Turkey season is over in Kentucky and winding down or over in most other states.  I hope that everyone’s Turkey season went well and was successful!  Now that Turkey season is over it is time to turn our thoughts toward deer season.  I am already thinking about what I need to start doing to prepare for deer season this fall.  It takes preparation, game planning, and a little luck to bag Kentucky Trophy Buck!  What do we need to start thinking about as we prepare for deer season.  I will go through a list that I think is important as we move toward deer season.

Shed Hunting

Hopefully, you got some shed hunting in during the late winter to see if some of the bigger bucks were still on the property.  Shed hunting is a great way to locate big deer and determine if they made it through the season.  It is a little late to be doing it now, as the foilage gets out it gets more difficult.  I thought I would mention it because of the importance.

Food Plots

If you haven’t planted your food plots already you might start thinking about it!  However, if you haven’t planted them yet you need to pull soil samples before you do anything.  I know in Kentucky the Extension Service will test your soil sample for free if you provide the samples.  Most Extension offices have a probe you can borrow if you need one.  They will also tailor your samples for what you are going to plant and give you fertilization and lime recommendations for planting.  Many people under estimate the importance of soil samples and often do not get the results from the food plots they are looking for.  Often they blame the seed or the weather but in reality the soil quality is not right and the seed never had a chance to reach it’s optimum potential.

Feeding Stations

I know many states do not allow feeding!  It is legal in Kentucky as long as it is not put out between the dates of March 1  – June 1.  The time to start feeding in Kentucky is right around the corner so make sure your feeders are in working order.  In addition, make sure your mineral stations are fresh and keep mineral in front of them throughout the year.  Once June 1 hits start filling your feeders and make sure you use a ration that has a high amount of protein.  Bucks are putting on their antlers and the added protein will help build bigger bone!  In my opinion the feed needs to be above 16% crude protein.  Straight corn is a great attractant but it will not get the protein in them you want to promote antler growth.

Cameras

Nothing has improved deer scouting like the advent of the game camera.  It is a little early to be putting cameras out but now is the time to make sure that you have fresh batteries and plenty of SD cards.  I usually start putting cameras out in July, by then the bucks have enough antler growth to really see what you have.  Cameras are a great way to inventory your deer herd as well as pattern those big bucks on your property.

These are just a few things that you need to start thinking about now that Turkey season is over.  I love Turkey season but it is just a pastime to get me through until Deer season starts.  Kinda like Baseball and Basketball season are to Football season. 

If anyone has any great tips or tricks they use to prepare for Deer season I would love to hear them!

Happy Hunting…