When we lived in Tacoma, WA, we used to have deer come through our yard. We saw them maybe 3 times in the three years we lived there during daylight hours. Usually it was in the morning or late evening. But in the summer we would sometimes sleep out on our trampoline. It's a big 14' one about 4 foot off the ground. We'd see them alot at night. And racoons and opossums too. The deer were so quite. They would just slip through the yard and eat grass and stuff out of the garden. We chased them sometimes, but they're pretty quick
Have you watched at night any? I'd bet you'd see them if you pulled an all-nighter some time. Maybe you'll get a bow shot
We had PLENTY of bow shots, but had to pass since we lived on base. These deer would be like 10 feet away, but if we shot them with a bow, they'd probably go expire in a neighbors yard, and then that'd be it.
Do you live in a very populated area? If you're kinda out in the country you should feed them. Of course, you can't *bait* or *feed* wild life legally, but who's to say that you can't plant a few rows of corn, or a small plot of soy bean, or barley?? Maybe put out some winter hay, or an apple flavored salt lick, for your dog, of course
If they're specifically coming to your place to feed, you'll probably have a better chance of seeing them than if they're just passing through. Probably get some really good pictures of them too.