Introduction to Early Season Hunting
Early season deer hunting is a great time to tag a mature buck, as the deer are more predictable and less pressured. During this time, bucks are more likely to stick to a small core area, making them easier to locate. The early season, which typically begins in late August or early September, offers a unique opportunity for hunters to capitalize on the deer’s predictable behavior. With the right strategies and preparation, hunters can increase their chances of success and make the most of the early season.
The Importance of Early Season Strategy
Early season hunting brings unique challenges and opportunities. Early October is a transitional period where deer behavior changes and patterns become crucial for hunters. Animals behave differently during this time, adjusting to weather changes, food availability, and human pressure. For hunters, it’s a chance to capitalize on predictable movement before patterns shift later in the season. Understanding how different species act in early fall allows you to fine-tune your tactics, improve your odds, and make more efficient use of your time in the field.
Pre-Season Preparation for Early Season Deer Hunting
Pre-season preparation is crucial for early season deer hunting success. Hunters should start by scouting the area, looking for signs of deer activity such as rubs, scrapes, and tracks. It’s also essential to identify food sources, such as ag fields and food plots, and to determine the deer’s movement patterns. By understanding the deer’s behavior and habitat, hunters can set up their stands and blinds in the most effective locations. Additionally, hunters should make sure their gear is in good condition, including their rifles, bows, and trail cameras.
Whitetail Deer
In the early season, bucks are often still in velvet or recently shed, traveling in bachelor groups and moving with predictable patterns. Focus your efforts on food sources like soybeans, acorns, or green fields to catch deer movements. Sitting in stands is crucial to effectively observe and harvest deer. Set up on trails between bedding and feeding areas, especially during evening hunts, and select appropriate tree stands for optimal visibility.
Using game cameras to capture pictures of bucks can help track their movements. Mornings can be tricky, as deer may return to bed before legal shooting light, so observe from a long distance using optics. Making sounds that deer can hear without being spooked is also important. Avoid putting too much pressure on a single spot by hanging stands and cameras strategically. The anticipation of cool weather as the season approaches adds to the excitement.
Deer often become more active in the cooler periods of the day, especially right before dark. As a hunter, focus on strategies and tips for successful deer hunting. The first week or so of September is crucial for understanding deer patterns and behaviors. Walking through areas to locate signs of deer presence is essential.
Look for signs of big deer, such as large rubs, near food sources. Ag fields are strategically important for hunting, so place stands thoughtfully. Pay attention to early season rubs made by deer, as they indicate good stuff worth noting. Late October is significant for hunting strategies.
Using mock scrapes can attract deer effectively. Earlier in the season, deer patterns are more consistent. Apples are not the only ones; other soft mast options are also important food sources for deer. Ensure you are within shooting range for effective hunting.
Spotting a monster buck in the early morning can enhance your chances of a successful hunt. Sit in strategic locations to maximize your chances of spotting deer. Drawing deer within bow range requires subtle tactics. Mid October is another critical period for hunting strategies.
Most hunters have common misconceptions about deer calls, so adapt your techniques. Expect deer to appear in unexpected locations, emphasizing the importance of observation. Deer take rest periods during winter months, switching from acorns to green food sources. Field edges near agricultural fields are prime hunting spots.
White oaks are crucial during the early deer hunting season due to their acorn drop. October is a key month for deer hunting. The rut thing is not exclusive to the rut season; scrapes and calls are effective year-round. Food plots are critical hunting locations for whitetail deer.
Bucks are intrigued by the presence of other deer, especially in early November. To find bucks, locate food sources as they are very patternable in September. Dropping acorns from oak trees attract deer, creating prime hunting opportunities. As the early season begins, bachelor groups break, leading to shifts in deer movement patterns.
Creating a Mock Scrape
Creating a mock scrape is an effective way to lure early season bucks to your stand site. To create a mock scrape, find a well-used travel route and an overhanging branch, known as a licking branch. Hang a 10-inch chunk of hemp or nylon rope from the licking branch, and dip the frayed end in scent to make the mock scrape more attractive. This will create curiosity among bucks, and they will be drawn to the area to investigate. By using a mock scrape, hunters can increase their chances of seeing a big buck and make the most of the early season.
Finding Fresh Sign
Finding fresh sign is essential for early season deer hunting success. Hunters should look for signs of deer activity such as rubs, scrapes, and tracks. Fresh rubs near known bedding areas can be a good indicator of a buck’s presence, and hunters should pay attention to the size and location of the rubs. By finding fresh sign, hunters can determine the deer’s movement patterns and identify potential hunting locations. Trail cameras can also be used to monitor the area and identify patterns of buck activity.
