Summer Scouting Missions For Deer & Elk

Mid-summer is my favorite time of year to get out and scout for deer and elk.  Why?  Because bucks and bulls are in the open much of the day.  Not only are animals gathering nutritious food, but bucks and bulls hangout in openings much of the day to protect their developing antlers.
Antlers are a symbol of dominance and a tool of protection, and animals don’t want to damage them.  Due to the high blood and nerve content held in developing antlers, it’s painful when the sensitive ends get banged on brush, trees, etc., which explains why animals can be found in the open this time of year.
My favorite times for summer scouting missions are the first 4-5 hours in the morning and the last 4-5 hours of the afternoon/evening.  Animals will often feed late into the morning and become active early in the afternoon this time of year.  I also spot a lot of animals in the middle of the day, especially on hot days.
    Because bucks and bulls tend to bed in the open through all of July and much of August (to protect their antlers), they can be found about any time.  While they may not bed in the direct open, they can be found in brushy openings, amid tall grass, logged units and such.
On the hottest days, as the sun beats down on these bedded animals, they get up to shift position and keep in the shade.  Depending on where they are bedding, they might get up several times a day.  They can even be found looking for a quick nibble this time of the day.   This is when I setup with a spotting scope and search multiple distant hillsides from one spot, letting my eyes cover the ground not my feet.
No matter what big game animals you’ll be hunting this fall, summer is a great time to get out and scout.  You’ll be amazed how many animals are out and about this time of year.  We’d love to hear what animals are you searching for this time of year.