We all get out and do our deer scouting as much as possible, but for most hunters scouting is limited to checking sign and getting stands in working order. If you have several days or, better yet, weeks to hunt, try setting up away from your key area.
Put your stand somewhere you can see deer movement and establish their patterns. Even if this means you have less chance of taking a deer that day, you're learning valuable information that not only helps you make the right decision but also keeps you from making a big mistake.
Once you know the deer's tendencies, move in for the perfect setup. This tactic is best used in longer seasons like primitive weapons seasons or in states with long firearms seasons. For short seasons when every minute counts, your odds are better to make your best guess and hunt the key area.
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• Go to the Deer! Deer hunting can be tough this time of year. Most of the rut activity is over, and the deer have been pressured through weeks and weeks of hunting -- plus there are fewer deer out there. This combination can make for some long, slow hours on stand.