How many need a visual?

[NatureBoy]

I screwed up my other post with a long winded question, so I'll try again with a short one:

How many of you start off the season with a visual (pictures, have spotted one glassing or shining etc.) of at least one nice buck that you want to hunt on your hunting grounds? Please explain.

[moondoondude]

I always got one to go after on the opener, and it's usually a set-up where I have visual proof of a buck doing something in daylight.

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[NatureBoy]

I always got one to go after on the opener, and it's usually a set-up where I have visual proof of a buck doing something in daylight.

Thanks moondoondude! That gets us off to a good start...

[Stanley]

I have had quite a few years with a visual. Before the trail cameras it was much tougher. I mean, you can be getting visuals when it's too stinking hot to be out and about. I like to have a couple of target bucks even if I don't get them. If you can, I believe it could hinder your success not to.

[G3s]

I have the cameras running and usually get some decent bucks on them to target for season

[Edcyclopedia]

I either don't have the skill or the type of terrain to get that visual, meaning physically by eye.
However I will do everything I can to get a good buck on camera giving me the confidence and patience to sit tight in an area.
Trying to learn his "pattern" or "home territory" takes some time.

Best advice for me is a visual by someone else almost hitting a deer on the roadway!

[Spysar]

I definately don't need a visual. I'm confident knowing I've chosen an area that has all the ingredients for a big buck to be there. I love seeing, and setting up on hot sign. I like the idea of being surprised at what may come out. "target" bucks are a relatively new thing in the deer hunting world, mainly started by trail cams.

[Dewey]

I usually have a few target bucks but unfortunately I rarely see them while on stand. Every buck I have shot was the first time I ever laid an eye on him. I generally know good bedding areas and hunt near them but I never really know what buck will show himself on any particular day.

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[jlh42581]

What I want to kill and whats actually there too kill rarely cross paths. Ive had times where I thought that id seen every buck on a property and none of them made me say "WOW". Ive had years where I found a "WOW" and usually someone else saw that deer slip up and told the whole world then that deer vanishes.

You know its not good when you see a buck and think "WOW" and no one is ever out there scouting and suddenly it looks like the fair gates just opened.

Ive thought I was after deer that someone took and I never heard about. Ive passed decent deer to wait for a bigger deer without knowing a bigger one exists.

As I age, I am just happy to be outside period. I dont wanna hear the phone, the baby, someone with a broken computer. I like silence. I would hunt if there were no deer and I only had squirrels, I just wouldnt hunt deer.

[Bucky]

I need a visual unless hunting out of state... Then I rely on experience and sign

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[dan]

I can't remember a year that I have not had good bucks I was watching going into hunting season. Usually a couple dozen I am watching with bino's or spotlight. But that don't mean I can't or don't hunt spots where I don't have a visual... Especially on road trips.

[whitetail007]

i like having a visual but by no means need one. my tried and true spots i never set foot on til the day i go in to hunt it. many of them there is no good way to get a visual besides trail cams and im not real big on using them besides in my urban areas. i like to be surprised by what shows up.

[NatureBoy]

Very interesting! Thanks guys for your responses!!

[RUTIN]

I try my hardest to get a visual on a shooter every year. If I dont get one on camera or through scouting then I really dont hunt much, just keep scouting until I find something kill worthy.

[PLB]

On northwoods public I never have a visual. I'm constantly scouting til I find where a good one is during season. If I ain't confident there is no reason to hunt that spot. With populations so low now where I hunt, you can spend many fruitless days on stand. You gotta be in the game to have a shot...

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