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So I know we all hear and read and watch videos on the best days to be in the deer woods. Including “ any day in the woods is a good day”
from Your personal experience’s though what days are an absolute non negotiable date and time your in the deer woods?
Generally I find morning and evenings equal but seem to see most when it is a bit cold no wind and kind of overcast.
During the rut
Deer move 4-5 a day, every day, in every kind weather...food and water being the the driving force. From experience, they tend to stick in the deep woods by their bedding spots on really foul (ie windy) days, but they're still there. The Rut adds a variable that they move for reasons other than food and water and more frequently. Why hunting is more successful during the rut.
The weather variable is more hunter related...if you can't sit for long comfortably or sit still for long periods, then you'll not put in the hours required to encounter a deer.
Anytime of day if your using dogs..;)
Might not be a popular day and time but I have done really well the first week of the season with all day sit's. The deer aren't spooky from pressure and your not freezing your nads off...lol
As long as you recover and process quickly your in and out before most even think about deer season... :)
Second best is our black powder week first week of November. Big bucks literally commit hunter suicide... :)
I like to try to get out on opening day for archery, October 1st, ramp up again towards the end of October and I hunt as much as possible during the first week of the rifle/shotgun season in November. The first week of gun season is hands down my most productive time, and it's the most fun to hunt with our small group.
The archery opener isn't exactly the best time, but the deer are still going about their business as normal.
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Halloween til Nov 14th I hunt as much as I can, First week of november i see the most big bucks in day light than any other time. I dont hunt late season anymore
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My preference is from November 7th to the 15th. Mornings with a couple of inches of snow, no wind and temperatures just below freezing. I also like it when we’ve experienced a dry fall as opposed to wet/rainy fall. Lastly, a new moon rather than full.
I think any day deer hunting is a good day -but as others' said-the rut is the king.
Now-if only the deer would be like trains-on time,every time.
Both morning and afternoon(with occasional all day sits)in the Nov. Cont. hunt.
Otherwise mostly Sat. afternoons.More then once i shot a deer Sun. afternoon ,then worried about the Monday search.Mostly was unneeded worry,but 2x I needed to call in to have a day off on Monday.
In October i may be it out few Sunday afternoons though.........and at the end of Dec.when we have shut down at work,any day-any time( pending on the wife and the tag availability).
Oh ,and why i hunt afternoons ,it is just laziness-not much of a guy to wake up at 3 am..........
It unfortunate that probably 80% of the hunters don't have a choice...I know in our camp I'm the only one who hunts outside of the rifle week. Lots of guys work and can't get away for more than a 5 day period. So it really doesn't matter what the weather is like or if the deer aren't moving yet....ya get what you get !!
Not wrong and a big reason guys get any deer at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by canadaman30
I agree 100%! Hunting can be so random as so many factors are out of your control. That’s why it’s so important to have contingency tactics which enable you to mix things up. As Fred Trost used to say “ Get outdoors, it’s a great place to be!” I’ll add to that and say “even when the fish aren’t bitting or game is scarce”.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
True enough. I've been involved in a couple small ones but was never in a camp that ran dogs daily. I'm out in the country and the gangs that do run dogs seem to do it mid morning once deer are bedded down or mid afternoon leaving plenty of time for the evening sit. It sure can be exciting though just hearing the dogs from another camp sounding off and headed your way. Sometimes you just hear the deer booting it through the bush, sometimes you get a flash of tail and the odd time you'll get one just slowly passing by way ahead of the dogs.Quote:
Originally Posted by canadaman30
There's a pretty big camp around here that has like easy a thousand acres all told including right 450 across the road from me. They don't run dogs anymore, just use mostly the young lads marching through the bush and barking for their pushes. I fear it's becoming a lost art.
I go when time allows but see more deer on the days I have snotsicles dangling.
i tend to see more deer during new and full moon cycles. in november usually its early to mid november.
The last week of October and first week of November should typically have the most movement and activity. I do hunt the rut but it's the pre rut I get excited for and when I have the most success. Morning and evening are good in my #1 spot as its a main travel corridor from bedding to feeding and weve taken some nice bucks and does in the 5 years weve been hunting the same tiny property.
I only hunt in the best wind and only when there is a big change in weather patterns. Once the rain stops, after a big snowfall, after a few days of high winds, when the temperature drops more the 5 degrees.
Moon cycles dont play much if anything in my limited experience and from the research data Ive seen on it by various researchers.
