December deer advice

[bird blaster]

This is the first time I will be hunting deer late. I will be hunting 5 days. Two of which will be bow and 3 of which will be controlled shotgun. Bow will be antlered while the controlled hunt is for both. I will be hunting solo.

Location:81a
Setup: 75acres mostly soy crop which has been cut. Property runs N/S with three small fields running E/W each is split by a very small hedgerow. Around all the fields is forest, mostly hardwood some low lying vegetation. Two stand locations. One is north east corner and one is on the west side 1/2way down, which overlooks the middle field.

Available "things":
- Small food block put out a week before
- buck jam etc
- bleat can
- antlers
- buck decoy


This is the first time hunting my sisters farm and my first time hunting this late into the year. Just hoping for some helpful hints and what tactics I should try.

Thanks!

[DanO]

I wouldn't use any calls or attractants for the first day or two. They can work for you and against you. Play the wind and try to reduce your scent by sitting downwind of their bedding area or travel route. Less is more when you're trying to figure the farm out for the first few days. I'd have a set of binos for sure!

[punkrockerpj]

i hope they winter up for you in your area. i think food is a main priority in december. from what i`ve seen in december, it`s not so much about the calling and more about hitting them on their travel routes. i havent been able to actually take a deer, but i`ve been able to get near quite a few, so take my crappy hunting skills with a grain of salt
hope to see a picture of you with your deer!

[fuel80guy]

If it's possible try and sit out a few nights before you hunt to see if they have a pattern.Watch from along distance away so you don't spook them.It's all about the food source in december.

[fratri]

I agree, food will be a big factor.... With a December hunt there is a good chance of snow on the ground and that should help with feeding routes/patterns.... Find the sign and hunt downwind of it...
Best of luck

[udderbrudder]

I love December. I see the most deer movement late season. Including bucks mot seen in nov. Good luck. The wind is everything

[Camp Red Maple]

If it's possible try and sit out a few nights before you hunt to see if they have a pattern.Watch from along distance away so you don't spook them.It's all about the food source in december.

If you can do this its your best advice imho and note wind and weather directions. It takes a couple years to pattern your deer but never discount the power of good old luck, positive attitude and some mental imaging of seeing that deer walk out in front of you.

Keep things quiet until the hunt but immediately following the week scout the area thoroughly for beds and follow tracks.... that will be the key to unlocking success in future hunts. Food sources change throughout the deer season and December is easily the most predictably.

[seabast]

Lots of food, that's what they need right now.

[bird blaster]

Thanks all!!! I might have one evening to scope things out before hand.

Sounds like binos and luck are what is needed most this first year!

[seabast]

Thanks all!!! I might have one evening to scope things out before hand.

Sounds like binos and luck are what is needed most this first year!

You need bait more than luck, corn, carrots, sweet molasses lick and so on...