Early Season Archery

I love early-season deer hunting. It’s time to begin planning your hunts and I’m definitely on it. Our early archer season will be opening on August 3rd, down in the southernmost portion of our state. Now, the heat can be torture during the long hours in the blind, but you don’t have to be bothered by the army of bowhunters staying home for their comfort. There’s an easy-going, low-pressure vibe to the first few weeks because you’ve mostly got the woods to yourself and the entire fall in front of you, with plenty of time to fill your freezer.

But, if I’m honest, the biggest reason I love early-season deer hunting is that there is no better time to tag a mature buck that you’ve identified and located. Well, that and fact that my three biggest bucks ever have come during an early archery hunt over the years. Sure, you’ll see more deer during November’s rut, but if you know where a particular buck hangs out, the early season can’t be beat. Not only is the deer herd reasonably predictable; they’re sticking to a fairly small core area, but human hunters have been off his mind for months. Here are a few things to consider when heading south.

Watch the forecast: you know that weather and temperature can dictate deer movement, but this is especially true for early season deer hunting. When temps feel like a half an acre of Hell, bucks lie on their bellies until the thermometer swings into cooler temps. Watch the forecast, and when the rains come, be sure to get out to your blind. It will cause the temperatures to drop and entice the deer into rising to feed. So, make sure you’re out there.

Rub lines: Forget the shredded, wrist-thick rubs of the late October rut. What you are much more likely to find during early archery season in the south, are rubs that look like they were made by a youngster, not a hoss. But, in the earliest parts of the season, even the slimmest shredding is likely the work of a dandy buck. Look for saplings and brush, especially near the hottest food sources, with freshly shaved bark. If you find that, you’re staring at a potential big-buck ambush site.

Work the edges: early season hunters often debate whether or not to hunt the field edge or go in the woods and hunt the oaks? But keep in mind that you don’t always have to choose, because they get more sunlight, oak trees that lean over the edges of fields often produce bumper crops and drop early. Either way, as long as you keep an eye on which field edge oaks are dropping acorns and when, it’s a killer opportunity for you.

As always, I’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions or comments, reach out to me at [email protected]. God Bless, and good hunting!