Big Deer Blog

This is a transitional time in the woods. Some does have been bred, others are still to be bred, bow season is still on in some states, the rifles are starting to boom (or will shortly) in other areas. Four things to keep in mind: #1: Hunt where two or three ridges converge and peter out into a creek bottom or swamp. The thicker the cover the better. If food sources are anywhere close, the spot will be a dumping ground for lots of whitetails. No doubt you’ll find trails, rubs and scrapes. Set a stand or blind on a vantage 150 yards or so downwind of a convergence of hills and watch for a day or two. Once you [...]

Mike, I haven’t had much luck hunting scrapes, what do you suggest? Emory P. from PA Emory, I hear you man, scrape hunting is dang unpredictable. But here’s something to think about. A University of Georgia study found that three, five or more bucks might scrape like crazy on one ridge or in a creek bottom, while other sets of scrapes only 300 yards or so away might go cold overnight. So you always have to be looking for and hunting the hottest scrapes with the most buck activity right now. I suggest: If you hunt a set of scrapes for two or three days and don’t see a buck, pull out of there immediately and scout for hotter, fresher scrapes 200 [...]