Ohio’s 2024-2025 deer hunting season is coming to a close, and while some hunters are squeezing in their final hunts, my season has officially ended. With obligations this weekend, I won’t be heading back into the woods, but that doesn’t mean my journey as a hunter is over. In fact, it’s just beginning.
Like I mentioned in my last post, this year is all about learning to hunt. I’ve always known that successful hunters don’t just show up on opening day and hope for the best. The most effective hunters spend time in the off-season scouting, understanding deer movement, and preparing their spots well before opening day arrives. This year, I’m committing to taking a year-round approach to hunting, focusing on scouting, preparation, and skill development.
Learning the Art of Year-Round Deer Scouting
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from experienced hunters is that scouting isn’t something you do a few weeks before the season—it’s an ongoing process. The best hunters scout all year long, tracking deer movement, identifying bedding areas, and monitoring food sources. They explore new hunting areas while revisiting old ones, constantly refining their strategy to increase their chances of success when the season rolls around.
I’ll be following a similar approach this year, even though I’m still learning the ins and outs of deer scouting. Since I don’t have years of experience under my belt, I plan to rely on hunting blogs, YouTube channels, and expert advice to build my knowledge. But more importantly, I’ll be putting that knowledge into action in the field, turning theory into real-world skills.
My Post-Season Scouting Plan
Rather than taking a random approach to scouting, I want to be systematic and intentional. My goal is to have well-prepared hunting spots before the next season begins so I can climb into a tree with confidence, knowing I’ve put in the work. Here’s how I plan to tackle my off-season scouting:
1. Identifying High-Traffic Deer Areas
I’ll start by focusing on deer sign—tracks, rubs, scrapes, bedding areas, and trails. These clues will help me understand where deer are moving and how they’re using the landscape throughout the year.
2. Locating the Best Tree Stand and Saddle Hunting Spots
Rather than scrambling to find a tree in the heat of the moment, I want to identify stand-worthy trees well in advance. That means looking for trees with good cover, solid shooting lanes, and positioned near high-traffic areas.
3. Using Trail Cameras
While I don’t have a ton of experience with trail cameras, I know they can be a game-changer for scouting. I’ll place them strategically to monitor deer movement over time. I just recently purchased 2 more cameras that I intend to use for scouting in hopes I can figure out a target buck that I would like to go after.
4. Scouting at Least Twice Per Month
With only weekends available, I plan to dedicate two weekends per month to post-season scouting. This should give me enough time to cover different areas and gather useful insights without overwhelming my schedule.
5. Bringing My Kids Along
One of the best parts of this journey is that I don’t have to do it alone. I plan to bring some of my kids along for the scouting trips, turning it into a learning experience for all of us. Not only will they get to enjoy the outdoors, but they’ll also start picking up valuable hunting knowledge at a young age.
6. Combining Scouting with Turkey Hunting
Spring turkey season is coming up, and I see it as a perfect opportunity to scout for deer while chasing gobblers. By covering ground for turkeys, I can simultaneously look for deer sign, mark good tree stand locations, and prepare for the fall season—all while enjoying some turkey hunting action.
7 Months to Prepare—The Countdown Begins
With about seven months until Ohio’s next deer hunting season, I feel like I have plenty of time to prepare. However, I know the key to success isn’t just time—it’s consistency. That’s why I’m committing to scouting regularly, documenting what I learn, and refining my strategy as I go.
This journey is about more than just filling a tag—it’s about becoming a better hunter. By dedicating myself to the scouting process, I hope to not only increase my chances of success next season but also deepen my appreciation for the sport of hunting.
I’ll be sharing updates on my scouting trips, what I’m learning, and how my hunting strategy is evolving. If you’re also taking a year-round approach to hunting, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what scouting techniques have worked for you? Let me know in the comments!
Stay tuned for more hunting insights, and let’s make 2025 our best season yet!
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