moog5050

For whatever it's worth Bionic, we have a valley about 100yds wide with a 30' ridge on the predominant upwind side and over 100' on the downwind side. It's too thick to see across the valley from downwind ridge and we cant sit that ridge. But we have killed many Deer by sitting the upwind ridge in the mornings and shooting Deer in the valley 30' below us - thanks to thermals.

First Doc, I don't see where you have offered any advice. Second, thermals apply even if the mound is only 30ft high. So yes, hunting high in the morning should blow scent high over valley even Deer 30' below the mound. Third, he doesn't need thermals if he can shoot ridge to ridge and in valley. Then he just sits high on downwind ridge and covers it all. So what exactly was your advice?

It's not a question of taking over. The scent still travels with the wind. But it either rises or falls. If rising, you can take advantage sitting high and upwind. Deer will still travel top third of leeward side to scent below and predominant side. One area we hunt has a lot of these types of hills. Thermals still play a role. I have no idea of distances here but if gun shots are easy ridge to ridge then simply sitting high on downwind ridge would make most sense. My initial analysis assumed that those shots are not feasible.

I will respectfully disagree with Doc. Thermals should play a role. Hunt the leeward side of the ridge towards the predominant wind high on the ridge mornings. Thermals should carry your scent high over the valley area. Essentially you are blowing high over the Deer. Might hit top of downwind ridge but I would bet Deer will travel the ridge you hunt and perhaps valley and those should be safe scent zones. You hunt low in the valley and you will get wind swirling making it very tough. Mornings high on the upwind ridge would be my guess. You will know the scent movement by checking with milkweed on your first sit. Good luck! if hunting evenings here, not what I would suggest, low on the downwind ridge would likely be better.

lol - thanks. I don't want your property to be devoid of deer. I seem to have that effect this year. Maybe my scent free soap went bad!

Well that certainly sounds less inviting John. Rethinking my plans ....

When in doubt, taste it!

So I get one free warning. Good to know. Which stand are you using on Thanksgiving exactly? If this is trespassing vs. you both have permission on the property, I would be pretty upset. If its the latter, I would still be annoyed but let him know that you put in your time and efforts in setting up YOUR STANDS and don't expect him to use your stands/blinds without your prior permission period.

Started fair and got progressively worse in terms of opportunities (my toughest year since my first year hunting) BUT, it was still fun (although frustrating) and a learning experience. PLUS, I was finally able to meet my friend Grampy in person and hunt with him which is the highlight of the year so I will still grade it an "A" with no wall hanger or archery doe to show for it. Somehow I knew early on that this would be a year that I would be educated on perseverance and patience. I am learning or trying to keep it fun anyways. The big bucks were still around, just not where I sat. lol

Where is the buck Mr. Larry?

I think a lot depends on your ability to access and leave the stand undetected (scent and sight). Also, where it sits in proximity to deer movement and bedding. As noted by Vislas, hunting from a stand that overlooks a field from your yard is probably fine to hunt often as long as you aren't blowing into the field when you sit and aren't visible.

You need to look more inviting and friendly to kill deer. That sneer will just scare them away TF.

That's some serious dedication.

Thought it was a doe but ended up a BB. Flipped over into pond. Nice.

What did he measure? That buck is MASSive.

Well I moved to a stand on the creek when rain stopped just as I settle in a nice buck rises from his bed and walks away. He was bedded 60yds across creek on neighbors. Just the way the season is going. Still no shots so I guess he avoided neighbors.

Patience. Great year!

Real quiet here. A few shots at least 1/2 mile way. Nothing closer. At least I am dry

Rain starting.

Betting first shot at 6:54 but I would take the under if pressed.

fun watching the buck chase a doe for a while. On to regular season.

Saw a very nice buck at about 120yds. No doe so far. This will be my first archery season without a doe. A few minutes left. Bottom of the 9th and 2 out.

Yep couldn't resist sitting the last 2hrs of archery season. Very nice out! Feels deery even if they don't know it.

You too Dave. Enjoy the time with Zac!

Oh he has a BIG BUCK already and I do mean BIG!