Pre-season scouting for deer

The time is now to get in your last few summer scouting trips

It is daybreak, mid-summertime. My machete is helping me carve out a trail, deep in the swampy woods. My 15-year-old grandson and best buddy, Baylor Allen, is with me, doing his share of trail clearing. Today is our first scouting trip of the season. It is a cloudy morning, hot and humid. The deer flies and mosquitoes are in full attack mode. Sweat is pouring down our smiling faces. Wait. What? Why are we smiling? Because we love this, that is why! Deer season is rapidly approaching and we can’t wait.

Some might say, why journey into the woods in such miserable conditions? Why not wait until right before the season, when it is cooler? I admit, summertime scouting is not for everyone. It depends on your level of desire to make the deer season as successful as possible. My level of desire is high. For me, that means putting in the work and effort necessary to fully prepare myself for each season. Forty-two years into my hunting career and I still get just as excited as when I began.

If you are motivated, here are my suggestions to help you get started:

Get in shape

Achieving good physical conditioning can actually be very enjoyable. I am able to accomplish this with the help of my lovely wife, Ana. Daily, we walk two miles and do a 45-minute bike ride. We also play pickleball with our grandkids several times a week. I cherish the time we get to spend together in deep discussions and working out.

Dress for success

Choose your attire carefully. I use knee or hip boots. I also wear a base layer of moisture wicking, polypropylene top and bottom. I add loose fitting, long sleeves and pants over that layer. Most importantly, I use a wide-brimmed hat draped in mosquito netting, which provides 100% protection.

Hydrate

First step, drink water before you leave the house. I also fuel up on a few bananas for a potassium boost. Bring a source to replenish the electrolytes you are going to lose. Drink before you are thirsty and be sure to stop frequently in the shade to replenish lost fluids. Know your limits. Your health is paramount to you and your family.

Go early or late

We plan our scouting trips to begin early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the heat. We usually allow two to four hours to complete our plans. Beware of poison ivy, oak, sumac, snakes and wasps, as they are all prevalent at this time of the year.

Strategize

This is one of my favorite things about deer hunting. I spend quite a bit of time with Baylor discussing possible hunting scenarios. We study satellite images of the areas we hunt, looking for natural funnels and pinch points that deer will likely travel.

We choose strategic shady hunting spots as much as possible. The concealment is key, but also our early season comfort level is greatly enhanced. Pay close attention to the entrance and exit paths. Plan to enter and exit your stand location strategically so as not to disturb potential bedding or feeding deer.

Look for food sources and bedding areas. These may change as the season progresses, the rut starts and the temps cool down, so search for multiple stand locations. Try to finish your scouting a couple of weeks before opening day.

Be safe and courteous to your fellow hunters. Enjoy!

The post “Pre-season scouting for deer” first appeared on LouisianaSportsman.com.