Late in the season, deer are primarily driven by the need for food to survive harsh winter conditions. Randy Birdsong, a seasoned hunter from Headhunters TV, emphasizes the importance of targeting food sources during this time.
While recently visiting with Terry Drury of Drury Outdoors to talk late-season deer hunting tactics, I had to ask about his giant 216” Missouri monster. If you haven’t already watched the sneak peek on Drury’s Deer Cast or their YouTube channel, you must see this massive buck, Terry’s largest buck to date
Like clockwork, at 8:00 a.m. on the opening day of firearms season, I received a text from my father, saying that he was climbing down from his stand and was going on a walk; this had become his yearly routine. For several years, I disagreed with my father's decision to take off walking instead of staying in his stand. Though it was not my hunting style, it worked for him on many occasions. After my father's text, it wasn’t long before I heard the blast from a distant gunshot.
Many hunters approach late-season hunting as an opportunity at one last shot to harvest a mature buck. Although the late season is a great time to harvest them, I prefer to enter the latter portion with a different outlook.
Having the right equipment is crucial to success, no matter what you are doing. When deer hunting late season, having the right gear to keep you warm, comfortable, and scent-free can be the deciding factor as to whether your tag goes on a mature buck or in the trash at the end of the year.
