I’ve kept my key to public land success a secret for some time now, but am glad to share with fellow Buckmasters fans.
I like to bowhunt Missouri’s public hunting grounds from mid-September through mid-January, which is a long archery season.
This is permissible in Missouri because a compound bow is considered a legal weapon during all the deer seasons as long as you have the appropriate tag.
I’ve discovered pressured deer move the most between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. because other hunters move so much during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Deer, especially mature bucks, catch on quickly. They have patterned us because most hunters have a predictable routine.
We leave our stands late in the morning to go eat lunch or use the bathroom, then return to our stands in the afternoon. This routine is repeated pretty much at the same times of day throughout the season.
Staying put and letting the deer come to you during the midday hours is the key.
I’ve found being patient and having confidence in your stand choices helps you make this adjustment to hunting in broad daylight.
The 10 ‘til 2 period really gets good during the rut when hunting pressure is at its peak.
I’ve even experienced success with my bow during the firearms season year after year. That should tell you how effective it is!
– Editor’s Note by Tim H. Martin
Like Missouri, here in the Deep South the season lasts several months and most deer have patterned hunters within a week or two.
Just as Kyle states, I’ve also found when the pressure is on, especially during the rut or full moon, the 10 ‘til 2 trick is most effective.
It might seem unnatural to hunt at midday at first, but after you’ve seen a few mature bucks moving at high noon, your confidence in 10 ‘til 2 hunting will grow.
– Photo Courtesy of Kyle Albrecht
If you have a unique or special tip you’d like to share with Buckmasters fans, please email it to huntingtips@buckmasters.com and, if chosen, we will send you a cap signed by Jackie Bushman, along with a knife!
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