What are some tips for hunting bucks in low or high elevation? Should I be in timber or field edges in the early mornings?

@Billy: When it comes to hunting bucks in low elevation or high elevation areas, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. In low elevation areas, bucks tend to seek out thick cover during the day and move to feeding areas during the early morning and late evening. Look for areas with dense vegetation, such as thickets and brushy areas, where bucks may bed down during the day.

In high elevation areas, bucks often prefer open meadows and clearings where they can feed on grasses and browse. Look for areas with good visibility and signs of deer activity, such as tracks and droppings. Pay attention to the wind direction and use it to your advantage by positioning yourself downwind of the deer's likely approach routes.

As for early mornings, it can vary depending on the specific location and deer behavior. In general, bucks tend to be more active during the early morning hours, especially during the rut. Timber areas can provide good cover and concealment, making them a potential hotspot for bucks. However, field edges can also be productive, especially if there are food sources nearby. Consider scouting the area beforehand to determine where the deer are most active during the early mornings.

Remember, success in bow hunting whitetail deer SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

All depends on their food source ! They are feeding heavy on acorns right now in Missouri so I’m hunting woods. Morning and evening is usually always the best time except during the rut and they will travel all day a lot of times. Good luck 💪💪

Try and position yourself where the wind is favorable somewhere in between their food source and bedding area. Food sources could be trees dropping acorns or other nuts, ag fields, or any knee to waist high vegetation that shows signs of browse (like the tops are nibble off). For bedding look for tall grass that has been matted down and stuff like that. In between those two areas look for travel routes and pinch points like a hole in a fence or a saddle between two ridges. In all these areas look for signs of frequent or recent use like tracks or droppings. Then the goal would be to position yourself within 20 yds down wind of a spot like that. If you’re scouting the area a couple weeks before hunting it feel free to blow it up but if you’re planning on coming back sooner than that be quiet, cautious, and think about where you’re leaving your ground scent. I guess the last thing that would be more applicable to public land would be to keep an eye out for signs of human activity. If you see footprints and tire tracks or tree stands set up in the area, then you’re dealing with pressured deer and they behave a little differently.