Relatively New Hunter.

So i just started hunting big game a few years ago. I've had some sucessful hunts. I've scouted put in the time and effort to be LUCKY. This year I struck out on my hunt in my unit. I have a complaint and questions. My complaint. When does edicate. Hunting or just in life not matter too people anymore. Had a decent buck shot right out from under me by a guy who saw where i was posted. which i had beat him there by a few hours walks 300yrds Away and shoots the buck i had scouted and knew would walk through.

I know the answer is that is public land hunting.

My next question is when do all the bucks get in Bachloer groups and how long do they stay that way. I spotted a group of at least 8-10 this year on my 5 day hunt saw them all together 3 different days. Is it a after the rutt thing. Is it a safety in numbers thing? Why do they group up

My next question is the drought affecting the rutt. The fawns this year are abnormally small for this time of year. They seemed like they're a good 3 weeks size wise behind. I saw a few that are the size they should be. Some still had spots! My tie in is the bucks seemed different behavior wise this year to last year. And i wonder if some of these things had something to do with some of there patterns.

Sorry for miss spelling. And grammar...

Trying to upload a file of a wonderful sunset i watched from this field i was in one day just admiring the beauty that hopefully everyone doesnt take for granted and i hope every sportsman is glad for everyday they get to experience how beautiful nature truly is.

i hate to say it but that is public land, had a buddy that happened to this past weekend. also the buck i shot already had 4 does with him he was a 4.5-5.5 yo deer so i will say it depends on the unit.

LAST EDITED ON Nov-15-18 AT 07:43PM (MST)[p]Good job finding and hunting the buck. You are doing the right thing and should be proud of yourself. Too bad about the other hunter.

Maybe he hunted there previous years and felt you had invaded "his spot". Something like that is a bummer. Unfortunately, it does happen.

Fortunately, for every one experience I seem to have like that I have ten where another hunter does do the right thing. Many times other hunters have pointed me in the right direction to find game or pulled my vehicle out of the ditch when I was stuck.

LAST EDITED ON Nov-17-18 AT 00:52AM (MST)[p]Relatively new hunter,

I give seminars on big game hunting occasionally and the #1 topic that doesn't get enough attention is hunting pressure especially on public land. Even archery season can be jam packed now days depending on the state and unit your hunting. I hate to say it but if your going to hunt public land for the foreseeable future you better get used to competing and learning to place yourself the best you can for other hunters to drive game to you or intercept them first. 30 yards is unacceptable but if the other hunter was 300 yards away he was just in the right place at the right time. It ain't the 1950's anymore.

I agree with everything you said. I know that almost all of hunting is right place right time and a bit of luck. I think what had griped me the most was The fact im sure he knew we were hunting the same animal at some point and he just didnt care that it was kind of moraly stealing. Though by letter of the law he has every right to shoot that animal as i do and did nothing wrong. I am learning with every year out to work my way into areas where the game is going to get pushed. I basically chalked this year up to learning experience.

When you know another intentionally cuts you off and shoots one out from under you, it hurts. Even when you have a lifetime of experience and know they have the legal right, it still makes you feel disgusted .
I'm glad that you have had some positive / successful experiences in the past to help balance out this negative.