got about 30yrds from the crossing a big bodied deer jumped and stoped and looked at me. I could make out a big rack and body, he stood staring at me then ran about 40 yrds and stoped and stared again before running off blowing. He never smelled me. So what would you do? I need some strategies to maximize my chances at this deer! Oh, the wind is predominately out of the south.

[Friend]

A special deer such as you have described may warrant some less intrusive reconnaissance hunting. The 'cross' area would be my own personal choice.

Position yourself such that you improve your chances of developing a pattern of time, entry and exits. Then move in with confidence. Try to be mindful of your own entry and exit.

A couple of setups may be required to reduce scent detection.

Due note: with the rut coming on, my focus would be on the doe concentrations in that area.

Best of hunting!

[shreffler]

If you're seeing him at the crossing where the "X" is - that's where you need to get close to. Sounds like he has a pattern of using that path to enter and leave the fields, try and set up a stand right above the x or find the path hes using to come out of the woods and ambush him.

Trail cameras would definitely help if you got em!

Good luck!

[monterey]

I'd go back at midday and try to read his tracks for an idea of how he is coming and going without busting into his bedroom.

[Knawbone]

I agree with what all of these gentleman have said. I would first go in and look for tracks from the X position. Find out as much as you can about how he is using the land. You said the wind is most times from the south. Does your pic run south to north ect. In other words, where is south on the map! Personally,if your pic runs north-south, I would start with an observation stand at the peninsula of wooded area just above the X. As Friend said, be careful of your entry and exit points and dry hunt the observation stand when the wind is right. Use well worn, clean and odor free rubber boots, and by all means spray them with a good scent eliminator such as ScentAway. The obser. stand will give you a wealth of knowledge as to how and when. Develop the best vantage point or points and stay tilted on the side of stealth and caution. Best of luck and don't forget sound scent control practices.

[Crittergetter]

Knawbone, the pic is oriented for north and south. I Bought 2 more trail cams today! Going back tomorrow mid day. Supposed to start raining. I'm gonna go out after the rain starts to help minimize my scent I leave behind. Putting one at the crossing and one by a scrape I found in the bottom close to the feeder.( forgot to mention the scrape) I also picked up another lockon to set up when and if I figure out a pattern!  I'll keep y'all posted!

[Stickbow]

Some good info above but if you do not have perfect wind don't hunt it.

[Crittergetter]

Went out today mid morning during a steady rain, figured the deer would hopefully be bedded up due to the rain and it would wash away any scent left behind faster. Followed the  trail from the crossing to where it intersected the trail coming from the north. I placed a camera at both white dots. There are trees at both locations that would be good for stand placement. I'm really liking the intersection. I know it's a late start but I didn't get permission to deer hunt till the other day. I'll post trail cam pics if I get some!

[D. Key]

Best of luck to you. I also live I'n E. Texas and place most of my stands due East of my potential shot opportunities due to a South, SW, West or NW wind. Hope you get him.

[Crittergetter]

Got pics of a young 9 point and what appears to be a good 8. Neither one is the "big" deer that has been seen. The only pics I got was during the day. The rut is off to a good start! I'm going to go out in the morning and put a stand at the intersection and try to sit all day!