The Antler Almanac by Pete Plasmier

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Antler Almanac

Sept. 7, 2013

Some last-minute scouting tips for the slippery old bowhunter

Bowhunting season is almost upon us. Here’s a last-minute scouting tip.

I’ve already done my groundwork:: identifying food sources (very important for early-season hunts—if you find a good source, the deer are very likely to show up there), old rubs, game trails, bedding areas, etc. At this time of year, I like to scout from a distance with good binoculars —sitting in my truck or tucked into a hedgerow far from the deer.

Most hunters scout in the afternoon, but you owe it to yourself to get out early in the morning at least once, right before the season begins. That’s because, often, a big buck’s morning routine is very different from what he does in the evening. Generally, bucks will file out into the fields from their bedding sites in the evening using a lot of the same trails the does use; early in the morning, however, they may return from the fields to their bedding sites by totally different trails. 

My message is simple: If you scout what bucks do in the morning, you may be surprised at the
trails they take and you’ll be better prepared to intercept one on an early-morning hunt.

With a little good luck you’ll land that monster buck in the first week of the season. Most hunters I know will take luck over skill any day, but a little skill can’t hurt.

Remember, when deer hunting go in clean and come out quiet.

Share the tradition, take a youngster hunting or fishing!