Nebraskaland

54 Nebraskaland • July 2021 MIXED BAG A HOT TIME FOR DEER PREP By Justin Haag Just as the big buck's mind is far from its ambitious activities of fall at this time of year, so too is the mind of many a deer hunter. Hardcore hunte rs will tell you it is never too early to start thinking about the big bucks of fall, though. Justin Powell of Alliance, a deer hunter and wildlife biologist for the Game and Parks Commission, said hunters increase chances for success by putting in time during the dog days of summer — even if just getting out with binoculars to see what is happening in the woods. While there, one might as well put up trail cameras, tree stands and blinds where allowed. "It's best to get those critters accustomed to having these things in the woods," he said. "If you put them up right at hunting season, the animals are going to be a little skittish. With trail cameras, you will not only be able to monitor buck growth and see what's roaming around in your hunting areas, but you can also catch any trespassers and address that issue before the season starts." Speaking of property rights, landowners are often more agreeable about being approached for permission to hunt well in advance of the season. It also gives hunters time to do something in return before chasing deer. "Summer is a good time to meet landowners and even lend a hand for jobs like fencing and mowing," Powell said. With permission, other work now also will pay dividends come deer season. Mowing trails and cutting branches are prime examples, he said. "When you're going in to a blind or tree stand at low light come deer season, having an easy trail to get to your spot is helpful," he said. "Not only does it make things easier for the hunter, but also makes it a lot quieter so you don't spook animals on the way in." Powell said the trails also create patterns in movement and cut branches attract wildlife. "Animals usually travel the path of least resistance, so you can help determine where they'll be walking come fall," he said. "I've found that cutting branches of a tree, even on the same day you sit in your stand, can help attract a deer. I've had deer come up to eat the fresh green leaves on a cut branch right under my tree stand. Come rut, bucks will also use them as a place to drop scent with rubs and scrapes." Mowing also can produce fresh forage that is more attractive to deer than stagnant vegetation. Hunters even have time in late summer to plant certain cool-season forage, such as turnips and rye, to draw in deer. With all of those preparations, hunters defi nitely want the right thing to happen when fi nally releasing the bowstring or pulling the trigger. "Summer evenings, when the wind is calm, is a great time to be out with a bow, rifl e or shotgun to get them tuned in at diff erent ranges," Powell said. And, hunters can use this time to ensure a game violation does not ruin the experience. Studying the rules and regulations, including special provisions for hunting public land, also should happen well before the season. For instance, those previously mentioned portable tree stands and steps may be in place from Aug. 16 through January on state wildlife management areas, but ground blinds must be removed at the end of each day there. State recreation areas and national forest properties have their own set of rules. Details can be found in the Big Game Guide at outdoornebraska.org/guides. Other tasks for summer include checking gear. Outside of season, the price of hunting accessories is often marked down so it is an advantageous time to stock up. A little cardio and weight training will help the hunter pursue that venison and drag it from the woods. By paying mind to deer hunting months in advance, hunters will surely have a greater success in making summer dreams come true in autumn. The road to fall hunting success often starts in the summer. A mule deer buck, in velvet, in Dawes County. Scouting now leads to shots at deer like this later in the season. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND

• Cover