Deer Hunting Post Season Scouting for Big Bucks
One of the best ways to improve your odds for getting a big buck next year is Post Season Scouting. Now that deer hunting season is over it’s never too late to start thinking about next year.I hope all of you had a rewarding 2007 season. Just being able to get out and sit in the woods a few hunts was rewarding enough to me, even though I didn’t harvest a deer. I have two sons, a 7 month old and a two year old and I had to work a lot of overtime last year. Needless to say I had to have my priorities in order. Nevertheless I was fortunate enough to see two big bucks. Just being out there was wonderful. Now is a great time to look for clues to a successful season for next year. Before you know it, it will be time to go deer hunting again.Now that all the leaves are gone and the vegetation is at a minimum you may be able to see some things that you wouldn’t otherwise. I like to be on the lookout for deer trails, rubs, scrapes, and bedding areas. We have had big bucks on the trail camera the past couple of years. We know the general area several are using, so now is a great time to figure them out. It is also great exercise out scouting your property, and who knows you may find a shed of the big buck that eluded you last season. Finding a big shed can be a trophy in itself. Trail cameras are great on food sources this time of year and can help give you an idea of buck-doe ratio. You also have an idea of which bucks made it through the season, Although we can’t go whitetail deer hunting this time of year we can get out there with them and read the signs they left from last year.I’m sure you would agree that hunting is great fun. Scouting can be too, and you can get into shape doing it. Give yourself an advantage over that trophy buck next year. Post season scout-you’ll be glad you did.
