Always try to approach your stands from the downwind side. Go directly in and out, leaving as little scent as possible. Minimize how many deer trails you cross on the way to your stand. Never smoke, spit, or urinate near your stands. Carry a bottle to urinate in while in your stand.
Rainy days are good times to use a stand close to a buck's bedding area.
Behavior Successful deer hunters are never finished learning about deer behavior. They demand to know why any deer is where it is at any particular time and use their accumulated knowledge to predict where the deer will go next. Keep aware of moon phases, and be in your stand whenever the moon is visible during daylight hours. Deer are more active in the daytime when the moon is visible. Bucks settle dominance disputes before the breeding season begins.