Went out this past weekend. saw alot of sign and the only time I saw a deer was when I was walking out of the woods. Frustration set in.  He/she? was bedded down 10 yds from the truck.. I nearly walked right next to he/she? Wasn't 3 yards when it bolted.  Did I say BOLTED.  I meant jetteed. By the time I picked up my gun I saw nothing but heard thumping feet.  WOW that was fast.  Saw alot of Hog signs and one new scrap but the rest were old.  When is the second rut?

I am having a hard time this year at the forest. I got one and lost one(300 yd blood trail then vanished into the night).  This is my first year to hunt the SHNF hard and it is getting discouraging.  I have been hunting night and day.  On my off days and I've taken 2 vacation times the last month.  The only 2 deer I've seen in 1 month I have shot. I have see tons of hog sign but no hogs.  Probably nocturnal.  I am hoping its the plentiful acorns or is it always like this?  

If you have shot 2 Deer, you are doing well for the National Forest. My son and I have not seen a deer yet. The area we are hunting was much better last year.

I think you are doing good for the Forest. But I'm a creature of habit.  ie Stay away from the areas that have the most hunters but really that might be where the deer are. I've been hunting this area for about 3 years and had two shots but walked away with no deer.  I've changed my habit this year and I'm seeing a little more signs.  I just don't get the time I used to spend in the woods.  I should've listened to my dad and stopped at two kids....now with 4 its hard to get away. 

Well now I dont feel so bad now. I was used to my grandmothers ranch where you can see does and young bucks on a regular occasion. The only thing is at the ranch it illegal to shoot does(except archery) and only bucks 13 inches or greater. I guess I'll hit the forest as soon as I get my doe tag back and get another one. Thanks.

Dave, Don't worry about not killing so many.  Worry about not going so much.  Remember why you go, its not all about the killing.  Its about the scouting finding signs and then eventually killing.  I know that hearing other people killing bucks and does and seeing deer left and right is disturbing, but I don't think you would like that kind of hunting.  Look at this board for example.  Look at where all these pictures are coming from.  The feeder hunter is not going to get as much from his hunt as you.  I think hunting is coming out of the phase of instant gratification and I think we will see more hunters on public land.  Anyway keep hunting public its the best thing america has to offer.  $48 dollars is nothing.

Sorry about the soap box but I hate feeder killers.  I only use a deer stand and gun. no scent killer, no doe in heat, nothing .

If I ever get one out of the forest, I will be satisfied.

I have shot 2 deer every year for the last 4 years hunting in the same tree.

I shot 2 8 points a 6 point,a 5 point and 4 does.

There are a bunch of deer in the shnf you just have to know where to look.

Where to look is the problem.  I had hunted one area for 3 years and though unsuccessful had been seeing deer.  This year has been harder and now they have burned off a good portion of the area I have been hunting.  Does anyone know how the deer usually respond to recent burning?  I can still find tracks so I know they are around.

The burnt my area to.I have seen lots of tracks sence then but no deer yet.Sence thay have burnt my spot there are hog signs everywhere but haven't seen one of thouse eather