The rut is the perfect time of year for a deer hunter, and it is that time of year again. Unfortunately, it can be headache trying to get a deer on camera. You’ve seen him all year, but now you can’t seem to get a shot of him.
How in the world are you supposed to keep up with these guys? Well, put the cameras where you would hunt the deer. Is it really that simple? It really is. Here are eight spots to give a try:
Location #1: Pinch Points
This is ultimately the classic location for your deer stand during the rut season. It is also an ideal spot for your trail camera. Place your cameras anywhere that the deer will pinch down as they travel from Point A to Point B.
Location #2: Funnels
Somewhat similar to the above pinch points, you should also place cameras in areas where deer will funnel through as they go from their bed to their feeding source, bed to bed, etc.
Location #3: Saddles
It isn’t uncommon at all for deer to travel the route of least resistance. This is particularly true during the rut. Due to this, you should consider placing a trail camera between the two ridges in a low spot. There is a very good chance that you will capture images of deer traveling through here.
Location #4: Trail Intersections
When you see intersecting trails, it often means that there will be a significant amount of traffic. So, when you see multiple trails intersecting, find an area where you can post a couple of trail cameras.
Location #5: Leeward Ridges and Slopes
Bucks that are older and mature are incredibly smart, as they have been around for a while and they have some tricks up their sleeves. They have learned how to outsmart you by traveling downwind so that they can smell what’s going on above and below because of a wind tunnel that forms in that area. Therefore, take the time to set up along these leeward ridges and slopes and you may just find you a buck.
Location #6: Doe Bedding Areas
During the rut, there is a very good chance that you will find a buck around the bedding areas of does. Look for trails that will connect to doe bedding areas, especially if there are two in the same area.
Location #7: Thick Cover
As mentioned already, older deer are smart – this is true for both bucks and does. When there are two of them together, they will often go find thick cover. Bucks take does there to reduce the chances of competition, while does go to thick cover to hide from bucks that harassing them. Therefore, this is a prime location for your trail cameras.
Location #8: Water Sources
Like any other animal, deer must drink regardless of the time of year it is. During the rut, though, bucks often drink more frequently because they are more active. Find secluded water source and put up your cameras and you may just be surprised.
If you need equipment for deer season, including trail cameras, contact us at Full Draw Archery and we’ll help get you set up.
