End-of-Season Hunting Strategies: Making the Most of December
As the hunting season winds down in December, the opportunities for a successful hunt remain strong, but they require a different approach. The colder weather, reduced daylight, and changing behavior of game animals all play a role in how you should plan and execute your hunts. Here are some key strategies to help you make the most of your December hunts.
1. Adjust to Changing Game Behavior
By December, many game animals have altered their patterns due to hunting pressure and the colder weather. Deer, for example, might be less active during the day and more cautious in their movements.
Focus on Food Sources: As natural food becomes scarce, animals are drawn to reliable food sources like crop fields, acorn-rich areas, and feeding plots. Position your hunt near these areas to increase your chances.
Adapt to Late-Season Patterns: Understand that animals might be moving less during the day and more during the early morning or late evening. Plan your hunts accordingly to capitalize on these peak activity times.
2. Take Advantage of Cold Weather
While the cold can be challenging, it can also work to your advantage. The crisp air helps carry sound and scent, and animals are often more predictable in their search for food and shelter.
Stay Mobile: Don’t be afraid to move around to find the best spots. Use the cold to your advantage by staying quiet and undetected as you move between potential hunting sites.
Use the Snow: If there’s snow on the ground, use it to track animals. Fresh tracks can lead you directly to your quarry, giving you an edge that’s unique to late-season hunting.
3. Gear Up for Winter Conditions
December hunting requires a different set of gear than earlier in the season. Staying warm and dry is essential for maintaining your focus and stamina.
Invest in Proper Clothing: Layering is key. Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers to protect against the elements. Don’t forget thermal gloves, socks, and a hat to keep extremities warm.
Stay Comfortable: Bring along hand and foot warmers, and consider a portable heater if you’re sitting in a blind for extended periods. Keeping your core temperature up will help you stay in the field longer.
4. Hunt Pressure Points
By December, animals are more aware of hunting pressure and may avoid heavily hunted areas. Target less-pressured zones or spots that other hunters might overlook.
Explore New Areas: If your usual hunting grounds have been heavily hunted, consider exploring new areas. Public lands, overlooked corners of private properties, or difficult-to-access areas can hold game that’s less wary.
Focus on Escape Routes: Look for natural funnels, travel corridors, and escape routes that animals might use to move between bedding and feeding areas. These spots can be especially productive late in the season.
5. Stay Persistent and Patient
Late-season hunting can be tough, but persistence pays off. The cold, limited daylight, and reduced animal activity can test your patience, but staying in the field is crucial.
Be Patient: Don’t rush your shots or give up too soon. The more time you spend in the field, the better your chances of crossing paths with a mature animal.
Keep Your Spirits High: The late season is often when seasoned hunters score their biggest trophies. Stay motivated and focused, knowing that your persistence could be rewarded.
December hunting offers unique challenges and opportunities that can lead to a rewarding end to your hunting season. By adapting to the changing behavior of game, leveraging the cold weather, using the right gear, and targeting less-pressured areas, you can increase your chances of success. Stay persistent, be patient, and enjoy the final days of the season. With the right strategies, your December hunt can be the highlight of the year.
