Deer bed on average nearly 3/4 of the day. When you learn how to find a bucks bedding area you can figure out where to place a stand that gives you a better chance at getting a shot at him during daylight hours.
Tips on How to Find a Bucks Bedding Area
Table of Contents
What to Look For
- Thick Nasty Cover
- Elevated Points on a Hill or Knobs or Saddle
1.Thick cover is a great place to find bucks beds. They love the thick nasty cover because the can hear danger approaching and it protects them from the wind and it is usually no human activity in these areas.
2.Bucks also love elevated lookouts with the wind and cover like a rock or downed tree to their back where they can see danger approaching in front of them and smell danger approaching from behind.
Best Places to look for Thick Cover and Lookouts for Bucks Beds
- Overgrown Clearcuts
Overgrown clearcuts are sanctuaries for big bucks. They get so thick bucks love it because they feel safe. Look for trails entering and exiting the thick clearcut. Remember Uncle Remus? Please don’t throw me in the briar patch!
- Thick Swamp
Bucks love swamps because most humans won’t even think about going into the swamp. I had a buddy who killed several big deer by putting on waders and a float tube to get to dry ground in the middle of a swamp in south Georgia. Most people aren’t willing to go that far. That’s pretty hard core.
- Thick Cover Near Food or Water
If you find thick cover near food or water sources you have a honey hole. Look for trails coming out of the thick cover. The direction of the tracks and rubs can tell you if he is using that trail to enter of exit the bedding area or both.
- Cedar Thicket
Bucks love bedding in cedar thickets. Look for trails exiting or entering the thicket.
Best Ways to Look for Bucks Beds
- Google Earth
Before ever stepping foot on your deer hunting property you can get on Google Earth and do some internet scouting to look for potential spots where bucks might be bedding. By knowing these potential areas you can greatly reduce the walking you have to do when you do go scout your areas. This will reduce the chance of bumping your buck into the next county by walking all over your property. I like to write down several potential spots before I head out then go to those locations using the wind to my advantage as not to alert the buck I’m even there. Also it saves me a ton of walking by already knowing where to look.
- Topo Maps
Topo maps can help you locate potential bucks bedding areas. Look for elevated saddles or knobs on ridges where bucks can see approaching danger from below and smell danger from behind. Pay attention to wind direction when approaching these areas.
- Scouting on Foot
Get out and scout on foot. It is best to scout early and then get out of the area and keep the pressure low on the bucks. You don’t want to be bumping your buck right before or during the season.
How to Identify a Bucks Bed
- One Single Bed in the Area
Bucks like to bed alone. There will be one matted down bedding area. Very often the bed will have some type of cover behind it like a big rock or a fallen tree or big stump. Also deer droppings in or near the bed will be bigger than most does or yearlings droppings.
- Rub or several rubs nearby
There will often be a rub or several rubs near a bucks bedding area.
- Strong Smell of Deer
I have been walking and suddenly caught a scent of strong musky deer odor only to find a bucks bed nearby.
In Conclusion
There is no better way to find a bucks bedding area than getting out and looking on foot. By knowing what to look for and using the tips we’ve listed, you can know how to find a bucks bedding area quicker. Hopefully you won’t bump him off of your deer hunting property. Onto your lucky neighbors land. I would rather locate his bedding areas early and get out and leave him alone until all the conditions are perfect for that area. Also I would rather the neighbor bump his buck my way.
Hi I’m Adam. I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy bow hunting deer, running, college football and blogging about whitetail hunting. My favorite title is Dad. I have two boys. I’m a US Army Calvary Veteran 1/11th Armored Calvary Regiment “Black Horse”! “Allons!” For more about me see About Deer Hunting Big Bucks. If you have questions or comments for us feel free to fill out our contact form.