Deer & Turkey Hunting Tips

This article offers seven tips for deer hunting during the rut period.

Scent Control

It is very important for hunters to take steps in reducing human odors. Proper clothing and maintenance, using scent controlling sprays, and being aware of wind directions are all vital for success. If deer hunting all day, remember to focus on scent control throughout. Mature bucks will continue to be alert for danger even during the rutting periods so watch your odors.

Hunt Feeding Areas

Both does and bucks will continue to feed throughout the deer rut. Although the bucks may not feed as much as normal, they will follow does and take advantage of the available food sources. Field crops, acorns, and secluded food plots are often good locations for finding deer during the rut.

Hunt Secluded Areas

During the rut, does coming into estrus often move away from the main deer herd. A small secluded area that provides some cover can be a great place for a hunter to set up stand. These areas don’t need to be overly thick or dense with cover. A field overgrown with tall grass or a thin sapling thicket can be all that’s needed for the does to begin breeding.

Hunt Longer

Since the deer rut will get bucks moving around more, it is wise to stay in the woods as much as possible while deer hunting. It is not unusual to see bucks roaming the woods at all hours of the day. Prepare accordingly with adequate clothing, food and drink, and a comfortable place to sit.

Hunt The Rut

As soon as the first signs of the rutting period occurs, hunters should spend all available time deer hunting. The pre rut, rut, and post rut periods all offer excellent opportunities for those who spend extra time in the field.

Use A Grunt Call

The deer rut is a good time to use a grunt call. Bucks will respond to a grunt better during the rut than any other time. Mix a series of soft grunts together or try louder grunts to see what works best. Since most areas will have a decent number of bucks, at any given time one or more may be willing to respond to grunting.

Stay Focused

It can be very easy for a hunter to let his or her guard down while spending long hours on stand. It is important not to fall into this trap. There is an old saying that you only have about five seconds on average to identify and make a harvest attempt on a buck. This is often very true so it is wise to always stay focused especially during the deer rutting periods.

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