Frustrated hunter

[thebowhunters]

I have been on this great lease for 12 years north of Eden,Concho Co. killing 150" - 120" deer and seeing several deer every hunt. Last year was BAD, the drought hit us hard, the deer left, landowner sold cows, turkeys gone, and the winter wheat was not up at all. This year the numbers of deer are still way down but the turkeys are back and the wheat is looking awesome. Question is how long before deer come back or will they ever come back? Has anybody ever had this happen to them?
I have hunted hard this season with bow and cameras missed the weavers shoot and not much going on at all, just kind of frustrated.

[Bisch]

I can't answer your question but I can relate to the frustrated part. Last year was hard on our place too and I have hunted hard this year also and not even had a chance at a doe yet!

Bisch

[Trick]

If they were there before they will be there again. Anybody's guess when though. If I were in your shoes and I had no intentions of giving up on the place, I would put up free choice protein feeders and give the place a break this year. I would also keep feeding corn too. If you had 300 acres for example I would put 2 protein feeders up. This would give them a safe unmolested place with plenty of food. Thats what I would do. Only other choice I see is find a new place. Sorry, nothing you wanted to hear I'm sure.

Disclaimer: Depending on the landowners activity on the place, that may change what I would do. If the activity level is high enough, I would find a new place.

Matt

[trad"Doc"53]

I kinda suck when it comes to hunting, however, if you had deer before, I would think they would return wheather on their own or from the preassure of hunters. If you have what they need which is food,water and cover I would think they would be back. Matts plan sounds reasonable also!

[Chunky]

I guess it kind of depends on if they just left your place for greener pastures, or you had a big die off with poor conditions and low fawn crop.

If you are trying to repopulate the area, it might take some time. Good leases are hard to come by, so I would think twice before getting off. Many of us had poor years last year, and there is no guarentee a new lease would be better.

[Paleface]

protein feeders are the best bet,we have to use them every year.