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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Pettit877 on July 13, 2015, 11:43:00 AM
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Here's a question for everyone. Which hunt is more successful for you mornings or evenings. lets stick to big game as I feel turkey would tip the scales somewhat.
For myself, I prefer to hunt evenings but thinking back on things it looks like mornings are more successful overall.
Eric
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I'm generally a morning hunter overall. I hunt evenings on occasion, but it seems for my preferred method of hunting well into the woods, away from major food sources, I see more movement and have more success in the mornings. I hunt public land and it seems that if we're going to have a crowd, the agriculture fields are where the people are going to be concentrated.
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I used to be one of those guys that got up at O'dark thirty and trekked thru the dark woods but as I get older the more I like to sleep in. Turns out I see more deer in the evenings anyways and I'm better rested
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I've killed all my big bucks in the mornings, most have been during the rut and I think evenings are more productive in the early and late season. Mid day is a great time during the rut and it's when you'll see your big bucks come out.
I also try to plan my hunting around an efficient work and family schedule. For instance, in early season I'll hunt evenings much more because I miss less work and during the late season after time change I'll hunt more mornings so as to miss less work and family time. Weekends it's sometimes just whenever I can or all day if it's during the rut.
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I always preferred evening hunts but I don't remember which were most productive. To me the longer I sit in the evening the better chance I have of seeing deer while in the mornings it seems the longer I sit my chances diminish.
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Morning for deer, evenings for bear. Don't have a lot of bear experience but what I have says evenings.
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It is easier to get in discretely in the evening, but I do better hunting mornings. Regardless, I'll be out there whenever I can.
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I hunt farmland in north central Missouri. We have a hard time hunting in the mornings because the deer are ready in the fields and we bust them going in to our stands. When able, I tend to see more deer in the morning but have better hunting success in the afternoon/evenings.
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My success has been better in the mornings esp before the rut.
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Mornings for sure!
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I have never killed a buck in the evening. But I have certainly missed a few! The ones I have killed have all been in the morning. I guess it depends on the spot, but mornings in the timber during the rut are hard to beat!
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I have seen more deer from evening stands, but enjoy the morning stands more. It's just a great way to start the day.
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Always more successful in the morning.
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I think my deer sightings would average about 50/50 between evenings and mornings.
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I hunt both, and I like to spend all day in the woods when I can. If I had to choose, I'd pick evenings. If I had to narrow things further, I'd pick the last hour or so before dark.
Bob
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About the same for me.
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Around here mornings are better and the deer activity is longer. With hunting pressure our deer don't move until sunset. However, it is easier for me to get out in the evenings. I can never hunt in the evening and then make it out the following morning. I need to put my telescope away long before deer season, astronomer sleep times do not work for morning hunting. I go to bed about when I should be getting up. Flipping that around is difficult.
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I would say its about 50/50 for me. I do tend to hunt mostly evenings in the early season though because of the temperature.
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I hunt both but I like the morning hunt better because as soon as you can see, it's prime time. The evening hunt can get pretty boring until the deer get up and start moving and that's often just before dark. Not sure which time i've actually been more successful. Probably evenings.
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I have noticed when hunting Iowa public land that hunters make a lot more noise when going into the woods in the dark. Apparently they assume that if he they cannot see the deer that they must not be there. The deer are out and about in those predawn hours. They watch vehicles approach, they know when they stop and people get out. Just because you don't hear them snort and run away that does not mean that they did not see you coming and moved away. Some of the best deer drives ever have happened when other hunters pushed deer by me in the dark, most of the time it was before I could shoot.
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Originally posted by Mr. fingers:
Mornings for sure!
X2
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Obviously stand location is the primary factor. However, I prefer mornings. Recovery is easier in daylight.
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Early season I like evenings and mid to late season, both equally. ..
Fun to see what others think!
God bless,
Rodd
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having worked nights and days I would say its the one I get more time to hunt :saywhat:
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I hunt both, but most my deer I killed was in the morning.
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Mornings for sure
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I hunt both. Before the rut, I have had better luck in the evening. During the rut, I have had some great luck in the morning. Just get out and hunt when you can...
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I've killed far more deer in the morning but evenings seem to give me the biggest thrill. Like to get in my afternoon stand way early and approach
things real slow. Seems the wind does less shifting
and my confidence is at it's highest. Good thread and enjoyable to read.
