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Hunting The Roost: Unveiling the Late Season Turkey Hunter’s Secret Weapon

May 15, 2024/0 Comments/in News, Uncategorized /by Heath Wood

What is the number one go-to tactic for late-season turkey hunters? As the curtain falls on another turkey hunting season, seasoned hunters face a familiar dilemma: how to coax those wary gobblers within range one last time. Late in the season, turkeys are no strangers to the game – they’ve weathered weeks of relentless pursuit, breeding battles, and constant calling. Yet, amidst the challenges, a tried-and-true tactic stands as a beacon of hope for the determined hunter: the best late-season tactic is getting close to the roost. Though every turkey hunter may not agree, many late-season hunters rely on targeting the roost tree as their ultimate late-season strategy. Let me offer some insights, tips, and techniques to see if you agree and maybe help you finish the season strong.

Understanding the Late Season Dynamic

As the season progresses, both hunters and turkeys transform. The once eager gobblers who woke up each morning with many thundering gobblers become increasingly cautious, staying much quieter on the limb, and silent and call-shy, wary of the constant pressure and relentless pursuit after they get on the ground. Likewise, hunters lose their morning enthusiasm, now relying on a more robust dark roast coffee to widen their tired eyes and resort to more creative tactics in their quest for that elusive trophy bird that can end their season with success. Amidst this late-season dance, the roost tree emerges as a sanctuary of sorts—a haven where weary birds seek refuge under the cover of darkness, making it the best place to hunt late season.

The Power of the Roost

So, why is the roost tree the ultimate late-season hotspot for turkey hunters? The answer lies in the behavior and psychology of the birds themselves. As the sun sets and darkness descends, turkeys instinctively flock to their roosting sites, seeking safety and shelter from nocturnal predators. By positioning yourself near these roost trees early in the mornings, you gain a strategic advantage over these weary birds. One of the most common hurdles that hunters face later in the season is turkeys who become shy, resulting in them hanging up outside of the shooting range because they don’t feel safe or are nervous to come any closer. The best way to eliminate the risk of gobblers hanging up is by being right on their tail moments after they fly off the roost. They don’t have time to hang up, which increases your chances of success.

Tactics for Targeting the Roost

Successful hunting near the roost requires a combination of stealth, patience, and strategic calling. To maximize your chances of success, arrive at your hunting spot well before dawn, allowing ample time to set up and acclimate to your surroundings. If gobblers are roosted near a field or more open area, hunters can go in during the middle of the day and set up a ground blind such as the Hawk Reveal Ground Blind or Mancave Archery Blind. Once in position, maintain silence and avoid unnecessary movement that could spook nearby birds. When the time comes to call, opt for low-volume, subtle calls that mimic the sounds of a contented hen. One of my favorite low-volume calls is using a wood striker and the New H.S. Strut Camo Cutt’R Slate Turkey Call. The soft calls that can be made on slate calls are perfect for luring gobblers within range without arousing suspicion.

Fine-Tuning Your Approach

Adaptability is critical in the pursuit of late-season gobblers. Pay close attention to subtle cues and adjust your strategy accordingly. If birds respond positively to your calls, resist the urge to overcall, opting for intermittent soft clucks and purrs to maintain their interest. Conversely, if birds remain silent or exhibit skittish behavior, consider switching locations or employing a single hen decoy, such as the Avian X LCD Lookout or Feeder Hen Decoy. This decoy is made to resemble a lone hen who has flown off the roost and decided to hang out close by, looking for a gobbler who is searching for love one last time before the breeding season ends. This single decoy approach can enhance your setup, better than using a bunch of calls that can push pressured toms away. By remaining flexible and attuned to the birds’ behavior, you increase your chances of success in the late-season hunt.

In turkey hunting, the late season presents challenges and opportunities for the discerning hunter. As the days grow shorter and the woods quieter, the roost tree emerges as a last mainstay of opportunity in the quest for that elusive gobbler. By mastering the art of hunting near the roost, you unlock the potential to finish the season strong, securing your place among seasoned turkey hunters. So, heed the call of the wild, embrace the challenges of the late season, and let the roost tree guide you to victory in your pursuit of the ultimate turkey trophy.

3 Ways To Successfully End Your Deer Season

January 10, 2024/0 Comments/in News, Uncategorized /by Heath Wood

As the curtain falls on another deer hunting season, hunters reflect on the challenges, successes, and moments that defined their pursuit of the majestic whitetail. Whether you’re in the season’s final days or have already closed your season, there are strategic ways to conclude your deer hunting journey on a satisfying note. Be it a final effort to secure another harvest, a last-minute pursuit of a mature buck, or a desire to wrap up the season after already tagging a mature buck, aim to conclude in a manner that leaves you eagerly counting the days until the next hunting season begins.

Exiting the holiday season, I found myself brimming with enthusiasm, just not for hunting. I had reached the point of burnout and was ready to move on to something different. At the perfect moment, I received an email offering the chance to try a new crossbow. Eagerly, I accepted, and within a few days, a brand-new bow was waiting on my doorstep. This wasn’t just an opportunity to test a new crossbow; it reignited my passion and motivated me to head out for the final days of the hunting season. On an evening hunt, a doe came within ten yards of my tree after sitting in my stand for slightly more than two hours. With many of the bucks already shedding their antlers, I decided to harvest this doe. Once she turned broadside, I made a perfect shot, allowing me to finish my season off with another successful harvest.