Our dogs have got on a chase at any time of the day. We only run 2 at a time. The camp I've been with for the last 14 years has been using dogs since 1971. This year will possibly be the first year ever we dont run dogs. Unfortunately there isn't guys willing to raise and have beagles all year, and the couple of ones we do have, have become too house bound and unfortunately lost alot of they're hunting drive. Not sure really how to go about adjusting. We hunt Ottawa Valley bush, and 8-10 watches with plenty of escape routes. Think we'll put a bunch of bait down, and hope for the best. I know I'll adjust, as I move constantly, but I'm wondering if the older fella's will just stoke they're fired and doze off a few more times during the day.
Find a good worn in trail next to bedding or food...Ive never baited and I always get my deer sometimes 2 in a year in the limited time I get out. Dogs and bait are cool, but not necessary to be successful. Stalk some cornfields in the rain or high winds especially where it backs onto bush property. Set up a few tree stands and rotate use between them. If no stands make some natural blinds along well used trails. Its really not that difficult, running dogs is like shooting fish in a barrel compared to actually hunting and stalking the deer yourself.Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveBates
I'm not going to get into it with you man, but you couldn't be more far off about the deer hunting heritage of running dogs in rural Ontario. As much as I agree with the rest of your post, if you think running dogs is like shooting fish in a barrel you couldn't be more wrong. I can't speak for all of Ontario, but out in my area of Lanark there were and still are always buck only camps from way back, many of them 8pt and over as a camp rule for the first week at least. So running dogs actually allows them to target mature bucks and leave a healthy population. Other camps like one my daughter is in with local property if you have a doe tag they are fair game, but it's not like they take fawns even late rifle season like one camp I know well. We have a two week season.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
Saying that, I would never begrudge anyone filling a legal tag, like if I was still out bow hunting in late December with a doe tag and and a late season fawn presented a shot I would likely take it. Wifey would be very happy too. :)
Cheers
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
Yea you'll never change their minds Smitty...they have no clue but spout off every time the topic comes up.Quote:
Originally Posted by smitty55
Well said smitty, Need a damn like button! Lol
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Like....:)
Not getting into it with you just stating its easier and potentially more rewarding then hunting with them. Im not against any legal method of taking a deer. Im not a trophy hunter or hunting purist and I dont think hunting should always be done using the hardest or traditional methods, its whatever works and preference. I was trying to encourage you to hunt by sitting or stalking, it can be more rewarding in my experience. The deer ive taken by stalking cornfields are much more memorable and rewarding to me then the biggest buck I took from a treestand. I was trying to push you to look at sit or stalking as a positive, sorry you took it as a negative I guess I didnt elaborate enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by smitty55
Fawns are tasty I wouldn't hesitate to take one especially if I have an extra tag to fill, best venison ive ever had. For me, especially fishing, when I have to work for it a bit more it makes the experience more rewarding. Like landing a 20inch walleye thru the ice is way more exciting then reeling in a 30 inch walleye when trolling. Same idea around using a vertical bow vs xbow. I have both but I always hunt with my xbow until I have my first tag filled, after that I focus on having fun and challenging myself. But if its brown, its definitely going down [emoji16]
lol you're hilarious, have a nice day pal.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
You'll have to humour me here, I'm having hard time grasping your rational: do I understand this correctly ...you think that " running dogs is like shooting fish in a barrel " but it's far more rewarding shooting deer while it's eating dinner in a cornfield.?Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
After 60 years of hunting Deer and taking many over that time,I can't think of any successful day that wasn't either colder than a hooker's heart,snowing to beat the band or both.
At one time there was a few places that rented hounds for the hunt. Not sure if any remain.Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveBates
nah go play ball with someone else Mike, Im not falling for that, I clarified my original statement for the person I responded to not for your to pick apart my statements and find discourse where there is none. You know ive been on here a while Im well aware of your antics. Have a good night, next drink is on me.Quote:
Originally Posted by MikePal
Oh really?Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
Yea and he gets indignant when you ask him to clarify his comment..HaHa..Quote:
Originally Posted by canadaman30
One of the the most exciting things a hunter can experience is when a couple of hounds are tonguing on a deer and they're heading your way. Your hearts is racing so fast by the time it pops out of the bush it always makes for a difficult split second shot.
But then if you find shooting deer eating with their heads down in a cornfield rewarding, well that's OK too :)
I know I said I wasn't going to get into it with you, but actually DW, you only repeated the same things that I said I agreed with you in the first place. My main point that I called you out on was about your comments about running dogs and shooting fish in a barrel and somehow you failed to address those comments. So if you'd care to clarify your comments now I'm sure there are many here who would like to hear why you think that, I know I would like to know why you have such disdain for such a long standing practice in the heritage of deer camps.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
Cheers
I personally, like any type of hunting. Last year was my first year with a used xbox I bought from a gentleman on this forum. I had about 6 sits in my blind, and closest I got was hearing a snort, and a running off deer. My heart pounded. Maybe this year I'll have success, but I probably wont be out until after the rifle season. I'm hopi g we can get a loaner dog or two. I've put alot of bad things in my body over the years for a quick rush.....but there is nothing close to hearing dogs chasing something your way, and having to pick a practise hole through Bush for your maybe only shot at it. Man, I love the fall:)
By far, my favourite days to hunt are the days leading up to the November controlled hunt. It gets better and better right up to the day that the woods flood with orange.
