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TIP OF THE MONTH BY BRANDON DANKER
GETTING READY FOR OPENING DAY
“Find the water source. Deer need water. If you’re hunting an area where the water sources are few, it is probable that these are the areas deer will frequent.”
Preparation is always a big factor in your season’s success. This is the time when checking your cameras and your hunting inventory is very important. Bucks are in velvet, and they’re reaching their full potential so now we can see what lives on our farms. A key thing that has been helpful for me is to spend time on my farm glassing fields to try and pattern the deer. This helps you determine where the best areas for stands will be when it’s time to get in the woods. Look for trails in and out of crop areas to find the routes deer are taking to get to food sources. Setting stands near these entrances and exits will help you intercept the deer before they get to their feeding areas. 83 °F
WATER
Find the water source. Deer need water. If you’re hunting an area where the water sources are few, it is probable that these are the areas
deer will frequent. Ponds and sloughs are great areas to look for deer tracks. These areas also provide lush vegetation that deer love. LOCATION IS KEY
Hunting the edges is the best way to hunt early season deer. Hunt your agricultural fields and food plots the first few weeks, and try to catch them entering and exiting their destination fields. If you’re not having any luck with mature bucks appearing during shooting hours, you may need to move in 20 to 100 yards to find peninsulas that extend out into the crop fields. Mature bucks often feel more secure there before walking out into the open. These are a few good tips that have helped me in early season hunting. Good luck and until next month, Shoot by Sight, Walk by Faith!
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The BEST of BOTH
BR AN DANKER
WORLDS 152 / AUGUST 2011