Quick Answer
Feeding patterns of bucks in early September are influenced by the waning summer food sources and the approach of hunting season, causing them to focus on high-calorie foods such as agricultural crops and mast-producing trees. Bucks tend to move throughout the day, feeding at dawn and dusk, but become more nocturnal as the season progresses. Expect them to travel longer distances in search of food.
Pre-Sunrise Feeding Patterns
As the sun rises, bucks tend to seek out areas with tall vegetation and dense canopy cover to escape early morning detection. They often focus on agricultural crops such as corn, soybeans, and sunflowers, which provide high-calorie food sources. When hunting during this time, look for areas with dense cover that allow you to get close to these feeding spots without being seen.
Nocturnal Feeding Patterns
As the season progresses, bucks become more nocturnal, feeding at night and resting during the day. This shift in behavior is often triggered by the presence of hunters and the waning summer food sources. To take advantage of this pattern, hunt at night using thermal imaging or night vision optics, or set up trail cameras to monitor their nocturnal movements.
Habitat-Specific Feeding Patterns
Different habitats support different types of mast-producing trees that are favored by bucks. For example, white oaks are a preferred food source for many deer, particularly those in areas with rocky outcroppings or south-facing slopes. When hunting in areas with mast-producing trees, focus on the transition zones between these trees and adjacent agricultural fields or woodlands, where bucks tend to congregate.
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