2 hours Ago By By Gerald Almy
Hunters face lots of challenges as muzzleloader and rifle seasons approach. Perhaps the biggest one is figuring out where the quarry will be moving and good places to intercept them on their travel routes. Here are three of the most likely places to cross paths with a whitetail buck as November approaches and deer start feeling the urge to breed.
Stream crossing on the edge of a field Streams flowing through thick brush or wooded habitat are often used by bucks both looking for water to drink and as “structure” they like to follow. The best streams often have good cover and edible bushes along them. Some deer will naturally travel along the stream as the path of least resistance, so you’re targeting those funneled animals.
Finding a location where other deer coming from back in the woods want to cross the creek to reach the adjoining field doubles the potential. The streamside travelers and the stream crossers are both potential targets from a stand overlooking this corner where field, woods and stream intersect. Hunting tip This setup is challenging because you need a good wind for both the travelers following the stream and the deer crossing the creek and heading for the field.
Wait for the perfect wind conditions where you can find a 90 degree “wedge” where your scent cone will funnel away from both the deer following the stream and those crossing the creek going to the field. Make a sketch of the setup and take it in the field to see exactly what wind quadrant you’ll need to hunt this spot..
.sw, nw, ne, etc. Wait until the wind cone is going straight into that 90-degree wedge to hunt this stand.
Be sure to place the stand at the corner of the field, so deer won’t walk into the clearing and then move down behind.
