Yeah well, Ish, never underestimate luck either. My dad has been at this longer than I have and has learned quite a bit over the years. His season came to an end this year with no deer either. Meanwhile, I've racked up 16 so far. Sometimes it really is luck of the draw <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I do believe in being in the right place at the right time...not sure I call it luck. You can prepare and position yourself for a higher probability of success.
My dad has gotten lazy in his older years. He doesn't scout anymore, nor is he willing to hunt off-hours. He used to be a machine if he wanted a good buck...scouting, identifying patterns, getting to the stand 1 hr early, hunting mid-day during the ruts, hunting every day work allowed, etc. Now he just goes when he feels up to it....not a fault, but you have lower probability of success with that type of approach.
I don't get to hunt often anymore due to work...so I have to depend on luck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> That, and a rifle that will reach beyond the prey's area of concern. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