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I hunt from dark to dark during the rut. Have seen and killed most of my bigger bucks between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Daybreak to 10 a.m. would be the second best time period for me. 2 p.m. to dark the third.
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Best time for me is when I can go. Depends on the stands location, some are more productive in am some in pm, some all day during rut.
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Mornings by far.
However, I stack the deck because I much prefer being on stand as the sun comes up. I'd say at least 75% of my sits are AM.
Of the last 6 with a recurve, only one was shot in the evening. The 9-point in my avatar.
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If like to think evenings are better. But to be honest I think that is more because I wish I could sleep in. Over time, mornings have proven themselves to be just as productive, if not more so, than evenings.
Unlike Jerry, I'm not much for all day sorts, so can't comment on the mid day period. That's likely a big mistake on my part.
Hunt when you can, as much as you can squeeze in. Specially during the rut.
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If like to think evenings are better. But to be honest I think that is more because I wish I could sleep in. Over time, mornings have proven themselves to be just as productive, if not more so, than evenings.
Unlike Jerry, I'm not much for all day sorts, so can't comment on the mid day period. That's likely a big mistake on my part.
Hunt when you can, as much as you can squeeze in. Specially during the rut.
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If like to think evenings are better. But to be honest I think that is more because I wish I could sleep in. Over time, mornings have proven themselves to be just as productive, if not more so, than evenings.
Unlike Jerry, I'm not much for all day sorts, so can't comment on the mid day period. That's likely a big mistake on my part.
Hunt when you can, as much as you can squeeze in. Specially during the rut.
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If like to think evenings are better. But to be honest I think that is more because I wish I could sleep in. Over time, mornings have proven themselves to be just as productive, if not more so, than evenings.
Unlike Jerry, I'm not much for all day sits, so can't comment on the mid day period. That's likely a big mistake on my part.
Hunt when you can, as much as you can squeeze in. Especially during the rut.
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Evenings for me, but I enjoy sitting and listening to the morning woods wake up with a thermos of coffee. :coffee:
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Wow.. I sure got carried away with that response. Not sure how that happens, but it sure helps my total post count ;)
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I hunt almost exclusively in the morning. I don't want to be tracking a wounded deer after dark.
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I like to plan a morning hunt the night before, and it seem like I'll do better, but I've filled almost every tag in the last hour of daylight or so.
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Sure like the evenings in September. Yep evenings are my favorite!
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The last time I got before sunrise and planned an all day hunt, I took lots of ice tea, food, wet ones, and a pipe with some good english tobacco. About 10 in the morning I took a nap. I sleep real good late in the mornings. I woke up later, I didn't know where I was or how I got there, but I did recognize the chocolate lab that was sleeping next to me from a neighboring farm place. He woke up and was happy to see me. I was starving so I dug out food, cheese curls and corn beef sandwiches, the dang dog barked begging for his share, which he got. I found that a thirsty lab will drink iced tea and eat apples. Later the lab ran a pesky deer off for me and came back really proud of himself, so I shared my salted nut roll with him, which made me thirsty and since I was out of iced tea, I went into town for a coke.
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My luck on deer and elk is tipped severely to afternoon and evening
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For deer I like to hunt the evenings durning the early season up until mid October. Then once the rubs and scrapes really start showing up I start to hunt a lot more in the cooler mornings. Of course durning that special time of year I try to be in the woods all day
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I've had success both morning and evening, probably about 50/50. Mornings are a great way to start the day though and I prefer taking an animal at that time of day as it gives me much more daylight for tracking should the shot be not as I planned. Had too many come in at "almost dark" making a quality shot very questionable, especially with these old eyes. I actually come out of the woods before dark just so I'm not put in the "do I shoot or don't I" scenario.
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Originally posted by pavan:
However, it is easier for me to get out in the evenings. I go to bed about when I should be getting up. Flipping that around is difficult.
I feel your pain partner. Paramedic on the grave yard shift. I love morning hunts but, frankly they just hurt most of the time!
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There all good if you have done your homework, have several different stand sites and only hunt the right ones when the wind is right. The more places you have the more choices you can choose from and they don't have to be big peices of ground either. We would never limit our hunting to just one time of day, but I could see were work or family could limit your hunting times.
Morning!
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/t8-2.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/t8-2.jpg.html)
Late morning!
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/t2-6.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/t2-6.jpg.html)
Midday
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/null_zps7a6f7324.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/null_zps7a6f7324.jpg.html)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/null_zpscbd0b272.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/null_zpscbd0b272.jpg.html)
Evenings!
