Whitetail_Deer_Hunting_Tips
Scouting
You will need to scout your prime hunting location nearly all year long if you plan on taking a big buck. Big whitetail bucks don’t get big for any reason. Scouting a deer through summer and fall helps you keep track of all or any deer activity. It is obvious you should hunt where big bucks are known to live. Things to consider in your hunting area are, is there a good food source for deer and a lot of place for deer to bed in. Scouting takes time so do not settle on the first location that looks good. If the area has lots of deer sign then start baiting their months ahead of the season. Make sure you mount your tree stand at least a month before deer season, so the deer gets used to it. Hand the stand over 10 feet, closer to 15 out of deer’s natural site. Be sure the area has nice natural cover to keep you out of site of the deer.
What to Look For
The obvious signs to search for in the woods where you hunt are buck rubs, scrapes, tracks, and droppings. A buck rub around four inches in diameter means a big buck. Scrapes and tracks are easy to find and a deer made trail get worn quick and are easy to spot. Droppings are a given, because generally the larger they are the larger the deer. Never place your tree stand right above the scrapes as deer that frequent that area will notice you most likely.
Buck Find
Finding an area near a creek near lowland areas, such as a swamp is where bucks like to frequent for a drink. The thick cover is where bucks like to bed, but it’s not going to be easy trying to spot any deer there until they decide to move. If possible try not hunting for long periods of time in the same spot, as wind changes direction. Possibly in a deers favor the wind will carry your scent straight to them. If you can let an experienced hunter steer you in the right direction of the area you plan to hunt. Some hunters have an instinct of where a big buck could be. Sometimes it’s just plane luck that you see many deer, but is sucks when you go a whole deer season and not see a thing like I have.
Weather Factors
Be prepared for the weather conditions, freezing or catching a cold is no fun. When it rains during your hunt can be the worse, but it does muffle any sounds. Chances are you won’t see a deer. Deer don’t like to move when they can’t hear anything. On the other hand a nice blanket of snow gets the deer moving, especially the colder it gets the more food deer need to keep alive. Hunt as long as possible, because in the woods you never know what will get spooked in your direction on any given deer hunt day.
Preparation
It’s common sense if you live in a cold climate to dress in layers. Make a checklist of everything you will need for an all day hunting trip. I you get cold go take a walk like I do to warm up. Keep in mind if you overdress, you can always take layers off. Make sure you have some kind of communication like a cell phone or walkie talkie helps in the event an emergency arises. As always don’t hunt alone. Good luck and have a safe hunt.