Scouting deer and coming up with a creative hunting strategy is what separates the successful hunters from the unsuccessful ones.

There are many factors to look for when scouting for deer including; knowing the area and finding the trails they like to use, understanding a deers tracks or prints that it leaves in it's path, identifying feeding areas, droppings, beds, scrapes, and rubs.

Rubs can be the most important sign to look for when hunting for bucks. As they tend to rub their antlers against trees, scraping the bark off and leaving visual proof of where they travel, making them more susceptable to experienced hunters by providing these obvious clues. Also, the more mature bucks tend to be alot more aggressive than the smaller, younger ones, sometimes leaving the tree torn to shreds. Identifying rubs can help determine which direction a buck is travelling in, and when finding multiple rubs it's easy to determine its' chosen path. They usually rub the side of the tree they are approaching from.

Deer also leave distinctive indentations where they sleep. A deer bed is just vegetation that has been cleared away or flattened, usually surrounded by plants and bushes to provide cover from predators and weather.

Scrapes are areas on the ground where the deer has pawed away the leaves and urinated in the soil to attract does in heat. They will do this below a tree branch where they can also leave a scent. Scrapes can be found on a trail that is not immediately evident to the hunters eyes, but after close examination you can determine the entry and exit points.

Droppings are a tell-tale sign of deer activity in a given area, and freshness provides proof of recently used trails. When found near a thick growth of shrubs or small trees they could give you an idea of where a deer has been sleeping or living. Mature deer often leave the small pellets near their beds, before heading out for the day or night. Deer feces varies in colour from greenish-brown when fresh, to brown-black or even gray when aged.

Deer tracks are another sign to look for, and an experienced hunter uses these to his advantage when scouting. Fresh well-defined tracks might be only hours old, while dry eroded tracks might be from a few days ago. Bucks usually travel alone, leaving only a single set of tracks, whereas the does leave behind several sets of tracks as they like to travel in groups. The size and spacing of the tracks can also help you to get an idea of the size of the deer.

Feeding areas for deer can be found in agricultural fields, abandoned apple orchards, an oak stand, or in an area with lots of edible leaves and shoots. Keep an eye out for droppings, chewed fruit, and fresh tracks.

Always remember to get to know the area you are hunting in, or go with someone who does. Getting to know an area you plan to hunt in can make the difference between whether or not you come home with a big beautiful buck, or just a hurt ego.

Andy owns Deer Hunting Expert which provides information and articles on deer hunting