Some friend hunters have told me “You can't kill summer bucks in the fall due to the summer shift.” Many hunters avoid summer scouting because they lack confidence in killing the bucks they find in the summer. That is a mistake.

The summer shift is most likely the most extraordinary shift a buck will make all year. Usually, this occurs in late August or early September.

The transformation is so dramatic because many changes happen as fall approaches. Testosterone levels rise in a buck's body, and food sources change. Besides, it is time for bucks to prepare for the breeding season as the temperature drives lower.

I have observed hundreds of bucks over the years throughout the summer shift. Many bucks remain in the same region where they spent the summer. But they use this zone differently in the fall.

Below, we will explore some helpful tips to hunt summer bucks during fall.

The Lone Fall Buck

A buck may have been part of a bachelor group throughout the summer. But it may then break away during the shift. So, he likely will vary a lot in his travel routes when becoming a loner.

When deer congregate, they use one another for security. When I come across a group of deer bedding, I have noticed that each deer looks in a different direction. Generally, summer deer do not nest in as deep cover as fall bucks do, frequently sleeping on the cover's edge. Each deer plays a function in helping to safeguard the herd. But, when the herd divides, each buck becomes pickier about where he spends his daily hours/bedding.

Hence, it is crucial to find isolated buck bedding in the regions you hunt.

Get Inside the Thick Cover!

When a deer has lost many summer mates, he prefers to sleep under deep cover. Unlike in the summer, you will not see him out of the cover as much in the early fall. Thus, bucks often spend most of the day under cover until the rut.

Some hunters struggle to get daylight photographs on their trail cameras in the early fall. The reason is that most of them prefer to set up on the outside of the cover rather than venture into it. Can you slip inside their cover without being spotted? By all means, stay there!

A mature buck will be preparing for the rut at this time. Remember it is preserving as much food as possible since it will rely on its body fat to get through the breeding season later. Most of the mature bucks I have seen had easy access to an excellent food supply inside the bedroom. These bucks are not interested in lying all day. They desire to eat throughout the day. They rise to feed, fill their stomachs, and then lie back down. It will continue till sunset.

When I think about bucks' sleeping places, we usually think of food sources inside the cover. So, knowing which areas are dense and full of food are great spots for mature buck bedding. There, you can find a big buck just after the summer shift.

Know the Buck’s Food Sources

When mast crops begin to fall, bucks will frequently move closer to them. I have observed some bucks go many miles to be closer to acorns in locations with a lot of oak. Summer browsing sources decrease as the weather cools and daylight diminishes.

Bucks will stay near to browse sources throughout the summer. But once they become scarce or a more favored food source emerges, many bucks will relocate for food. Most of their activity will occur at night if they feel unsafe in these feeding places.

Then, bucks will seek refuge near a backup food supply, where they will feel more secure.

Daytime Travel Reduced

The most challenging aspect of early-season adult buck hunting is their lack of movement during daylight hours. Also, this makes relocating them after the shift incredibly difficult! Even though bucks get up and feed in the bedroom throughout the day.

They do not start running until the sun goes down. So, you must be near to the bedroom in the early season. On the other hand, bucks never leave the bedroom door wide open. You must know your limits. Likewise, avoid their senses, particularly their eyes, and noses, to detect you.

Bucks Reappear After Cold Fronts

Over the years, I have lost track of many bucks after the shift. But they reappeared right after the first early season cold front. The bucks break out of their slow early-season habits whenever a cold front passes.

They will travel outside their main territories, producing rubs and working scrapes. Thus, it is critical to place trail cameras where you suspect the deer you wish to hunt are hiding.

Checking your camera quickly after a front pass may reveal those bucks appearing like ghosts following the summer shift.

Remember that most bucks do not migrate hundreds of miles away when fall approaches. Changes in their behavior and environment are making it difficult to locate them. The trick is to persevere and be patient. As the rut approaches, the overall movement will occur, and the lads of summer will return.

If you’re looking for more great deer hunting information check out Louisiana Landsource today!