" Early in my hunting career, I was taught that the key to success was to follow the food source. Time of day, moon phase, temps, and deer density are all factors that a good hunter should take into consideration. But food sources top them all" Carl Warmouth

I have to say I do. Let's hear it.

I'd have to say I do. When it comes down to it if you can find what that big boy is eating and can position yourself to ambush him going to or fro then the hard part is done.

Of course this is an exception during the rut, when he is looking for the does. Which is when you find out what the does are eating then wait there.

What you say is 100% true. In reality though It's not that easy or we would all be tagged out every year. So many other things factor into it.

Not being argumentative.....but actually it IS that easy. It's 100% true.

A whitetail deer is a slave to its' stomach. The above, quoted statememet is wonderful.

Exception is the rut. Bucks lose at least 18-20% body fat during it.

i would agree.

rick

I believe the underlying principle is that simple.Applying the rule isa lot more tricky

Some other important food factors:

crop rotation
acorn availability
hunter pressure on food sites
nocturnal feeding

Iagree that's one aspect of the picture.Deer really aren't complicated animals.They need 3 things and 3 things only-cover,food and mates.If you find an area that has all 3,you're set.Just have to put the pieces together after that

You left out water, Jim......but I get your point.

Agreed. And as to the second part, during the rut the male whitetail deer is a slave to it's ......well... nevermind.[8D]