Hunting muleys during the Rut...help needed

[CAnAZbwhnter]

Our winter archery hunt is going on in Arizona right now. Thanks to some pre season scouting Ive found myself a nice area to hunt. 2 weeks ago when the season opened I found a herd of 10 does and there were two little bucks with them. Well I was able to easily locate the same herd this past Saturday and guess what....those two little guys were kicked out of the herd and the big-boy I have been looking for, moved in. He is a great looking 4x2. I found him with the others early Saturday and hunting them all day. At one point they came within 100 yards but never stepped closer. Those damn doe are real wary and with so many of them in the group I decided to keep my distance and just watch them for the day to see what they do.

Sunday morning found me in the same spot that I left them on Saturday and it was not long at all before I spotted them. I had an ambush spot picked out from watching them the day before and I headed straight there to see if they would use the same heavily traveled route as they did the day before.
It didnt work so then I decided to get aggressive and move in on em. I got to within about 90 yards unnoticed. At this point the doe were up for their midday feeding and they were all slowly feeding away from me. Then I noticed my buck get up and take a few steps towards them. At this point I decided to use my "doe in estrus call" for the first time. After glassing the doe for about 15 minutes and not being able to locate the buck anywhere among them, I suddenly heard heavy hoofprints behind me. That big daddy busted my ass. I dont know how he circled me without me knowing it but he did and damn did I blow a great chance at a great buck. He was only about 40 yards behind me when he busted me.
Here is where some help is needed from you guys: From your experience, how does a hunter hunting solo get in close on a mature buck that is hanging out with a big herd??
When I get back out there this weekend there is no doubt that I will find the same heard....Im just not sure if he will still be with the herd or is a different buck will move in.
What has worked for some of you hunting archery during the rut??
Thanks gentlemen-

 

[sagehnter]

you're doing it right you just have to keep looking for your chance to move in. It's tough in the rut with so many eyes looking for you. I know that's an a## kicking feeling when you realize you just got busted. Keep trying!


sagehnter

 

[Califelkslayer]

Bowhunter, how'd you do this past weekend? Sounds like you had it right the past Sun, thats hunting though. Love to hear how it worked out.

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

Great hunt, you got me jacked up , waiting for more! I used a bleat call a few times both on January bowhunts and two different results. The first time not just the bucks advanced but all the doe did. I thought I had a magic wistle for deer. I was able to arrow a nice fork horn on that hunt.Then the next year on a private ranch in northern NM with deer everywhere ,I told my dad and other hunting buddy how great and magical my call was , that deer actually came to it.NOT! Not on this hunt anyhow, they hauled out and fast and I tried it a couple times on different deer.My hunting group threatened me with serious bodily harm if I blew the call again .Have never used it since....

 

[CAnAZbwhnter]

the magic deer-call.... thats funny stuff right there. Hey but we all need one of those right!! Thanks for the responses guys. This past weekend was not as eventful as the prior weekend. Man it was brutal getting out there hiking the ridges/canyons and not being able to locate the deer. The weather was fun, got some hail and rain and it was pretty chilly.
I cant figure out where in the heck the deer are moving!! I only made it out one day this past weekend but I will be heading back up this coming weekend. I hope I can get back in on the action. Im also taking my camera so I can post some pictures for you guys.