10 Nebraskaland • January-February 2026
IN THE FIELD
A herd of white-tailed does feed in a Lincoln County cornfield. JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND
For those still looking to fill their freezer or just can't get
enough of being outside, the January antlerless deer season
fits the bill. After the rut, deer will focus on feeding and
putting on fat to survive the winter. Hunters, too, should
shift their focus to achieve late-season success.
Food and Water
Standing crops and agricultural fields with waste grain or
winter wheat are good areas to find deer. Also, look for oak
trees and other browse that deer depend on during this harsh
season. Finding open water is another place to locate deer or
deer sign during winter.
When to Hunt
During early, cold mornings, deer typically won't use up
energy to move around, so sleep in. Afternoons or evenings
are the prime times to hunt in the late season as deer will be
more active, moving from bedding to feeding areas, finding a
drink or simply stretching their legs.
However, get in place before the deer start moving to avoid
spooking them. Knowing when they move depends on the
weather and how much scouting you've done beforehand.
Weather
When severe weather is approaching, deer will be driven to
feed. Digestion generates body heat and deer will search out
food sources before and after weather patterns. So they don't
expend precious energy, deer will browse on twigs, bark and
other natural foods close to bedding areas.
Deer will seek shelter from wind in hilly areas, ravines,
and they will bed down on slopes facing the sun to keep
warm. Cedar-covered areas provide good shelter from wind
and snow and provide warmth, especially when the sun is
shining.
Locating Deer
Finding groups of does can be somewhat easy, as they will
travel to and from bedding and feeding areas in the same
patterns unless spooked. If there is snow on the ground,
locating signs, such as tracks and scat, becomes much easier.
Hunting tactics this time of year centers, more than ever,
on food and shelter. As long as you're willing to brave the
cold, focusing on these necessities will increase your odds of
finding deer.
By Julie Geiser
HUNTING LATE-SEASON DOES
