Big Buck Found - Need Strategy Help

[Guest bowvec]

Recently put my cameras out and also watching soybean fields. Found a 20 inch plus mainframe 8 pointer last week. Question is do I trace his path from his bed to the beans now, or wait until September to see if he is still around. Bow starts in October and maybe, I can catch him while he is still on a feeding pattern.

Thanks

[Rhino]

I'm not sure exactly what state you're hunting in but deer are usually still on their summer feeding pattern come October 1st in my neck of the woods.

If it were me I'd try to figure out his pattern now and then just watch him from a distance in those bean fields to confirm he stays on the general pattern.

[wtnhunt]

Welcome to the forums. Would have to agree with the advice above.

[ruttinbuc]

I'd keep my observations of his comings and goings from a distance. When it comes time to hunt play the wind and find a good ambush spot (even from the ground if need be) and try to get him early. Do not over hunt him Do not under estimate the bucks sensitivity to pressure or disturbance at this time. He didn't get to the size he is without looking both ways before he crossed the street so to speak.

Welcome to the forums...

[Tominator]

I'm not sure exactly what state you're hunting in but deer are usually still on their summer feeding pattern come October 1st in my neck of the woods.

If it were me I'd try to figure out his pattern now and then just watch him from a distance in those bean fields to confirm he stays on the general pattern.

Exactly.

BTW--That's exactly the strategy Mike Rex used to arrow this bruiser in Oklahoma on opening day a couple years ago.

[ruttinbuc]

Don't you mean Oklahio?

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

Yep, unless you're in a really remote area where the deer never see people, if you push him you'll probably lose him. Keep your distance and if you need to get in there to hang a stand or clear shooting lanes, plan to do it when he's not around. Good luck.

[Guest Zone Team]

What he said. Good luck on it and I'll be checkin for a post come Oct. 1.

[buckbuster11]

I've actually found that around here in western PA I start to see patterns really change right around mid-September which is about 2 weeks before bowseason. Usually the bucks are still there, they've just gotten more nocturnal and become much harder to find. If you keep patterning him from a distance without disturbing him, good chance you'll run into him at some point during the season though.

[MCH]

Exactly.

BTW--That's exactly the strategy Mike Rex used to arrow this bruiser in Oklahoma on opening day a couple years ago.

First off, from the description of the buck, its obvious he's too large for Oklahoma. Secondly, the first thing he needs to do is check his state's regulations, because if he's from Ohio, that deer might not meet the minimum legal requirements.

:D

[Ravin R10 man]

I dont know where you are located...but its possible the beans will be long gone by October, and the buck will have changed feeding patterns. You must stay current with what and where he is feeding, and then try to set up where you see him coming out to feed for an early season ambush. Stay away from his bedding area till later in the rut.

[Guest bowvec]

Big Buck Found

This is BOWVEC. I hope I am doing this right to reply to all the great feedback.

First, some more tactical information. The state is Virginia. The beans have just been planted so I expect them to still be green when the season opens. However, two considerations. First the acorns will be dropping in September although there are very few oak trees in this particular area. Second, I am in a hunt club and I expect my fellow members to be scouting in September so they could blow this big guy out or at least cause him to hold back.

So what say you - do I try to trace him to his bed or even close to his bed so I would be hunting in the woods on his trail to the bean field or, as many of you suggested, maintain a great distance.

I did, by the way, put a tree stand in a fence row about 400 yards from where he is coming out now. I am pretty sure I can watch him undetected for now.

Thanks again for more feedback !!!!!

[BKE]

Recently put my cameras out and also watching soybean fields. Found a 20 inch plus mainframe 8 pointer last week. Question is do I trace his path from his bed to the beans now, or wait until September to see if he is still around. Bow starts in October and maybe, I can catch him while he is still on a feeding pattern.

Thanks

Come Oct. the beans should still be there but now you mention the acorns (although you say they are scarce) which gives him the option of staying in the woods and not in an open field. I think he'll go nocturnal then if he wants beans,actually he'll probably work the night shift all thru the season. I'm thinking it would be beneficial to know his bedding area if you think you can figure it out without educating him too much. Figure it out now,hang a stand or plan where you want to set up now and then get out and stay away til the time comes. When season comes don't over hunt it. As you say "you're in a club with others scouting around which might spook him" but you might as well take a chance or someone else will.

[buckbuster11]

Yup, I'd see if I could nail down his bedding area and home territory. If you can't find it now, wait until early September when he'll start rubbing trees and look for rub lines. He may change his feeding patterns from beans to acorns to whatever, but as long as he isn't bumped to badly his bedding area will likely stay the same.

[SaskMan]

I've had a little bit of early season luck on deer that I had somewhat patterned.

Follow Rhino's advice early on. Back off, observe that deer and try figure him out from a distance. If he makesa few mistakes and lets you see him enough times you have a decent chance of sliding in there Oct. 1 and killing him if he's still there and that'll depend on what he's filling his belly with. Good luck, it's satisfying to watch a buck, figure him out and go in and get him, very satisfying. Keep us updated.