Deer

June is typically regarded as the first month of summer, which means the fall hunting season is right around the corner and closer than you think. It's time for deer hunting off season prep!

Deer antlers are more than ornamental pieces you hang on the wall after a successful hunt. Each set of antlers tells a unique story, helping you better understand the conditioning and health of an individual deer. It's an astonishing biological process and incredible to witness out in the wild. 

To make a water hole for deer, choose a location near bedding or travel routes, dig a shallow depression, and line it with plastic or a natural seal to retain water. Proper placement in shaded areas helps maintain water levels and increases deer activity, especially during warm or dry conditions.

With spring in full force, now is as good a time as ever to start replenishing your mineral sites or getting out and setting up new ones before the summer heat.

Some deer hunters are so dedicated that they never truly stop thinking about deer hunting and the year-round cycle of the species. While many hunters may be turning their attention to a spring turkey hunt or a weekend fishing trip, dedicated whitetail and other deer species hunters are focused on one thing: spring food plots for deer. 

If you view the chase of whitetail deer as strictly a fall activity, you might go through the season with an unfilled tag. The most successful whitetail hunters know that the chase for whitetails is a yearlong endeavor, with each month providing a unique opportunity for the hunter to learn about their quarry. 

As the next part in our series about the Year-Round Hunter, we wondered what you should be doing in February. "Hunting" doesn't have to be limited to spring turkey or fall deer hunts — so what can you do while waiting for winter to end?

Whether chasing record-breaking racks, healthy deer populations, or breathtaking hunting landscapes, the best hunting state is one that fulfills your personal hunting profile. From the dense and stunning woodlands of the Midwest regions to the rugged West, plenty of states offer a little of everything, making them dream destinations for deer hunters.

Have you ever been out in the field and wished the animal you were hunting would come closer? Using a decoy might be the answer you are looking for.

Did you hunt the rut this year? Do you plan to hunt it next year? Whether you have (or haven't) hunted it before, you're in for a special kind of treat when pursuing whitetail during peak breeding season.

We're sure you've had a successful fall hunting season this year. So, how are you fixing that wild venison for your holiday feast?

Late-season hunts can be productive and rewarding, depending on how you approach them. Yes, cold feet can be uncomfortable, but if you can push past some of these mental barriers, you will be rewarded with some exciting hunting.