my first season

[fisher2]

hello how often do you get your deer opening day? when do you start scouting what do you look for... what things do i need to know im in kingston ny

[G-Man]

I use to try to take my deer opening day, and took quite a few that day but i learned that i like hunting more so i got choosy .  Wow i don't think there would be enough room to explain everything to look for.. I actually start my scouting in the spring looking for shed antlers from bucks that made it thru the season.but this is cause i am a hunting nut... I would try to find someone to take you out scouting if possible(a local gunshop/bowshop might have some guys willing to show you. if not.. As a new hunter start looking in late summer out in fields for deer(assuming you have permission to hunt the property already, if not get asking don't wait till right before the season!) Watch where they enter and exit the fields(not sure if your just gun or bowhunting) find where the trails are back in the woods/brush a ways in. you might find old rubs on trees.                                                                                                                          If you can find a copy of Bowhunting October Whitetails i recomend buying it or watching it it's geared toward bowhunting but principles work in gun season as well(you might find it on an online search) This video taught me more in an hour than you can learn in a year or two.. its from the early 80's and i became a much better hunter after watching it. Its not a killing deer videolike most tv programs now ie.. wow look at what i got..(although they do kill dder) its a very educational video explaining habits,wind,scouting ect. just have to bear the cheezy back ground music... best of luck! 

[Geno C]

The past few years i have always gotten a doe on opening day... the only buck i ever shot on oepening day was my big one that it. The does usually always seem to make their appearance known first by my stand. i try and hold out hoping for a buck to follow but it doesnt always work that way. Its always nice to get one strung up opening morning at camp, gives us something to do later on in the evening when it comes time for the butchering part.

[fasteddie]

I have been lucky enough to take deer over the years on opening day . I have more choosey over the years . I have passed up the spikes and fork horns and yes I have eaten the buck tags . I also pass up the doe fawns . I am retired and I have plenty of time to hunt and I make it last . I would not pass up a large doe on opening day even when I know there are bucks around .

[Geno C]

i think as well all evolve as hunters some more then others tend to become more choosy...