Better food has popped up somewhere. Are acorns falling? Ag crops maturing or being harvested?? Where do you live???
Can't say the weather has changed much, just a little cooler. No acorns on the ground on my property, but I can't say for the 400 acres behind my house. No crops anywhere near me, just woods. Mid Atlantic state.
This happens every year. 1 week before the season opens, the entire population of deer move away. I keep feed out for them, but they walk away from what they know is a sure meal. I mean I don't even get the yearlings to stay around. This big 9 pointer usually walks around with a 6 pointer and he's gone too. I have a group of 5-6 does, who come around and they're gone.
It's frustrating. Because of health issues, I can't get around well enough to get deep into the woods, so I'd like to be able to take one on my own property. I'm not giving up hope. I'll keep the corn out and see what happens. I can actually hunt from my patio or deck. So it's easy to keep the crossbow ready. They usually show up around dusk of shortly after.
Wish me luck!