Antsi, What state are you in? just curious.
My first hunt was not as successful as I had hoped. Opening morning on state land we made our way back to a spot that we had scouted the day before. Just before 6:30 AM a shot rang out north of where I set up. Sunrise wasn't 'til 7:04 acording to the regs.
I can give you 10 minutes or so but a shot 40 minutes early and in very low light conditions? putz.
About 10 after 7 I heard rustling off to my left. I waited only to have a deer trot by, hesitating for a second every few steps, at 40 yards. Unfortunately, because of the heavy brush and uneven terain I could only see the top 8 to 10 inches of it as it moved past. Not having a doe permit and not getting a clear view of its head I opted to let it pass. I was hoping it was a doe and a buck would be in tow not far behind. That wasn't the case. I didn't see another deer the entire day.
Oh well. Thats the way it goes on public land I guess. Lots of hunter and alot of spooked deer.
Day two was no better. a pair of hunters about 200 yards away took a spike after being in the woods a total of 45 minutes at best. I watched them come in and I stood up so they could see where my son and I were. They saw me and moved off to my left. I thought they had gone further back but were just out of sight beyond a tree line.
Public land can be a PITA. Anyone in Michigan have a farm with a deer and turkey infestation?
Anyway, 12 days left in the season.