How To Find Big Bucks

Bob G. from Indiana writes to ask about finding big bucks. I scout a lot and put out cameras. Do you have any good tips on how to find good bucks early in the year, months prior to bow season?

Bob Worthington is a buck hunter and author from Tennessee. In the summer 2012 issue of Deer and Deer Hunting (yes, I really like this magazine), he writes about a technique he uses and it sure sounds good to me. 

In February he puts out mineral licks adjacent to very thick cover on his hunting properties. He finds the cover, then walks the whole area, looking for funnels where deer are most likely to come. Note, he puts the licks right next to the thick cover, but not just anywhere.

He uses Whitetail Institute Imperial 30-06 Mineral/Vitamin Supplement and Deer Cane in his licks. He likes to put the lick on and around old rotten stumps. Once the licks get hit, he puts out a camera. Once they start using a lick, bucks may well use the trails they create later in the year. Even if they don't, you will get a good idea of what big bucks are using that area. So, go to your thickest cover where deer bed and give this a try.