D Rock

I did some scouting the other day while the snow was still on the ground and found out why I didn't see as many deer this season as I had hoped to. Their main travel routes had shifted to another corner of our property. Perhaps I should have spent a little more time scouting before season, but I can't change the past. Only prepare for next season.

My question for everyone is how useful is winter scouting in preparation for next season? Are the trails they are using this year worth setting up a stand on for next year? My plan of attack is to put my trail cam up in these areas in the summer and see how much travel comes through. What do you guys think?

huntshack2

My experience has been that deer tend to stick to an area no matter the season. I try to focus on three keys no matter early or late season. 1. Food Source 2. Cover 3. Low Pressure Areas. I try to find an area that combines all three keys. Pattern changes in my area seem to be more reliant on food source and pressure. From what you've said it seemed that the deer were using an area with less pressure.

Bloodsaw

deer change patterns by season, u might have them all over the place in one area during the summer then fall hits and they are nowhere to be found, safest thing to do is have stands in every possible location and when find out where they are AT THE TIME you hunt then, if one area isnt panning out, switch areas

Jimmy S

Yes, I agree the deer will change their basic patterns based mostly on the food source. I would not rely on setting up next Fall on what I see during the Winter months.

In-season scouting is crucial. It sounds so simply, but you can't shoot them if you can't see them. I have been hunting the same large piece of public woods for many years. I will also admit that I was and can be a stubborn hunter. I used to overhunt specific stands that were productive in past years. I would think that sooner or later I would see that big, old buck come into view while I was there. A few years ago, I changes my strategy. If I did not see any evidence of deer on stand, I would relocate after 3 sits (1 sit = 1/2 day). I would move either to a totally new piece of woods based on new scouting or simply move a few hundred yards away. My deer sighting increased significantly. Also, let me say my area has less than 10 deer/sq mile so seeing and shooting deer can be quite challenging.

My point is you have to be into deer. Continuing to scout during the deer season plays a major role in success.