Time sure does seem to fly by anymore and it’s hard to believe that fall is already here and September is almost over. The forecast is calling for a potential heat wave this week which may take away from the fall feeling but the calendar says my favorite season of the year is here. The resident deer in my front yard have shed their summer hair and have their dark brown winter coats on now.
I doubt they will move much during the day with these hot temperatures in the forecast. Archery season begins on September 30 which is only 3 days away for those that have been counting down. The bucks are shedding their velvet and most of them have freshly polished antlers now.
I’ve been busy preparing for the upcoming deer seasons brush hogging food plots and planting a couple of acres of turnips. I hung a ladder stand on the edge of a powerline right-a-way that I’m looking forward to climbing into once November and the rut comes in. I have a couple of ground blinds that I need to deploy this week.
Some of the oak trees in my area are dropping their acorns and it appears there’s going to be some mast in the woods this fall. It’s a good idea to take a stroll in the woods and pay attention to which oak trees are dropping the most acorns before the season starts. This will be evident from looking for leaves scratched back under and around oak trees as the turkeys, deer, and bear search for the freshly fallen nuts. A pair of binoculars can help to look up into the treetops for acorns that haven’t dropped yet.
September is always a busy month as we transition from summer to fall. Some years I feel like I’m behind on my preseason preparations, like last year, but this year I’m feeling confident and ready. The next step is to monitor trail cameras and wait for a mature buck to make his appearance.
It’s important to slip in and out of the area you’re hunting as unnoticed as possible during the early part of archery season. The last thing you want is for the deer to catch on before the pre rut begins. You definitely don’t want to hunt the same spot over and over if you’re looking for a nice buck.
Those old does are smart animals as well and once they catch on to where you’re setup, they’ll become more cautious each time they come by. If you’re running low on venison, the early season is a good time to shoot a doe to restock the freezer. I’ve found that by doing your homework in the preseason then being patient during the month of October pays off once November and the rut kicks in.
You want the deer to feel as comfortable and calm as they were before hunting season began. I know that sounds easier said than done, but carefully planning your entrance and exit routes to and from your stand is one of the most important factors to consider when chasing after whitetail deer.
My goal every time in and out of the woods is to not spook any deer. It doesn’t always work out like I hoped it would, but being stealthy and smart is the key to a successful hunting season. I’m looking forward to spending many hours in the weeks to come patiently waiting in God’s creation watching whatever wildlife go about their daily routine in hopes a nice buck will come by. Good luck to all my fellow hunters this fall, shoot straight, and enjoy your time spent in the West Virginia outdoors!
