Why do bucks stay close to bedding areas during velvet?

Velvet Stage Behavior

During the velvet stage, bucks’ antlers are still covered in a sensitive, blood-rich skin called velvet. As they grow, the antlers can become itchy, sore, and tender to the touch. To alleviate this discomfort, bucks will often stay close to dense cover, such as thickets or stands of conifers, where they can easily bed down and remain relatively hidden from potential threats. This behavior is especially pronounced in early archery seasons, as hunters may be more likely to encounter bucks in these areas.

Avoiding Detection

A key aspect of early archery strategy is understanding the habits of bucks during the velvet stage. By recognizing that they tend to stay close to bedding areas, archers can focus their efforts on areas with dense cover, such as river bottoms, thickets, or near the edges of woods. In these areas, it’s essential to move quietly and use camouflage to avoid spooking bucks, which can be especially sensitive during this time. When setting up a stand, consider positioning yourself near a bedding area, ideally with a clear shot to the surrounding cover, to increase your chances of encountering a buck.

Hunting Techniques

To take advantage of this behavior, archers can employ techniques such as spot-and-stalk, where they quietly stalk a buck to its bedding area, or use blind setups near a buck’s favorite bedding spot. In areas with dense cover, consider using a tree stand or blind near a bedding area to increase your chances of getting close to a buck. When calling, use sounds that imitate a buck’s grunt or bleat, as these can be especially effective at enticing a buck to come closer, even during the velvet stage.