Nocturnal Deer

[Phill Aldahl]

I hunt public land close to Mankato. It has very little hunting pressure, by this I mean, I have only seen a hand full of people out there. One guy that was there every night I was isn't coming anymore so I figure that he got his deer. Recently it has just been me out there. Just about every time I am out there I kick up deer on the way in or on the way out. I follow a truck path that leads from the parking area through the grasslands and to the woods. I am just wondering if me kicking up these deer has caused them to go nocturnal? I haven't seen a deer in the stand yet, just walking in or out. Kind of frustrating. Any help would be appreciated. And another question. I am wondering what these deer could be feeding on. There are no food plots, corn, or beans, since it is bordered on 3 sides by the river and on the other side a road. Thanks

[matthothand]

You may have made a small impact on their habits but there should be a fair amount of daytime activity regardless. I'd suggest moving your stand to a different spot and try to use a differing route when you travel the woods. Deer activity will be picking up soon anyways with temps dropping and the rut approaching. I wouldn't be as concerned with the deer you get busted by in the dark. They are less likely to discern what made the noise in such low light. Also, pay close attention to scent and the wind. Sometimes it's just the old school sense of smell that will keep deer away from your tree.

[ASMOLEY]

i have experienced the same thing in the area i hunt. Much of the corn has been cut but i still have a few large fields standing, once they get cut i start seeing more deer during daylight. Also with the colder weather and rut staring soon they become more active. Keep at it and youl start seeing more deer

[harvey lee]

I would without a doubt say that hunting the same location day in and day out will effect the deer. One has to also remember that not only are you bumping deer but also leaving extra scent in the area. There could also be other hunters in this same ares when you are not there.

I never care to go into one stand location more thasn a couple times a week as the amount of deer always decreases.

[bigbucks]

I agree, you bump enough deer at a stand site or on the way, other than maybe during the firearm season I'd probably right that one off until next year. I'm maybe too fanatical about not overhunting a stand, but for example, I've been out I think 13 times so far this year between MN & WI. I've only hunted one stand sites twice, that was a old permanent I'd recently gain access too, that I was trying to decide if it was any good. It's doubtful I'll hunt it again.

[snapcrackpop]

Could you walk the river bottom to get to your hunting spot?

[Phill Aldahl]

that is a possibility but it would add a considerable amount of time to walk in and out, possibly an hour. I hope the with the rut approaching some of the deer will be out and about a little more. Just the other night a buddy had 2 does walk by sitting in my stand so I know they are still in there and moving. I guess I will just keep at it. To clear things up I do move around to different locations. I have hunted over 5 different spots at that piece of land.

[snapcrackpop]

Another thought, If there "isn't much food in the area" and it's a "big grassy area" it is probably a bedding area. So you should hunt the mornings and catch them en route to bedding areas...?

Or are you bumping them early in the morning on your way to the stand?