Ambush style bush bucks 2021 - Page 5

RandyBoBandy · #**121** 10-25-2021, 08:35 PM

OUTSTANDING thread

bucksnbears · #**122** 10-25-2021, 09:06 PM

Great read so far.
Fun stuff!

Stinky Buffalo · #**123** 10-25-2021, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKP

I've only been seriously hunting for 4 years, and I learned this lesson starting in September. Compared to previous years the deer seemed to be scarce. I can't pin point it to drought, increased ATV traffic, or what, but I've had to adjust. Luckily some of the deeper areas are untouched by ATVs, so the opportunities are still there. As you've stated, miles on the boots (and some camera action) has shown me the deer are still there.

So true. Sometimes it’s really not that much of a shift- even twenty yards from the old trail can make all the difference.

Smoky buck · #**124** 10-26-2021, 04:39 PM

My wife finally remembered to send me the pic from the last stand we set for her. Pic doesn’t show it very well

This is actually two ridges that work there way down to the bottom of a hole. There is a pond with a small meadow at the bottom. These deer are traveling the top of the one ridge with less undergrowth. They have feed in the meadow and sparse timber at the bottom with evergreens at the top of the ridge for bedding. This is working a transition in tree species. The coutures of the land combined with thick under growth funnel the deer

The stand is set on the ridge chocked in with undergrowth watching over the adjacent ridge the deer are traveling. It is set where the ridge starts to plateau about 300yards from the bedding areas. There is lots of rubs new and old along with a scrape

This stand is not in a numbers location but instead it’s targeting a handful of deer with consistent behavior. The two 11pts I posted earlier in this thread are the two common bucks to this location

I am really liking this spot except for the fact the buck will likely run down into the hole and I know who will be packing it out lol

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fishnguy · #**125** 10-26-2021, 04:48 PM

^ That looks like a great spot, Smoky!

Smoky buck · #**126** 10-26-2021, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishnguy

^ That looks like a great spot, Smoky!

Expect for the fact unless she dumps the buck in it’s tracks it’s going to be an ugly up hill drag

Smoky buck · #**127** 10-30-2021, 08:19 AM

This mornings tip remember trends from past years and don’t forget to check areas again that only showed does

As seen in this thread I look hard for the mature bucks that stay in a smaller pockets. But the whole time I am also watching for does in areas with old rut sign. We all know if there is even one doe around a buck will show it’s only a matter of time

The other thing you start to pick up on after multiple seasons hunting/scouting an area is where the roaming bucks like to cruise. There is always high traffic corridors. If you know where the pockets of does are in these corridors you can capitalize on this

Early on I ran a cam in the location I shot my buck last year to see if he had been replaced by another “home body” buck. After a few cam checks of nothing but doe pics I pulled the cam. But I remembered last year that there was later in the year this pocket had new mature bucks show up. So a little over 2 weeks ago I put one of my cell cams in this location to see if any new bucks have come into the area yet

Well the results are in and I will be setting my stand here again. The funny part my wife said she wanted this spot but decided to pass on it because of no bucks earlier on

These 2 have shown up both 10pts. One with good height the other with decent width. Unfortunately most of the pics of the wider buck are blurry

So don’t forget past trends in an area and don’t forget about locations that only show doe pics in your early scouting

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Smoky buck · #**128** 10-30-2021, 08:44 AM

So I have reached a dilemma this year do to helping others, shift in movement and outside interruptions changing plans.

The stand I set for the split brow buck is not looking as good as it did when I set it. The split brow buck has gone A wall I either miss read this buck, outside pressure has caused him to move, or he is no longer alive the WMU has been open for rifle since September. I am lacking confidence in the location so I am going to move that stand

Because of having to shift locations for my brother’s stand twice I have and giving a location to another friend I can’t think of where to put my 3rd personal stand. I know of multiple locations that show some OK bucks but I know I will pass on them if they come through because of what is in my other spots

My options are

1) set one of the locations with an OK buck and see what shows

2) hold out and check cams in a week and go with what looks best

3) pick a spot with good doe numbers and ambush point. Roll the dice and see what bucks roam in

58thecat · #**129** 10-30-2021, 10:18 AM

If you got does around and scrapes popping up I would hold out and let nature take its course meaning they will show up again just gotta have your butt in the stand

You got them pretty much figured out and maybe too much disturbance will push the ladies out and with that the boyzzz too.

Good luck!

Bushrat · #**130** 10-30-2021, 10:30 AM

I would go where the does are. Bucks change their habits and can be far from where they were earlier in the year. They will be handy to doe groups and won't be where there are no does. Mature bucks don't wander randomly in the rut like some folks think though it may appear that way when you find them alone but they are they are usually going from one doe group to another. Does are where the best groceries are most of the time.