Water Sources and Deer Movement
Water sources play a crucial role in deer movement, especially during the early season. Deer will often travel to water sources to drink and cool off, making them a great location to hunt. Hunters should look for areas with a short distance between water and bed or water and food, as these areas tend to have high deer activity. By understanding the relationship between water sources and deer movement, hunters can set up their stands and blinds in the most effective locations and increase their chances of success. Whether it’s a creek, pond, or other water source, hunters should pay attention to the deer’s behavior and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Elk
Early elk hunting often coincides with the pre-rut, when bulls begin gathering cows and bugling increases by the day. This period can offer some of the most vocal action of the year, but calling requires finesse. Light cow calls or soft bugles can coax a curious bull into range. Focus on north-facing slopes, wallows, and high-altitude meadows where temperatures stay cooler. Mornings and evenings are best, but elk may remain active throughout the day if the weather is mild. Be ready to cover ground, glass often, and move quickly when the opportunity comes. Adaptability in hunting strategies is crucial, particularly during late season when elk behavior shifts.
Mule Deer
Early season mule deer are typically found in high-country terrain, feeding in open basins during the morning and evening and bedding in shade for most of the day. Spot-and-stalk is the go-to tactic. Get above them, glass patiently, and use terrain to close the distance. Wind and visibility are everything. Take your time on the stalk, and be prepared for long shots. These deer can be highly patternable early in the season before hunting pressure pushes them into thicker cover or different elevations.
Early October marks a transitional period where mule deer behavior changes, making it crucial for hunters to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Black Bear
Early fall can be an excellent time to hunt bears, especially if natural food sources are abundant. As hunters eagerly anticipate the transition from the summer heat to the cool weather of fall, bear activity increases, making them more visible. Focus on berry patches, oak ridges with acorns, or areas with active agricultural fields. Bears are driven by food, and once you find a hot spot, they’ll return regularly. Be mindful of wind direction—bears rely heavily on their nose. Setting up a stand along a food source with fresh sign can lead to a close-range shot. Early season bears are often more visible in daylight, making this a prime time to hunt.
Wild Turkey
Though spring is more common for turkey hunting, fall offers unique opportunities. In early season, flocks may still be grouped by age and gender. Tactics differ—you’re often trying to locate a flock and then break it up to call them back together. Scouting is important. Look for scratching, feathers, and droppings in open woods and along field edges. Sitting in stands and waiting can be crucial to effectively observe and harvest turkeys. Use soft yelps or kee-kees to draw birds in after a scatter. Shot placement is more difficult due to denser cover, so wait for a clear angle.
Feral Hogs
Hogs are active year-round, but early season offers some advantages. Cooler evenings and fresh crops bring them out to feed. Scout trails, wallows, and rooting sign. Set up over feeders or near known food sources, especially as daylight begins to fade. Hogs tend to move more under the cover of low light, so thermal optics or lights can improve odds for late hunts. Be ready for multiple targets and fast action. Staying mobile and watching the wind is just as important as it is with big game.
Hogs often become more active during the twilight hours before dark, making this an ideal time for hunters to be alert.
Small Game
Squirrels and rabbits start moving more as the weather cools slightly. Focus on nut-bearing trees for squirrels and brushy thickets or edge habitat for rabbits. Early season cover is still thick, so sightlines can be limited. Move slowly, listen for movement, and take advantage of still mornings. For many hunters, early small game hunts are a chance to tune up skills and spend time in the woods before big game seasons hit full stride.
Actively walking through these areas while scouting or hunting can help locate signs of small game presence, such as tracks or scrapes, and strategize hunts effectively.
Upland Birds
Early season grouse, woodcock, and quail hunts can be productive, but birds are often still in family groups and not as spread out as they will be later. Dogs may struggle in the heat and dense cover, so hunt early and give them plenty of water. As the summer heat gives way to cool weather, upland bird activity increases, making it an ideal time for hunters. Watch for birds near edges of cover and food sources. Early season birds are less pressured and may hold better for points or flush closer, giving you more shot opportunities.
Conclusion
Every species responds differently to the early season, and understanding those patterns gives you a solid advantage. Focus on food, keep the wind in your favor, and move carefully through the woods. This time of year rewards preparation and patience. By studying the habits of your target animal and adjusting your tactics accordingly, you can make the most of early season opportunities while other hunters are still waiting for things to heat up.
FAQs
When is early season considered to start?
Early season typically refers to the first few weeks of a hunting season, often starting in late summer or early fall depending on the species and location.
Early October is a crucial transitional period where deer behavior changes and patterns become essential for hunters to understand and adapt their strategies.
Are animals easier to hunt in early season?
They can be more predictable and less pressured, but thick cover and warm temperatures add their own set of challenges. As hunters eagerly await the deer hunting season, they look forward to moving past the summer heat and embracing the cool weather of fall, which signifies the opening of hunting seasons and brings a sense of hope for those who have prepared throughout the summer.
What’s the best time of day to hunt early season?
Morning and evening are generally best, especially when animals are focused on feeding patterns before the weather gets hotter. Animals often become more active during the twilight hours before dark, making it an ideal time for hunters to be alert.
Do calling tactics work in early season?
Yes, but lighter, more subtle calls tend to work better—especially for elk, turkeys, and predators before they become more vocal later in the season.
It's crucial to adjust the volume of these calls so that the animals can hear them without being spooked.
How should I dress for early season hunts?
Use lightweight, breathable layers that wick moisture. As the summer heat gives way to the cool weather of fall, hunters eagerly anticipate dressing for the changing temperatures. Bug protection and scent control also matter, especially in warmer climates.