As the crisp air of autumn descends upon Minnesota, hunters eagerly prepare for the thrills of the upcoming deer season. In this blog post, we'll explore strategic hunting stand locations for the months of September to December, guiding you through the changing seasons and helping you maximize your chances of a successful hunt.
For the novice hunters, or people looking to purchase land, this is a post for you. I would encourage established land owners to provide input as well--we all have great ideas. From my standpoint, this information may seem a little "high level," but don't worry. In the coming months, we're going to dig into plot management, timber harvesting, forestry programs, MN DNR protection programs, etc. You will be able to manage your property like a professional. Of course, this will involve a LOT OF WORK, but...you get the point.
Early Season (September - October):
• During the early season, focus on food sources and travel corridors. Set up stands near established food plots, agricultural fields, or natural forage areas. Deer are likely to follow predictable patterns as they feed, offering prime opportunities for strategic stand placement.
Transition Zones:
• As September transitions into October, consider setting up stands in areas where feeding zones meet travel corridors. Deer often use these transition zones between bedding areas and food sources, presenting hunters with ideal locations to intercept them during their daily movements.
Bedding Areas:
• As the season progresses, explore the outskirts of bedding areas. Set up stands downwind of potential bedding sites, giving you the advantage of catching deer as they move to and from their bedding locations. Exercise caution to avoid disturbing these critical areas.
Rut Phase (Late October - November):
• The rut, or mating season, brings about significant changes in deer behavior. Focus on stands near travel corridors between doe bedding areas and areas frequented by bucks. Bucks become more active in seeking mates, making these corridors prime locations for encountering mature deer.
Funnel Areas:
• Identify natural funnels, such as narrow valleys, ridges, or tight cover, and position stands strategically. Funnel areas naturally guide deer movement, increasing the likelihood of encounters. These become especially effective during the rut as bucks pursue does.
Scrape Lines and Rub Lines:
• Set up stands near scrape lines and rub lines to capitalize on buck activity during the rut. Bucks mark their territory by creating scrapes and rubs, and hunting near these signposts can lead to opportunities for a shot at a rutting buck.
Post-Rut (Late November - December):
• After the peak of the rut, deer behavior undergoes another shift. Focus on stands near food sources as deer replenish their energy reserves. Agricultural fields, remaining green vegetation, and supplemental food plots become key areas for late-season hunting.
Travel Corridors to Winter Cover:
• As winter approaches, deer transition to winter cover areas. Set up stands near these travel corridors, paying attention to natural barriers like creeks or dense cover. Deer tend to follow predictable routes during this time, offering opportunities for successful late-season hunts.
Cold-Weather Hideouts:
• As temperatures drop, deer seek shelter from the cold. Identify areas with dense cover, coniferous trees, or thermal cover where deer can find refuge. Position stands where you can intercept deer moving between their feeding and bedding areas during the colder months.
Wind Considerations:
• Throughout the season, always pay attention to wind direction. Position stands downwind of expected deer travel routes to minimize the chances of being detected. Utilize portable stands for flexibility in adjusting to changing wind patterns.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of strategic hunting stand locations requires a deep understanding of deer behavior throughout the hunting season. By adapting to the changing landscape from early season food sources to rut-driven travel corridors and late-season food-focused areas, hunters in Minnesota can increase their chances of success. May your hunting stands become gateways to memorable encounters and successful harvests during the rich and varied seasons of Minnesota's deer hunting.