SIGN, SIGN, EVERYWHERE A SIGN
How to correctly interpret rubs, tracks, droppings, scrapes and more to boost your odds of connecting with a trophy white-tailed buck this fall
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Deer are attracted to water to drink, and also hide from human pressure (photo: Kevin Kelley/Unsplash)WATERING HOLES
Deer need to drink throughout the day, so one of the best areas to scout for active buck sign is around waterways. Deer are not only attracted to ponds, marshes, rivers and creeks for hydration, but also to escape human pressure. They will typically drink in the morning before bedding down, then around midday, and again before heading out for their evening feed.
Tracks should be evident in the exposed earth along shorelines, where deer might travel parallel to the water, or cross it. As well, tall grass hugging the shoreline will be packed down where the deer travel. If you find a lot tracks, you’ll know you’ve discovered a well-used water source.
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Finally, deer are excellent swimmers, so it’s also worth checking out any islands you may find. Such areas are rarely scouted, if ever, so a short canoe ride can really pay off. Look for flattened beds, rubs, scrapes and/or tracks to confirm the island is a trusted big-buck hideaway.