Deer Scouting Tactics
Deer hunting tips: Deer scouting is the act of searching for and locating signs of deer activity. This may be food sources, water sources, travel trail routes, bedding areas, tracks, droppings, rubs, scrapes, and so forth. The best way to scout for deer is to spend as much time in the woods as possible throughout the entire year. This article provides some tactics for scouting deer.
Know The Terrain
An important factor for hunters is to know the terrain to be hunted. Hunting in unscouted and unfamiliar places rarely will result in success. The hunter should walk the land to be hunted prior to the season. The only exception to this would be if hunting with a guide or partner who was familiar with the land.
Maps
The use of maps is an important tool for scouting. The hunter can keep notes and draw up the maps while in the woods. Or by obtaining a topographical map of the land. Either way, maps should play a part as they will provide valuable information to the hunter. The more detailed the map the better. An aerial photo map of the land can also be of use.
Field Notes
Hunters should keep a pen and note pad for taking field notes with them at all times. This will help keep track of found scouting information. Write down all information and details found. This could be any sign of deer activity, possible stand locations, hunter entrance and exit locations, and so forth. Keeping records throughout the year is important for success.
Deer Signs
The goal of scouting is to locate the most concentrated amounts of deer signs in order to have a starting point for hunting. The hunter needs to know how each sign plays a role in understanding deer activities. This knowledge will provide the hunter with helpful information to produce better results in the field.
Bedding Areas
The bedding areas used by deer are a primary sign to locate. This is a starting and ending point for all deer activity. Deer will have several bedding areas located on their home range. This may small tracts of tall grassy areas, a patch of young pine trees, thickets, over grown cut overs, and so forth. In finding these areas the hunter should look for numerous trails and tracks leading to them. Avoid walking directly into bedding areas.
Food Sources
Another primary sign to look for while scouting is deer food sources. This will change throughout the year. Deer eat a variety of plants, nuts, fruits, and field crops. Depending on the time of year, the hunter needs to locate as many food sources as possible. The tract of land to be hunted will dictate what types of food is available. Keeping track of this information will allow the hunter to set-up in good locations during the season.
Deer Trails
Ideally the hunter is scouting for deer trails that lead to or come from bedding and food source areas. These trails will provide the best oppotunity for seeing deer. The closer a hunter can get to these primary areas without being detected the better. Spending time in the woods will allow the hunter to find out when deer are using which trails at any given time. The use of trail cameras has also become a valuable scouting tool that provides dates, times, and photos of deer movement.
Rubs And Scrapes
As the season progresses other deer signs such as rubs and scrapes will begin to appear. Finding these areas will give the hunter more information that can be used for stand or blind placement. They also provide knowledge that one of the primary times of the year for mature bucks is arriving. Keeping track of these signs will enable the hunter to be prepared for the rutting season.
These deer hunting tips for scouting deer are provided as helpful information that can be used in the field. Remember that scouting begins well before the season and it should continue throughout. So good luck and be safe.
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