You go home empty handed.
If you don't push close enough, you'll likely not see your target or at best you might see him but he'll be out of range. At that point even if you get out of there without spooking him he'll probably smell you were there. The biggest thing that bothers me about playing it too safe and not seeing anything is you have to sit and wonder. Was he there? Would I have found more buck sign if I went another 50-75 yards?
If you push too far, USUALLY that means you bust him out of his bed(ding area). You might get verification that you were oh so close to success and lay eyes on him. Of course there's a chance he sneaks out without you knowing (I think this happens more often than we might think).
There's a difference between aggressive and reckless. Don't be afraid to get aggressive when the conditions allow it.
That’s where the homework, scouting and being able to reason comes into play. What’s his next move??? I have an idea... if it gets to that point. Can’t wait!! 