Deer behavior obviously changes during the rut, but do a deer's senses change, too? When I'm hunting, which should I be more con

[outdoorlife-editor]

No question, scent should be your biggest concern. The wind has got to be in your favor if you want to tag a trophy. Overall, a buck will be less wary of human scent during the rut than at other times of the year, because he's focused on finding does. Even if a buck is acting goofy, however, his defenses will still be up.

Bucks will often be so focused on doe scent during the rut that you can get away with a lot more movement than you can in the early or late season. Stalking or hunting from the ground can be much easier during this time. In fact, it's even possible to sneak up on a buck that is consumed with finding a doe. That said, keep on the lookout for does. Females will be much more aware of movement and scent. If you spook the does out of an area, you won't see any bucks there either.—online editor

[outdoorlife-editor]

Deer behavior obviously changes during the rut, but do a deer's senses change, too? When I'm hunting, which should I be more con

Deer behavior obviously changes during the rut, but do a deer's senses change, too? When I'm hunting, which should I be more concerned with, camouflage or scent? -Richard Greene, Bangor, ME

[6phunter]

HANBACK still right on target,camo is sold to the hunters to make more money / it probably helps some /but then you gotta wear blaze orange ,keep the wind in youre face and the sun at youre back/ spend as much time in the woods as you can and you will be succesful,

[Buckshott00]

Scent for sure, but stay away from certain colors also certain fabric softeners, they have UV dyes that we can't really "see" but make our clothes look brighter and less faded. These make you stand out like a neon sign to deer.