Scouting blacktails

[kbrowne14]

So this is my second post, I am a first time hunter.  I will be doing some deer hunting in skagit county near lake cavanaugh.  I have been doing some scouting and all i have seen was a doe one the logging road when I first got there.  I have walked the whole clearcut and all the timber surrounding it. I know where they move in and out of the timber.  I haven't seen one deer since that doe.  I see some rubs on some of the sapplings, some track and some signs of deer but I have been out there for a long time.  I have scout out there about 3 times, in the morning, evening, the day, it doesn't seem to matter.  I haven't seen a deer yet, just signs. 

Is this an area with no deer in it?  Do they just not move?  do they stay in the thick stuff?  Where do they go?  when do they move?  Need a little help.

I'll be hunting modern firearm.   

If i could get any pointers that would be great.  also, how much hunting pressure is in that area?

[Curly]

I think most of the bucks are pretty much nocturnal right now.  If it rains all night, you will have a better chance of spotting some bucks first thing in the morning.  If you are finding rubs, you are in the right vicinity, you just have to get lucky enough to be there at the right time.

[lewy]

Get yourself a trail cam to see whats in your area, you might be surprised. Slip into the area early with the wind in your favor and try to get elevated on a ridge, knob, treestand or whatever and start glassing. When you think you have looked everything over do it again. Remember that the *censored*ty, rainy days (when you want to stay home), are the best for bt movement.......Good luck

[pips4bucks]

I think most of the bucks are pretty much nocturnal right now.  If it rains all night, you will have a better chance of spotting some bucks first thing in the morning. 

I just saw 5 bucks 2 hours before nightfall last night.  All spikes of various sizes.  Still waiting for the big boys to show themselves. 

I agree with the rain/storm issue.  I've seen more deer right after a hard rain or during a steady rain.  The wind seems to move them into the open too, if it's blowing hard enough.  I think the wind makes 'em nervous while they're in the woods.

[Curly]

I hunted hard for 9 days during early Muzzleloader season and only saw a couple bucks (spikes) in areas where I'd been seeing some good bucks in the summer.  I think only the spikes and does are hanging around during daylight hours right now........

[the1rod]

one thing alot of beginning hunters do is move to fast. when your walking through and area just make sure you take it slow, and carfully examine everything around you, it is easy to walk right by a visible deer if you dont look hard enough.

[ELKBURGER]

I agree with 1rod. Take it slow, lead with your eyes, and keep the wind in your face. 

[ser300wsm]

  be very persistent and never give up, just when you don't expect it one will be right in front of you. Rainy cold windy days are the best. The sign you are seeing is good, be patient and keep your eyes open, like they are saying walk very slow,wind in face.. Good luck

[kbrowne14]

Is it better to still hunt the blacktails?  or should I be moving around, Sloooooooooooooooowwwwly.  The area is a large clearcut, and I have scouted areas that I can see large areas of the clearcut.  It is also surrounded by woods that are walkable, and there is a large creek down at the bottom of the hill.

Where were the bucks that you guys saw?  Were they in skagit county?  Where were they when you saw them, ie. in a clearcut? thick woods?

[USAFpj]

deer are like an iceberg....you only see about 10%

Nice

[7mag.]

There's an old saying:  When the deer ARE moving, you shouldn't be; when the deer AREN'T moving, you should be.
There will be things out of your control while hunting....like the weather (unless you control it).  If it is unseasonably dry and warm, with clear nights and a full moon....there is a chance the deer won't move much during legal shooting time.  If you are lucky enough to hunt the area after about three days of heavy rain that switches to low dark clouds with occasional passing drizzle-showers, the deer may go on a parade for you.  Another factor to consider is other hunters.  Instead of getting bummed out about their presence, use them to your advantage (if possible).  If you see them start moving, they may drive deer to you...then you could still hunt when deer aren't likely to be moving.  Chances are they will never see the deer they push.  I try to get up far enough ahead on natural escape type paths.  In a lot of cases deer are like an iceberg....you only see about 10%.

That is very good advice. Most people start getting excited and jump from cut to cut or timber patch to timber patch when the deer are moving, it's kind of a natural action. You should stay put and watch. When nothing is moving, still hunt. The middle of the day is a great time to still hunt. Find them in their beds.

[Curly]

Is it better to still hunt the blacktails?  or should I be moving around, Sloooooooooooooooowwwwly.

That is the definition of still hunting.

[saylean]

This deer was shot not far from that area years ago...they're in there, just keep plugging away.

[elkslayer069]

go slow use your binos alot youll be surprised what you wont see with just your eyes. Also if your not seeing your deer in this spot keep at it theyll start to show towards the end of the month once the rut starts to heat up.