LATE SEASON DEER HUNTING STRATEGY... DID AI GET IT RIGHT??
Entertainment
Introduction
As November comes to a close and we find ourselves in December, many hunters are reflecting on their seasons thus far. Personally, I’ve had a productive hunting season with successful hunts in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Alabama. I’ve even captured some decent footage, including a Tennessee velvet deer and a Kentucky buck. Although I haven’t managed to secure a public land buck yet, I've had some good encounters on private land.
Hunting Experiences
I recently ventured to Missouri around October 20, but it was a challenging trip marred by bad weather and timing issues, which made for a tough hunting experience. After my Missouri trip, I set my sights on hunting in Alabama, where I’ve been tracking a specific buck. I recorded a sighting of him at 5:29 PM, and unfortunately, I got busted by a doe during my first hunting trip there. The experience taught me about the importance of proper timing and preparation, particularly knowing when to utilize new camera gear effectively. There’s a solid chance that this buck might daylight soon, and I’m eager to return for another attempt.
While I have access to property in Ohio for hunting, the lack of decent deer showing up has me leaning toward sitting this one out. There’s been considerable hunting pressure on the property due to stray dogs and constant disturbances, so I’m considering whether to continue with that lease next year.
Shifting Focus for Late Season
With the late hunting season approaching, I thought it’d be interesting to compare my knowledge with insights from AI regarding late-season deer hunting. After conducting some research, I've compiled some strategies that the AI recommends, which I’ll analyze below:
Food Sources
AI suggests focusing on food sources during late season, as deer are often depleted of fat and muscle mass following the rut. Some key food sources to target include soybeans, corn, turnips, and salable crops. I wholeheartedly agree with this approach because the majority of my camera activity lately has revolved around food.
Bedding Areas
Another piece of advice from AI is to locate bedding areas with optimal solar or thermal cover. This advice resonates well; positioning yourself at the base of these areas could yield good sightings, although it's crucial to be aware of the risk of being spotted by deer.
Rut Behavior
The AI mentions looking for unbred does reentering estrous about 28 days after the primary rut. This strategy is a tough one; however, being alert to rutting activity can still yield some success.
Hunting Pressure
Late in the season, deer are more affected by hunting pressure, and thus it may pay off to beef up bedding areas closer to food sources. I agree that hunting in regions where hunting pressure is low can be beneficial.
Use of Decoys and Scents
Utilizing decoys, deer scents, and rattling bags can also help attract deer. I intend to employ decoys this late season, utilizing both buck and doe models to draw in potential targets.
Final Thoughts
The AI's insights provide a broad overview of strategies for late-season hunting, which has merit. As I prepare for my next hunts, I'm revisiting my tactics, primarily refocusing on food and hunting pressure while continuing to monitor camera placements. I find many hunters indicating that their success rate peaks after December 20, and I remain hopeful about my chances to encounter a mature buck before the season wraps up.
I'm genuinely interested in learning what strategies you, as fellow hunters, have adopted for late-season deer hunting. Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
Keywords
Late season deer hunting, hunting strategies, food sources, bedding areas, rut behavior, hunting pressure, decoys, deer scent.
FAQ
Q: What are the best food sources for deer during late season?
A: Some effective food sources include soybeans, corn, turnips, apples, and acorns.
Q: How should I approach late-season deer hunting?
A: Focus on food sources, observe bedding areas, and consider the impact of hunting pressure on deer movement.
Q: Should I hunt for does during late season?
A: While it's worth monitoring rut activity, hunting for does can be challenging. It may be more advantageous to focus on food and food plots.
Q: What equipment should I consider using in late season?
A: Utilizing decoys can be beneficial, along with deer scents and rattling bags to entice deer.
