Comments on: Scouting For Deer – Summertime Tips

By: Johnson

Johnson — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:55:16 +0000

I had a 180 inch 16pt coming into my food plot all summer & I got tones of pic’s of him. 2 weeks ago he just left. I noticed it was right as buck’s started rubbing so I’m guessing he just changed his summer pattern for the begining of fall. It’s kinda hard because the time I put in for this deer. I figured the first day of season I’d wack him, but it dont look that way. Hopefully during the rut he’s still around.

By: Todd Jensen

Todd Jensen — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:03:59 +0000

I would also encourage scouting right after the snow melts in the spring.

Your hunting area at this time is almost identical to how it was left in the fall after the rut. Vegetation both on the ground and on the trees is either missing or very short making searching for rubs much easier. The earth is moist exposing tracks and scrapes. Most of this sign disappears once the ground dries. The ground becomes light colored and easily disturbed.

Offshoot trails have not been covered up by new grass or fallen leaves. Big whitetail bucks rarely follow the “beaten path” come hunting season and knowing the location of offshoot trails is critical to stand placement.

Not only is spring scouting great exercise but you will be totally focused on studying the area and looking for all available sign. Thoughts of scaring deer or disturbing the area are not as large of concern.

Happy Hunting!

By: stinger stanley

stinger stanley — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:16:20 +0000

I have to agree with you, summer scouting has really paid off for me. The Missouri bow season starts sept.13, and those brusiers are still hitting the field. The summer pattern lasts till the 1st or second week in oct. which by the 15-20 of sept. i have already tagged a monster from the summer pattern. great article, be safe and do your scouting it will pay off!! God Bless

By: Ervin Pratt

Ervin Pratt — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:45:55 +0000

Hunt the Does. Learn their area late summer and early fall, the bucks will follow. Look for scrapes near the feeding areas. ridges, swamp edges and logging road edges are good spots to check. I usually get 3- 5 bucks a year. Don’t shoot the spikes, forks, or cow horns. Probably should, but I’d rather make it worth while.

By: Mike Lurk

Mike Lurk — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:50:23 +0000

I agree with you on the summer batchlor groups and how they split as their antler harden. But it sure is fun to run trail cameras on them.
On the other hand late season has been good to my boys and I for havesting some of the bucks we see in the summer months.
Then the fun starts all over again the next season.

By: mule deer hunt

mule deer hunt — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 09:00:34 +0000

I find myself coming back here a lot to read. I’ve learned many new things here. Thanks a lot!

By: Adam

Adam — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:18:51 +0000

Good tips. My deer season comes in early september this year so hopefully I will get the big one with the bow.

By: Tad

Tad — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:12:45 +0000

good tips i always do summer scouting not much to scout though since i only hunt 2 acres of property just like watchin the deer i guess.

By: Arthur

Arthur — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:06:49 +0000

All great tips that I will use. I knew some and learned about a few others. I just wish I could get a buck on trailcam. Hopefully that happens soon.

By: Tom Sorenson

Tom Sorenson — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:04:16 +0000

Good info – I’ve always wondered about summer scouting as it seems so far away from hunting season. Seeing as most of my hunting is done, though, in September, I’d imagine that there could be some definite advantages to getting out even this early.