How to Read Deer Signs
By Barry Solomon
, last updated December 30, 2011
If you’re new to deer hunting, you will need to learn how to read deer signs to locate them. Visit the area in which you will hunt about two weeks before your actual hunting trip. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and rubber boots so as not to leave any human scent that will scare off the animals. If you are well versed in reading deer signs, you will have no trouble locating your prey.
Source:eHow
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Hunting seasons usually occur shortly after the deer begin their breeding periods. During this fertile period, the male bucks will be marking their territory and it is your ability to read those markings that will help you to locate the deer. And if you get particularly good at it, you will be able to discern patterns of behavior that will become important during your hunt. For example, wild animals tend to define their space in circles or ovals. When you start to see markings, you should know to expand your search in those patterns.
You will find signs that the male bucks are ready for breeding. Look for rubs on trees and saplings, which are caused by the deer rubbing his antlers against them. The antlers have a velvety substance on them that rubs off and is easy to recognize. These will generally occur one to three feet off of the ground.
A big buck will also paw the ground with his hoofs. So look for large scrape marks on the ground. The buck will urinate on the scrape marks in order to mark his territory. This is a behavior true of any wild animal. The area inside a circle or oval demarcated by the urine mark is where this buck will be seeking his mate.
Other bucks will ordinarily stay away and mark their own territory. So you may very well be able to identify several areas where you can find your prey. You may also find droppings and beddings in these areas as well. Taking it all together you will get some idea of the deer population and be ready for your hunting trip.
