Starting to get bummed out....

[raiderelkhunter]

I have hunted my absolute tail off this year after seeing some dang nice bucks on the cams way back in the summer and on into the season. Those big dudes have either been shot or have moved to greener pastures. Anyways, as it is now getting into December, I am beginning to wonder if I will get anything on the ground this year. I know it does not happen every year, but after a nice 140" 10 last year, my expectations were high along with my trail cam pics. Sorry to whine about what probably everyone has been through time and time again, but it is starting to hit home that this might be a dry year.
Any advice to make this weekend's full moon hunt more satisfying????

[Mudshack]

I am right there with ya, bro. Keep your head up, and just keep putting your time in. Try switching up your routine a little when you go out. That is what I am going to do. I stayed clear of the lease for over a week, just to let things calm down. Now I will go back in at a different location, and park in a different spot. See if that switches things up.

[2050z]

Keep after it and also remember to enjoy each hunt. It helps take the pressure off. Good luck.

[raiderelkhunter]

I think I might even try the non-scent free approach and wear work clothes and not play the wind. I have showered before each hunt and sprayed like a jillion ounces of scent killer each hunt to no avail. I can't figure it out, maybe I am trying too hard and not enjoying the time out there by myself.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Mudshack]

I hear the scent issue. I have always used "Fresh Dirt" cover scent. But I am starting to think that it is a dead givaway, since the dirt is so darn dray it is like dust on my lease.

[Big8]

middle of the day, and i wouldnt concentrate around the feeders so much

[Burntorange Bowhunter]

Stay focused and keep plugging away. You have a mointh left.

Good Luck.

[LostHawg]

You need to intercept them coming out of their bedding area. They'll hang up around feeding areas and circle their way in. If they catch any hint of your scent, they'll just fade away and you'll never see them.

You might try some doe estrus urine on wicks and in a scrape/mock scrape.... Don't rattle. You need to be a doe right now....

[Mudshack]

i wouldnt concentrate around the feeders so much

Oh, how I have forgotten about that!! So true.

I may even hang a new stand in a thick area, no where near the feeders.

[oktx]

I checked my camera at the feeder on Saturday and only had one deer there in 7 days. On my camera I had a bunch of turkeys that had not been coming since Sept. I wonder if the food is starting to dry up?

[DaveC]

Stick a doe & it will take the edge off.

You might also want to try a different approach into your hunting area, park further away, walk in from a different direction , or just plain hunt another area.

[cehorn]

Hang in there. That sounds like my year last year...until the last day of the season. I was able to shoot a nice 8 on the last morning. I hadn't seen squat with horns until I saw him.

[RdRdrFan]

Just stick it out. Remember that you will usually see a totally different set of deer coming to your feeders after the rut.

[BaylorCoBowhunter]

Don't rattle.

I read a thread not long ago where everyone was saying that late season is their most successful time for rattling. What's the verdict? Rattle this weekend or not?

[WIKI]

I have been hunting pretty hard since season started. Drew on my first reall shooter this past Saturday. Feel better. Hopefully I will get a shot at one before it's over.