Out-Of-State Whitetails Part 5: Hunting Strategies

This is the 5th part of our ongoing series on hunting whitetails Out-of-State. Catch the full discussion here:

James: Jared, thanks for joining us again. Today, we're focusing on hunting strategies once you're actually in the field. When you arrive at your hunting location, what are the first things you look for?

Jared: The first thing I do is refer back to those pins I dropped on my onX map during the planning phase. But I approach it with patience. If I'm feeling a bit unsure about a spot, I'll hang back and work my way into the zone gradually. It's all about not blowing out an area before you've had a chance to really assess it.

James: That's great advice. What specific signs are you looking for on the ground?

Jared: I'm always on the lookout for fresh sign. In areas with white oaks, I'll look for fresh acorns on the ground - that's basically a natural food plot. I'm also checking for fresh tracks, droppings, and rubs. In places like Michigan, you might stumble upon old apple orchards on public land, which can be great food sources. Essentially, I'm trying to identify what's funneling deer through the area.

James: How do you adapt your strategy for different times of the season?

Jared: That's a great question, James. Early season, deer are pretty predictable - they're moving between food and bedding areas. During the rut, it can feel a bit more random, but there are still patterns. Late season, deer become predictable again as they focus on high-calorie food sources. Plus, if there's snow, you have the advantage of easily visible tracks.

James: Let's talk about the rut, since that's a popular time for out-of-state hunts. What specific strategies do you employ during this time?

Jared: During the rut, I'm focusing on travel corridors and pinch points. One specific feature I look for is what's called an oxbow - where a river dips down and then comes back up. I've found that does often bed in these areas, and bucks will travel across the opening of the oxbow to scent-check for does. It's all about understanding how bucks are moving to find receptive does.

James: That's a great tip. What about calling strategies? Do you use calls when you're hunting out of state?

Jared: I do, but I keep it simple. I'll bring a grunt tube, but I don't usually bother with rattling antlers or can calls. That said, I've had success with rattling in the past, especially during the rut. It's one of those things where you need to experiment and find what works for you in different areas.

James: You mentioned something interesting - the "buck run." Can you explain that strategy?

Jared: Sure, it's something I've been experimenting with lately. If I'm heading to my stand or a spot I want to hunt, I'll do a little trot through the woods, snapping a few sticks, and letting out a few grunts. The idea is to mimic the sound of a buck chasing a doe. I've had bucks come straight in to investigate. It's a way to turn the noise of your approach into an advantage.

James: That's clever. Now, let's say you've found a promising trail. How do you determine which direction deer are likely traveling?

Jared: If there's snow, it's pretty easy to see which way deer are walking by the direction of their hoof prints. Without snow, you have to use context clues. Look at your map - where are the likely food sources and bedding areas? Typically, deer will be moving between these areas. Swamps with points jutting out, or those oxbows we talked about, are often bedding areas. Fields are usually feeding areas. You're trying to piece together the deer's daily movement pattern.

James: What do you do if you're just not seeing any deer? How do you adjust your strategy?

Jared: That can be tough, especially on an out-of-state hunt where you have limited time. The key is to stay flexible. If you're not seeing anything, it might be time to move to another spot. Sometimes external factors can change deer movement patterns - like a farmer harvesting a nearby corn field. You need to be willing to adapt your strategy based on what's happening on the ground.

James: It can be discouraging when you're not seeing deer. Do you have any tips for staying motivated during slow periods?

Jared: Absolutely. One thing I do is set up little rewards for myself at the end of the day. Maybe it's a favorite snack I've been saving, or a game of euchre back at camp. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you mentally reset for the next day. And don't underestimate the power of a good attitude around camp - sometimes letting loose a bit in the evening can help you refocus for the next day's hunt.

James: That's great advice. Any final thoughts for our readers about hunting strategies for out-of-state trips?

Jared: The key is to stay flexible and observant. Use the intel you gathered during your planning phase, but be ready to adapt based on what you're seeing in the field. Don't be afraid to try different strategies - whether it's calling, changing locations, or adjusting your hunting times. Every trip is a learning experience, so even if you're not seeing deer, you're gathering valuable information for future hunts.

James: This has been incredibly informative. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us.