Get In Early, Stay Late is a time-tested deer hunting strategy that plays into deer movement patterns and hunter advantage. Here's how to make the most of it:
Why Get In Early?- Beat the deer to their spots: Deer are most active at dawn, often moving from feeding areas back to bedding zones.
- Avoid detection: Arriving before first light lets you settle in quietly and stay hidden as the woods wake up.
- Arrive 30–60 minutes before legal shooting light.
- Use red or green lights to preserve night vision and avoid startling wildlife.
- Move slowly and quietly to avoid spooking deer bedded nearby.
- Evening movement is predictable: Deer begin moving from bedding areas to feeding grounds just before sunset.
- Mature bucks get bold: Especially during the rut, late evening offers one of your best chances to see a big buck in daylight.
- Be patient—don't pack up too early, even if it's quiet.
- Bring snacks and water to stay comfortable.
- Use natural light loss to slip out undetected—wait 15–20 minutes after legal shooting time if you've made a shot or want to exit quietly.
During high-pressure hunts or late season, the middle of the day can also see movement—especially near bedding areas. If you can stay on stand all day, you might catch a buck slipping up when most hunters have left.