Smoky buck · #**131** 10-30-2021, 07:38 PM

Oh I don’t really visit a spot after I deemed it one I will hunt. I have not stepped foot into the area with the wide 10pt since I set the stand. I just left a cell cam in that spot so I know he is still there

. Some spots I remove the cam to remove temptation to check it or cut way back

I cover a large area so my disturbance is spread out

The only buck to disappear out of the ones I have scouted as targets I thought would stick around is the split brow buck. But there has been many bucks caught on cam that I knew would not stick around. Most do shift just like Bushrat mentioned but a portion definitely stick around if found in the right spot. I watched last year’s buck from early September till November when I shot him. He hung around but and was the only buck with a group of does till mid November some new bucks appeared

Like I mentioned I am a firm believer there is multiple personality types and there is a portion of bucks don’t roam till late November after the does in their area have been bred

As for does that is a must and would never set a spot without a few regular does. Choosing any of the 3 options will always involve making sure some girls are around

Following the girls does always lead to bucks but it doesn’t mean they will be of quality or a mature buck may only buzz though on rare times he is around. But they are a must if you expect bucks to hang around or seek out the location your in

I am debating on a location near where I found the shed that held lots of does and gamble he comes around or another buck with his genetics

Yes I overthink my hunting

EagleEyes · #**132** 10-30-2021, 10:17 PM

Awesome thread !! Can't wait for you to knock one down.

58thecat · #**133** 10-31-2021, 08:36 AM

Your just going through the different phases of hunting....right now your life regarding hunting is overthinking even though you got it dialled in...next will be going through the instinctive motions and then just settling in and letting things take their predicted course....

Smoky buck · #**134** 10-31-2021, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

Your just going through the different phases of hunting....right now your life regarding hunting is overthinking even though you got it dialled in...next will be going through the instinctive motions and then just settling in and letting things take their predicted course....

My overthinking goes far beyond my hunting. I have a brain that doesn’t shut off and is often the cause of my lack of sleep

I don’t think it’s a stage for me it’s a life long curse

DirtShooter · #**135** 10-31-2021, 09:03 AM

Great thread, thinking of trying the deep bush hunting this year as I had a cam in the bush for 2 years and the amount of game that appeared during those 2 years (somehow my batteries just didn't quit until Jan 2021) was crazy. About 10x the amount my cams grabbed outside of that dense tamarack quarter.

Thanks for the thread.

Smoky buck · #**136** 10-31-2021, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtShooter

Great thread, thinking of trying the deep bush hunting this year as I had a cam in the bush for 2 years and the amount of game that appeared during those 2 years (somehow my batteries just didn't quit until Jan 2021) was crazy. About 10x the amount my cams grabbed outside of that dense tamarack quarter.

Thanks for the thread.

In my opinion when it comes to whitetail there is a lot of bucks in the big bush country that rarely if ever come out in the open. In most of my locations I see very few deer outside of the bush, almost no bucks, and mature bucks are usually only a blur crossing the road during the rut

The thing about bush hunting though is it’s not about seeing numbers, often you hear more deer than you see, and you have to be confident in your choices. I agree there is more game and bigger animals in the bush but you also have less visibility so you also need them closer. The one thing that is definitely is you learn to rely on sign more and use your ears just as much or more then your eyes well hunting

Really it’s different and comes with its own challenges.like any kind of hunting it’s a learning curve

Smoky buck · #**137** 10-31-2021, 05:08 PM

Set up the stand in the location I shot my buck last year.

This location is down a ravine on a wide bench before it continues down the hill on a gentle grade. The area is dominated with evergreens with small pockets of poplar and birch. This stand is set in a pocket of poplar. There is a 4way heavy intersection in front of the stand but is actually blocked by a large evergreen. Two of the trails leading to the intersection run on either side of the stand. The bush behind the stand is thick combo of younger evergreens and larger poplar

This is close range stand long shot will be 40yards

The way this stand is set the deer can’t see you till the are in the pockets on either side of the stand

This is the left side of the stand and I shot my buck last year when he stepped into the gap in the trees

This is the view on the right side which is much nicer and sees more traffic. Being a lefty it’s also my strong side

With how often the one buck has been coming around I might just fill my tag here again. He has been showing up every 2-3days since he has shown up

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Smoky buck · #**138** 10-31-2021, 05:20 PM

I also went to remove the stand from where the split brow buck was but before I did I opted to check another intersection down the trail a ways. There I found a ton of fresh rubs so I set a cam on that intersection. I will check the cam on the 8th the morning I come off nightshift before moving the stand. I will be too tiered to hunt that day anyway

It looks very possible he could have shifted just a little farther from the road or at the worst another buck is there

So going with option 4 see what if it’s just a slight shift before making a big move

Starting on the 9th it’s GAME ON for my brother and I. The wife will start a few days earlier

58thecat · #**139** 11-01-2021, 11:48 AM

All I know is once I got an area figured out I have multiple setups trying always keep the wind in my favour.

