Hoyt_Viper

Good post Brett. I had some of the same thoughts today as well. There is a HUGE difference in this time of year in the woods than in the fall or winter. All of the signs that I saw last year, especially rubs, have healed and the foliage seems to make the area look like you have never been there before. Keep good notes of the "healed" rub lines from last year, because if he is still alive...he will be back!

The positives about scouting this time of year is the ability to find well used trails in taller grass, as well as bedding areas that are easier to spot (matted down grass, etc.). When I walked the property today, it all seemed new, probably because I did what you did and started from scratch. I looked for funnels, mature oaks, and even where the deer are crossing the creek. Last year my stand locations were in "amateur" sites compared to the knowledge of the land I have now. As I looked at where I had stands last year, they were not near the mature oaks that I noticed with the leaves that are on them now, and the trails that I saw in the green grass were non-existant in the fall.

With my knowledge I have now of the patterns from feeding to bedding I am at abetter advantage. I didnt get the opportunity last year to scout any of this landbecause I got permission to hunt it in early November, when the leaves were all gone and I had no clue at what directions they were coming or going in the mornings and afternoons.

I think another advantage I have this year is the food plots. It is definately a strategy that will allow me to know where they are getting their supplements to the ag fields that will be harvested by early fall.

keep up the good work, it will pay off and Im sure you will be able to credit it to the "big" "mature" buck you have learned to outsmart this season. Just be sure you get it done soon so you can get out of there a couple months before season. They always know when you are there or have been there recently.