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/190ptbuck.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/190ptbuck.jpg.html)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/tipi%20picks/tress2.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/tipi%20picks/tress2.jpg.html)
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac248/TmPotter47/E833597F-0A6B-4CB6-959A-CBF319320CAD-1483-0000025BE5F152CE.jpg) (http://s904.photobucket.com/user/TmPotter47/media/E833597F-0A6B-4CB6-959A-CBF319320CAD-1483-0000025BE5F152CE.jpg.html)
Tracy
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If I was forced to pick one, I would say morning.
With that being said, I prefer to hunt when I can, I usually can see deer at any time of day and usually do.
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I like evening hunting, so, of course, I have killed more during the evening. I tend to scout for evening spots and appreciate the aspect of knowing that I really need to sit tight until X oclock ( end of shooting time) as the last hour is the best. . . except, it seems some of the bucks like to get out just a bit earlier than the does and I tend to see them maybe half an hour earlier.
I am not a morning person, so the early hours thing is a downer for me. I also like to sneak into an area, so daylight, during low activity hours appeals to me.
On those days I do get out early, I sure enjoy the daybreak, the birds, the critters. I just hate waking up at those unGodly times.
ChuckC
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I like to Hunt the mornings . If i don't get a deer then I can Huntt the evenings
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Originally posted by ChuckC:
I am not a morning person, so the early hours thing is a downer for me. I also like to sneak into an area, so daylight, during low activity hours appeals to me.
On those days I do get out early, I sure enjoy the daybreak, the birds, the critters. I just hate waking up at those unGodly times.
ChuckC
:thumbsup:
I have worked nights for the better part of 35 years, so getting up early is tough for me.
Evenings suit me better.
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afternoons for me, turkey you need to be out by noon cept in the fall which is a new season I think its till sundown but I never see em anyway.
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Early season my best hunting is in the evenings along the edge of food plots. During the rut my best hunting is in the mornings deeper in the woods where the deer are roaming and bedding. Late season my best hunting is afternoons very close to food sources.
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Looking at my stats it's 50:50 exactly.
Certain properties will rule out AM or PM depending on the wind.
I enjoy them both but I prefer daylight tracking
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All depends on the location. I have spots that intercept deer going back to the beds and spots when the deer are moving to feed. Both are productive. That being said I find deer moving to beds to be more intent to get back to the cover and less concern with what might be lurking in the trees. Guess they may be tired from a long night out.
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I see more game in the mornings, have shot more game in the mornings, but I typically enjoy afternoon hunting better. Thinking about it, I have let a lot more deer walk past - without even raising my bow- in the afternoons.
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Mornings for sure - light is working in your favor, temps (when it's cold out) are usually climbing and keep you out there longer, etc. Plus, where I grew up, the only evening movement during shooting light started about five minutes before closing time.
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When I hunt evenings, I tend to favor broadheads that will give a more immediate blood trails like the large Deadheads and four blade Herters, but in mornings I have more confidence in heads like Hunterheads and my single bevel Hills. I should just always use Grizzlies, they seem to be the best of both worlds anyway. I try to keep those sunset shots to the close in and definite hit type of shots. It can be tough to pick up the start of a blood trail in switch grass when it is dark. While in the morning hours, I have more confidence in using more of my available range. Over the past 50 years, I have blown more sunset shots than early morning shots by a wide margin. Thinking back, I can remember only two morning missed shots and about a dozen sunset or just after misses. The odd part, all but one of the morning shots were over 20 yards. While most of the evening shots were under 20 yards. I seem to have had more of the missed deer jump the shot in the evenings as well, could be because they are closer.
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Most of the big deer show up late morning for me.
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I have mostly hunted the mountains of PA. Without a doubt, most productive has been the mornings. I sit all day during the rut and late season. Deer usually make their way up to us at the top around 9. I have hunted farm country a little bit and seemed to do better in the evenings down there. Really depends on whether you are hunting beds or food sources.
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Mornings for bucks, evenings for meat hunts
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Originally posted by pavan:
The last time I got before sunrise and planned an all day hunt, I took lots of ice tea, food, wet ones, and a pipe with some good english tobacco. About 10 in the morning I took a nap. I sleep real good late in the mornings. I woke up later, I didn't know where I was or how I got there, but I did recognize the chocolate lab that was sleeping next to me from a neighboring farm place. He woke up and was happy to see me. I was starving so I dug out food, cheese curls and corn beef sandwiches, the dang dog barked begging for his share, which he got. I found that a thirsty lab will drink iced tea and eat apples. Later the lab ran a pesky deer off for me and came back really proud of himself, so I shared my salted nut roll with him, which made me thirsty and since I was out of iced tea, I went into town for a coke.
