cdbing

Just read an article in deer and deer hunting from January 15, 2017 on antlered does. Could not figure out how to link to it. Paraphrasing, the article says the odds of an antlered doe is around 1:1,000. Not directly related to odds of a velvet buck, but found it interesting. I have only seen/found 1 antlered doe, and it had been dead a couple days at least when I found it.

Been there done that, kind of. Scouted Sarnoff and found that the most likely stand locations would be just off the main walking trail. It is just too thick and very few trees suitable for a climber. I've hunted the park that I think you hunted last year and have seen some does, but none close enough. The snow should help tomorrow. I plan to get out and give it a try myself. Good luck if you get out.

I enjoy time on stand far more than time behind the wheel. I used to mix in a few trips to Putnam which is 1.5 to 2 hours from me with the local spots, but that made for a long day and I saw fewer deer...sure they were typically bigger bodied and the woods were more open. Now I almost exclusively hunt local and spend more time on stand and see more deer. Getting them in range, well that's a different story, but I just like time in the woods.

Hope you find it. I made a bad shot on a doe a few years back. The sound of the hit was like hitting plywood. Did not get much penetration, did not recover the doe. Wishing you better luck than I had.

Good luck Upstate, today and with your procedure. Prayers.

Graybeard gave you a good summary. I would add that the DEC managed lands south of the LIE don't get hammered by small game hunters, so these are like prime spots and you can expect competition for those spots from other archers. Some are decent and will respect the 1 car or 2 car (really 1 or 2 person) limit, but others, not so much.

Good luck Grow! Stay +ve

Mostly 12-15' during October when the leaves are still on. Once the leaves are down I tend to sit higher 16-21 feet.

Here's some inspiration, from a friend in GA. I'm green with envy, stuck in the office Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

I mostly hunt afternoons. No surprise, I see most deer the last hour before sunset. During the rut, anytime is a good time to be in the woods.

I hunt mostly public land in 1C and mostly afternoons. Seven (weekend) afternoon hunts so far this season. Saw deer on 1st 4 sits, but nada the last 3 sits. All but 1 of the 15 or so deer I've taken on public land over the last 14 years have been arrowed in the afternoon. Hunt whenever you can and try to keep positive. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Had trouble pulling bow 2 yrs ago in cold weather. Turned down the weight and when its cold I will draw the bow every 20-30 minutes while on stand if feasible to keep muscles warm. Also I do isometrics to minimize movement and keep muscles warm. But yeah.....it sucks getting old.

I will never fault any bow hunter who passes a quatering to shot. Even that close. For what that is worth. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Had a similar situation a few years ago. The lead doe in a small group must have seen me move while I was in a well brushed in elevated stand about 25-30 yards away. That doe had a fit - snorting, stomping, staring, head bobbing, and basically being a nuisance for what seemed like an age, but in reality was likely just a few minutes. Eventually all the deer buggered off, and I thought my hunt was over. Surely, every critter within earshot must have heard the commotion. My hunt was ruined!......or so I thought, as I sat there dejected. Fortunately, I did not pack it in there and then. About 15 minutes later, a careless doe came through the same trail and I arrowed it at 20 yards. I could not believe my luck. Don't lose hope or give up on a stand that is in a good location. On the other hand, later that same season I was busted again from another stand by that same lead doe. I carried a grudge against that doe the rest of the season, but never connected.

My guess is that the deer bed in or near the swamp, meander up the creek bed and stage near the ridge before entering the corn this time of year. November look for bucks to cruise midway to 3/4 up the slope where they can scent check the creek bottom. Those would be my guesses, but no substitute for boots on the ground. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Congrats. Had fingers crossed for you. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Rookie 1226, I am not an efficient hunter and probably not a good mentor, but if you want me to show you a couple spots on state land and how I approach things, we can plan to meet up tomorrow and "scout" a couple spots and take things from there. I am new to the forum, so I will try to send you a PM. If that doesn't work I'll post an e-mail address where you can contact me.

DEC managed land is accessable with a free parking and access permit available online. No need for reservations in October. After October only DEC lands south of LIE are available without reservations. For a relatively small fee you can also access County lands. County lands do not require reservations. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Thanks. Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

Been visiting as a guest periodically during the last 2 seasons and following the live from the woods thread from the stand. Had my reservations, but finally took the plunge and signed in to the forum. Introductions are therefore in order. Grew up in a non-hunting family, started hunting in my mid 30's and have hunted at least a few days just about every year for the last 25 yrs or so. Besides deer hunting, I enjoy upland bird and waterfowl hunting, but haven't gone out with a shotgun in years. Since moving to Suffolk County 17 years ago, I bow hunt public land locally, and do so just about every weekend during the season. To all who read this post, good luck!, and best wishes for a safe and productive hunting season!