Grind It Out Using A Ground Blind

The late season brings challenges, particularly with the dropping temperatures and the increased focus on hunting food sources. Adopting a grind-it-out mentality is vital for those hunters still pursuing the elusive buck they have had pictures of and have been chasing all season. Utilizing a ground blind, such as the Hawk Hunting Office or Double Box Blind, can be a game-changer for staying in the field longer. Late-season hunts often require enduring long sits in the cold, making a ground blind essential for warmth and concealment. These blinds provide a comfortable and stealthy vantage point, allowing hunters to wait patiently for the opportune moment. By staying concealed and protected from the elements, hunters increase their chances of success in the late-season game.

Re-Energize, Then Hunt

For some hunters, such as myself, the long season can lead to a loss of enthusiasm as fatigue sets in. Taking a small break over the holidays can provide a much-needed reset and an opportunity to regroup. Consider using this time to re-energize and rekindle your passion for hunting. Even hunters with a strong passion for deer hunting can find it hard to keep trying by the end of the season. When loss of drive sneaks in, trying to introduce new elements into your hunting routine can be invigorating. Whether acquiring new gear for Christmas, exploring a different hunting property, or trying a fresh approach, injecting newness can reignite the spark. For example, receiving my new Ravin R18 Crossbow added the excitement and motivation to return to the field before the season’s end, resulting in a harvest and making another memory I would have otherwise missed out on.

Prepare For Next Year

For those who have already achieved success or decided to call it a season, the late season offers a valuable window to prepare for the future. Instead of winding down earlier in the season, when a harvest is made, use this time to lay the groundwork for the upcoming hunting seasons.

This season, the Hunt Stand app has recently become an invaluable tool for pinpointing potential stand sites for the following year. Marking these locations now, while the landscape is fresh in your mind, can ensure strategic placement for future hunts. Additionally, the late season provides an ideal opportunity to scout new areas and implement property improvements. So, don’t quit; keep preparing throughout the entire season.

After scouting, if you still don’t feel confident for the next season, consider enhancing your hunting grounds by creating food plots, practicing timber management, installing new water sources, and improving bedding areas. These improvements contribute to the deer population’s overall health and increase the attractiveness of your hunting property. By conducting these improvement projects several months before the next season, your results have time to reach their maximum potential.

The end of the deer hunting season doesn’t have to be sad or signify a conclusion; instead, it can mark the beginning of preparation and anticipation for what lies ahead. Whether you’re grinding it out in a ground blind, re-energizing for a final push, or laying the groundwork for future success, these strategies ensure that your deer season concludes on a high note.

3 Critical Factors To Remember When Hanging Treestands For Bowhunting

Bowhunting Hot Weather Bucks

October 6, 2023/0 Comments/in News, Uncategorized /by Heath Wood

With the first day of fall already passed, one often looks to cooler weather, pumpkins, and the changing colors of the leaves, not to mention cool sits in a tree stand while bowhunting.

I recently experienced unseasonable weather in my home state of Missouri; I woke every morning and immediately checked my hunting forecast on my Hunt Stand app. Sadly, the forecast eluded several days of temperatures in the mid-eighties to low nineties for a daily high. The truth is, during the early season, typically the last of September and into early October, the weather can still feel summer-like, no matter what season our calendar shows. Do not let the last hot days detour you from hunting; the bucks are still there.

A few years ago, I saw a mature buck regularly appear on my Stealth Cam Fusion cellular camera. Because his summer-like pattern was routine, I jumped at the chance to get in my tree stand when the wind direction was favorable, even with temperatures reaching nearly ninety degrees. To prevent bumping any deer out of the area, I was forced to get into my stand around 2:30 p.m., when the blistering sun was bearing directly down on me for the first couple of hours of being in my stand. When the sun finally made its way behind the tree line, my comfort level began to increase, and so did the deer movement. As planned, at 6:25 p.m., my hit list buck entered the field, then a short time later, presented me with a broadside shot at twenty-three yards. I made a successful shot on a mature, five-and-a-half-year-old buck. Although I had to do a speedy recovery and quick processing hours later due to the heat, I would do it again in a heartbeat if given the opportunity.

Early-season bowhunting can often present much warmer temperatures than desired for deer hunters. However, summer patterns and bucks not yet thinking of the rut can produce some of the most significant hunting days when pursuing a mature buck. The question it comes down to is, how bad do you want it?

In The Field Scent Control

Of course, when hunting in hot weather, you are going to sweat more often, and you are going to stink fast. That is if you ignore scent control.

A complete regimen of scent control that features washing clothes in Scent-A-Way Detergent, showering with Scent-A-Way Soap and Shampoo, and spraying all hunting gear and your body with Scent-A-Way Odor Eliminating Spray is vital. A must to keep human scent under control—staying scent-free in the field while hunting becomes the most fundamental part of staying invisible to a deer’s nose in hot weather. When hunting hot weather, I often carry my Scent-A-Way Spray so that I can randomly spray down while in the stand to help eliminate any odors that have been created while sweating—another fantastic product to use while on the stand is the Scent-A-Way Field Wipes. The wipes help eliminate human odor from exposed skin, and the wet wipes can feel refreshing and cooling when forced to hunt in unseasonable warm weather. Paying attention to wind directions and the extra details of staying scent-free can help keep you invisible to a buck, even when he is in close range.

