As many have already stated.....It is best IMHO to scout year round. When I do that I know what deer are within my 20 acres and get to know their habits. Sure that often changes during the rut....even bringing some other bucks in for competition but.....I usually know whats going on, or atleast try to do so. And the their patterns change with the seasons I tend to find...not much but they do. Just some thoughts.....