I have been hunting the same land for 40 years, a private woodland I own in Southern Indiana. I have seen this type of behavior also, a big buck bedding in a location he can watch over a travel route. They bed downwind and watch and smell for does moving though instead of seeking as other bucks do. Funny thing is I have had 3 times that the buck that is occupying that bedding area(s) of either side of the valley have had subordinate bucks with them! The younger buck just seems to move in front of the older deer, and is tolerated by the dominate buck as a sacrificial lamb that moves out of the cover or bedding area first. The older deer lets him bed and move with him. It seems the smaller buck is always on camera or seen first. Then the "smart" boss buck follows. Big Deadfalls in open timber, just over the edge of a ridge looking into a valley or draw. But If the "Boss" buck has a subordinate buck with him guys will think they are looking at a doe bed, because another bed is not far away. If that bedding spot has some small rubs around it that area with a few beds may just be 2 bucks bedding together. I have seen that subordinate buck circling areas only to later see the boss buck is tending a doe and has her pinned down. I have some of this on video from a few years ago.
This is helpful, thanks. Matches up with what "The Hunting Beast" has to say...how has this strategy worked for you over the years? Also, any opinion on Scentlok type clothing?
It has scored me one good buck and almost got me another one last year. I like Scentlok a lot. Even if you don’t believe in the carbon, the garments are well made, deep roomy pockets, Zippers that have never failed me and reinforced stitching all over.
Very interesting info. Thanks for sharing. Glad to see another Wisconsin guy gettin it!
Very informative. Great info!
Great content here, very informative! Keep them coming guys!
I have been hunting the same land for 40 years, a private woodland I own in Southern Indiana. I have seen this type of behavior also, a big buck bedding in a location he can watch over a travel route. They bed downwind and watch and smell for does moving though instead of seeking as other bucks do. Funny thing is I have had 3 times that the buck that is occupying that bedding area(s) of either side of the valley have had subordinate bucks with them! The younger buck just seems to move in front of the older deer, and is tolerated by the dominate buck as a sacrificial lamb that moves out of the cover or bedding area first. The older deer lets him bed and move with him. It seems the smaller buck is always on camera or seen first. Then the "smart" boss buck follows. Big Deadfalls in open timber, just over the edge of a ridge looking into a valley or draw. But If the "Boss" buck has a subordinate buck with him guys will think they are looking at a doe bed, because another bed is not far away. If that bedding spot has some small rubs around it that area with a few beds may just be 2 bucks bedding together. I have seen that subordinate buck circling areas only to later see the boss buck is tending a doe and has her pinned down. I have some of this on video from a few years ago.
Yes, it’s more common than people realize.
It's like a buck's ground blind. Makes sense!
Yes sir.
Great video Thanks for all the detail
This is helpful, thanks. Matches up with what "The Hunting Beast" has to say...how has this strategy worked for you over the years? Also, any opinion on Scentlok type clothing?
It has scored me one good buck and almost got me another one last year. I like Scentlok a lot. Even if you don’t believe in the carbon, the garments are well made, deep roomy pockets, Zippers that have never failed me and reinforced stitching all over.
Appreciate the video sir. Great information.
Hell yeah, keep the videos coming!