When discussing the favorite part of the hunting season, October often gets overlooked due to the notorious "October lull," which seems to deter many deer hunters. However, based on my personal experience, October can present excellent opportunities to harvest that elusive mature buck. During this time, deer tend to maintain predictable patterns, adhering to their summer feeding routines and typically revisiting the same areas daily. Understanding these patterns can significantly increase your chances of a successful hunt. Below are some effective strategies I have used to hunt big bucks in October.
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Identify and Set Up Near Food Sources: To increase your odds of encountering mature bucks, locate primary feed sources the deer are using on your property. Position yourself downwind at a distance of 75-150 yards from these areas. Hunting directly over feeding locations can be extremely difficult, resulting in missed opportunities and will ultimately train your deer to become nocturnal. Remember, no matter how cautious you are or how much scent-killer you use, deer can and will still smell you. By setting up downwind, you minimize the risk of getting busted when deer approach your feeding locations.
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Choose High-Traffic Travel Paths: When selecting your treestand or blind location, focus on well-defined trails that deer frequently use to travel between their bedding and feeding areas. To avoid getting busted, place your tree stand or blind approximately 20-30 yards off the trail perpendicular to it. Also, ensure that your scent does not blow in the direction where the deer will be traveling on the given day you choose to hunt. Concealment is crucial, but for the sake of this blog, camouflage can be discussed on another day. The key is to remain in dark, low light areas, and have a clear shot path once that buck crosses you and on the trial.
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Opt for Evening Hunts: While mornings can be enticing, October presents challenges as deer tend to bed down and feed during the early hours. Attempting to access your stand in the morning may alert deer already at their feeding locations or on their way there, once again, leading them one step closer to having you patterned. Instead, focus on evening hunts. During the day, deer will bed, making it easier for you to reach your stand undetected. Be mindful of wind direction, as your thermals will descend to the ground during the evening due to cooling temperatures.
Contrary to the October lull myth, this month can provide some of the best hunting opportunities of the season. Understanding that deer maintain their summer patterns in October is key to a successful hunt. By identifying their feeding sources, setting up downwind, and selecting high-traffic trails, you improve your chances of harvesting that big mature buck by surprise. So, get out in the woods and make the most of this rewarding time of the season.