Here, it’s an endless parade of road hunters with compounds that can cover anything  within 100 yards of the two track

Generally a half mile in and I’ve got the place to myself.

Ditto what Richard said, same here in NM, when the forest is not closed due to threat of fire…

Gotta trek in and/ or hit the lesser known areas. I also believe the internet impacted the lesser known areas by broadcasting/ passing around where the “secret ” places are if you will.

All the “new” technology is having an impact. The G&F here is proposing a rule to exclude scopes on muzzeloaders.  Harvest Statistics are showing a much higher ” take” with the new muzzeloaders and the latest Compounds. Especially Elk ….

Gotta hunt smarter…

Scout aka Ray

Since I lost my hunting place here in the panhandle I have no choice left but the Lake Meredith Rec area, fed land. It gets very crowded. I have avoided it because of that and because of an experience years ago during rifle season no way in hell will I go there during that time of year (long story kinda but I still get shivers).

I have decided to give it a go for the opening weekend of archery this year with a couple of good friends. Maybe if I find somewhere to sit and mind my own biz one of the many may cause a buck to come sneaking by me.

R2

Yes , I would do the same — go in before dark and sit where the main game travel corridors cross and let all those other hunters push the deer to you…   just might work, it has for me in the past..

Buena Suerte

Scout aka Ray