Last Minute Success

Sitting in the stand until the last minutes of the day is typical for the best deer movement during an evening hunt. During my mentioned hunt, I was hunting from the Hawk 20’ Big Denali 1.5-Man SLS Ladderstand; because of the larger seat and the extra comfort when sitting for extended periods, I was at ease, even in the higher temperatures. Hunting from a more comfortable tree stand or an elevated blind can help tremendously when trying to sit restfully until that last light when deer movement is often at its peak.

There are many reasons why peak deer movement occurs at the last light during the early season and on hotter days. The first reason is that deer are still commonly in their summer feeding patterns at this time. They feed during the last hour of daylight, then continue moving throughout the night before returning to their bedding area early the following day. The second is the most obvious: it is too hot! Deer move during the last few minutes of the day because it is much more comfortable for them to do so.

A Drink In The Shade

We have learned when to hunt and how to stay scent-free when bow hunting in hot weather. Now, let’s discuss the best early-season setup.

To be in the best scenario to shoot a mature buck, staying cool and comfortable remains the most critical factor when it is hot. However, it isn’t just about the hunter’s comfort level when getting a big buck into archery range. Deer need to be cool and comfortable, too, and finding a spot where that is most likely to take place will provide the best shot opportunities.

The ideal hot weather hangouts for mature bucks will be in wooded, shady areas where temperatures feel a bit cooler than when out in direct sunlight. The most ideal locations are in the bottoms of a deep ridge or underneath the heavier canopy of trees. Another excellent stand location for early season and hot weather is near a water source. A stand set up near a pond, creek, or river will more than likely produce a lot of deer movement when hunting. A mature buck may steer away from specific food sources or other areas where deer sign has been found. Yet, water is a must for survival, making a water source stand setup one of the best early-season hunts available.

In conclusion, hot weather should not deter dedicated bowhunters from pursuing their passion for chasing mature whitetail bucks during the early season. By prioritizing scent control, staying in the field until the last moments of daylight, and strategically positioning yourself near cool and comfortable deer hangouts, you can increase your chances of success even when the mercury rises. Bowhunting in hot weather may come with challenges, but as my experience has shown, the rewards can be well worth the effort. So, don’t let the heat keep you out of the woods; embrace the opportunity and make the most of those early-season days. After all, the pursuit of the elusive mature buck keeps us coming back, regardless of the weather.

3 Critical Factors To Remember When Hanging Treestands For Bowhunting

August 4, 2023/0 Comments/in News, Uncategorized /by Heath Wood

You found a spot where deer signs and movement are ideal for hunting, but is your treestand in the right tree?

Many hunters spend the offseason studying their scouting apps, such as HuntStand, trying to narrow down the right spot to hang this year’s stands. After finding a good spot location, the fine-tuning efforts of scouting begin. Many hunters use their trail cameras, feed supplements, and spend a lot of time on foot, looking for the signs of where their next trophy buck is spending the most time.

As the season progresses, the number of deer signs, such as scrapes, rubs, and well-traveled trails, begin appearing, allowing hunters to gain more knowledge of where the best locations to get within bow range of a trophy buck could be. Hunters often find suitable locations yet never succeed because their stand is in the wrong tree. Many are guilty of finding a well-used scrape or high-traffic travel route and rush to place a stand in the nearest tree. When it is time to hunt, they sadly realize that they are not in the right spot due to many factors that could have been avoided if they had considered a few details of their stand placement.

Wind Direction

One of the number one mistakes many bow hunters make when hanging their treestands is wind direction. It is vital to consider if the wind direction will be in your favor, where deer will most likely enter and exit the area, what the thermals will be like on morning hunts versus evening hunts, and if there is any reason to cause deer to travel downwind of your stand location. All these factors should be considered before choosing the proper stand location.

Better understanding the most likely scenarios, including human scent being the primary concern, helps lower the chance that a deer will be spooked by the hunter and ruin their stand location during the middle of the season.

Enter And Exit Routes To Your Stand

Having the wrong entry and exit routes to and from your stand location can ruin a hunt quickly. As with wind direction details, many factors must be considered before you hang a treestand. Will your scent be blowing downwind of where deer are most likely staying? Are you crossing any travel routes or walking near scrapes or rubs? Having a deer smell you or where you have been before the hunt begins can devastate a hunter’s game plan.

Another critical factor, besides avoiding being smelled, is not being seen also. When walking to your stand, can deer see you? Are you silhouetted? Do deer avoid specific areas because they know you are headed there?

Once an excellent place to hunt has been secured and an excessive amount of deer signs has been found, the next step is to learn as much as possible about the surroundings and how every move the hunter makes before and after the hunt will affect the chances of success.

Are You Concealed After Getting In Your Stand

Sunlight and cover are some of the most critical factors in determining the proper time to be in the tree hunting. After determining where the wind directions will be and what side of the trail, deer sign, food source, or water you need to be on, next is determining if you have enough cover and where the sun will be hitting you at specific times of the day.

