Although many of us are still spending our days drifting local streams in search of trophy largemouth the early archery season is just around the corner. Before you know it you will be waking early and climbing a tree stand instead of casting lures. Some hunters skip the early season, choosing instead to focus on the pre-rut and rut periods. Doing so may save vacation days but could just as likely save you from having to use your tag as well.
The early archery season is a different type of hunting. Deer are still in summer mode and many bucks are traveling under the cover of darkness making them harder to pinpoint. But that does not mean you should simply wait. While the pre-rut and rut periods are by far the best hunting and responsible for more success than early or late periods there are many monster bucks taken outside the rut – if you hunt and hunt right.
- When opening day arrives be in the woods and be ready. Deer are most likely still moving in their summer feeding patterns and pre-scouting is extremely important. Trail cameras can definitely up your game, but doing some on site scouting for the 3-4 evening prior can make all the difference. Learn where and how they are coming and going, locate a stand site near the route and be there.
- Hunt whenever conditions allow early on. In most areas the deer you are hunting during the early season have not et experienced the hunter pressure which will later change their pattern, becoming more weary. You can take advantage of this by being the one who is in the woods and ready when those happy go luck bucks wonder by. But remember that YOU do not want to be the one who forces a change in pattern so if conditions do no make for a good hunt stay home.
- Water can be the key. Early season can often mean higher temperatures than those seen even a few weeks later. While this often makes seeing bucks during the day difficult, as they will bunk down to stay cool, it also means they will need access to a regular source of water. If you can not set up on a food source find the water source and set up there.
- Scent control is vital. Managing scent should always be a top priority, but during the early season it is about more than hiding it is also about not altering veteran bucks or educating newbies. The focus of early season hunting is filling tags but if you do not get a shot you also do not want your attempts to limit potential opportunities later either.
- Make sure your shooting lanes are clear. There is nothing as disappointing as getting a once in a season shot and missing, especially if the miss is an otherwise perfect shot deflected by a leaf, branch or other obstruction. Pre-season checks of stand sites will help identify obstructions which did not exist or were not a concern during your last visit. Clear any limbs, tall grass etc. and make sure you check by climbing into your stand and making some practice draws.
Good luck good hunting!
