So last saturday i went deer hunting for the first time in 20 years. Originally my plan was to go up north and hunt with my in-laws. but the plan was changed by the powers that be (the wife), so i was forced to look locally for some place to hunt.
Just south of where i live is vernon wildlife area. It is a large area, 4,000+ acres of land, and has a diverse selection for nature viewing and hunting.
I get out there at 530am, and in the dark, proceed to find a spot that looks good, since i hadnt had any time to properly scout to find the deer.
i sat in this spot for 3 hours, waiting for something to cross my path. nothing.
I move to a new spot and wait for 2 hours. nothing.
I then move in to the super thick brush, hoping that some deer were hiding in there. nothing.
It was noon time, and i was sweating like no other, so i decided to go back to my truck and drink and change into something less heavy. I ran into some hunters who also had been hunting since 530. They also havent seen or heard anything. Sure, they have heard a couple gun shots, which i too had heard, but it was all north or east of us.
I decide to do some talking to other hunters. So i drive around to other public parking lots for this area and start asking. I talked to over 30 hunters, none have seen any deer.
overall, i spent 9 hours out at this place, didnt see any deer, and i heard a total of 12 shots all day.
While i am a little disheartened by the amount (or lack of) deer in this area, i am still willing to give this place another chance during the antlerless hunt begins in december.