Deer

I heard the unmistakable roar of a rifle halfway through the drive. When I reached the top of the hollow, I was thrilled to find my buddy kneeling next to a big-bodied eight-pointer.

Whitetail deer will visit scrapes to communicate throughout all phases of the

It seems ridiculous that such a large animal is able to appear and disappear in the woods at a moment’s notice, but whitetails are notorious for vanishing like ghosts.

Have you ever wondered how many deer walk right by your deer stand without you blinking an eye? (We won’t even include the ones missed during a quick afternoon nap.)

Streams and creeks allow bucks to quench their thirst while finding cooler temperatures and thick cover. This makes them terrific early season hotspots—ones that are neglected by many deer hunters.

Our antler obsession is no secret, but many hunters may not know about the full annual process that bucks experience when creating these wonders of nature. Understanding this cycle can help you pattern bucks throughout the year—or at least settle some arguments at hunting camp.

Those facing crowded conditions when deer hunting are always searching for secluded, overlooked spots. I’ve found a few such overlooked gems over the years. One such place you may not think of is an island.