Went hunting Saturday morning. Approached my stand from the shortest route which is also pretty brushy. I also can't shoot in that direction because of the many tree limbs. Well had a group of at least 9 does come in from behind, got a little nervous when they crossed my trail they milled around for a few minutes and then left the way they came in. All were well within my range ( did almost get a shot at one doe, but she would not take those 2 or 3 more steps to clear brush )
What I learned is next time I plan to approach that stand from in front. Then, I may get a shot before they cross my trail. If they do get to my trail and pause like Saturday morning, well, they will be in trouble.
This kinda thing is what makes hunting with traditional equipment so much fun, lots of things can go wrong inside 20 yards.
Good job learning something from your experience, makes for a successful hunt. Good luck next time.
Thats for sure!
last year I cut a trail in to my stand on a decent run with many rubs.pre season I cut a tunnel through the nastiest stuff to sneak in undetected.
Sure enough a buck comes through the area I came in from, weaving through the nasty stuff. When he got to my tunnel, he about faced and slowly crawled outta there. He was 15 yards away, no shot. I never expected him to come through there with such a hot trail 18 yards in front of me.
That one place that you never expect something to come form, clear a shooting lane, then pull a sandwich out of your pack. ;)