Area 111-Where are the deer???

[LaVoi]

This has been the most frustrating season so far for our party. We hunt public land in area 111, anticipation was high going into the season because it has not been this dry up there in 20 years. Most of the area we hunt has some water during a normal year and it seems you always end up getting wet walking to and from the stand. However last week when we had snow on the ground none of our good areas in the past had much sign of all that any deer had been in the area. A mile or two away from our normal hunting areas is vast swamps for miles and miles which is nearly unhuntable. So you guys think these deer have relocated to the swamps? I have hunted five days so far this season and have only caught glimpses of five deer, four of them being immature deer. Also, it doesn't look as though the rut has kicked in high gear. Do you suppose if the rut starts to peak this weekend that some our past funnel areas we hunt would hold deer, or should we be somehow trying to hunt the swamps. Just looking for some input from others out there? Thanks

[almostthere!]

Go where the food is. That is where you will find the does and thus the bucks will not be too far behind. Because of the dry conditions, the mighty oaks did not produce an abundance of acorn. There fore, all the deer are scattered and situated neer other types of food sources. Look for green grass, other green vegetations, and watering holes.

[snapcrackpop]

We hunt just south of ditch 20.

Not much luck here either. A couple of small bucks and few does. Sounds like the farmer got a few shots at dusk as they came out onto the private fields.

I didn't see anything while on my stand.