THIS is the time to seal the deal. As far as predictable whitetail movement, it really doesn’t get any better than late season deer.
FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD and oh ya FOOD
These deer have been under duress for about two months and their bodies are craving nourishment to keep them alive through the winter. Through the rut and gun seasons, they have been going 100 mph with no rest. The most productive place to be is sitting on a major food source.
THE METEOROLOGIST IS YOUR BFF
Unless you have a deer totally patterned, and they are in daylight pictures every day, there is ZERO reason to be in the stand. Watch for high pressure systems rolling through with big temp drops and systems bringing in precipitation. If these systems are going to be hitting late in the day or overnight, the deer will be HAMMERING food sources in the evening hours and pouring into the fields. Most big deer will be 100% nocturnal for the late season, until these fronts come though. Weather will force them to get up and eat in order to survive…..which will be their demise.
BE A NINJA
Scout from distances and use cellular trail cameras to find out what deer are hitting your food sources. Do not be seen, heard, or smelled. These deer have been pressured like crazy and the slightest intrusion can send them on to another property and into the sights of other hunters.
HUNT IN THE MORNING?
Don’t waste your time UNLESS you have a sure fire super sneaky undetectable entrance to a stand that is on a major path between a hot food source and bedding area. Scope out the field the night before so you know the deer you’re after is in the area. Get in there at least an hour before shooting time. This is a pretty risky move, but can produce results if you’re pressed for time.
GRIND IT OUT
You’ve been hunting all season, putting in more hours than you want to admit, with zero results to show for it. Stay positive and keep at it. Some of the biggest deer of the year are taken during the late season. Good luck and hunt smart!
Anyone have any tips to add on how to take home a late season whitetail?