Nothing is worse than waiting for an hour or two after daylight, knowing that a deer will walk out at any moment when suddenly you realize that the sun is peaking through the timber and shining directly on your stand. If you make any sudden moves, a deer will most likely pick you out of the tree. Hence, add sun location to the list of factors before you hang your stand. For the best concealment, ideally, you want the sun at your back during the peak movement times. When the sun is behind you, a deer can look in your direction without having the ability to pick you out.

Sunlight can be critical to staying concealed while in the stand. It is vital to wear a complete setup of camouflage, including a facemask and gloves to hide all exposed skin. However, camouflage cannot work to its maximum potential without mother nature’s help. It is vital to have plenty of cover behind and around you, to prevent deer from seeing your movements. Remembering what your area will look like in different parts of the season is vital. Often, hunters assume their stand site is well concealed when they hang them in July or August while leaves are fully grown. Unfortunately, later in the fall, when leaves have changed colors or have begun to fall to the forest floor, the stand site is now left in the wide open. To prevent being seen later in the year, cut branches or use larger trees as a backdrop instead of only relying upon leaves for cover.

Bowhunting whitetail deer can be challenging. Getting within archery range of a mature buck can be even more complicated, which is why when hunters are talking about treestand placement, every scouting technique available should be done to ensure they are given the most significant chance at a shot when a buck finally comes through. If you thought setting a stand was as easy as finding deer and hanging the stand, sadly, you are mistaken. Instead, spend every effort determining proper wind direction, the course in which you go to and from your stand, and being hidden when you’re hunting, and your chances of success will flourish.

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Turkey Hunt Vest Essentials, And What Shouldn’t Make The Cut

March 6, 2023/0 Comments/in News /by Hawk Treestands

A mechanic working on broken-down automobiles would never get the job done if their tools were spread over the ground or here and there. Instead, they have a toolbox that keeps all their needed tools at a close distance and, more importantly, neat and organized for them to find what they need quickly. The same goes for a turkey hunter’s vest; I have often quoted veteran turkey hunter and champion caller Matt Morrett when prioritizing a turkey vest. He said, “a vest is a turkey hunters filing cabinet.” Those words have long stayed in my mind because they are true. When wearing a vest, hunters have everything they need to get the job done when calling a spring longbeard into close range.

When packing up your vest this spring, many essential items must never be left behind. At the same time, there are a few things that hunters should opt out of packing. Below is an extensive guide to a properly packed turkey vest, giving turkey hunters a significant advantage.

Turkey Calls

First and foremost, the essential item that every spring turkey hunter should carry in their vest is turkey calls. Many hunters, myself included, have an extensive collection of calls. However, taking every call along would make the hunter look and sound like an old mule hitched to a wagon traveling through the woods on the opening morning of hunting season.

Many hunters carry two or three diaphragm calls when hunting. Three-mouth calls are ideal because they don’t weigh anything, can be used in any weather condition, and keep the hunter motionless. Plus, they sound like a real hen turkey when properly used. Next is a pot-style call, such as the New Zink Calls Thunder Ridge Blaster. A pot-style call creates soft yelps, purrs, and clucks of the wild turkey. These calls have excellent volume and, with the proper striker, can also be used in wet conditions. While mentioning foul weather, a box call, such as the Zink Hick Talker, is perfect for those windy spring days when turkeys have difficulty hearing. The walnut bottom and hickory paddle of the Hick Talker create higher raspy hen sounds that carry excellent through the wind.

The last call that all hunters should have in their turkey vest is one or two locator calls. Locator calls give up a gobbler’s location by shocking them into gobbling at a natural sound. Many hunters carry an owl hooter and a crow call, such as the Hunters Specialties/DOD Crow Call. If your vest is getting too full, narrow it down to only the crow call because it can be used all day.

Mistake: Do not carry a box call in your vest without a built-in silencer to go in between the box and the call lid, as it could result in a squeaky box every time you step, which can spook nearby turkeys.

Essentials

Besides call pockets, many other pockets are included on a turkey vest. These pockets are for turkey hunting essentials such as gloves, facemasks, and extra shells. Turkeys have some of the best vision of any animal; wearing gloves and a facemask is vital to staying concealed from their eyes while traveling to a call. Plus, they help safely keep all exposed skin hidden from other hunters.

Mistake: Always have an extra pair of gloves and a facemask in your vest. If a glove is lost or a facemask can’t be found, it could ruin the hunt because of a gobbler spotting your location.

Tools

As I referred the turkey vest to a mechanics toolbox, it is only fair to list the essential tools that turkey hunters should keep within easy reach. Items such as binoculars and a rangefinder are often needed when hunting. One of the most important tools to keep close is a hand pruner, such as the Hawk Pruner.

A small compact pruner like the ones from Hawk can aid in making a quick ground blind when cover is limited or when clearing those one or two obstacles that could interfere with a shot on a mature gobbler.

Mistake: Using a small hand pruner instead of a saw is much quieter and provides less movement when cutting a quick shooting lane. Turkeys can hear and see much better than humans. A loud noise or unnecessary movement can ruin a hunt quickly.

