Is The Season Ever Really Over?
Posted By
Ethan Sleeman
at
1/4/2012 12:00:00 AM
Is the season ever really over? We like to take this time of the year and evaluate what went right and what didn’t during our season. Our trail cameras are out on late season food sources and close to sanctuary bedding areas. We check them throughout the off season trying to put the pieces together to make the next season that much better. Some of the things we key on are where the deer are traveling and where they feel safe. We also notice the beds in the snow. This
tells us key information on our entrance and exit strategy. You would be surprised at how they position themselves to see you on your way in to your stand. We like to evaluate our stand locations especially the ones that we didn’t see much from. Are they too close to bedding? Are the deer even using this area during the season? What kind of other pressure are they receiving from neighbors or other hunters? We like to also know which
bucks survived! This gives us some hope and something to look forward to for next season.
Another aspect that we re-evaluate is our cover and food plot program. Did we have enough to hold deer when the Pressure is at its peak? Did our plots draw deer to the destination that we desired. If not what changes can we make? Can we manipulate deer movement by dropping a tree or two to bring them closer to our stand locations? We are always looking for that perfect tree. Trees that will hold two stands, a camera arm and cover two hunters. We are planning on tweaking a few already. Sometimes its only a few trees away. It’s a time to reflect and adjust. Make the off season changes and next year could be your best season yet!!!
