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A Year-Round Approach to Taking Mature Whitetails

Evan Hayes

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Whitetail deer are one of the most popular big game animals in North America, and mature bucks are the most sought-after trophies. Taking a mature whitetail is a challenging but rewarding experience, and it requires a year-round approach to hunting.

Precision Bowhunting: A Year-Round Approach to Taking Mature Whitetails

by John Eberhart

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Spring

Spring is a time of transition for whitetails. The bucks are shedding their winter coats and antlers, and the does are beginning to give birth to fawns. This is also a time when whitetails are most vulnerable, as they are actively feeding to regain their strength after the winter.

One of the best ways to hunt whitetails in the spring is to focus on food sources. Whitetails will be spending a lot of time in areas with high-quality forage, such as new growth in fields and along forest edges. You can also find whitetails near water sources, such as ponds, streams, and rivers.

When hunting whitetails in the spring, it is important to be patient and to use stealth. Whitetails are very wary during this time of year, and they will spook easily. It is also important to be aware of the wind direction, as whitetails have a keen sense of smell.

Summer

Summer is a time of plenty for whitetails. The bucks are growing their new antlers, and the does are raising their fawns. Whitetails will be spending a lot of time in areas with cover, such as forests, thickets, and swamps. They will also be spending time near water sources.

One of the best ways to hunt whitetails in the summer is to focus on bedding areas. Whitetails will spend a lot of time in these areas during the day, and they will often return to the same bedding area night after night. You can find bedding areas by looking for sign, such as trails, droppings, and rubs.

When hunting whitetails in the summer, it is important to be patient and to use cover. Whitetails are very wary during this time of year, and they will spook easily. It is also important to be aware of the wind direction, as whitetails have a keen sense of smell.

Fall

Fall is the rutting season for whitetails, and this is the time when bucks are most active. The bucks will be searching for does to breed, and they will often travel long distances in search of a mate. This is also a time when bucks are most vulnerable, as they are often preoccupied with breeding and less cautious.

One of the best ways to hunt whitetails in the fall is to focus on travel routes. The bucks will be using these routes to travel between bedding areas and feeding areas. You can find travel routes by looking for sign, such as trails, droppings, and rubs.

When hunting whitetails in the fall, it is important to be aggressive and to use calling. The bucks will be very responsive to calling during the rut, and you can often bring them in close for a shot. It is also important to be aware of the wind direction, as whitetails have a keen sense of smell.

Winter

Winter is a time of hardship for whitetails. The snow and cold can make it difficult for them to find food, and they will often lose weight. Whitetails will spend a lot of time in areas with cover, such as forests, thickets, and swamps. They will also spend time near water sources.

One of the best ways to hunt whitetails in the winter is to focus on food sources. Whitetails will be spending a lot of time in areas with high-quality forage, such as browse and acorns. You can also find whitetails near water sources, such as ponds, streams, and rivers.

When hunting whitetails in the winter, it is important to be patient and to use stealth. Whitetails are very wary during this time of year, and they will spook easily. It is also important to be aware of the wind direction, as whitetails have a keen sense of smell.

Taking a mature whitetail is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to be patient, to use stealth, and to be aware of the wind direction. Good luck!

A Mature Whitetail Buck Precision Bowhunting: A Year Round Approach To Taking Mature Whitetails