Extras

There are always a few extra items to pack along in a turkey vest that many hunters typically do not consider. Tick spray or a Therma Cell can make a hunt much more enjoyable, preventing the nuisance of itching and scratching that can cause unnecessary movement. Next is an energy bar, such as an Mtn Ops Protein Bar and a water bottle. A protein bar can boost a hunter’s energy quickly and give them the energy they need to keep hunting. The same goes for water; chasing turkeys up and down the hills and woods can sometimes be exhausting. Staying hydrated is vital when hunting for an extended period.

Mistakes: Do not take a plastic water bottle when hunting. They are noisy and can result in nearby wildlife spooking. Instead, carry a durable bottle such as the Yeti Yonder Bottle, which can hold up through the grind of hunting.

3 Reasons To Keep Game Cameras Going After Season

January 24, 2023/0 Comments/in News /by Hawk Treestands

Over the last few years, my end-of-the-year regimen has become routine. Once the hunting season has drawn to a close, like clockwork, I return to my hunting grounds to take down my Down & Out Warrior Blind and my Hawk hang-on and ladder stands to prevent any weathering or damage that could occur to the seats and straps.

It used to be typical after my stands and blinds had been removed for the season, to shift my focus to predator hunting and the upcoming spring turkey season. That is until I heard another hunter announce that his preparation for the next hunting season began the day after the current season ended, meaning that his work and preparation never stopped. Once I began putting more effort into the entire year, instead of waiting until mid to late summer before I started thinking about deer again, I found my success and overall knowledge of hunting improved.

When trying to manage land and a deer herd, there is always something to do. One could make habitat improvements, plant early-season food plots, and the list goes on. However, one task that has provided its fair share of benefits is keeping my game cameras running for several weeks after the season ends. Below are three reasons hunters should keep their cameras running after the season.

Post Season Inventory

One of the most significant reasons for keeping multiple game cameras in place post-deer season is to take inventory of the deer herd and record which bucks made it through the season. On several occasions, many of the bucks who left the area earlier in the year or were pressured out of the area during the peak of hunting season will return to the area to try to gain a few pounds to help them through the winter. I often begin my supplemental feeding efforts days after the season ends. After the feed has been placed, I set up my Wildgame Innovations Wraith 2.0 Camera a few feet away; then, I leave the area for several weeks before returning.

By obtaining an accurate count of what bucks survived the year, hunters can get a head start on their hitlist for the upcoming season. On multiple occasions, I have also had bucks that I had never encountered before showing up at the feed sites during this portion of the winter. When they decide to make an appearance, I make mental notes and focus my prep work on keeping the bucks I have and attracting neighboring deer for the upcoming year.

Shed Antlers

Hunters should keep cellular cameras to monitor when bucks begin shedding their antlers. When the hunting season is still in progress, many hunters have camera sites where most of the bucks spend time. Instead of taking these cameras down post-season, leave them up as these areas are ideal for a cellular camera, such as the Wildgame Innovations Encounter 2.0, due to bucks grouping back up.

When a cellular camera is in place, the hunter will have a more accurate time frame of when they need to start looking for sheds. By knowing precisely when bucks drop their antlers, hunters can avoid making multiple trips to search the ground when it may not be the right time. Fewer visits to the area can also have more bucks coming into the location because they are not being spooked by hunters who are stomping around the area in search of sheds. Instead, wait until pictures of bucks with no antlers show up, then begin the search. The chances of finding more antlers in one specific area will increase dramatically.

Monitor Feed And Minerals

One of my favorite post-season camera setups includes using my camera over an area where I have supplemental feed and minerals in the same picture frame.

With feed and minerals in place, I can accurately monitor what deer want and need. By having cellular cameras in place, I know when deer are low on feed and need more. The more critical factor is when suddenly, a week or two period will begin when most deer use the minerals. When this period occurs, I ensure I have multiple mineral sites for deer to consume.

This higher mineral consumption typically occurs during January or February and can be one of the most crucial times for bucks to ingest these much-needed minerals. Bucks consuming minerals during this period can vastly restore what their bodies lost during the rut and fall season, which can do wonders for them. The faster the recovery rate, the less stress on their bodies, which equals better antler growth the following year.

Using Blinds For Late-Season Success

December 6, 2022/0 Comments/in News /by Hawk Treestands

By: Heath Wood

Many hunters spend their off-seasons preparing for the future, hoping that the upcoming year will bring about the mature buck of their dreams.

Months of hard work and preparation have hunters setting their sights on a period that is often the season’s main event, sweet November. Yet, when the latter portion of the season arrives, they look back on that treasured time, only to analyze what they did wrong and why things didn’t go as planned. If you enter the month of December with a buck tag still in your pocket, don’t lose hope, there is still adequate time to take advantage of the late season and wrap your tag around the leg of the buck of your dreams.

Blinds Near Food

One of my favorite tactics for hunting during the late season is using blinds to make the needed adjustments to gain the upper hand on bucks.

