However, the periods right before and after breeding are entirely different. The absolute best time to catch a mature buck working a scrape during daylight hours is during that two-week window just before things really heat up. During this phase, any one of the scrapes that he uses on a somewhat regular basis can pay off, so long as these scrapes are located back in good cover. Even though movement activity is beginning to ramp up, hunting over an active scrape in an area in which a buck feels secure is all-important in upping the odds of having Mr. Big visit during daylight hours.

After peak-rutting activity has fallen off, I greatly prefer to hunt scrapes located on the downwind side of established doe bedding areas. At this time the hierarchal structure is still in place, so the intimidation factor has already been established. And when mature bucks advertise their presence, it often causes the immature bucks to go back to non-rutting life as usual. This means that fewer bucks are actively seeking the few remaining does, and the ones that are doing so are the ones you want to see!

When bucks check scrapes, they do it in one of two ways. They either march right in or they scent check the scrape by passing on the downwind side. That's why I prefer to set my stands approximately 20 yards downwind of the scrape. By doing this, I can cover everything from the scrape to 40 or 50 yards downwind. That maximizes any shot opportunities while at the same time keeping me downwind of most approaching bucks.

HAMMERING DOE BEDDING AREAS
This same stand placement works great for hunting the downwind side of doe bedding areas. When the wind is right, one pass tells a mature buck everything he needs to know about the occupant's estrous status. Even though mature bucks seem to make a habit out of wasting energy during the rut, conserving energy becomes very important after the peak-breeding phase. Remember, these monarchs have just put their bodies through considerable abuse, and soon they'll be faced with trying to survive the oncoming winter, during which time food is at a seasonal low point. Bucks simply can't afford to waste energy after the rut.

Yet, a buck's experience also tells him that right before and after the peak-breeding phase some does will be available. Furthermore, he realizes that the best place to find a receptive doe during daylight hours is in her bedding area. Add all of this together, and the downwind side of a doe's bedding area can be an outstanding place in which to meet up with the buck of your dreams.

Not all doe bedding areas are set up well for this tactic, however. In habitat with significant terrain, does often bed on ridges, points, knolls and knobs because of the superior view. In any one of these cases, trying to approach very close usually sends deer running in every direction. In these situations, setting up along access routes is often the wisest choice.

Setting up on the downwind side works best when the bedding area consists of a definable edge of heavy cover. Tag alder swamps, thick groves of evergreens, the outer edges of tall grasses, tangles of briers, edges of immature clearcuts, and old thickets are excellent examples of areas where this setup works very well.

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