Archive for the ‘Deer Scouting’ Category
Post Season Scouting
Deer Hunting Tips: After the deer hunting season has passed and before the spring growth has arrived, the hunter should get out for some post season scouting. This is an excellent time of the year to learn about deer activity. Here are some suggestions to get the scouting started.
Go Wide And Deep
For the most part, hunters usually have a pretty good idea of the deer activity that occurred right around their stands. Now is the chance to expand the area. Go deeper into the hunting property to discover signs previously unknown.
Cover every foot of the property and document any tracks, trails, rubs, scrapes, beds, etc. that indicate deer movement. Don’t worry about spooking the deer, they will have forgotten by next fall.
Get Away Areas
Many times deer will change their roaming habits as the hunting season progresses. They will find secluded areas not used by hunters. These get away areas will provide some form of security.
Post season scouting can unveil these secret hiding spots. By finding and keeping records, the hunter can be better prepared for the following hunting season.
Deer Trails
The off season can be valuable when scouting for deer trails. But its not just finding them that is key. It is following them that will provide helpful information for the future.
See where they come from and where they lead to. Back track in each direction. They will lead to bedding, watering, breeding, and feeding areas. Often this will provide the hunter with knowledge that was previously unknown.
Deer Rubs
Although an occasional rub here and there may be helpful, it is the rub lines that will be more valuable. Again, follow them to see where they go. Remember that rub lines often appear in the same general areas from one year to the next.
Deer Bedding Areas
This is the perfect time to walk right down through the middle of the deer bedding areas. And the hunter should do just that. This will provide information on where the beds are as well as how the area is being used.
Look for and follow any trails near these areas. Also pay attention to any buck signs that indicate a buck is or has been using the bedding area.
When searching for bedding areas, look for tall grass, thickets, tall vines, swamps, or any other location that may provide adequate cover. This does not always result in the thickest type of terrain. It may just be an isolated area.
Learn The Terrain
It is also helpful to learn as much about the terrain as possible. Pay attention to any areas that hold water. Look for tracks that may indicate a primary watering hole.
Also look for any current or early food source areas. This may be oak trees, fields used for crops, fruit orchids, etc. In most cases there won’t be anything planted in the fields at this time but there may be next hunting season.
Scouting can also make the hunter aware of funnels, edges, or corners that are used by the deer. Anywhere that the terrain changes abruptly from one type of terrain to another should be noted. This could be something like a pine thicket joining an oak grove for example.
Post season scouting does not have to be done all in one day. So spend a few weekends before the thick spring time and get to know your hunting area better. Make sure to keep good records including field notes, photos, and maps.
Other Helpful Deer Hunting Tips.
High Tech Deer Scouting
The use of scouting techniques is often the difference in whether or not deer are taken during the hunting season. A good hunter is constantly observing and adjusting to changing deer activity. There are some high tech tools that can offer the hunter valuable scouting information.
Computer And Internet
The computer can be used to download photos, maps, or information found while in the woods. The Internet can also be a good research tool. You can find just about any thing that you need or want to know about hunting by browsing. The Internet offers a wide selection of information available for hunters. You can even find forums where you can have questions answered immediately. So take advantage of this valuable resource.
Topographical Maps
The topographical map gives the hunter a visual of the different types of terrain from any given hunting area. These maps often provide helpful information about a piece of land that may not have been previously known. They provide large scale detail of the land in question. Topographical maps provide both natural and man made features which can be beneficial to hunters.
Aerial Photos
An aerial photo provides a birds eye view of a hunting area. It is an overall picture from above. These photos help distinguish how a property is broken down as in fields, woods, or water. They provide the hunter with an additional resource that can be used to determine proper set up locations.
Trail Cameras
Many advancements over the years have made the trail camera a must have for serious deer hunters. When placed in areas that provide good deer activity, these cameras provide excellent detailed information. They show real time photos of deer movement. Such knowledge can allow the hunter to make accurate decisions on when and how a certain area can be hunted.
So add these high tech tools to your scouting regimen. They may help improve on success. Good luck and be safe.
Related:
July Scouting Tip
Deer Hunting Tips: July is a good time to scout for early season deer hunting success. Deer will be on their summer time feeding schedules. They will be feasting on a variety of field crops. Often the deer hunter can take advantage of this time of year to pattern bucks for the September bow season.
Bucks can be seen in bachelor groups during day light hours throughout the summer months. Scouting allows the hunter the opportunity to view the deer from a distance with the use of binoculars. A good hunter will keep visuals on bucks at both early mornings and late afternoons. Viewing from afar allows the hunter to watch deer without being detected.
The hunter can then keep notes as to the locations of where the deer are entering and exciting the fields during feedings. Don’t forget to make note of the times as well. Also pay attention to any watering holes that can be used by deer. They will be frequenting these areas often due to the heat. Such gathered information can provide the hunter with starting points as to where to set up stand locations for opening day of the deer hunting bow season.
Keep these deer hunting tips in mind the next time you are out riding the country side. As always be safe and good luck.
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