A Group of Does

'A Group of Does' - 1986                                                                                   snake

Does. Bowhunting a mature whitetail buck (4 1/2 years or older) is very difficult. Hunters have to contend with seemingly endless numbers of factors. For instance, we have to determine when, this mostly nocturnal creature, might show itself during legal hunting hours, which you probably already figured out, are not during the night. Hunting does can be just as difficult, often for other reasons. Does usually travel in bunches of 2-5 while bucks are solitary during the hunting season. A bowhunter must be still and stealthy in their ability to draw and aim the bow, all while trying to avert the attention of those numerous eyes, ears and noses. If a hunter is spotted by a doe, the pattern is often the same; a snort and quick bolt leaving nothing for the hunter but frustration…and a view of the white tails, disappearing into the woods. I know the pattern because it’s happened to me, all too often.