Last 2 seasons here in NH were a bust for me, we dont have a very large deer herd so pickings can be somewhat slim, 2 seasons ago I saw but 1 spike buck and couldnt get a shot due to the rising sun which rose just as the deer left the thick woods and entered a clear area, never saw him again. Last season I was retired and had plenty of time in the woods, sat many hours in a few different spots with no luck, my 1 opportunity came and of course I pulled a rookie move and spooked the 4 point.
As he was running full bore across my path at about 60 to 70 yds I shot and missed. This season I decided to spend a few $$$$ and booked a hunt in NC at a outfitter I had hunted with in the past (20 yrs ago) Occuneechee lodge in Jackson NC, was still a very good operation, a bit overhunted but I did score 3, 1-4pt, 1 spike and a doe in 3 days hunting, limit was 4, 2 bucks 2 does. Back to NH for the rifle season and after sitting a spot I had missed the 4 point last yr I scored a nice size spike at 165 yds with my 25-06, very impressed with that rifle ( new acquisition) Had 1 more doe tag for NH but failed to see another deer, season ended on 12/4 for rifle. Very happy with my season.