Deer have the uncanny ability to source the highest protein feed in the country and use it for as long as possible. Agricultural crops adjacent to large blocks of native habitat can create the perfect storm for a deer hunter looking for a mature buck. While hunting in Oklahoma last fall, I was allowed to hunt a big winter wheat field. The lush, green leaves of the wheat were the best groceries in the country, and the deer traveled from miles around to get a taste.
Large fields attract lots of deer. The green wheat fields attracted dozens of does and fawns, bringing the big bucks out of hiding. The problem is that big fields can have deer in every corner, so setting up in the right spot is paramount to success.
ASSESS THE HABITAT
There were several factors to consider when hunting the field. The direction of the wind is always critical, and anyone who thinks they can remain undetected from deer, even at long range, is only fooling themselves. The west and north side of the field would be where most deer would approach. A vast expanse of native prairie to the west held an incredible number of deer. Native cover and feed are always hard to compete with, but the winter wheat was our ace in the hole.
Deer could show up
