2nd weekend -- what to expect?

[Muskieguy]

For the past 8 years, I typically hunt opening weekend(public land) of Firearms Deer(A1). This year I will not be able to go until the 2nd weekend. What can I expect in terms of numbers...both deer and hunters. Will there be deer left to shoot, and how many hunters still hunt the 2nd weekend? I read a stat that 70% of the deer are shot in the first few days? Is that because the number of hunters drastically reduces after the first few days of the season?

[brittman]

You can not shoot a deer from your living room. Get out and hunt.

[Jigging Bob]

Think I only seen about 5 groups of hunters in the area I hunt all last week. You should be ok yet. Looked like alot of the deer weren't quite in full rutt to me. Had two bucks & 4 does standing & playing right by each other. The larger buck gave the smaller buck a little push in the butt, but then left him alone. They were by each other all afternoon until night. If they would have been full rutt there would have been a show down for those pretty does. Also had to play with my rattles & calls while they were directly in front of me for a couple hours to practice. They did not even respond to any of this. Very exciting watching them though.

[USPENAMC]

1st weekend was on rum river state forest there seemed to be less hunters than all 3 years before and less shots fired too..

2nd weekend im heading to preston minnesota its right off 52 and i have permission to hunt right behind some stables. ITs only a total of about 50 yards but its very productive sicne last year i was there 10 minutes and shot a buck. im going to check the regulations see if its still open for firearms this weekend in preston if not ill take my bow.

[89Bronco]

Typically, the first weekend is full of excitement for everybody. The first morning will have the most shots and the most deer down. Lots of people will try to get their deer that weekend so they can "be done with it" and say they have their deer.---Which is fine...I used to be in that group as well.

The second weekend will be mostly hunters that didn't see anything the first week or passed on deer the first weekend. There is always less shooting and less people, at least in my area (also Zone 1). The hunters that are out on the second and third weekends usually are the ones who enjoy being out there and don't necessarily have to have a deer. They probably passed on a few to have an excuse to go on the second and third weekend.---That's how I am now.

Yeah, some of the young and dumb deer are taken the first weekend as well as a few big bucks, but there are still plenty of deer out there. That's my $0.02 of how the season progresses.

[311Hemi]

Quote:

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The hunters that are out on the second and third weekends usually are the ones who enjoy being out there and don't necessarily have to have a deer. They probably passed on a few to have an excuse to go on the second and third weekend.---That's how I am now.

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Sounds like our group!! My dad goes out into the woods with a chair and a book, and sits on the same ridge every year. He has not shot a deer since I started deer hunting 16 years ago. I have only shot 1 in that time. We are by no means die hard deer hunters.....we get out once it's light...and often leave the woods a little before dark. I used to smoke cigarettes in my stand. It's more just a fun trip up north up north to BS with the other guys, and if a deer happens to cross my path and I am ready for it I will drop it. I am 1 for 1 on shots per deer and dropped my one and only deer 12 ft from the stump I was sitting on!! LOL

With the guys I am with.....one or two deer is more than they want. Don't matter to me....I get to hear the old stories in the cabin and drink beer while sitting by the fire in the cabin. If I see a deer or get a shot....it just makes it that much better. Although I now really appreciate that meat in the freezer....so I am starting too get a little more serious about it.

First weekend is a zoo where we hunt and we have never hunted first weekend because of that. We alway go second weekend and don't see many hunter out on the state land we hunt.

I will say my attitude is just a bit different for duck and pheasant....I am 100% serious about bird hunting!

[B@ssmaster]

My experience (in Zone 1 as well) has always been fewer hunters as the two plus weeks wears on, and fewer deer running around completely panicked. The ones I do see are more cautious than bow season, but by no means unhuntable. It's a lot more enjoyable out the second and third weekends...... I tend to be in the same camp as a few of the posters above, I am passing on does and small bucks just to have an excuse to sit out there longer, and maybe have a chance at a really nice buck......it's all about having a relaxing day out for me....