How do you narrow down where the deer live. All I know right now is that People live in the city, and deer don't, so to find deer go out of the woods.

I know that scrapes are good, and so are tracks, but I don't know where is best to look for those.

Any suggestions for new guy?

First of all, Habitat (Food, Water and Shelter) and then Tracks, Rubs, Scrapes,Funnels and Bedding. I try not to contaminate the area by using un-scented rubber boots and using the binoc's as much as possible.

I start by analyzing topo maps to find the habitat as Reb suggests , then narrow down the funnels from there with aerial pics . Once I find a likely area I check for access issues , then scout on foot . Right after the seasons end is when you find the best sign that relates to hunting time , and you don't have to worry about stinking up the joint .

Assuming you have ground to hunt there and hoping that it has some timber on it, I know it probably is not a big tract of timber. At least our ground in N KS has no large timber, nor from my travels accross N. Ks is there any. Look at the edges of the timber for tracks in the field and trails leading into it. Also if there is a crreek with water in it, walk the creek and see where they are crossing the most. Look for spots where several trails may cross. Aerials work great and we use them everyday in my business. They will show you the funnel areas of the timber where you can concentrate your efforts or at least give you a starting point. The deer generally always will use the timber for cover to travel and the spots where the timber is the most narrow is generally a good spot for a stand. If you walk the trails, always be on the lookout for old scrapes or rubs. On a crop field, if there is a low spot at the backside near the timber is also generally a good spot. Because it is out of site from nearby roads and the deer feel more secure.

So what does a funnel look like on an aerial map?

And would i be correct assuming that a good deer habitat is close to a creek or some water, a farmers field, and some forest?

Funnels take many forms , sometimes it's a saddle between two hilltops , another time it can be a thin finger of cover between two larger ones that forces the deer to concentrate . There are many variations , but esentially a funnel is any terrain feature that attracts or concentrates deer . A waterhole is always a good bet since deer have to drink every day , but keep in mind that they will usually choose the source nearest to where they bed , even a small spring or seep . Creek bottoms are excellent for taking deer because they provide both water and travel cover . In an otherwise open field a creek bottom will be heavily traveled . Windbreaks are another good funnel if they provide the only cover available . Any patch of woods that holds oaks , beech , or other nut bearing trees will attract deer , and if it also has persimmon trees plan on being there when they start to drop , persimmons are like crack to deer . Most of the deer droppings that I've ever seen contained persimmon seeds after they started to drop .

Ya know this is a very good question. I am looking at a new piece in Maine this year myself and its real big woods with some old (5 years) cut overs. And what I do is get out as much as possiable and walk the area and try to get to know the area now if you go up by me bring a compass and a GPS or people might be hunting you. bring a note pad and pen and write down things that interest you. All the time looking for deer sign. Sometimes up where I am its difficult as there are so many Moose they tend to cover up a lot of deer sign. Anyway I note small rivers and creeks as I find that deer tend to go to the same spot and cross. The big thing I look for is scatt old and fresh as this means that the deer use this area a lot. By now you should be finding places of intrest and as the season gets closer watch for scrapes and rubs and of corse sightings. Also if you can get on good deer runs follow them they should lead to either bedding or feeding areas. Remember scouting is not over just because the season starts if your not seeing what you like do more scouting during mid day. I hope this helps a little and good luck.

Hi Dave,

I just bought a book entitled "Mapping Trophy Bucks" which deals with interpreting topo maps and arial photos to find good deer habitat. I haven't read it yet but it sounds like just what you're looking for.

Good Hunting!

-- FLIX