Tips on hunting deer sign

[Grandslam11]

I have been on this website for years. I have never really posted alot but have read about every article posted. With that being said, I have learned a ton of information. It is just now all starting to come together for me in terms of comprehension.

This past weekend I found a spot that would seem to be a honey hole. So much that it almost intimidates me to hunt it. I found acorns, droppings, new rubs, new scrapes, and old rubs. Most people would be overjoyed to find this. Me, I get scared that I am going to ruin my chances by making the wrong decision; ie, hunting the wrong wind, hunting too close, bow hunting instead of waiting until closer to the rut....

What advice would ya'll have for hunting this area? I did put a camera on one of the scrapes to see if I could get some pics in the area. That afternoon I read the post where BSK had mentioned to only use black flash in this type scenario. Now I am afraid my camera may scare them out of the area.

Bottom line, I am just a worry wart, but would like some help/encouragement. Thanks

 

[ImThere]

If the sign is there now hunt it now!

 

[MUP]

I believe I'd hunt it now, before the shifting occurs. I'm a big believer in holding certain places till the pre rut/rut phase, but with sign this hot, I believe I'd be on it.

 

[turkeyhunter]

Dont over think it. Take a guess about the best wind to hunt the spot. Then hunt it when you have the chance. Hunting is fun cant mess up when you are having fun.

 

[MUP]

The fresh rubs, and old ones too I guess, seal the deal for me. If it was just acorns and poop, I might be inclined to wait till pre rut.

 

[Grandslam11]

I am definately known for overthinking things. It just tears me up to think I could mess up a spot that looks so good.

 

[MUP]

If bucks are there now, they may not be in a week or two because of the Fall shift pattern. Of course they may be back one at a time off and on during the rut, but it sounds like the bach group may be hanging in there right now, or at least in the previous days.

 

[TN Whitetail Freak]

If the sign is there now hunt it now!

This x1000

Get in there on a good wind....hunt it now. Get an idea of how they might be traveling....rub direction etc....you have maybe 3x to hunt it before the jig is up make em count . If you wait that bick will be already changed patterns. This weekend is looking good for an ambush. Also take a guess in the direction you might suspect bedding and walk that direction until you find no more sign and setup over that sign you seen last

 

[deerhunter10]

don't over think it. hunt smart hunt the best wind you think don't set up in the tree that is right in the middle of it all but pick one that gives you the best shot at several trails. don't be intimated at all go in there and have fun. if you scared to make mistakes and your overthinging everything that's when mistakes are going to happen. just go in there and have fun who knows may be a giant in there get in and get after them especially with the cold front coming in at the end of the week.

 

[stryker]

Hunt it now is my opinion.

 

[in the dog house]

If I where to put up a IR camera just put it up high and angle it down and you should be fine.

 

[muddyboots]

I hunt the freshest sign I can find.

 

[Bone Collector]

I'd hunt it now.

 

[Andy S.]

If the sign is there now hunt it now!

Ditto. I have learned the hard way over the years that there isn't much to be gained from saving "spots" or saving "deer" for the later season as so much can change in a months time, from food sources, crop harvest, other hunters, the big buck being killed, etc etc. My advice is to hunt the hottest freshest sign you can while the opportunity is there. My .02

 

[knightrider]

its called hot sighn for a reason!!! may not be so hot in a week or two!!!

 

[jb3]

I never hunt scrapes, but rather the path that leads to it or away from it.

 

[fairchaser]

If the sign is there now hunt it now!

Ditto. I have learned the hard way over the years that there isn't much to be gained from saving "spots" or saving "deer" for the later season as so much can change in a months time, from food sources, crop harvest, other hunters, the big buck being killed, etc etc. My advice is to hunt the hottest freshest sign you can while the opportunity is there. My .02

Good advice Andy. One of the new guys was riding his bike back to the back of the Calle Bell already. There is no saving deep spots for the rut. I put a loc on up on a bean field that was loaded with deer and a week later it had dried up completely and the deer are probably feeding on acorns. I think the Drury boys call it MRI or most recent information.

 

[Mike Belt]

People spend a lot of time scouting areas for what will be or what's to come or fresh sign. It doesn't do much good to find it if you're not going to hunt it

 

[BSK]

If the sign is there now hunt it now!

Ditto. I have learned the hard way over the years that there isn't much to be gained from saving "spots" or saving "deer" for the later season as so much can change in a months time, from food sources, crop harvest, other hunters, the big buck being killed, etc etc. My advice is to hunt the hottest freshest sign you can while the opportunity is there. My .02

Good points Andy. Patterns change, and sometimes they change quickly as deer shift between rapidly changing preferred food sources (or focus; i.e. food to reproduction). A hot area today may be devoid of activity in a few weeks.

 

[parkerxbowhunter]

I would hunt it now before they shift patterns I would put a camera up to take an inventory just don't over hunt it

 

[Grandslam11]

Thanks for all the input. That is what I love about this website. I am super excited to get back in there. I just hope I dont make too much racket going in there Saturday morning

 

[Woodson223]

If you are confident with a bow then i would hunt it now if not i would wait and take my chances with a MZ or rifle.

 

[Adam Jackson]

Find the best trail or intersecting trails leading to and from a possible bedding area. Play the wind right and hunt. The weekend weather should have them up and moving and you could have a good chance to ambush.