Tips & Tactics

It's simple but true: If you want to take a big buck, you have to hunt an area that is home to big bucks. While most huntable woods have a big buck or two, the odds aren't in your favor in areas of heavy hunting pressure.

You can hike deep into the big woods to escape hunter numbers, but you'll be far from farm fields that pull deer and you'll have a long drag if you fill your tag -- that's if you even have access to big woods to hunt. One alternative is to find an area isolated by some type of water. Most deer hunters aren't equipped to cross even knee-high streams or swamps, but deer cross water easily and often. A pair of chest waders can give you access to virtually hunter-free areas that likely hold bigger bucks. And remember that you can hide your waders streamside so you don't have to lug them around.

Read Recent Tip of the Week:
• Put Some Air Under That Scent: Laying down a good scent trail is a great way to bring a buck by your stand or make him stop for a shot.