Prepping For Early Success
By Mark Melotik
Searing heatwaves in the depths of summer mean one thing to deer-hunting fanatics: We’re creeping ever closer to whitetail season. Better still, the first few days and weeks of the season offer a prime opportunity to ambush a good buck in one of the easiest places to hunt them — field edges.
As you might guess, there is much more to consistent field-side success than simply showing up. Here are some factors to consider:
* Look Before You Leap
Unless you have intimate knowledge of local deer movement, start your field hunt from a distant vantage point. High points or fence rows are good examples. Late-summer glassing sessions allow you to lay back and observe deer movement, and pinpoint preferred field entrance/exit trails. Hordes of mosquitoes or not, it’ll be time well spent.
* Hit The Snooze Button
Afternoon hunts are not only more effective than morning hunts, they could be your only option. Why? Early season mornings are filled with danger zones.
Navigating in the dark means you will likely bump deer en route to your stand, and the deer — likely headed back to day beds — could be most anywhere before first light.
Worse, most mature bucks will now be bedded before first shooting light. However, come early afternoon, the tide turns. You now know where most bucks are located (heavy security cover), and where they want to be come evening (a tasty ag field).
* Afternoon Delight
To gauge how early you need to be on stand, consider the remoteness of your chosen field. The more remote, the earlier deer will be up on their feet in daylight. Of course, it’s always best to hedge your bets and arrive on stand earlier than you think necessary.
* Wise Access
Always consider the wind when planning stand access routes, and be prepared to go the long way around when entering and exiting your site. Consider carrying outerwear in your pack to avoid sweating en route to your stand. Also, wait until deer have moved a good distance away before exiting your stand after dark.
* Keep ’em Guessing
Mature deer never seem to use the same trail two days in a row for a reason. Wise bowhunters should mimic this behavior. Bowhunters who use the same parking spots, stand sites and access routes will eventually get patterned by deer — keep them guessing by rotating your locations and routine.