Deer has gone awol

[frazier_17]

Ok so I am looking for some advice... I scouted an area for a couple weeks prior to the season and saw a group of deer using the same clear cut with a marsh in the bottom of it on a regular basis, pretty much daily. There were two 2 points and 3 does together almost everytime I saw them. I saw the 2pts on opening day but didn’t get a shot, they came to 60yrds and never closer... the past three days I haven’t seen any of them or any deer for that matter? Not sure if it’s been the moon? Anyone else have similar experience or any advice? Thanks!

[MADMAX]

Moon phase
Weather
Pressure

Nocturnal

[throwingsticks]

If the site is secure enough a game camera would give you a ton of info, plus they are fun. Well worth the $50 or so

[frazier_17]

Give them a few days off? I’ve been hiking in around 0400 every morning and just sitting and haven’t seen another hunter yet.. leave em be and let them get back on schedule? Thanks

[throwingsticks]

Are you hunting the am and pm? Or just the am?

[frazier_17]

Both am and pm

[frazier_17]

ok.. so this guy has showed back up! I saw him this morning at first light, but again no shot.  This is an older clearcut and basically impossible to move through while being quiet. I have set up in a couple different spots where I thought I could have a nice shot at him, but he hasn't really walked into the open part of the clear cut. I don't have a tree stand, which im thinking might be the next best bet? Any advice or opinions one how to hunt this guy better? Thanks

[7mmfan]

Yes, a treestand or sling just inside the timberline is a highly effective way to hunt blacktails. Those bigger bucks rarely show themselves in the full open during daylight hours. Being on the edge where they like to hang up and watch is your best bet.

[OutHouse]

ok.. so this guy has showed back up! I saw him this morning at first light, but again no shot.  This is an older clearcut and basically impossible to move through while being quiet. I have set up in a couple different spots where I thought I could have a nice shot at him, but he hasn't really walked into the open part of the clear cut. I don't have a tree stand, which im thinking might be the next best bet? Any advice or opinions one how to hunt this guy better? Thanks

No BT expert here but I would consider the possibility that he may not fully enter the clear cut in day light hours. It might be the case that you need to find those fringe areas around the cut that he hangs out in and then set up next to one of those.