How to Read Deer Signs

If you're serious about bagging a buck during the next hunting season, it's a good idea to take a pre-season scouting trip to read the deer signs in your hunting woods. There are definite signs to look for that help you identify whether there are bucks in the area and you may also learn some of their patterns of behavior.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Scout your hunting area about two weeks before the planned hunt. Wear rubber gloves and boots to try to minimize human scent. This is a good time to do any clearing necessary to get to your deer stand.

2. Look for signs that a buck is ready for breeding, such as rubs on small saplings, which are areas of the bark shredded off. They are usually located 1 to 3 feet above the ground and are areas where a buck attempts to rub the velvet covering off his antlers to mark his territory for breeding.

3. Check the ground for big scrapes, which indicate that a large buck is in the area. To mark his territory, he scrapes the ground with his hooves. He leaves his scent by urinating on the scrape, or rubbing the area between his antlers on saplings or low hanging branches.

4. Locate other deer signs, such as droppings, hoof prints and bedding areas, which may indicate how large the deer population is in the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Rubs are usually located along the path to and from the areas where the buck gets his food, water and shelter. He may revisit and refresh them in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Who Can Help:

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!