Hunting “Ugly”:

Early-Season Answers
Reacting to pressure

By Steve Flores

Much of what is written today revolves around hunting whitetails during the rut — and for good reason. Those crafty old bucks we’ve been chasing all year suddenly lose their heads and their ability to think rationally. It’s funny how women can have that effect on you. However, that fabled time-frame is merely a blip on the radar, leaving plenty of time to consider alternate stages of the game. For example….the early season.

For many, this time of year can be very productive. However, for the “big-woods” hunter it can be downright frustrating. For instance, unlike a lot of areas in the Midwest, food sources will not be concentrated in one area. Yeah, you may find an oak tree that is dropping acorns like rain. But, just around the point, or perhaps one ridge over, another oak is bearing just as much bounty as the one you have chosen to hunt near. Your guess is as good as mine which one the deer will choose. Many factors will influence their decision. Some will make sense. Some won’t. One thing is certain, it’s often a gamble either way.

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