Even in northern latitudes, some years you may have rut activity that lasts through the month of December and even in to January. On the other hand, some seasons they go into "winter survival mode" early. Late season offers us the opportunity to use scent in many ways, but during this time it's very important when choosing a scenario to present to the deer, that you know which "mode" they are in at that time. This will determine what scent to use, and possibly how to present it to the deer.

How do you know which mode they're in? - Read the sign. If they are still rutting, you should see more sign than in winter survival mode. When in winter mode whitetails expend much less energy, and a very clear pattern starts. Most of their travel is done from bedding area to food source and straight back, unless they're spooked. If there is still some breeding yet to be done, aside from more sign, you'll probably see some fresh rubs and scrapes too.

If all the does are not bred, you're probably better off using the same scent tactics you did the first part of November. Breeding or competition scenarios will work. Breeding scents like Special Golden Estrus®, Active Scrape® or Doe In Estrus™ will produce, or Mega-Tarsal Plus® can work to create a competition set up. It all hinges on the "breeding status" of the does.

If the breeding is through, you're better off using their curiosity or hunger to your advantage. Plain urine can work. However, one of the best late season scents is Trails End® #307®. This scent appeals to a deer's sense of hunger and curiosity, as well as sex urges. You can't go wrong.

Although there are many scent scenarios you can create, during late season your application methods are a bit more limited. "Cool tools" like Wildlife® Scrape-Drippers™, now can freeze up in the late season temperatures, and in deep snow scent trails are more difficult to create. With minimal snow, scent trails will still work great. Wicks are another option. Simply soaking some Key-Wicks® and placing them up-wind of a target area can do the trick too. 




For more detailed information on hunting scent and scent elimination, check out our books online.

Even in northern latitudes, some years you may have rut activity that lasts through the month of December and even in to January. On the other hand, some seasons they go into "winter survival mode" early. Late season offers us the opportunity to use scent in many ways, but during this time it's very important when choosing a scenario to present to the deer, that you know which "mode" they are in at that time. This will determine what scent to use, and possibly how to present it to the deer.

How do you know which mode they're in? - Read the sign. If they are still rutting, you should see more sign than in winter survival mode. When in winter mode whitetails expend much less energy, and a very clear pattern starts. Most of their travel is done from bedding area to food source and straight back, unless they're spooked. If there is still some breeding yet to be done, aside from more sign, you'll probably see some fresh rubs and scrapes too.

If all the does are not bred, you're probably better off using the same scent tactics you did the first part of November. Breeding or competition scenarios will work. Breeding scents like Special Golden Estrus®, Active Scrape® or Doe In Estrus™ will produce, or Mega-Tarsal Plus® can work to create a competition set up. It all hinges on the "breeding status" of the does.

If the breeding is through, you're better off using their curiosity or hunger to your advantage. Plain urine can work. However, one of the best late season scents is Trails End® #307®. This scent appeals to a deer's sense of hunger and curiosity, as well as sex urges. You can't go wrong.

Although there are many scent scenarios you can create, during late season your application methods are a bit more limited. "Cool tools" like Wildlife® Scrape-Drippers™, now can freeze up in the late season temperatures, and in deep snow scent trails are more difficult to create. With minimal snow, scent trails will still work great. Wicks are another option. Simply soaking some Key-Wicks® and placing them up-wind of a target area can do the trick too. 




For more detailed information on hunting scent and scent elimination, check out our books online.