No worries. Sounds like a pretty good year. Write down all your observations so you can re-visit them next year and make note of what you think you did right and what you should have tried. There are no perfect answers to the deer in the woods hunting question. You will improve over time. At least, you will consider other options based on your past failures. That is the learning process.
Sitting on my couch, I wonder what made your doe run. Three or four answers: Coyote, buck, you, or any other noise that freaked out that doe. Always assume there is a second doe close by if you see a single. I've blown a lot of opportunities, but if I feel I'm well hidden and not smelled by the deer, I'm going to sit tight and watch what happens. If you're going to pursue, do it with extreme thought, preparation, and trepidation.
I've got lots of noisy rain gear. I never wear it when I'm hunting - you might as well wear a bell on your back. Look for wool layering at Goodwill or similar spots that you can wear under "waterproof" or less-than-water-proof (but quiet) camo outerwear. I'd love to buy some Sitka rain/hunting outerwear, but the kids have to go to college.... Get rid of the noise.
There was no wind, but I thought about another doe afterwards. Also when I left the house it was POURING. As hard as it was raining it wouldn't be an issue if I was wearing a bell. But as I walked in the rain stopped. I should've dropped the raingear then but I was thinking about having a wet behind for 2 hours so I kept it on-lesson learned.
Next year- because of my work schedule I'm not sure I'll even be able to hunt so I was thinking about just doing some summer backcountry scouting. If I think I'll be home enough to justify it I might look into buying multi season tag. I never have much trouble scoring meat when I use a rifle. I really enjoy the archery hunting though. Been a lot closer to the animals, learned a lot more. Definitely another level. We'll see. Thanks for the help.
