The early season offers a unique opportunity to capitalize on predictable deer patterns before hunting pressure alters their behavior. One of the biggest advantages hunters have this time of year is the ability to key in on a deer’s preferred food sources. Whether it’s a persimmon grove down in Georgia, or an oak flat dropping acorns up in Michigan, finding what deer are feeding on “right now” in your area can swing the odds heavily in your favor and immediately put you in the game.
As you are looking for hot food sources in the area, you’ll want to be paying attention for fresh, early season sign, like acorn caps scattered across the forest floor, fresh ground disturbance (think flattened leaves), clusters of droppings, tracks near water, or even the first rubs of the year all tell you exactly where deer are spending their time. The key is not just finding the sign, but relating it back to bedding and feeding. If you can determine whether that activity is happening closer to where deer are feeding at night or bedding during the day, you can place yourself right in the transition zone. Setting up along those travel routes gives you the perfect ambush spot while deer are still in their early season patterns.
Hot weather is often a factor during early season hunts, and that’s where water comes into play. If you can locate an isolated water source tucked close to bedding cover, you may have discovered an absolute gold mine. Deer will often swing by these secluded spots in the last hour of daylight, and sometimes even earlier, especially if daytime highs are sweltering. A quiet, strategic approach to one of these locations can put you within bow range of a buck that feels secure visiting it during daylight hours.
Another advantage of the early season is that deer have not yet been pressured by weeks of hunters in the woods. Their guard is lower, and they often move more predictably while the sun is still out. This is the time to be aggressive in your setups and capitalize before they wise up. If you’ve patterned a buck and know where he’s feeding or watering, don’t be afraid to strike early aggressively rather than tip-toeing around waiting for the perfect conditions later in the season.
Lastly, when it comes to tree stand setups, don’t make it harder on yourself by climbing too high. Early in the season, foliage is still thick, and going higher can actually reduce your shooting opportunities. Aim for a height that gives you just enough cover to stay hidden while still allowing for clear shot windows. Sometimes this means only 10-12 feet up, depending on the tree and the cover around it. The goal is to stay concealed while maintaining an effective angle for your shot.
By focusing on food sources, fresh sign, water, low hunting pressure, and creating smart shot opportunities, you’ll give yourself the best chance of filling a tag in the early season. Deer are more predictable now than at any other point of the year – so don’t be afraid to get aggressive and make things happen.