Hunting late-season bucks on public land can be challenging but highly rewarding. With deer pressured from months of hunting, they become more cautious and elusive. Hunting from the ground allows mobility, adaptability, and access to areas where traditional stands might not work. Here’s how to increase your odds of success.
1. Find the Food Sources
In the late season, deer focus on food. Identify remaining food sources such as agricultural fields, acorns, or browse areas like greenbrier and honeysuckle. Scout for fresh tracks and droppings to confirm deer activity.
2. Locate Bedding Areas
Mature bucks prefer thick cover to avoid hunters. Find bedding areas in dense brush, cedars, or overlooked spots. Set up along travel routes between these areas and food sources.
3. Use Natural Cover for Concealment
Ground hunting requires good concealment. Use natural cover such as fallen trees, thick brush, or tall grass. Wear camo that blends with the environment and keep your movements slow and deliberate.
4. Hunt the Wind
Scent control is crucial when hunting on the ground. Always position yourself downwind of the deer’s expected travel route. Use wind-checkers and adjust your setup accordingly.
5. Stay Mobile and Adapt
Unlike treestand hunting, ground hunting allows you to move when needed. If deer are avoiding your setup, relocate quietly and reposition based on fresh sign.
6. Still-Hunting Tactics
Still-hunting—moving slowly and scanning ahead—can be effective. Walk 5–10 yards, stop for several minutes, and observe. Use binoculars to scan the terrain and catch deer before they spot you.
7. Use Decoys and Calls Sparingly
In pressured public land, deer are wary of calls. Soft grunts or bleats can work, but avoid overcalling. A well-placed decoy in an open area may help attract a buck’s attention.
8. Hunt During the Right Conditions
Late-season bucks move most in cold weather or before storms. Hunt during the best conditions, especially in the evenings when deer head to feed.
9. Be Patient and Persistent
Success in late-season ground hunting requires patience. Stick with your strategy, adjust as needed, and remain confident. A well-executed plan can lead to a hard-earned public land buck.
By following these tactics, you can increase your chances of harvesting a mature buck on public land, even in the challenging late season. Good luck!
