Summer deer scouting:

create a deer scent communication hub

When should I put my HODAG deer scent communication products out? This is a common question with a simple answer. When most think of deer scent communication; the rut, mock scrapes and the smell of doe urine come to mind. Of course, these types of setups are very successful in the fall, especially in that pre-rut time frame. However, many are missing out on some of the best deer scent communication activity by limiting their scent communication strategies to only the fall.

On our Wisconsin properties, trail cameras are put in early to mid June. As we start our scouting efforts for the year, we are also setting up our HODAG Licking sticks, Licking Branches, and HempScent Rope Systems all used for deer scent communication. Some might question why we deploy these tactics before velvet comes off the antlers? The answer is that deer are very social animals who use their scent to communicate year-round, not just during the breeding season. We see just as much activity throughout the entire summer as we do when the leaves begin to fall.

As an avid hunter, I use the summer months to inventory the deer living on my property as best I can. This allows me to get a better idea of potential targets as the season nears and helps me see patterns that a specific buck might have. These setups not only help me get more pictures on my camera, but also higher quality images that tell a more complete story about a deer's age, personality, and travel patterns. Most hunters contemplate about where to put their trail cameras, only to be frustrated when the pictures taken (if any) are blurry or full of tails instead of heads. The Licking Stick, Licking Branch, and HempScent Rope draw the deer in front of the camera and keep them there, allowing you to gain valuable information.

Along with summer scouting, I want as much natural deer scent and usage on these setups as possible leading into the season. Bucks, does, and fawns can all be seen using these setups, each leaving their own scent on stick, branch, or rope. As time passes, these setups become hubs for deer communication, acting as a "sign-in" for deer in the area. Throughout the season bucks will check these setups to keep tabs on the does in the area, as well as their competition when breeding season approaches. Taking advantage of how deer communicate to establish a scent communication spot of your choosing, attracting deer year-round, will always be more valuable than a rag soaked in a strange does urine hanging beneath a hunter's stand.

To View our full line of HODAG Products: Deer Scent Communication Products

For early season HODAG Licking Stick Setup video and "How To": Early Season Licking Stick Setup

For early season HODAG Licking Branch Setup video and "How To": Early Season Licking Branch Setup

For early season HODAG HempScent Rope Setup video and "How To": Early Season Hemp Rope Mock Scrape Setup