When do deer start to have a pattern?

[blr308]

Hey guys,

This is my first year of archery hunting for deer since I was thirteen. I have been doing some scouting and found a group of three above average bucks. I have only seen them twice but in relatively the same area. Is there generally a time when they start a pattern so I can find out the best place to set my blinds? Any opinions are appreciated.

Thanks

 

[looch]

I'm fairly certain that they pattern all year. Changes in their environment cause them to alter their patterns - food source, cover, prevailing winds, temperature, etc. If you can understand how these things relate, and you can predict how they will change, you may be able to figure out how the deer will react. Easy-peasy

 

[mvarley84]

Just keep an eye on those bucks...set up a trail cam, see when they are coming around, what trails they are using, and you will soon see a 'pattern". As stated above, deer shift their patterns depending on a number of outside factors like weather, moon, temperature etc...so watch for subtle changes in their behaviour.

Once the rut starts, throw all your theories and predictions into the wind, bucks go crazy when there is some tail to chase...lol.

 

[Hussar_ca]

Deer always follow a pattern, but food is what governs their patterns. As the year goes on, different foods become available, and they change to accomidate. So Apple groves, acorns, corn fields, soya bean fields etc all come ripe at different times. Deer go to what food is availabe to get ready for the rut and winter. So learn were the food sources are and you will be able to pattern the trails.
And like said above, during the rut a buck will show up in the weirest places on route to chasing tail. At that point, it is lots of luck and good timing. If your any good with calls, thats the time to use them.

 

[Morpheus32]

If your seasons for bowhunting are like alberta, your season starts in a couple of weeks. You have to put some time on the stands/blinds and remain there during the day. Generally, deer will be travelling from feeding areas to bedding areas in the morning with the reverse taking place in the evening. Deer and particularly mature bucks prefer to move where there is cover. Once the rut hits, deer behaviour changes as the bucks go a little crazy and seek out does. Just about anything goes during the rut.

In terms of scouting, seeing deer when it comes to bow hunting does not mean shooting deer. You need to find an ambush point near the food source or bedding area. You then need to find positions that offer flexibility with the wind. The ambush spot should ideally be at a junction of a number of deer trails that have evidence of recent and regular use. Set up, make sure you play the wind right and settle in.

A common mistake in setting up is getting too close to the trail or deer run. Tuck yourself into the woodline and go back in 10 or so feet. Make a couple of shooting lanes. This allows you to remain covered yet see the deer moving on the trail. Ideally draw when the deer is behind one of the trees as they approach.

Another common mistake is to bowhunt like you rifle hunt, ie at the edge of large fields, covering large open areas or setting up on trails. You have to get close so you need to make sure the deer will move near your location vice walk in the area. One of the reasons hunting large open woods with little ground brush is so difficult. They could go anywhere. You need to get them to pass near you.

I hope that helps a bit. I recall being mentored on all this issues when I was new to bowhunting...

 

[Morpheus32]

Rereading my post, I would like to add further, that I have had deer come by my stand at all hours of the day when they are unpressured. In the first couple of days of the season, you need to get in before first light and remain their until after last light. Once hunting pressure increases, particularly if the number of hunters in your area is high, you will see a change in movement. The good thing about hunting an area with good cover is that ideally this change does not effect this area.

Good hunting...