Try These Late Season Whitetail Strategies

Late season whitetail hunting is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit for seasoned hunters. As winter settles in and the rut fades, whitetail deer alter their behavior, making them more predictable in some ways but also more elusive in others. Remember, other than in South Texas, the rut is over in Texas.

To maximize your chances of success during this period, it’s crucial to adapt your hunting strategies. In this article, we’ll explore effective late season whitetail hunting strategies that can help you fill your tag and end your season on a high note.

1. Scout Food Sources

Late season whitetails are primarily driven by their need for food and warmth. As the winter deepens, food sources become scarce, making deer more reliant on whatever is available. Spend time scouting for preferred food sources such as standing crops or areas with abundant natural browse like young woody growth or shrubs. In most of Texas, crops are not a big factor but they will certainly hit rye grass and winter wheat were it’s available. Setting up near these prime food sources significantly increases your chances of encountering deer.

2. Focus on Mid-Day And Evening Hunts

During the late season, deer tend to feed more heavily during the mid-day and evening hours. This behavior shift is a response to the colder temperatures, as deer conserve energy during the colder early morning hours. Plan your hunts accordingly by setting up near food sources and choosing evening outings to intercept deer on their way to feed.

3. Utilize Trail Cameras

Trail cameras can be invaluable tools for late season hunting. They allow you to monitor deer activity patterns, track movement, and identify the specific times deer are visiting your hunting areas. Place trail cameras near food sources, trails, or travel corridors to gather critical information that can inform your hunting strategy.

4. Stay Warm and Concealed

Late season hunting can mean frigid temperatures or in Texas it can mean 70 degrees.. Properly layer your clothing and invest in high-quality cold-weather gear to stay warm during extended sits. Or if it warms up you can take layers off. Plus, if you’re not hunting in a Texas-style box blind, moving around trying to stay warm can you get spotted by wary deer.

5. Set Up Near Transition Zones

Transition zones are areas where deer move between bedding and feeding areas. These are prime locations for late season hunting because they offer opportunities to intercept deer while they’re on the move. Use trail camera data and scouting observations to identify these transition zones and set up accordingly.

6. Employ Decoys and Calls Sparingly

While calling and decoys can be effective during the rut, they are less reliable during the late season. At this point, deer are more focused on feeding and less interested in social interactions. However, soft doe bleats or subtle grunts can still be useful in attracting curious deer. Use these calls sparingly, and only when you’ve located deer that are within hearing range.

7. Focus on Wind

Wind  is always important when deer hunting. Pay close attention to wind direction and thermals, as deer rely on their sense of smell to detect danger. Position yourself downwind of deer travel routes and feeding areas to minimize the risk of being detected.

8. Hunt Mornings After a Frost

If you know it’s going to be a frosty morning make sure and get out to the blind and stay there until at least mid-day. Frosty mornings or snow get deer moving.

9. Be Patient and Persistent

Late season hunting can be challenging due to the decreased deer activity. However, patience and persistence are often rewarded. Stay on stand longer, endure the cold, and stay committed to your late season hunting strategy. A late season trophy buck may appear when you least expect it.

10. Stay Legal and Ethical

Lastly, always hunt within the bounds of your local regulations and ethical hunting practices. Don’t get mixed up on which Texas hunting zones you’re in or take a shot that’s too far because you think it might be your last chance at success.