Steve Bartylla will bring you along as he hunts Missouri, Wisconsin and on a late season doe hunt at the end of the year.

BUCKS & BEARDS DEERHUNT 2000
 Day #1: Matt Parker Gets The First Buck | Day #2: Re-Scouting  | Day #3: Looking For Bucks | Day #4: I Get A Buck  | Day #5: Brent's Turn At The Plate | Day #6: Rain, Wind & A Massive Buck  | Day #7: More Hunting | Day #8: Final Day |
  
Day 3 - Looking For Bucks

We sat in the stand by the meadow this morning. I figured I would give the area 2 shots. When our sit turned up nothing we pulled our stands and went looking for them. After a second midday filled with scouting, I was pleased to see that about 80% of predicted stand sites looked good. We are hunting Bucks & Beards during the peak prerut period. For this time of year we are keying on funnels, finding the hottest scrapes and fresh rubs, all located around a doe concentration.

While scouting a new area we kicked up 3 deer, one was a definite shooter. He had been traveling down a draw and his tracks were huge. 

Following the draw led us to a windmill where 3 draws converged. After looking around the area it was obvious that everything naturally funneled to this location. As Brent hung a stand I made a mock scrape. By the time we were done the day had slipped away. 

Many hunters would be appalled at the idea of wasting an opportunity to hunt by scouting. When hunting trophy bucks, I believe it is critical to have numerous stand sites to choose from. 

Not only that, but proper stand location in critical. Most often you have one shot at these bruisers. If he happens to pass 20 yards outside of bow range you lost the game. Because of these things, I will almost always trade an opportunity to sit in a stand for making sure I am in the right position.

Donnie and I study a photo of the property. 

Tomorrow, Day 4, more hunting ...
  For those looking for every advantage in understanding whitetail deer, Steve Bartylla's column Becoming A Student Of Whitetail Deer is a must read.