All I know is that I've got at least 10 branch bucks in my area and I have yet to see one in person, meaning I have not seen a buck with my eyes
while out scouting, shed hunting, setting up cams, or hunting. Same for bears. I've got four different bears, and all of them are mixed in with deer pics from the same locations. I typically check them every week or two and it's crazy to see deer feeding where just an hour earlier stood a bear.
I just read a study last night about pressure on mature whitetails that pretty much turns traditional thinking on its ear. Mature whitetails don't get "pushed" out of their home ranges even with the worst of pressure. Instead they get really good at hiding in the nastiest thickest crap around. To prove the point, they tracked collared bucks and literally had to get within mere feet of them in order to move them from their beds. and they were bedding in ditches along roads, thicket berry patches near homes, and open CRP land where people simply wouldn't even consider looking when given the choice to hit the timber. I've seen blacktails lay down and crawl. I have no doubt that I am seen constantly in my area, and the proof of the bucks still using all the same areas is captured each week on my cams.
At the very least, it provides confidence in my hunting area and will keep me motivated to hunt smart every time I head out.
