10 Tips For Trophy Deer Hunts

Deer are plentiful but trophy class bucks are more difficult to find, but here are 10 tips for trophy deer hunts to get you started. Most deer of this size are seven or eight years old, and they got to that age by learning how to avoid hunters, so it only makes sense that they are more difficult to find.  What you do before your hunt is just as important as what you do during the hunt. A well-prepared hunter is one that has a chance at success.

1. Educating yourself is the most important tip there is, and heads our list of tips for trophy deer hunts. During the offseason read as much as you can about deer hunting. Talk with experienced and successful deer hunters and learn as much as you can from them.
2. Begin your hunt for the following year the day after the season ends. As soon as possible begin preparations for the next season, even though it is nearly a year away. Finding the best trophy bucks takes time and effort. 
3. Different tactics are needed for big bucks. Scouting is even more important. You will need to spend much more time in the woods to find a trophy buck. Finding the trophy buck is a battle of wits and skill in the woods. Using things like scents and calls are also more important.
4. Scout areas where you will be hunting during the offseason. Find where the deer are and study them. Learn about their travel patterns and habits.
5. Hone your shooting skills in the offseason. Practice as much as possible. You will likely get only one shot at your deer, so you need to have the skill to make that one shot count.
6. Coyote hunting is also good preparation for deer hunting. Many states have open season on coyotes all year long, and hunting them is even more challenging than deer hunting, so it should improve your hunting skills.
7. Use trail cameras to help find deer. Placing motion sensitive cameras in areas where deer are likely to be will help you determine if they are really there or not.
8. Always be willing to try something new. What worked last year may not work this year, so be flexible in your hunting.
9. Big bucks like heavy cover which is often around creeks or swampy areas. Focus your efforts in these areas.
10. Stay away from other hunters. The big bucks are not going to go where the younger, smaller, less battle-tested deer go.