Need BT strategy help

[EMPyre]

So I could use a little help from the members out there...
I've got a spot that I've been hunting for the last couple of years and just doesn't seem to be producing.  The thing is there is sign litterally everywhere I go.  This past weekend we hunted near the East/West divide in the central cascades, at altitudes from 4000' down to 2800'.  We hunt the reprod, we hunted the timber, we hunted flat marshes, we sat and we hiked.  We're putting in the work, and I'm not looking for anybody to send me to their spot.  I'm hoping to get some advice on how to cross paths with some animals.  Given the weather conditions last weekend and the terrain we were on what the heck were we doing wrong?  TIA...

[bow4elk]

You've got part of the job done - you've found sign.  Now you need to figure out feeding and bedding areas, and the travel routes between.  Keep it simple.  Also, as the rut heats up, start hunting the does.  Look for fresh pellets and beds in the reprod and brushy areas.  Watch the wind too.  Also, if you can, set up and glass from a distance early and late - really early and really late - to locate movement patterns.

[snowninja]

we found alot of sign as well and also some obvious paths, was nice to see a few doe but there were probably more there then we actually spotted. based on what i saw last evening they seem to like to keep low in the brush and slink along and around slash piles, they almost never bounce but when they do they give away their position. i am a complete novice with BT's first year hunting them but this is what i have observed. did find one game trail which is along very steep rocky terrain, leading into/out of the timber. also most of the doe activity was in this area, just need to lay eyes on some antlers to comfirm my theory that a buck uses this trail as well.. we'll see what tonight turns up..

[Buckrub]

A couple of signs I look for..  Good feed is number one but the deer need security or an escape route from the feeding area in the event of intruder. with an escape route usually leads to a bedding area. I always hunt the does first...the bucks are wise for now but they will be making mistakes soon and it will revolve around the does. Good luck

[EMPyre]

Ok, fair enough but we weren't actually seeing the does... and what food sources should we be keying in on.  Like I said we really covered the gamut as far as elevation, terrian and cover.  I guess we went through a lot of different browse as well.  And the weather!  With downpours and thunder and lightening, what type of cover would you guys be in, or in the calm over cast, what then?

[EMPyre]

I'm a reader, any suggestions...

[bow4elk]

Bad weather usually is a good thing with blacktails but in higher elevations it can cause low activity due to the fact that their senses are diminished with winds (noise and scent).  A calm before or after bad stormy weather will usually produce deer sightings in feed areas.  That is where you need to start.  Find droppings.  Once you do, you'll know that you're in an area that deer are either feeding and/or traveling near feed areas.  Deer will defecate around 9-10 times per day.  Typically you will find fawn (now yearling) pellets along with doe pellets.  Buck droppings this time of year can be in the form of pellets or clumps.  Doesn't really matter - find fresh droppings and you will find an elevation and area holding deer.

You can start by following visible trails or by checking areas that hold good low browse.  Deer need food, cover, water.  They will be in one of those areas.  Again, keep it simple.  If you aren't finding fresh sign, simply move to another area.