As spring transitions into summer, many hunters might find themselves longing for the brisk autumn air and the thrill of the hunt. While the warmer months may seem less conducive to deer hunting, savvy hunters know this is the perfect time to prepare for the fall season. Some of my best deer hunting spots have been found while walking through the woods during a mid-day turkey hunt or trying to find the majestic spring morel mushroom. While scanning the forest floor, I have often discovered an abundance of deer droppings or a well-used travel route that I would probably never have discovered if it wasn’t for putting my boots on the ground and thoroughly searching for signs.
Before there was an “app for that,” I often found these potential hot spots for hunting, only to forget them when hunting season rolled around that fall. Now, hunters can mark these specific spots with GPS coordinates that can lead them back to the sign when they are ready to hang a stand or hunt. Early scouting and stand placement can significantly increase the chances of success when the leaves start to turn. Here's how to get ahead of the game for a successful fall deer hunting season.
Scout Strategically with Technology
Late spring and summer provide ideal conditions for scouting potential hunting spots. Utilizing GPS apps such as Hunt Stand can be invaluable in identifying prime locations. These apps allow you to mark areas of interest, track deer movement patterns, and assess terrain features that might influence deer behavior.
During this time, focus on identifying bedding areas, food sources, and travel corridors. Look for signs such as rubs, scrapes, and deer trails. Even though they may be from the previous fall, deer typically use the same locations each year. By leveraging technology and thorough scouting, you can pinpoint high-probability hunting locations well before the hunting season begins.
Timing is Key: When to Hang Stands
One critical aspect of early season preparation is determining the optimal timing for hanging tree stands. Safety is paramount, so straps, ropes, and tree stand equipment must be thoroughly inspected before the hunting season approaches. Replace any worn or damaged components to prevent accidents.
For hunters using tree saddles, marking designated trees on your GPS app can streamline the process. Alternatively, consider hanging steps or a ladder early in the summer if you're confident in your chosen location. This allows you to minimize disturbance closer to hunting season, leaving only the platform to install when you're ready to hunt.
The Advantages of Early Stand Placement
Hanging stands earlier in the year offers several advantages. Firstly, it reduces disturbance in the weeks leading up to hunting season. Setting up stands early minimizes the disruption to deer activity in the area, increasing the likelihood of deer feeling comfortable and maintaining their routines. Moreover, early stand placement allows you to fine-tune your setups over time. You can monitor deer movement patterns throughout the summer and adjust your stand locations accordingly. This adaptive approach maximizes your chances of intercepting mature bucks during the rut and other critical periods of activity.
This previous year, while searching for new stand locations during the summer, a friend and I stumbled upon a prime deer movement location. It was an overgrown road that had served as a logging road a few years before the timber had been cut and sold. The road had been made on top of a ridge, leading to a point where two ridges came together. It is evident that the road was made in that specific location because it was easier for the loggers to come out of the steep hollers. It would also be easy for the deer to use the road naturally. Upon further investigation, we found older rubs, many trails, and an old tree stand with the tree bark grown over the straps holding it on. Someone in the past also thought this would be a good area.
We hung a tree stand in the hot summer, marked it on my app, placed a cellular camera on the overgrown road, and did not return until late October. That stand location was one of the year's most active stand sites. I credit the abundance of deer sightings at this site to hanging the stand early and staying out until it was the optimal time to hunt.
Additionally, early stand placement provides ample time for deer to acclimate to the presence of your stands. This familiarity reduces the likelihood of deer spooking at the sight or scent of your setup during the hunting season. While summer may seem like a hiatus for deer hunting enthusiasts, it's a prime opportunity to gain a competitive edge for the fall season. By leveraging technology for scouting, strategically timing stand placement, and capitalizing on the advantages of early preparation, hunters can significantly increase their chances of success. Don't wait until the leaves start to change—start scouting and hanging stands now for a rewarding fall hunting experience.
