It’s Thanksgiving week! It’s one of the most exciting times of the year to be with family and friends. But it’s also one of the best weeks of the year to be in the deer woods.
Why?
Below I’ll share my top 5 reasons why you should be in the deer stand over Thanksgiving break this year. It just might be the best week of deer hunting all season long.
Bucks are in Desperation Mode
For as long as I can remember, the week of Thanksgiving is when the bucks absolutely go nuts in west Tennessee. Big bucks, small bucks, and everything in between. They are about as unpredictable now as they’ll ever be. From wide open fields, to the Walmart parking lot, bucks will show up anywhere and at any time this week. But what you can count on is for bucks to be on the move. Hunt your high-density doe herds. If there’s a doe that’s cycling at this time, you can bet every buck in the area will know about her. The first estrous cycle is coming to an end. Time is running short. Expect to see bucks running wide open this week.
Deer Are Being Pushed by Other Hunters
The Thanksgiving holiday finds more deer hunters in the whitetail woods than at any other time. While some find frustration in the number of hunters in the woods, this can also work to your advantage. With such an invasion into the woods at this time, deer will be pushed from their hides and onto neighboring properties. It’s a great time to hunt escape routes and transition changes from property to property. Stay in your stand longer than the next guy. When your neighbor climbs down to leave at 9 or 10’oclock, he’ll likely push deer. Make sure you’re on stand and ready when he does.
You Have Time Off
Most hunters look forward to a 4 or 5 day break over Thanksgiving weekend. You’ve got the time off! Why not be spending some additional guilt-free hours in the treestand – after hanging out with family, of course?. We tend to feel guilty about sneaking off to the woods when we should be at the office, school, church, or ball game. And rightfully so. That’s why the Thanksgiving break is such a good time to relax, hunt, and enjoy the time off by waiting out the opportunity to punch your next deer tag.
You Still Got a Tag in Your Pocket
You still got a tag in your pocket! What more reason do you need? A lot of hunters think they missed their opportunity to score on a buck as we transition towards the back side of November. However, as mentioned above, these can be the best days of the season to make it happen on your next buck. Don’t throw in the towel too soon. There are plenty of great opportunities to be had for the hunter that continues to grind it out. Confirm latest intel from trail cameras. Make a few speed-scouting runs. Take inventory on the current status of your local herd. Again, you’re essentially chasing does at this time. Find the right ladies, and you’ll likely find a buck in tow.
It's a Great Time to Take Family or Friends Hunting
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends. And if those family members and friends aren’t hunters, now is also a great time to introduce them to what the hunt is all about. Be sure to have some wild game dining options in the mix for the Thanksgiving meal and/or snacks. This will pique their curiosity and interest in what it is you do and open the conversation as to why hunting is so important. Again, you’ve got extra days on hand. The family will be in town for most of these days. Capitalize on the opportunity to introduce a newcomer to the hunting lifestyle.
Enjoy the week. Best wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving!