At the end of the year, areas near food are one of the best places to find deer movement. Several factors play into why deer are predictable at being on a significant food source later in the year. The first element is that bucks are coming off the rut, in which the excessive traveling and hunt for does in estrus have taken a toll on their bodies and health. To replenish their fat and energy to a normal level, deer will feed heavier at this point. Typically, winter is also when colder temperatures arrive across the country, and deer require more food to stay warm. Bucks working on regaining their health and adding to their body weight are why having a ground blind or elevated stationary blind near food is necessary.

Keeping an elevated box blind, such as The Office Box Blind from Hawk, is the ideal location to hunt late-season bucks. A field will likely be full of deer when hunting over late-season food sources. When hunting in a blind such as The Office, hunters have the advantage of keeping noise control to a minimum and their thermals trapped inside, which helps prevent deer from smelling them. Not to mention, during the cold winter month, they can stay much warmer and more comfortable compared to sitting in an open treestand.

Mobile Adjustments With Ground Blinds

Although box blinds are great for hunting during the colder late season, hunters must keep a portable blind such as the Hawk Mancave Ground blind if quick adjustments are needed to get on the path of a mature buck and make the harvest.

This past year, the Midwest suffered a severe drought throughout the spring and summer. With very little rain, food plots didn’t grow as expected, and many other factors that stem from dry weather dramatically changed the deer’s travel patterns. Personally, I dealt with dry conditions near my home in southern Missouri throughout the entire summer, which resulted in using ground blinds during the late season. In one of the places I hunt, the deer share the timber, fields, and water with the landowner’s cattle. In a typical year, the farmer will move the cows to pastures far from the area where I hunt. In the summer, I hang most of my treestands based on past experiences and normal travel patterns from the deer. However, this year due to a lack of rain, the landowner’s pastures suffered and failed to produce enough food for the livestock. The lack of green pastures resulted in the cattle being in the areas where I hunted when fall arrived. With all the remaining grass going to the cattle, plus a massive acorn crop, the deer movement patterns were dramatically different from the past. All my pre-hung stand locations saw deer movement at a minimum throughout the rut and during the season’s prime.

To make the proper adjustments to increase my chances during the remainder of the season, I reverted to a method I have used in the past: using a ground blind to quickly move into a new area where deer movement is more prominent. When deer become pressured due to hunting or are pushed out of an area by livestock or unpredictable weather conditions, as with my hunting area, they will move their travel routes to gain better access to food, cover, and water. Because this is a temporary move, I want to avoid moving treestands to that area or taking the risk of spooking deer. Instead, I used a portable Hawk ground blind and made a quick setup in the new area. To help determine where to move into an area with a ground blind, use a cellular game camera to help pattern where mature bucks are located. One of my favorite things about late-season occurs when new bucks, or bucks who have gone MIA throughout the rut, start popping up on my Stealth Cam cameras. Often, a couple of weeks after the rut is done, bucks will begin to return to their usual grounds along with newcomer bucks who seek out does that may be getting ready to come into estrus during the second rut. With cellular cameras, the hunter can observe when bucks are most active, then move into the area with their blind and hunt. Often, hunters harvest mature bucks during this period, which they have never encountered before.

Best Days to Deer Hunt

November 8, 2022/0 Comments/in News /by Kevin Kelsey

By: Heath Wood

With today’s technology, hunters have access to many platforms that can help determine the best time to hunt deer. While many rely on these technologies, others base superstitions on the best time to hunt. Some even reflect on past hunting experiences and base their predictions on past success. With many opinions and resources to help hunters, the question still gets debated year after year, when are the best days to deer hunt?

For the past fifteen years, my co-workers and I have each gotten one day off through the week of the Missouri firearms portion of deer season. After having two years of success while taking off on Thursday, I developed somewhat of a superstition of my own, and for the better part of ten years, I have hunted on Thursday each year. Ninety percent of the time, I have harvested a deer on my day. Is it good luck or just great timing?

On November 18^th, 2021, I began the morning sitting inside my Hawk Down and Out Blind, watching a small open field that sat perfectly between two large sections of hardwood timber. It was Thursday of the opening week of Missouri’s firearms season, and I had high hopes that my successful streak would continue. I watched two smaller bucks come to a scrape during the mid-morning, along with multiple does. Then, out of the timber came a mature ten-pointer that had appeared on my Stealth Cam Fusion X camera the week before. After the buck pushed a doe around the small field for a minute or two, I acquired an opportunity and made a successful shot on a great southern Missouri buck.

I have been blessed to take a deer on my day off for several years. I’ll keep counting it as a blessing, yet is luck on my side, or is Thursday good timing for deer movement? There are historically good days when it comes to shooting a mature buck. Many apps and hunt predictions also forecast specific days as a great time to hunt. Below are the dates and why they are ideal times for deer hunters to be successful.

October 31^st, Halloween Day

Halloween day is historically one of the best days for deer hunting for many hunters. Many hunters have experienced mature bucks beginning the anticipated rut during the last of October. Typically, somewhere around October 15^th, scrapes begin showing up, and bucks start leaving their scent for does and other bucks as a sign that they are in the area. Around Halloween day, many bucks begin leaving the scrapes and start chasing does to find which ones are ready to breed. Since bucks are up on their feet, hunters have recorded deer movement as excellent during this time.

Because Halloween is the beginning of the actual rut, younger bucks are also eager to find a hot doe. With eager young bucks nearby, Halloween is a great time to break out the grunt calls and rattling antlers to signify a young buck getting to the does before the mature buck, making elder bucks eager to respond.

