Deer Scouting - Member Perspective

I always look over the hill and I’ve found that it doesn’t take much cover for a good stand location. Deer are moving through this depression in and out of this field and cannot be viewed from a road or house for a least ¼ mile in all directions. This spot comprised less than 2 acres of cover in a 160 acre corn field and had evidence of good deer movement especially bucks. The fence line also serves as a good reference point for wildlife movement. Bucks moving along this fence can cross several doe trails during the rut undetected. Farmland bucks remind me of how my bird dogs used to work cover; constantly checking the wind and cruising on the downwind side of the cover in search of game. I would like to note that this cover did not show up on an aerial photo. This spot makes a good bow or rifle location.

Here are some items that go with me every trip. They are essential whether I’m bow hunting or carrying a firearm. This set costs about $45 and is available at most good farm hardware stores throughout the Midwest.

Things look different in the fall and one of these will remind you where to turn; or locate that special tree in the dark after a long trip and months of planning. Use these very sparingly so not to bring attention to your hunting area.

I try to be prepared for all types of dangerous game while scouting. Although harmless in appearance the animal below can be is a fierce beast. A few months ago a popular predator hunting magazine ran an article on feral cats and wildlife predation. According to their research, where present, feral cats were the #1 predator for small wild game including songbirds; often killing for sport, not consumption. One of these guys could certainly catch a few quail and small turkey.

Speaking of bird dogs earlier. I still have one but have not bird hunted in years. I don’t know how she would act if I took her hunting; however; she can point squirrels and birds in my yard better than some of the dogs I raised as a kid. Considering the amount of quail I saw on this trip; bird hunting would probably be a good hobby to start again.