That would depend on when archery season is an when the rut begins in OR.

When I hunted mules with a bow in northern AZ, the archery hunt was the end of August, but the rut wasn't until late Dec to January. The does were still running with other does and the new fawns (most with spots) and all the bucks were running together.

If it is your first year with a bow, I'd try and get a good shot on the first adult deer you can. I've hunted with a bow for 22 years now and there are three things I can tell you: 1. Its not as easy as it looks. 2. Practice, practice, practice. 3. Aim small, miss small.

BTW, you will have SO much fun! There is nothing like it. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

This year will be my first year. I probably will decide to take a nice doe but I will still keep looking to bag a buck. So far I've only seen one buck it was only a spike(1x1). I've been practicing a lot and thanx for the tips. Good luck to you to.

If you are seeing the does every night, I'd hold off.. for now... Nothing like your first bow kill. Doe or buck. If nothing good comes in & it's getting to crunch time, take a nice big doe.

crbaker 333;
The Oregon regs have changed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is forked horn or better with the BOW, unless it is special hunts, better check the regs;
I've been bowhunting for 34 yrs, I consider any deer or elk a trophy, especially here in Oregon.
As far as tree stands Blacktail bucks don't use the same trails daily as do white tails, might use the same trail once a week. I have the best luck still hunting. joel

I will turn 40 this year and 2005 will be my first archery hunt. I bought a PSE Nove Rimfire and have been practicing. I joined a league to get more practice at 3-D targets. I was target practicing in my yard the other day and took a rabbit at 30 yards. Shot him in the head with a judo point. I am shooting groups of 5 in the space the size of a half dollar at 20 yards. Also shot my first "Robin Hood" the day after I got the rabbit.
I'm looking forward to spring turkey season. It opens April 18 here in Missouri and runs until May 8. I can't wait until deer season rolls around. The archery bug has bitten me in the worst way.
Anybody out there as excited as I am??

Up here in western Wa. the forests are so dense and blacktail abundant that bowing makes more sense than rifle, when it comes to deer. I shoot a Martin at 65 lbs., Gold Tips and 125 4-blade muzzy's.

Last year the regs said that but then I heard they change the bag limit after they do the annual deer count

To answer your question,are you meat hunting or horn hunting?, I myself am very pleased when i kill an old matriarch doe or two, a nice buck is always welcome but not necessary.