I got my meat buck this morning now going to work hard on setting up for my son to have a go at some dandies.
He is at the trophy stage.
Haha

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Smoky buck · #**140** 11-01-2021, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

All I know is once I got an area figured out I have multiple setups trying always keep the wind in my favour.

I got my meat buck this morning now going to work hard on setting up for my son to have a go at some dandies.
He is at the trophy stage.
Haha

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Congrats and good luck to your boy

The wind is why I set multiple stands so I can keep the things in my favor

Decided this morning to just move that one stand deeper in and almost filled my tag doing so. Of course a good buck had to show up when I was half up a tree setting climbing sticks with my rifle was on the ground.

58thecat · #**141** 11-01-2021, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Congrats and good luck to your boy

The wind is why I set multiple stands so I can keep the things in my favor

Decided this morning to just move that one stand deeper in and almost filled my tag doing so. Of course a good buck had to show up when I was half up a tree setting climbing sticks with my rifle was on the ground.

Dam eh....they kinda know when your not ready...haha...good luck!

Smoky buck · #**142** 11-09-2021, 09:01 AM

Let the games begin!!

Late start for me this year but I am on stand now. Wind was good to try for the wide 10pt

Wife and brother started before me but action has been slow

Brother has seen one spiker at 15yards

Wife passed on 5 does (supplemental not valid at that stand). Big 11pt came right behind here stand on her weak side at less than 10 feet but no shot do to angle and thick bush. She is still green to stand hunting too

Let’s see if all the time put in pays off

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Smoky buck · #**143** 11-09-2021, 09:08 AM

Oh and that stand adjustment is looking like it was a good idea

Now I just need the wind to blow north

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Natek · #**144** 11-09-2021, 10:22 AM

things look like they are heating up! Good Luck!

Stinky Buffalo · #**145** 11-09-2021, 10:25 AM

I have to admit, those pictures from the stands make me look forward to the hunt I am planning for next week... Thanks, Smoky!

Smoky buck · #**146** 11-09-2021, 11:59 AM

Wind is not my friend today it just keeps switching directions

Smoky buck · #**147** 11-09-2021, 01:34 PM

Between a wind change and guts turning I needed to change something. Since I can’t change the wind and have never attempted the art of the “sky dump” I opted to change stands

Moved to the stand I recently moved. Very tight quarters hunting over a scrape. But the bucks are here so 10-30yard windows it is

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Smoky buck · #**148** 11-09-2021, 06:57 PM

Today’s sightings

brother another small buck 2x3

Wife 2 smaller 8pts

Myself 1 mid size 8pt and a deer that remains unknown do to thick bush

Bushrat · #**149** 11-09-2021, 07:00 PM

You got some nice bucks there to keep you entertained Smoky. I cruised out that way Sunday where the supplemental tags are good. I haven't spent much time out there this year just went for a look to see how busy it was on a weekend this year, usually lots of traffic but have never seen it as busy as it was Sunday. I did see a nice buck on a road side lease, standing there dumb as a post, smaller 4 x 5 with the left side deformed and a bit twisted up. I was glassing him at about 60 yds, heard another truck coming so jumped out, yelled at him to run for his life and he finally took off. Think I'll stick to the area I been hunting for the past few years, much less busy but will make the odd trip to one of my favorite spots around where your at. Good luck.

Smoky buck · #**150** 11-09-2021, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushrat

You got some nice bucks there to keep you entertained Smoky. I cruised out that way Sunday where the supplemental tags are good. I haven't spent much time out there this year just went for a look to see how busy it was on a weekend this year, usually lots of traffic but have never seen it as busy as it was Sunday. I did see a nice buck on a road side lease, standing there dumb as a post, smaller 4 x 5 with the left side deformed and a bit twisted up. I was glassing him at about 60 yds, heard another truck coming so jumped out, yelled at him to run for his life and he finally took off. Think I'll stick to the area I been hunting for the past few years, much less busy but will make the odd trip to one of my favorite spots around where your at. Good luck.

I will be completely honest with you my personal stands are not in the supplemental WMU but there is nice deer in both WMU’s.

There is less deer but less hunters too. The biggest bucks are often in areas with lower deer numbers