Jason,

I always start scouting by identifying the best sources of food, cover, and water in the area. This includes sources of these resources that may be a mile or more away.  Their locations are important to help understand when and where deer are moving and when they are probably using the property I have permission to hunt.  Remember that the best source of food, cover, and water is strongly influenced by if deer associate an area with danger.  Deer will pass up the best food source in their home range or use it only at night if they associate it with danger.  

Weather has a large influence on timing of deer activity. If it’s hotter than normal deer tend to not be very active during daylight hours.  We can’t influence the weather so our best options to encourage deer to move during daylight is to hunt near the best sources of food, cover, or water and be intentional about not alerting deer and encouraging them to move after dark. 

Enjoy creation,

grant

October 9, 2015