Hunting Standing Corn
Filed under: Ask Grant, Hunting Tactics
Hello Grant, I have many acres to hunt, but most of them consist of commodity crops. When beans are around my stand (every other year) I see many deer, but when corn is planted, I don’t see many deer until the corn is off. I’m sure they are in the corn, but what can I do to increase sightings and get on the trail of a mature buck other than waiting for the rut? Is there any way to draw them out of the corn or locate them? Thanks, Adam
Adam,
Hunting standing corn can be very frustrating. At certain times of year it seems deer literally remain in the corn 24/7. However, corn is very dry during the fall. Deer must have water, so they often leave the corn sanctuary to get water. If the area where you hunt is dry (no standing water in the corn field), then consider locating and scouting the closest source of water.
If you have access to hunting multiple corn fields, consider using the spot and stalk technique to hunt one of the fields. This is one of my favorite hunting techniques. During days when the wind is blowing, simply walk into the wind and enter the field on the downwind side. Cross winds allow you to work the field section by section. Remember to move extremely slowly when using this technique. The success of this technique depends on the hunter seeing the deer before the deer detects the hunter.
Growing Deer together,
Grant