Hadn't been back to this thread for a while. This post is just plain hilarious. Great way to roll with the moment and enjoy the blessings of the day.
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I hunt more evenings because I'm lucky enough to have a few places close to work. I've had more success on evening hunts as a result of that but I enjoy morning hunts more. Go figure. Tony Z
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I've had my best luck mid day actually. The last couple of years, I get to my stand around 9-9:30 and sit til around 2. I've seen more deer that way than I ever have with early morning or late evening hunts. It doesn't seem to be as easy to pattern mid day movement as it is with morning or evening movement.
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I prefer evenings. I hate waking up early LOL. I always seem to encounter more critters at sundown. I also feel like I see better with dusk lighting than dawn lighting but prolly all in my head on that one.
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Without a doubt I kill more bucks in the morning
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My best bucks have come in the morning. I also would rather blood track during daylight hours.
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It's funny how such a simple question has led to so many answers!
I have more opportunities to hunt evenings, but I enjoy mornings during the rut the most for sure!
My evenings are usually pretty productive.
However, it's always nice to be able to track in the daylight!
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Heres my opinion early season hunts for whitetail, I like the evening the best. I just see more. From Halloween on I would trade 5 evening hunts for one morning. I like it better early once they start getting frisky.
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It seems back in upstate NY where I grew up morning hunts were very successful. I hunt in Georgia now and while mornings can be decent, it seems like animals are quick to quit moving in the mid-morning time. I've had exceptions, and so still do some morning hunts, but down here it seems the evening/dusk time has them all out of their beds and moving. I like finding oak strips along tall overgrown fields and hunt inside the woodline about 100 meters or so. As the sun starts to drop they come out of their beds and lazily pick their way through the nuts before going off and doing whatever nocturnal events they have planned. In the morning they seem to cruise right through to head to bed without browsing too much. I imagine whether nights or mornings are better depend on what area(s) you hunt. All said and done though, with unpredictable work hours, 2 small boys and a wife doing college, I'll hunt whatever, whenever, and wherever I can get it.
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I think it is about 50/50 for me. I like mornings best though, mostly becaus I love watching the woods wake up!
Bisch
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I like the morning hunt. It's a rush watching the woods wake up each day. Also, if I do make a kill, there is no rush to find it, blood trailing is easier and field dressing is as well.
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Obviously, stand site would determine morning or evenings. However, I prefer mornings as recovery is easier in day light.
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Back in the rifle days, I found it to be about a 50/50 split. However, since I became a bow only hunter, I don't hunt evenings much anymore. I don't want to be faced with a possible tracking situation after dark.
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Growing up, I always hunted in the morning, for anything. I did that for about 3 years hunting deer after moving to Illinois, but had little success. The landowner had always told me the best time to hunt deer on his land is in the evening, but like a dummy, I ignored him. Eventually, I started hunting in the evenings, and I started seeing a lot more deer.
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I hunt every oppertunity I can. That being said I tend to hunt more evenings because I can usually get my crews lined out for the day and hit the woods by mid afternoon. I prefer the mornings though and I CAN NOT make my self stay in bed on a morning that I could be hunting!
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My deer sightings and shot opportunities for does and small bucks are about equally split began morning and evening. My biggest bucks have all been taken in the mid afternoon, between 1 & 3, during the late November rut. That said, I hunt every chance I get the time, and hunt as long as I can take the cold. Every year, my biggest buck sightings during tge rut are early afternoon, between 12-3. Reflecting back, I should hunt most of the day during the rut, taking a break between 10:30 and 12:00, which has been the least productive time where I hunt. The two months leading up to the rut, the first and last hour of light are the best times to hunt.
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In a tree stand: evenings
On the ground: mornings
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My experience is that it depends on where you hunt. Some places are better for one time over another. I have taken more deer in morning because that is what I hunt most. I usually don't hunt evening because I have to go to work at night.
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10 am seems to be the golden hour for me
Terry
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50/50 but I would rather shoot one in the morning I hate tracking in the dark.
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mornings by far for Elk, deer depends on the stand site about 50/50 morning/evening