Summer Groundwork for a Successful Whitetail Season

I’ll admit it, I start getting excited for fall long before it arrives. While most people spend the hot, humid days of summer relaxing at the beach, swimming in the river, or lounging by the pool, I find my thoughts drifting to crisp autumn mornings spent in a treestand or saddle, bow in hand, chasing whitetails. Though I enjoy summertime activities like anyone else, I know that summer whitetail preparation isn’t just a heat-induced daydream; it’s a crucial part of the hunting season.

This is the time to fine-tune your setup. Shooting your bow in the backyard, dialing in trail camera placements, maintaining food plots, and scouting for reliable water sources. Taking advantage of summer prep not only deepens your understanding of deer behavior but also lays the foundation for success when opening day finally arrives.

Summer is prime time to monitor deer activity with trail cameras. Fall may be the time when bucks are chasing does during the breeding season, but there is actually a lot happening with deer during the summer. Bucks are in bachelor groups, antlers are developing rapidly, giving us a preview of what trophies will be on our hit list. As for scouting, movement is generally predictable as deer simply spend their days transitioning between bedding, feeding, and watering locations. The good news for hunters is that capturing deer on camera is much easier during this time, compared to fall.

When placing summer trail cameras, consider setting them along the edges of fields and mineral sites. Ideal locations include the borders of bean fields, clover plots, or areas with plenty of natural browse, as these spots often draw regular evening activity when deer come out to feed during the cooler hours. Water sources are also prime locations, especially during hot weather when water is scarce. Positioning cameras near ponds, creeks, or artificial water holes can be particularly productive. Additionally, travel corridors, such as funnels between bedding areas and food or water sources, are valuable targets, as deer tend to follow the path of least resistance, even in the summer.

When it comes to camera settings, it’s best to use photo mode for easier pattern analysis and extended battery life. In recent years, I have become a strong advocate for solar panels. A solar panel can keep cameras running on the same batteries for more extended periods, which prevents the need to switch out batteries every other week. If you don’t have a solar panel, check your cameras sparingly, ideally every few weeks, to minimize human scent and reduce pressure on the deer.

If you’ve planted food plots, summer is the time to keep them healthy. A well-maintained plot offers nutrition for growing bucks and nursing does while also creating a dependable destination for fall hunting.

When managing a plot, several key considerations must be taken into account. Weed control is vital, as invasive plants can quickly take over if not properly managed. Techniques such as spot spraying or mowing help maintain the plot’s effectiveness and are excellent tasks to complete during the summer. Fertilization is also important. Clover and other perennial plants benefit from mid-summer fertilization, which promotes growth and increases protein content.

It is also necessary to assess areas that didn’t grow well. Reseeding and soil testing can help identify deficiencies, allowing you to amend the soil as needed and prepare for fall planting with fresh seed if necessary, or move the plot to a different area that is better suited for growing. Regarding new plots, summer is also a great time to try different blends or varieties in small test plots to see what performs best in your soil and local climate. If they thrive, then expand the plot to a larger area or make plans to plant that particular seed the following year.

In many regions, water becomes a huge factor in late summer when natural sources dry up. Understanding where deer are drinking can provide a major advantage, especially in arid or drought-prone areas.

Finding water is a key aspect of managing wildlife habitat. Topographical maps can help identify low-lying areas where water naturally collects. When scouting, look for creek crossings, small springs, or shaded mud holes where deer might visit to cool off and stay hydrated. In areas where natural water is scarce, creating water opportunities can significantly enhance habitat use. Installing small water tanks or barrels, particularly on private land, is a helpful option. These should be placed near bedding cover or along transition zones where deer frequently travel.

Ensure that any water source you provide is consistently filled and reliable, as deer tend to avoid areas where water supplies are likely to dry up. When supplementing water in small pools or tanks, place a piece of wood or an object that can help prevent fawns from falling into the water and getting stuck. Trail cameras positioned near water are beneficial because they provide 24/7 insight into which deer are on your property and how often they visit.

Summer deer movement differs significantly from fall patterns. During the summer, bucks are generally less cautious, more visible, and primarily motivated by food and comfort. While their behavior may appear more relaxed, their patterns still provide great insights. Bucks often establish core areas in the summer that may remain into early fall. Observing group behavior during this period can also reveal dominance structures that may influence activity during the rut.

Although daylight movement is more prevalent in the summer, identifying areas where deer feel secure can aid in selecting future stand locations. Document your observations, track movement trends, and monitor environmental changes, such as crop growth, timber cutting, or nearby human activity, that could impact deer behavior.

Summer may seem like a slow season for hunters, but those who take the time to scout, plan, and observe now will be miles ahead come opening day. By fine-tuning your trail camera setup, maintaining food and water sources, and learning how deer interact with your property during the heat of the off-season, you’ll create a blueprint for success. The bucks you track in July may very well be the same ones you target in September, October, and November; only then, they’ll be sporting hard antlers, and the stakes will be higher.