However, everything changes after December 1. With all of the vegetation in the woods dead or dormant and virtually odorless, and with the frozen habitat giving off far less natural odors than at any other time, I hunt the wind religiously from that point on because mature bucks are ultra-wary. Maintaining the odor control techniques I always use definitely provides a bit more of an edge. That edge can come in extremely handy, since Mr. Big is likely to vanish at the first hint of danger.

Keeping that in mind, I still recommend doing everything you can do within reason to cut odor. Once you've done this, strap a stand to your back and time a stand-hanging trip for late morning. Select a low-impact route to your chosen spot, get in, get the stand up and get the heck out. This is not the time for milling around, trimming shooting lanes or even bringing a friend in to help. Keeping disturbances to a minimum is Job 1, even at the expense of limited shooting options.

Setting up on the food source is probably your best option. That keeps you out of the woods. Paired with a wind that is quartering into the woods and away from the buck trail you are watching, that setup can be hunted safely and it will also allow shots at bucks that might feed to within bow range.

Unfortunately, some bucks refuse to enter the food source before dark. If you suspect that might be the case, follow the buck's trail back into the woods for 100 yards or so. When setting up your stand, make sure you move off the trail as far as you can (maybe 20 or 30 yards) while still being able to see the trail and make the shot.

While this placement may eliminate an opportunity to see feeding deer, you may just see that big buck as he waits for total darkness to set in before he steps out into the open. Also, a big plus in using this setup is in being able to sneak out of the woods safely without spooking all of the deer in the food source. In either case, remember that playing the wind is key.

CONCLUSION
The final step is praying for cold. Like it or not, the colder and nastier it gets, the better your odds are of getting Mr. Big on his feet and feeding before darkness sets in. That is the advantage that late season provides. When Mother Nature is at her worst, even the most nocturnal buck's survival tendencies desperately want to kick in. Under those conditions, bucks are more likely to move during daylight more so than at any other time outside of the rut.

Late-season hunting is fairly simply. Here is a recap of the four important points this article has discussed: 1) Find the buck. 2) Set up with minimal disturbance to the woods. 3) Take a low-impact route to your stand. 4) Pray for cold temperatures.

Freezing may not be romantic, but it can provide the edge needed to put a very special head on the wall!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
To order a personally autographed copy of the author's comprehensive guide to cutting-edge stand hunting methods, Advanced Stand Hunting Strategies, for $22.50 (including tax and shipping), or to order a personally autographed copy of Bowhunting Tactics That Deliver Trophies for $30 (including tax and shipping), send a check or money order to Steve Bartylla, 1406 St. Joseph Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449. Both books can be ordered together for $50.

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