Hunting Strategies Minimize scouting the week before opening day. Strange as it may seem, scouting immediately before the season may reduce hunter success. Deer quickly recognize the unfamiliar odors, sounds and sights of people afield and move to less disturbed areas. Scouting is essential but should be done several weeks prior to the hunt. Concentrate hunting efforts on opening weekend.
Deer are most vulnerable on the opening day of the season.
They quickly become aware of hunter activity and alter their behavior accordingly. To maximize the female deer harvest, you should accommodate as many hunters as practical on the first two days of the firearms deer season. An ideal hunter density is one hunter for every 10 to 20 acres of woodland. Hunt from stands, preferably tree stands that improve visibility for the hunter and lessen chances for detection by deer. By necessity, hunters should be assigned hunting stands and asked not to move unnecessarily.