HITTING THE FOOD SOURCES
As well as Mr. Big knows that does can be found in bedding areas during the day, he also knows that they can be found in the food late in the afternoon. As an added bonus to hunters, the same motivation that forces him to use his energy wisely right after the peak breeding also serves as powerful draw to food sources. After all, he might easily lose 25 to 30 percent of his body weight during the breeding phase. Now he needs to "beef up" once again and eating is the only way he can do that.

So in addition to setting up downwind of doe bedding areas, another good place to set up is on the trail that Mr. Big is using to enter the food source. Under certain conditions, it's possible to cover both areas with one stand.

Though I'm sure it happens some, I've never seen a mature buck cruise the edge of a food source and scent-check doe trails outside of peak breeding times. On the flip side, I've seen many bucks come out specifically to feed. Most of the time they'll give the does a quick check. At that point, a certain percentage of bucks will leave, presumably to go and check out the next food source. But I've also seen many bucks stay to fill their bellies while waiting for the straggling does to emerge from the woods.

When placing stands near food sources, I try to get as close to the edge as the cover allows. If a tree with ample cover is near where I want to be and right on the edge, I'll take it in a heartbeat. If the trees are relatively void of cover, I tend to set up back off the edge five yards or so, just so I don't stick out as much.

During these phases, I have no hesitation about pulling out the Double Bull ground blind along with a buck and doe decoy if no good trees are available. The results can be phenomenal. Because Mr. Big is already looking for an "easy pickings" doe here, he's prime to be fooled by the decoy combination. The bedded-doe decoy with a 130- to 140-class buck decoy standing sentry over her screams "hot doe" with a lower ranking buck that Mr. Big can easily take out. In fact, it's not uncommon for the dominant buck to make a beeline across an entire field to pay the decoy (and the hunter) a visit.

CONCLUSION
Many of the same stand sites that produce during the breeding phase can also pay off either before or after the rut. For example, hunting downwind of doe bedding areas is one of my favorite methods of hunting the breeding phase itself. And although it wasn't covered, hunting funnels separating doe groups can also pay off during these two periods. After all, Mr. Big is still out looking for does. Of course, hunters likely won't see as many younger bucks as they might during peak breeding.

However, there are some subtle, yet important, differences. Scrapes can and often do pay off during the before and after phases, while it might take a huge break for them to produce during the actual breeding phase. The in-woods water holes that can be so hot during peak breeding are often much cooler now. Sure, the big boys are still out looking, but they typically aren't pushing their bodies as hard, and their desperate need for water diminishes.

On the flip side, I often avoid hunting fields during peak breeding. Sure, the setups explained above can and will work during the breeding phase, but even better stand options can typically be found elsewhere. During the before and after phases, however, the field setups can be real producers!

I firmly believe that using the strategies mentioned in this story just before and just after peak breeding can be the ticket to your taking a tremendous buck!

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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