Whitetails are like ghosts

[HuntinCrazy]

I bought my property up out of Chesaw back in 09 and have yet to figure out these big bucks. 5 trail cams with 100's of pics of big bucks, moose,bears and cougar but when it comes to September they  disappear. None on any of my cams either    I hike in under darkness, climb into my tree stand or ground blinds and sit there looking at empty trails they have used all year. I don't get it. I've moved the cams many times thinking they are on different feeding patterns. Does and smaller bucks everywhere. I did end up taking a lil funky 2x2 WT @33 yards from my ladder stand.....and he tastes like beef but....I want one for the cabin wall.
I think it's funny this guys on TV make it look sooooo simple...spend $1000s on food plots, cameras and blinds only to pass on a 120 class buck.

Some pics of the critters:

[ffhoofer]

Wait till November and find the does, the big bucks will be around them. If that area has a late hunt

[Doublelunger]

They're most likely moving from their summer range to their winter range.

[buglebrush]

Wait till November and find the does, the big bucks will be around them. If that area has a late hunt

[HuntinCrazy]

They're most likely moving from their summer range to their winter range.

Ok now that makes sense. my land must be a summer range. Thanks

[lewy]

You typically get at least a few days at the start of the archery season to try and kill one before they disappear. After that, your right, it can be frustrating. In my opinion there not moving to winter ground, instead just broadening there home range, limiting movement and of course going nocturnal.

[oldleclercrd]

You typically get at least a few days at the start of the archery season to try and kill one before they disappear. After that, your right, it can be frustrating. In my opinion there not moving to winter ground, instead just broadening there home range, limiting movement and of course going nocturnal.

I agree the first few days of archery season is a good time. Then the velvet comes off. I disagree about them broadening their home range. Once that velvet comes off they'll become nocturnal and shrink their movement down to their core areas. They won't move a ton outside of those areas, especially during daylight. Once the rut comes around you'll see them leave those core areas more often (younger bucks will get excited and leave before prime rut) in search of a hot doe. Once the rut is over, they'll hit the food hard. Usually a guy will see some big boys that first week of December. Area, pressure, food, and does will all effect the movements, but that's a general guide. Goodluck.

[lewy]

Maybe so, I seem to pick up bucks on camera more often in the outskirts of where they hang during the summer

[WA hunter14]

what time of year are you hunting there? are you running cams in late nov and december?

[Goex2Fwithroundball]

I have been hunting the Okanogan Highlands for 15 years. The big boys both Whitetails and Muleys are up high in the thick nasty brush. Very difficult to find one and get off a shot before you see that rack bolt away. Nearly impossible to have one wander past a tree stand or blind during the day not during the rut.  Throw down a bag of corn and the smaller bucks and does will come along all day.

[HuntinCrazy]

Thanks for all the good imput guys. I think I may try to hunt just the late season for archery next year. But dang cold....-12 sitting in a tree stand is not fun, been there and done that!!!
We are leaving next Wednesday to see if we can put some meat in the boys freezer during the rifle season. Ahhhh to be camp bi#ch again .....I love it  maybe pop a few grouse for the Bbq

[Rainier10]

Is that a tag on the left antler in pic #2?

[jackelope]

Is that a tag on the left antler in pic #2?

Yes.

[Rainier10]

Is that a tag on the left antler in pic #2?

Yes.

I get it now it is hanging dead with the tag on it.

[DaveMonti]

I thought it was alive and feeding until I saw that the body extends upwards at the top of the picture.  It's dead for sure!