what specific things should we be out looking for? last year rubs, are there scrapes this time of year?

As the weather warms to the mid 70's I preoccupy myself with scouting the thong at the beach....ohhhh the occasional big wave bikini top loss is OK but they are few and far between. Concentrate on the available booty...besides deer are only nubs now scouting can wait till august.

No rubbing yet not until around mid-october and into november. Right now you can figure out where the deer are at, maybe set up food plots and study the deer over the summer time and you should be in good shape for the fall season.

Look for an enjoyable time as you walk the woods you plan to hunt this Autumn. Being in the woods at any time of the year, to me, is always something I look forward to. That being said, this time of the year the does are droppoing and nursing their fawns, while the bucks begin new antler growth. It appears to be a very tranquil time for the deer. Of course that all will change as the weeks and months go by, so for now and until that time comes, relax, enjoy whatever time is spent in the deer woods and concentrate on keeping the beer/coke cold.

Now is a good time to get some early summer scouting in. Right now deer are starting their summer feeding patterns and can be seen regularly and some fawns should be showing up. Fawns can show you what the future generation crop will be.OOH ZOOMER... buck are not just nubs, I saw one last night (5-31-05) 6pt with a wide rack. They may have been nubs in march, but not now.

I try to check for last years sign as soon as deer season is over before spring green up. This time of year I check my stands and maybe rehang some posted signs. While I am at it, I usually take notes of places that look promising to check on closer to the season.

About the only thing I try to do this time of year is to try and locate new tracts of private land for hunting. Deer are all over the place, so the only need is an area to hunt.

Start looking for brouse lines, where they were feeding before spring greenup. Old scrape lines and rub lines. Locate a thick spot near there,where he may have his bedroom. You won't find any fresh sign other than feeding or bedding this time of year.

I second that[8D]

"Pre-season" scouting is best done between February and April, with March being the best time. As someone else mentioned, you can find all the *old sign before the spring green-up, locate sheds, and find new hot-spots. Plus too, its so far from the season, it wont effect the deer at all. Scouting now through September is really too late, the woods are too thick, and the later you go, the more you educate the deer as to your presence. You should already know where to go, and prep stand sites in these warm-hot months. Stand prep has to be done quietly too though, dont just clamor through the woods like an ape. Do it stealthily, and be scent aware.

*old sign= Rubs, rub-lines, scrapes, beds, droppings, browse lines, shed antlers, etc,. Also look for trails, funnels, and fence/river crossings. Make note of any apple, acorn or persimmon trees, and any other food sources the deer may rely on during the hunting season.

Around the end of July or beginning of August, go spotting or just cruise the fields in late evening, trying to see how big the bucks are. You should be able to spot them feeding in bachelor groups, and it gives you an idea as to what bucks are shooters for you.

Most of all, work on your shooting in the late spring to fall. There isnt much else you should be doing for the upcoming season, unless you're trying to find new areas to hunt for the following year.

Good luck---Matt