Last week before the gun season opens and the last 2 weeks of December.
Largest buck i have ever seen was late October on the night the remnants of Hurricane Sandy came through in 2012. Pouring rain and howling wind and this guy was just wandering around the food plot. Watched him for 20 minutes but he never presented an opportunity (in the wind that night he would have to been inside 10 yards).
Late December is super quiet in the bush and the deer have basically all switched gears to eating as much as they can to recover from the rut and survive the winter. If you know where the food is you will find deer. Food plots with beets/turnips are a gold mine at this time of year. 3 largest bucks i have ever killed were all at this time of year.
Third weekend of October up to 31st of October. Calm, cold, frosty sunny Morning. Like clock work. When you get that “ you just know “ feeling. Look up from your tree stand and a million stars are out before the sun starts coming up. Right around 7-8am.
No I actually covered why I think that. I simply stated my opinion of which I am entitled just like everyone else. Just because our opinions dont align doesnt mean youre right and Im wrong. That's the wonderful part of being an individual, Im entitled to my opinions and you to yours. Im not trying to convince you or anyone of anything I simply offered advice and my opinion of what type of deer hunting excites me most.Quote:
Originally Posted by smitty55
Mikepal makes everything personal and just like a politician cut and pastes the context of the post according to what he wants to argue - sorry mike ive seen that tactic too often from you and many others and Im not going to get into it with someone who just goes around looking for a fight. Try to be a little more accepting of others opinions. I never belittled anyone running dogs because like I said just because something is easier ie my crossbow example, doesn't discredit it. If I look at every method of hunting they all have their pros and cons and they all offer a different experience. Some experiences just arent as appealing as others to me. Hope that helps, maybe mikepal can stop making things personal and we can get back to swapping opinions without personal attacks.
Deer Wrestler, what do you consider, actually hunting? If running dogs is not actually hunting, maybe you could tell us why I have to buy a hunting license to do so?
I have 10 minute walk to my blind. So what ever day time I feel like. But i do have luck playing the moon we party hunt november second hunt
For me with all things considered, anytime I can hunt undisturbed land that's holding deer usually increases my chances the most of getting inside their zone for a shot.
I also agree with the week or two leading up to the smell of estrus in the air for increasing habitual activity.
Both, excessive hunting pressure and the smell of estrus in the air will change a buck's habits on a dime.
Bow season used to open Oct 15th in my area and the difference in those 2 weeks for buck sign activity was night and day for establishing behavior for opening week success. I found that opening two weeks earlier made it harder for me to determine whether the increase in buck sign locations was habitual or are a result of avoiding my pressure, but that's hunting. I'm hoping the new cellular camera will help a little with that.
I swear by Tuesdays!
I enjoy early season bow for afternoon hunts
First off..the only person who has made derogatory personal attacks about anyone has been you...you've done it twice..that's a tactic called 'deflecting' to avoid answering the question.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
2nd..the controversial statement you made was not taken out of context...it was a bold stand alone comment that is clearly stating your opinion. One that others have asked you to elaborate on.Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
You still haven't clarified your comment and have actually doubled down on it. Why is it you think hunting with dogs is easier than sitting on a cornfield shooting at a standing deer. ?Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
I think a few of us, like Smitty, would still like you to elaborate on why you think hunting with dogs is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel.
First of all-i do respect each of the members here(OK-almost all).The way You hunt-the way and what you enjoy-the way you are posting-all of that.No difference for me -You enjoy it-have it your way.
Secondly-i really kind of hate these kind of communications(even though they are Not My Business).but because i am on the forum(to much -if You ask my wife)somehow i am also impacted......
Definitely DW could have use different words,so to keep the communication at a lower level.I would guess if his first post would be "less"to the point,the whole thing would be forgotten a long time ago.But he used his way of saying what is on his mind.
I do understand Mike or Smitty for standing up for their ways-somehow they felt challenged.Very human.
And then-the "keyboard fight" started.
So-before i try to say something-PLEASE remember,i do respect every one's way of hunting,enjoyment and fun. Regardless of which side of the fence You are on-so to say.
My take:
-hunting deer with dogs is a great tradition,embedded in many hunting clubs in Ontario.Never took part in it,so do not know how it feels though.Likely it is something to remember when the running deer passes by-offering a shot.One must be really good shot to lethally hit a running deer,while being excited and all. However,NO OFFENCE,hunter in a deer drive needs to be a good shot,period.He can be also a good woodsman,but that is NOT required.He will/should still enjoy the hunt,and go home happy.
