Southern woods are finally cold and most hunting seasons are winding down. Testosterone is plummeting, cast antlers are imminent and most does over 70 lbs are pregnant and eating for two or three. Signpost rubs and scrapes are all but frequented. So, why is this the best time of year to scout?

The Southeast has a very long growing season; a significant difference from the midwest and northern states. They’ll battle snow until Spring when we’re deep in the Turkey Woods being outwitted by a 25 lbs bird. The onset of Spring green-up is mid March in the Deep South and very quickly last season’s sign will be swallowed up. Cruise the woods now and take note of everything. This is when I learn how deer utilize my farm as it will shift year to year.

Signpost rubs are a main target when I’m winter scouting. I note every one and pay close attention to historical rubs that have been scarred over from years of being hooked by top local bucks. These communication hubs are fundamental for bucks to leave their mark and scent for other deer. I don’t sit over rubs but I absolutely hunt in the immediate area. When you identify a definitive rub line, you know you’re in a bucks core area. It may likely be several bucks and not just one. Those areas will be ground zero for pre-rut daylight movement.

Scrapes are high communication sites as well. Both bucks and does will utilize scrapes during the breeding season at various points. Quite often, these are still kept clean and exposed by younger bucks that just can’t seem to let the rutting season go. Note scrapes, especially ones adjacent to buck bedding locations. These will be perfect trail camera placement spots for pre-rut buck inventory. Why is a pre-rut cam survey better than late summer? Because bucks routinely shift core areas once velvet peels. Therefore, summer velvet bucks may or may not be on your property during peak movement times.

In my opinion, game trails hold the most herd intel and these prominent land features must be monitored year after year. Are the trails shifting? How are deer moving across my land? Are they avoiding permanent stands? Are they skirting past areas that are hunted too much? Are deer utilizing areas that I don’t hunt? These all should be addressed annually to effectively kill more deer through natural movement.

Locating fresh buck sign now plays a vital role for me when hunting early season. Early, meaning velvet season leading into pre-rut. That’s when bucks are still in their summer ranges. Where bucks are now is generally where they will be before this year’s velvet peels. Pay close attention to bachelor groups as many will reform before antlers drop.

High traffic trails between bedding sites are money during the breeding season. Take note, devise how you will hunt them and stay out until prime time. When is prime time for buck activity? My last article explains just that for your local herd. I prefer to hunt these spots with mobile climbers. It’s much more practical in tight, well traveled corridors. However, if a permanent stand makes more sense, hang it way before the season starts, make sure the stand has full concealment, stealth-like access, and that your scent won’t blow into the adjacent bedding sites.

Bedding sites can be tricky to understand in the South. We do not have necessarily specific buck beds like other regions in the country. The Southeast is insanely dense and deer can and will bed everywhere. This is why you should pay close attention to buck sign created last fall; rublines leading into thickets and hooked trees surrounding matted down beds with long hair. Bucks tend to lay down where they feel the most safe even if that means it’s close proximity to roads or humans. Make sure to check any and all swamps and wetland systems for high ground as these terrain features are notorious havens for old, wily whitetails. As we have seen through GPS research, bucks do not frequent the same bed during breeding season.

Doe groups on the other hand, prefer to be within close proximity to forage, water and cover. They are much more likely to bed adjacent to destination food sites. Bedding locations are generally larger areas matted down where the group will be close in tight to each other. Take note of these sites as they will be excellent locations to hunt rutting bucks scent checking for hot does during the breeding season. To kill bucks during the rut, you must locate does.

Lastly, I always make a point to walk areas that are not hunted. Sanctuaries can be labeled as so but that doesn’t mean deer will use them if they don’t offer what deer need. If you have a definitive sanctuary, try identifying low pressure ways to hunt mature bucks during peak movement time. Sanctuaries are vital for superior whitetail farms but if it holds quality bucks, why not design a plan to fill a tag or two and not compromise the refuge.

Take your kids & dog and enjoy this time of year when you don’t have to worry about bumping deer. Find sheds and locate next season’s shoulder mount!