Enjoy The Hunt More With A Box Blind — Rut Action

November 12^th-20^th

Although it is not narrowed down to one specific day, the week surrounding November 12^th– 20^th is historically when the rut is in full swing in most parts of the country. In this time frame, bucks are locked down with does, chasing is full-blown, and the bigger mature bucks seem to come out of hiding to breed as many does as possible.

During the peak of the rut, hunters should take every opportunity available to hunt. My scheduled day off through the Missouri firearms season often hits close to the peak of the rut for most deer, thus being the reason my day off seems to produce successful hunts year after year. As with last year’s hunt, I try to take the opportunity to sit in a comfortable blind, such as the Down and Out blinds, and sit all day if necessary. By having a comfortable seat, plenty of room to stretch and move, and an area to bring along a few snacks and drinks, I can sit for an extended period.

If I had only one day of the year to hunt, it would be any day from the 12^th to the 20^th of November.

December 10^th

One of the most exciting and prosperous times for many hunters occurs during the peak of the rut. Bucks are noted as becoming less focused on their survival instincts and only thinking about breeding, allowing hunters to see and harvest bucks when they usually wouldn’t be visible.

The good thing for hunters that missed the window of opportunity to harvest a buck during the peak of the rut is that there is a second chance. Often referred to as the second rut.

Many does who did not get successfully bred come back into estrus twenty-eight days after their first estrus cycle. What that means for hunters is if most does come into the first estrus, around the 12^th of November, twenty-eight days later would be December 10^th. Bucks begin seeking does again during that time, giving the hunter an excellent opportunity to harvest a mature buck.

Each year, the specific days when hunters have the best chance of harvesting a buck change. Many different factors, such as weather, can play a role. However, historically the days listed above have been noted for producing the best opportunities to harvest mature bucks.

Public Land Bowhunting During The Pre Rut

October 11, 2022/0 Comments/in News /by Kevin Kelsey

By: Heath Wood

While participating in an October managed archery deer hunt in southern Missouri, my father, brother, and a few friends would all arrive a day before the two-day hunt to scout for the most deer sign to then be able to hunt that area throughout the weekend.

The large Missouri ranch consisted of nearly 24,000 acres. After entering a draw, three hundred bowhunters were selected to hunt for two days. When three hundred hunters take off from one location, nearby deer will likely feel hunting pressure.

Our group didn’t have much luck during the first few seasons we were drawn. Yet, I was intrigued at how a few hunters consistently scored a mature buck.

I loitered the area when visiting the conservation department check-in station, trying to learn the hunter’s secret. I questioned hunters about where they hunted and how far they traveled. Most of the bucks harvested during the two-day hunt were taken towards the back end of the ranch that bordered public land. The Missouri Department of Conservation owned the ranch we were hunting. However, everything inside the border fence (not a high fence) was prohibited from hunting, except during the two-day managed hunt. The deer inside the ranch fence were free-range deer that could easily travel from public land to the managed area as they pleased. During the two-day hunt, it seemed as if the ranch deer fled farther distances to avoid the hunting pressure, and that is where the hunters were able to harvest mature bucks.

Fast forward twenty-five years later, and I find myself hunting public land and reverting to those hunters who hiked deep into the timber to avoid pressure from other hunters to find bucks with the same idea. I am forever grateful to have lived my entire life in a small rural area in southern Missouri. In our area, many people’s way of life revolves around hunting and fishing.

When the November firearms portion of deer season occurs, our small rural area quickly becomes populated with hunters, ready to take on the ten-day season. Many of the public land in our area reminds me of the days we hunted the managed deer hunts with numerous other bowhunters. Every access point for miles typically has a vehicle parked and hunters nearby. For many years, I would become discouraged by the number of other hunters hunting private land. Little did I know, I was missing out on excellent hunting opportunities.

After contemplating public hunting opportunities near my home, I had a change of heart. I thought to myself, I should be glad that there are as many hunters who love the sport of deer hunting as I do. Never wanting to be pessimistic about fellow hunters, especially in the present time, our country needs as many hunters as possible. I also began searching for different times and tactics to how I could successfully hunt public land.

Beat The Crowd

Most visiting hunters who hunt public land transpire during the firearms season, near the rut, in early to mid-November. To gain an advantage, I try to hunt public land during pre-rut in mid-October. By hunting several weeks before the rut, I can hunt while deer are traveling on their natural travel routes instead of areas where they seek cover when hunting pressure has peaked. In mid-October, hunters can search large timber areas where acorns are falling, and deer feed heavily, preparing for the upcoming rut. Big timber areas are also ideal locations for hunters to find buck signs such as rubs and scrapes on hunting public land. I constantly look for food sources such as acorns and water from creeks or natural ponds. I also try to find draws, pinch points, and the side of ridges where bucks often travel out of sight. When I find good signs that bucks are nearby, I return with my Hawk Rival Lite Hang On, Helium Climbing Sticks, and bow. With the lightweight setup of the Rival Lite and Helium Climbing Sticks, I can easily backpack them into an area, hunt, and travel back out. Traveling with my equipment helps to avoid leaving my stand in place for other hunters to find my hunting area or, even worse, have my stand stolen, which unfortunately happens when hunting in public areas.

