I went out today on a solo trip to find the deer making the trails I had seen on grouse hunting trips. The fresh snow made finding fresh trails a no-brainer. Working slowly along a trail (thank you brian), I spotted a deer through the trees. I was loaded, ready to go, good backstop but before aiming to take the shot, I waited to make sure it had antlers – no dice, a doe. The doe walked off into the woods and I was left at a bit of a loss as to what to do next. I investigated the spot where I saw the deer and found 3 bedding sites within a couple of meters (snow melted down to the moss) so my thought is a doe and two fawns?
I also heard some grunting/whistling that I was hoping was a buck but did not see or hear anything more.
I followed another set of tracks and after remembering to look up from the tracks, spotted another deer. I was getting set up and looking for antlers but was made. The deer gave a grunt/whistle and headed off into the bush at high speed. I found another fresh bedding spot. I did not see antlers so I am not sure of the sex. Finding only one bedding spot seems to indicate this is a solo animal.
I don't quite know how to translate what I saw today into finding a buck. Following the does seems reasonable but am I missing something? I would greatly appreciate any tips on how to approach this hunt. Setting up a blind? Moving slowly through the bush?
Even without getting a buck it was an amazing day! Out hunting, great weather and actually seeing deer.