This is the second year I have hunted this property and have yet to see a deer while hunting. 40 acre property with maybe 10 acres total of tree line/trees. Most of the surrounding land is AG fields with minimal tree lines between fields to the north and plenty of wooded properties to the south. The woods on the left side of the property have been quite as far as trail cam activity (a few does and a yearling buck). The sliver of woods in the back of the property has been my most activity for the trail cams and looks to be bedding area. I drove by on monday and saw a deer walking the tree line! first deer spotted on the property, just not during hunting.... Camera is set up over a swampy pond that holds water during the summer and dries out during fall. I set up a hang on tree stand back there and hunt only if the wind is absolutely perfect for it.  The guy that hunted before me claimed he saw and shot tons of deer over the years and I am having a hard time calling him a liar!!!  


Nothern Illinois, scent control is good, hunting good winds and have 3 stands to pick from. 

I am trying to enjoy the fact that I am out in nature and doing something I love, but I am getting frustrated not seeing any deer movement while I am hunting. If you have any advice or input, Id love to hear it!

(ps- so far the cameras are starting to show a deer pattern shift from late night/early morning to just before dawn/and just after dusk. I also drove by and finally started seeing deer in the fields)

What are your thoughts on the property I am hunting?