Hey folks,
I season starts on Wednesday. I went out to check one of my spots, where I typically have been seeing lots of evidence in the form of hen and tom/jake droppings. It did rain about an inch prior to my scout (previous night and overnight/early morning. Would that explain why I saw very little poop? Had it been "washed" away? Just curious because it was a dramatic drop.
I have decided to set up about 75 yards from a reliable roosting spot - even though In saw less poop below the big white pine where they tend to roost. Last year I made the mistake of spooking them as I walked under the tree early in the morn... won't repeat that!
Thanks
Rest assure that it was the rain that washed away the sign. They didnt suddenly leave the area. I remember when i first started hunting fall birds in my youth. A week before season opened i got very upset and bent out of shape because all the fresh scratching disappeared. I asked a seasoned old timer and he told me it was only because the leaves were droppping so fast now, they quickly covered all but the most recent scratching. I went out and smoked one on opening day. Trust your scouting. And as a bonus, know that when you go back to hunt, all the sign you do see will be still steaming! :)
Thanks! I figured it was the rain... i was just a hit unsure b/c I hunt thick woods and thought that the rain couldn't have washed away the poop with all that thick canopy.