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Waterhole + scrape + rub = ?

Is there some reason you don’t want to hunt a bunch of deer sign? Be smart about your wind and access and go kill em. Don’t overhunt it...


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No reason at all. Thinking about waiting for the right wind before I hunt it. I just associate waterholes with hot weather.
 
Hunting good sign doesnt necessarily mean hunting OVER good sign. Try to figure out how sign ties into the overall movement pattern for that spot. Sometimes its better to set up 75 or 100 yards away. Bucks often wind check areas before they approach.
 
Looks like you can hunt that area on just about any wind you want depending on access. Just set up downwind of the downwind side. Give yourself some stand off for that buck to come in and scent check the area. Looks good though. I'd definitely give it a shot.
 
The rub looks rather old so it may or may not mean anything. Scrape is it fresh? Are their big tracks in it or around pond,? Do you have a preference on what you would shoot?

If the answer is yes to above, and there is fresh sign - Hunt it and then throw a camera on it to let you know if what you are seeking is visiting it and when. Weather and the rut can also bring a good buck to isolated water holes. But my point is, an isolated water hole does not always have a good buck using it - scouting, not the internet, will tell you that..
 
The rub isn’t impressive by big buck standards and yes, it is older than the scrape. There was some fresh scat in the scrape and tracks at the hole. I was thinking that an exhausted buck during the rut might visit the water for a pick-me-up along his way. I’m shying away from contaminating the area by constantly checking a camera.
 
The rub isn’t impressive by big buck standards and yes, it is older than the scrape. There was some fresh scat in the scrape and tracks at the hole. I was thinking that an exhausted buck during the rut might visit the water for a pick-me-up along his way. I’m shying away from contaminating the area by constantly checking a camera.

I wouldn't check a camera unless i came back to hunt or after the season personally. A rutting buck will often stop to get a drink as rutting can make them thirsty. But let sign show you that. There is nothing wrong with planning to come back and hunt it, and if on the way in there is no sign you have a decision to make - hunt or go find fresh sign. the mere presence of water somewhere does not mean it will be the one used - find hot sign. A camera left until you return would also give you info you don't have now. Just my opinion.
 
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