So, when is the best time to do some scouting? Well the simple answer to that is whenever you get a chance.


I had done just about all I could think of trying to get a certain big buck that was hanging out in an area that I hunt. I had a monster buck lurking around my property and knew I could lure him in, but nothing I did seemed to work. Then I got a hold of this book: “Whitetail!: North America’s Top Deer Hunters Share Their Strategies and Secrets” This book showed me exactly what I was doing wrong. When I followed the tips and secrets in this book about scouting techniques, that’s all it took. By next summer that Big Buck was hanging on my wall. I recommend this book to anyone trying to bring in that monster buck they seem to can’t get.


However, I do feel that I need to add something to all of the chapters in all of the hunting books about scouting. It’s when.


I feel that if you really want to know your deer, If you really want to figure them out, If you really want to get that wall-hanger, you must make this a monthly ritual. Take one Saturday morning a month and take a walk in the woods. During certain times of the year you can make this a family outing. However, you must follow certain guidelines to make this beneficial to your hunt.


So let’s break this down into seasons…….






Immediately after hunting season: This is a great time to go out and find out where the deer are hiding when the shots are being fired. How deep are they going to get away from the hunters? What you will learn during this time of year will truly make a difference on the size of your deer during next season. During this time, make sure that you dress as you would during your hunt. Make sure you are properly scented and camouflaged. You should expect to run into Mr. Game Warden during these trips. So, make sure that you don’t have any weapons on you.


Late winter and early spring: This is a great time to go out with the family. The weather is nice, nature is returning back to it’s green state, and it’s a great time to find last years antler sheds. During this time of year, don’t worry about dressing for the scout. The deer patterns will not be that same as any other time of the year. However, concentrate more on finding antler sheds. This will tell you what kind of bucks are in the area. These sheddings are also fun for the kids to collect. (even the kid inside of you)


Summer: It’s hot, it’s muggy, you want to be in your air conditioned house watching baseball. However, this is the best time to see what is going on in your neck of the woods. Watch for doe with there young. Look for those young bucks so that you can keep an eye on them for future years. During this time, you don’t necessarily need to use camouflage, but I do recommend you de-scent yourself. Make sure to take a pair of binoculars, and a camera. There is nothing more beautiful that a buck in velvet.


Early Fall: It’s time to get serious now. Most people make the big mistake of scouting for bucks during this time of year. Don’t look for bucks, look for does. Where does are now is where the bucks will be during the rut.


Pre-rut: It’s time to start looking for those signs of bucks again. Look for those rubs and scrapes that are starting to show up in the woods. Follow specific trails without actually walking the trails themselves. This is also usually during bow season and sometimes black powder season in most states, so if you are on public land, I don’t recommend scouting during this time of year. If you are on private land……carry your weapon and be ready.


The Rut: During this time of year you should not be scouting. You should be on stand from dusk to dawn. If you are planning to scout this time of year, you might as well just stay home for the season unless you are a great stalker, but I’ll save that for another post.


Remember to make scouting for deer fun. Don’t make it a job. It’s great exercise and if you follow the preceding guidelines will greatly improve your harvest.

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