I hunt in Arkansas. Archery season lasts until Feb 28. I usually hunt until mid Feb and have had very limited success over the years. I hunt public land so it can be very tough hunting late season. I like it because I usually have the woods to myself. The bucks start bunching up again in mid January and many of them still have their antlers. I’ve killed some smaller bucks in January, and several does in January over the years. It’s hard to nail the deer down and I for sure see less deer overall but I still get out there when I can. Is there anyone else out there who hunts in January and February, and if so, what tactics are you using? I admit that I get kind of lazy and don’t scout as much as I should. I don’t hunt as long either because I’m honestly getting burned out from hunting since early October. Every now and then I luck out and get a shot at one. I’ve had several close encounters with very big bucks that just didn’t work out but it’s enough to keep me going back out there.

Sounds like you are pretty close to closing on one eventually if your getting close in late season.That does take some serious endurance to keep going.

I dont think you get much snow in Arkansaw.But if you did get a fresh snow it might be the time to scout and find fresh trails and where thier feeding.Feed would be a very important issue and trump anything else.Deer can yard up in bigger groups late in the season where thier is prime forage and thats the place to be.Bedding areas close to forage can be good.Thie is less great bedding in late season for security because things have thinned out.So thicker areas can be good near food sources.Those 2 things could be the ticket close together.

You may need to get some legwork in to find the hot areas.Think of it as exorcise.

Like said, food sources.

Good luck and enjoy your time put there RayJ!

Great advice above from bowhunt. I can only add that I like to pay attention to where the sun may be shining on those cold days or where the wind may not be blowing as I've noticed that the deer around here will usually head to those spots in our second season here in PA.

It's ale=ready been said about food sources. Another thing is to look for areas where there are some hillsides where the sun will be hitting from the south this time of year. On nice afternoons on south facing hillsides you may catch one getting up from a bed, and moving to some food. As the sun lays lower in the southern sky in the winter I find that many times deer will find little hillside areas that face the sun to catch what little warmth they can. Look for areas near there that have anything they could feed on. I've found lots of wildlife like these south facing hills to catch the sun when they can. Depending on the area food sources can be very sparce this time of year. Another thing is places where farms have had soy beans planted, and harvested. If the weather has been even remotely decent any beans that may have escaped the combines will lay around, and sprout, and they will feed on these if the soil is loose, and the beans lay in the ground, and sprout. I realize that from region to region there will be very different situations, but deer just like people this time of year look for places to be comfortable as the temps dip low, and everything needs to eat--look for anything that may provide something for them to eat.

They are out there no matter how cold, how much wind or how much snow. Some days they are harder to find and some days my wife thinks I need my head examined for going out hunting in nasty weather.

Also hunting late afternoons instead of early mornings. Seem to be better in late season.

Thanks. I really need to scout more as mentioned and find more food sources.,i It’s tough on public land with no food plots or nearby farm fields.

Thanks. I really need to scout more as mentioned and find more food sources.,i It’s tough on public land with no food plots or nearby farm fields.

I hunt across the line in Oklahoma and our season goes to January 15. Hunted yesterday but nothing seen. I know what you mean, late is tuff. No farms, food plots here either, all wilderness. Still, it happens occasionally. Good luck.

Our bow season ends New years Eve. However we do have a 4 day Heritage season Mid Jan. Can use a longbow, flintlock, or recurve. I will be out there next week. I know a place where the deer are coming into a winter wheat field in the evening. Now if I can just pick the right trail. I need a doe.

I been seeing does between 3:30-3:45 and a young buck at 5 the last 2 sits in the bitter cold. Earlier than usual around here. And one good buck right before dark but still legal hours.

Also these were different spots so not same deer. Does seem up early. Both times I got in and set up and like 15 min later I’d see does.

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