Pack Up and Go The Distance

My first choice is to hunt before others. However, when hunting in public areas where many others are doing the same as myself, I revisit the days of management hunts and follow in the footsteps of those hunters, putting on my Tenzing Lumber Pack, and walking into an area much farther than the average hunter. While walking beyond the average distance, I use a hunting map app such as OnX Maps. Again, I look for draws, pinch points, and ridges where bucks have likely relocated to avoid hunting pressure.

When hunting deep into an area, it is vital to pack for an entire day. If the hunter invests the extra effort to travel farther than others, only to hunt a couple of hours and then walk back out, the additional labor is pointless. Instead, pack a Tenzing pack with plenty to drink and a few snacks to last through several hours of hunting.

When hunting deep into a public land area, I choose to go into stealth mode. I do not use any calls, scents, or other tactics to lure deer. Instead, I wear quality clothing camouflaged from head to toe; it keeps me warm and dry for an extended period. The goal is to stay quiet and be patient. If the hunter stays invisible, often mature bucks ease their way through, trying to avoid pressure, providing the perfect opportunity to harvest one.

How To Properly Cut Shooting Lanes

September 6, 2022/0 Comments/in News /by Kevin Kelsey

By: Heath Wood

Have you ever had the feeling that someone is watching you? Or maybe the hair sticks up on the back of your neck, and you get goosebumps and feel that something isn’t right. Some refer to this feeling as a sixth sense. The definition of a sixth sense is “a supposed intuitive faculty giving awareness not explicable in terms of normal perception.” Below the definition was a sentence that stated, “Some sixth sense told him he was not alone.”

Many deer hunters who have spent ample time in the wild have more than likely experienced deer freezing in their steps, possibly homing in on their form of a sixth sense. The deer stay motionless for several seconds while they smell and look around, trying to figure out the feeling that has come over them. When the deer finally follow their instincts and explode out of the area, many blame the deer’s nose for identifying the hunter. However, that isn’t always the case.

A deer spends every day of its life in one area. When one thing is different in an area they see and smell every day, they sense that something isn’t right. Often, hunters go into an area and hang a treestand, then cut a few shooting lanes to have a clear shot of a deer while hunting. At that moment, when hanging stands and cutting shooting lanes, the hunter can use tactics to later prevent deer from balking on their preferred travel route.

Cutting Proper Shooting Lanes

When cutting shooting lanes, it is vital not to make it look like a logging crew followed you after setting your stand locations. Cutting as few limbs as possible is critical while providing adequate space for the arrow or bullet to travel without hitting any obstructions.

When cutting limbs and brush for proper shooting lanes, I prefer taking someone along with me to help guide a better path. After placing my stand in the tree, I strap myself in with a safety harness and sit down as if I were hunting. I look around at all my possible shot opportunities and ensure I have clear shots. Next, whoever is on the ground uses a pole saw such as the Hawk Helium Pole Saw and helps clear obstructions. When removing limbs, it is essential not to remove the entire tree or sapling if possible. I try to remove obstructions six feet up and higher yet still have a clear shot of a deer. By leaving the base of small trees or saplings, deer are less likely to recognize something missing from their daily surroundings.

When picking out shot opportunities, it is essential to keep cover between the deer and your treestand to avoid being seen. One of the most significant factors for deer catching a sense of a hunter in the area is because they catch movement or see something in a tree that is not there on a daily routine. When picking out shooting lanes, it is vital to cut lanes, not open the entire area. Give yourself five to six scenarios for deer to travel through while keeping yourself concealed.

Clean Up The Area Afterwards

To avoid deer perceiving something that looks different in their area and to keep themselves concealed, the hunter should clean the area after trimming lanes to make it look and smell as before hanging the treestand. I try to use a scent elimination regimen when hanging stands and cutting shooting lanes. Even though I am not hunting in the area at that time, I do not want to fill up my hunting area with human scent. I try to spray down myself, including the bottom of my shoes or boots. I spray my stands, ropes, straps, and accessories with Hunters Specialties Scent-A-Way spray. The goal is to reduce as much human presence as possible.

After eliminating human odor, I remove all limbs, branches, and brush I cut out of the area. I use as many as I can to camouflage around my stand, especially behind where my body silhouette would be when looking up from the ground. Not only does it help me to stay concealed, but it also takes away the vast difference in appearance that multiple trees, limbs, and other trimmings laying out of place create. Anything a deer notices that is not commonplace is fuel for their sixth sense that can ruin a hunt.

Final Preparation

After everything is complete with my stands and shooting lanes, my last task before hunting is using a rangefinder and marking multiple areas for different yardage. After all shooting lanes are cut, I like to return to a hunting position and use my Vortex Impact 1000 rangefinder to mark yardage that can help when archery hunting. I identify landmarks such as specific trees, rocks, and stumps and mentally mark them as an aide when deciding which sight to use on my bow. In each shooting lane that I make, I range different objects. I note those same objects every time I hunt until I memorize them.

By having multiple shot scenarios ranged before hunting, I am better prepared, giving deer no time to become aware of their surroundings before making the shot.