I was thinking about trying to late season bow hunt on some public land later this year. I know its still a little while away but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for late season public land hunting. Ive never really hunted any public land before so any advice helps. Thanks guys!

The public areas get pounded during gun season. The deer will vacate to areas where they aren't bothered. They will start coming back a couple of weeks after things quiet down. You'll have to scout any food plots or heavy cover areas after a snow to get a sense of their movement. They will travel a long way to get food in late season, so locate where they are coming from. One thing about late season hunting is that deer movement gets very regular and predictable. If they come through a 4:00 one day, they'll be through at the same time tomorrow.

Find what they are eating. Late season is all about FOOD.

HJ

so are noon to night any better than early morning in late season ? i have heard people say dont bother going in before 9-11am ?? any truth to this

When the hunters go in the deer come out. Find a food plot along the property lines and start scouting the area there. Deer chased out during the gun seasons will start to filter back in but even the bow hunters will keep them holding to the edges.

Many times, the smallest tracts of public land are overlooked by the majority of hunters. Find a couple of those and check them out.

Also, there are public hunting lands that are bowhunting only, which greatly reduces hunting pressure. If you find a small, bowhunting only tract that connects to larger tracts, you could have a sweet hunting spot on your hands

Food. Winter is all about food for deer. Hunt the food source that the deer are hitting. I have not had much luck in morning hunts in late season. I usually go mid-day and sit for as long as I can stand it.
-Jake