First year deer hunting what to look for?

[pvtsloan]

Hey guys im 19 and fixin to leave for basic training in january for the army. ive always been a small game hunter. rabbit squirrell ect. well i bought me a new 12ga in hopes of trying to nab me a nice white tail before i head off. what should i look for in the woods to make it a sucessful hunt?

[DouglasSpear]

Hey guys im 19 and fixin to leave for basic training in january for the army. ive always been a small game hunter. rabbit squirrell ect. well i bought me a new 12ga in hopes of trying to nab me a nice white tail before i head off. what should i look for in the woods to make it a sucessful hunt?

Fresh antler rubs on trees, fresh scrapes (not until late October/early November) and trails leading from bedding to water/food. Find the pinch points where different terrains all meet or funnel down. Late October/early November is the rut, so be in the woods then for sure. Try some doe estrus and a bleat call and see what happens. Being out there, the right wind, and luck are the 3 main factors in deer hunting success.