RE: Deer hunting question
A couple of things if I may. I would suggest that it is a little early for the doe in estrus lure. Personally I would suggest getting a couple of books written by Greg Miller and Charles Alsheimer...those are the two I would say have some great tactics and background on whitetails.
OK, now for some pointers....DISCLOSURE: I AM BY NO MEANS AN EXPERT
Stand Sets : The basics are know when they spend time on their bellies and where they like to fill them. From there, find topo features or woodlines (inside corners, fence lines,creek banks, etc)that "pinch" downtravel routes. These will make nice ambush sites for deer. They like the easiest path of travel without exposing themself. Be sure that your set gives you the ability to see the deer approaching of course it never works out like it should. They always seem to come from where you least expect it. Also be sure to pay attention to the wind.
These pinch points or travel corridors should have some old rubs that are visible. This should give you some indication that you are on the right path. Normally bucks will rub and scrape in the same general areas, given that there has not been a dramatic change in food source, timber harvest, etc.
Calling : Most effective time to use calls is usually the early morning (first hour) and the last hour of daylight. This is from my experience and others that I have read about. Most important, do not call when the deer is in sight. When they hear a grunt for example, their mind tells them that they should see a deer. When they do not, they become weary and will usually go on about their business...older bucks will turn and walk away. Not to say that they won't come in, but it is doubtful. Rattling can be effective as well, usually rattle ina non-aggressive manner, trying to imitate that of young bucks sparring...however, it has been my experience that the smaller bucks will come in to investigate. Later as the chase phase begins, try somewhat more aggressive rattling. Keep in mind that most of the dominance is established without the need of conflict. I tend to rattle for about 30 seconds at three different intervals. In betweenI will toss in some grunts from my Primos Buck Roar.
Scents : I tend to utilize a non-estrus doe urine when I am finding scrapes being used. For me, I usually will "scent" them lightly. I have found my best luck to hunting scrapes at the tail end of a rain. For example, with the technology you can almost pinpoint when the rain will stop. Be rest assured that once it is, those bucks will be off their bellies out refreshing those scrapes. This is a good way to have a good mature whitetail expose himself. To me, this has been a successful method of sightings. In addition, I will do some drag lines across known trails to try and lure the deer closer in the event they are using a far trail. Be sure to loop the trail at the beginning and the end. This will prevent the deer for walking away and "searching"...I have had real good luck with this strategy later in October. Whitetails are a very social animal and believe me that the will respond more to their noses than that of hearing. To me, I have had alot of success using scents in the past.
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Hoyt Carbon Element
G5 Striker Broadhead
RMEF Life Member
French Creek Chapter Volunteer
Erie, Pennsylvania
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