Are the Big bucks always going to follow the does?

[mkeleher]

My papaw owns a 350 acre farm where he grows corn, beans, squash, and potatoes. It is a pretty big food plot where Ionly see does. Is it possible that the bucks only go there at night or are they just not coming there at all? what do ya'll think?

[DouglasSpear]

My papaw owns a 350 acre farm where he grows corn, beans, squash, and potatoes. It is a pretty big food plot where Ionly see does. Is it possible that the bucks only go there at night or are they just not coming there at all? what do ya'll think?

I can confidently say that the bucks are there, but as you mentioned it is most likely at night. Bucks also stay along the woodline of the field and rarely come out like the does do unless during the rut following a doe in heat. This is how big bucks become big bucks.

[mkeleher]

what do you think the best way to lure them into the field is during the early morning or evening is then. I know there are big bucks around cause there is plently of hardwoods and food resources for the deer. Also the different properties connect. The property I hunt on is the only one with crops on it though. How do I get that big buck?

[DouglasSpear]

what do you think the best way to lure them into the field is during the early morning or evening is then. I know there are big bucks around cause there is plently of hardwoods and food resources for the deer. Also the different properties connect. The property I hunt on is the only one with crops on it though. How do I get that big buck?

Well during the pre-rut you'll want to use rattling and some light calls, during the rut you'll want to use doe in heat lure, rattling, and calls. Make sure to place your stand in your favor with the wind, and post up on trails leading from bedding areas to food plots, not necessarily on the food plots.

[mkeleher]

bout how far should I have the doe in heat lure away from me if im using a 30-06 rifle with the stand set up looking over the field? Also, how often do you rattle and call?

[DouglasSpear]

bout how far should I have the doe in heat lure away from me if im using a 30-06 rifle with the stand set up looking over the field? Also, how often do you rattle and call?

When I'm rattling I rattle just lightly at first so I don't scare away any bucks that might be close and gradually get a little louder. I only like to rattle for about 30-45 seconds and then follow up with a series of 3-6 grunt calls. I like to wait at least 30 minutes before rattling again, sometimes only rattling once or twice during an entire hunt whether I see deer or not. Just don't over do it, you'd be amazed how much deer can pick out a hunter rattling compared to a routine sparring match between two bucks. For the doe in heat lure, I typically use it in one of three ways:

1. Find a scrape along the trails leading to the field and either spray or drop a dozen drops of it on the scrape. The distance for this isn't that important unless you are able to put a stand up near it. Otherwise, it's good to put some doe in heat on a scrape regardless of the proximity with your stand because it will keep a buck coming back to search for the doe.

2. Cover a scent drag with the lure and let it drag on the ground behind you walking towards your stand but make sure to walk in a path that is to your wind advantage so bucks won't bust you from your scent (you should use cover scent or scent elimination on your clothes and boots to help mask human odor).

3. Cover 3 or 4 scent sticks and hang them about 6-7 feet high on surrounding tree branches within 20-30 yards from your stand. This will keep the scent in the air and bucks will be looking to find out where it's coming from.

[mkeleher]

Thank you for your help Doug. You have been very helpful. If I have any more questions I will be sure to ask.

[DouglasSpear]

Thank you for your help Doug. You have been very helpful. If I have any more questions I will be sure to ask.

Sure thing. We don't hide secrets around here and we're a good bunch of hunters and outdoorsmen.