Quick Answer
During early archery season, hunters should focus on morning hunts due to the cooler temperatures and increased animal movement, which typically peaks during this time.
Early Morning Movement
During early archery season, the cooler morning temperatures often lead to increased animal movement. This is due to the deer’s natural instinct to move to food sources during the morning hours. Typically, the first few hours of daylight see the most movement, with the majority of this activity occurring between 30 minutes before and 1 hour after sunrise. For example, if the sun rises at 6:00 AM, expect the most movement between 5:30 and 7:00 AM.
Water Hole Sits
In the early season, water sources become increasingly important for deer. These areas can be a prime location for ambushes, especially during the morning hours when deer are most active. To increase the effectiveness of a water hole sit, hunters should arrive at the location before dawn and set up their stand in a spot that allows for a clear shot. A good rule of thumb is to position the stand at least 10 yards above the water source and 20 yards away from any obvious game trails.
Food Source Ambush
Another effective strategy for early archery season is to set up an ambush near a known food source. This can be a cornfield, a soybean field, or even a small orchard. To increase the chances of a successful hunt, hunters should identify the most heavily used feeding areas and set up their stand at least 30 yards away from the food source. This distance allows for a clear shot without spooking the deer, while also providing a good vantage point to observe the deer’s behavior and movement patterns.
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