The sounds of silence

Well, things didn't get any better, as far as seeing deer goes, after the first weekend.

I haven't seen a deer during hunting hours since Sunday and the other hunters in camp haven't been much luckier. This is our second year hunting on this property and the same thing happened last year. After the first weekend, the only way we saw deer was if someone else kicked them up. While I'm not a big fan of driving for deer, I think it's likely we'll set up a few drives this coming weekend. Otherwise it almost feels pointless sitting out there staring into the empty forest. I've tried about 10 different blinds and stands, splitting up my mornings and evenings in two different locations normally, and they've all produced the same results. There hasn't been much shooting in the area either, although we have seen some very nice bucks on the back of trucks.

I've hunted hard, aside from yesterday and today is an off day because of Thanksgiving, and the results have been pretty sad. I saw a lot more deer last year. I can chalk it up at least partially to the hunters on the north border that really ruined my mornings, but I'm still kind of down about it all. Like I've said before, having an empty deer pole does not necessarily mean it's been an unsuccessful season, but it'd be nice to at least see a few deer. I mean, that's sort of the point, right?

Strangely, the woods seemed more quiet than last weekend too. There don't seem to be as many birds, squirrels and mice running around making noise. At least the weather has been nice so it hasn't been difficult to stay out there.

We're heading back to camp tonight. It should be a full camp again. Hopefully we'll find some success.