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.
