Patterning Deer That Live in Ag Fields
Filed under: Ask Grant, Hunting Tactics
Here in Nebraska I have a hard time patterning bucks in the early season (September/early October). With an abundance of agricultural fields it is hard to tune in on what crop/field deer are feeding in. Due to a lack of cover/bedding areas I believe deer are bedding in the fields. Is this common? If so, how should I go about patterning bucks that sleep, eat, and drink within a 100 yard range? Also, do deer prefer to bed in corn or soybeans? Thanks for all the great info! Ryan
Ryan,
Deer in such areas are very difficult to pattern and even more difficult to hunt. I agree with you that at times mature bucks seem to remain within a few hundred yards all day. Even if a hunter figures out this pattern, these bucks are still difficult to hunt. The hunter can either opt to attempt stalking the deer with the wind in his favor, wait until the crops are harvested, or find another hunting location.
Although I’ve seen deer bedded in both, I believe mature bucks prefer bedding in corn rather than soybeans. That’s good news as it’s much easier to stalk in corn versus soybeans.
Growing Deer together,
Grant