At the other hand-hunting while stalking(sounds like real challenge to me)-tree stand hunting(sound like a lot of work and effort ,and some skill to pick the right spot)-stump sitting(patience and knowledge where and why to sit)-calling deer(when why and how)makes these hunts a lot more demanding.Never mind throwing in the use of archery equipment.As far i can see-skill sets ,knowledge and woodsman ship is in high demand.Plus-one needs to shoot straight.Yep-it is easier to hit a deer while the deer barely moves ,but that does not take away the need for shooting skills.A bit less needed then offhand shooting at a running deer-for sure.
All in all,baiting seems to be easiest ways of harvesting deer(while resembles many ways the tree stand-ground blind hunting)at the end,one baits to have deer come to him!Pick a good spot,do some hard work hauling feed in,and shoot straight.Enjoyed by many,while less skill is needed then few other methods mentioned.
BUT HEY-do not kill me here,i am not bashing anyone's way of hunting,skills or else.
Just trying to mention few obvious,and significant differences in hunting deer.
My 2 cents ,for what is worth.
The best time to hunt? In the middle of the crappiest weather possible, all the other hunters are sitting at home because they will get cold and wet if they are out hunting. The number of times our camp went out and shot deer on days the other camps sat in and the number of days I had huge piles of snow drop down the back of my neck pocking around the thick crap, pushing deer out to the guys makes me understand that any and all days are good in the bush but crappy days should not be spent inside.
This does not work very well bow hunting, but with a gun when your chances of dropping that deer within sight are higher I love being out there. Oh, one December hunt I had thigh high water in the bush, had deer splashing everywhere, was miserable, until you tasted the tenderloin.
A big shout out to deer on hounds too, obviously the people who claim it is like shooting fish in a barrel have never been involved in a hound driven hunt, ignorance of the sport does not make it bad people.
My first years in an organized deer hunting camp in 55A was with hounds chasing the deer.Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveBates
Learned many lessons in that camp.
I can't effectively kill a deer running full speed by me with a hound on its track. Lol
I killed my first deer there after the hounds were long gone and it was just walking by me. :)
There was 13 guys in the cabin. 10 of them smoked. I absolutely hate second hand smoke now!!
I suck at poker. They cleaned me out in one day.. lol
Learned to be patient. 3 years of hunting for one button buck... lol
I appreciate where I hunt now. I can pass on deer and kill the one I want with my bow and love it!!
The hound camp hunt is more about the week with the guys than the deer. That being said, you can setup practice for running deer, I know a few old school ranges that had targets on tracks moving at deer speed for that purpose, they also used to suggest putting a target in a tire and push it down a hill to practice. I think that the numbers for people who can reliably hit deer on the run is 1 in 10, which is about right, we had an average of 10 guys and only my dad could hit deer on the run. We moved away from walkers and plott hounds and started putting beagles on the deer, they stop and look back a lot more, run a bit and stop or run a heck of a lot slower than with a big hound on their .Quote:
Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter
I enjoyed the sound of the dogs on deer, if the camp master was a different person I would still be going up there. The problem with just going out and sitting is that if all you can get away is a few days in camp or a week of holidays then it is nice to get things moving and not just sitting mornings and evenings.
Hunting comes in many different forms. Whatever the form people are taught or introduced to gets them hooked and we all end up having a love and passion for the same sport.
Some people for example love hockey for goals, hits, saves, etc but the end result is a love for the game. Hunting is no different. Let’s not crap on each other. Let’s get excited that we’re almost a month away from oct 1!!
Some love hockey for the open ice hits and fights. Clarke, Domi, Probert, Brasheer and many others come to mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by marky.mark
Guilty!
I get out every chance I get, but 4 of the 5 deer I have shot have been on the second last day of the rifle season in WMU 42
Halloween is the witching hour in Southern Ontario. The non negotiable week is the 4th week of October for peak chasing and overall movement. The rifle/shotgun week the first week of November is generally a high movement week too if your deer are undisturbed
I took the third week off, maybe I should reconsider.Quote:
Originally Posted by outdoorlife
I don’t know that you’ve hunted behind dogs before. It’s not quite shooting fish in a barrel. Otherwise you’ve got good advice!Quote:
Originally Posted by Deer Wrastler
November 3rd and 11th seem to be lucky days for me.
Usually if its 0 overnight and we had some frost I find it very effective...usually the 7-10 days before the controlled huntQuote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
X2, the week before the first controlled hunt is when I put most of my time in and it usually pays off.Quote:
Originally Posted by outdoorlife
Any day to get out in nature is a good one :)