The track of any mature buck is worth pursuing, but identifying the print of a particularly good buck by its specific size and configuration might help to identify the animal in other parts of his home range, that is, unless you have the problem of too many big bucks.

READING TRACKS
Along with gauging the quality of bucks, observations can result in the ability to fingerprint specific animals. Once a big boy is spotted, it's often possible to find his track.

For example, while investing a late August afternoon observing a soybean field, a truly magnificent buck is spotted. After noting his entrance trail we wait until dark and quietly slink back to the truck. Armed with this information, it's possible to return the next day with a good chance of finding his track.

Upon locating the bruiser's hoof print, we can measure the length, width and, if present, even the distance between dewclaws. By taking it further, noting any identifiable features, such as rounded tips of the hoof, irregular shapes or anything else out of the ordinary, it's possible to obtain enough detail to identify this buck's track in other portions of his range.

Now, in late October, when we run across a fresh scrape, it's a simple matter of comparing notes to see if this was the handy work of the bruiser we watched that late August afternoon. If we are wondering if he is feeding in the cornfield, all we must do is walk the edge and look for tracks. The same applies to whether he is drinking at the pond, crossing the gravel road or traveling through any location that collects tracks. Collecting a buck's fingerprint can allow us to pattern him far more effectively that we otherwise could.

TRACK CATCHERS
Still, many areas aren't very conducive to collecting tracks. Luckily, constructing track catchers is an easy way to solve that problem. Armed with a common garden rake, simply clearing a three-foot section along a deer trail will create a great vehicle for gathering fresh tracks. When combined with a buck's fingerprint, this basic tool can be used to literally track a buck in any location.

For illustration purposes, lets look at how tracks helped me nail the buck that began this piece. After getting the buck's fingerprint through observation, all it took was creating track catchers on the trails entering his food source. Returning a week later, the sets of tracks the catcher revealed clearly indicated which trail he was using. In that case, it was then an easy matter of following last year's rub line to his bedroom and selecting an ambush point a safe distance away.

When needed, this technique can also be further used to nail down a bedding site. When buck sign doesn't lead us there, follow the trail until it splits. Just up from the split, slapping in track catchers will reveal which trail he is using. Most times, it becomes evident after one or two splits which splinter trail leads to his bed.

A word of caution is in order. Anytime scouting involves forays into the woods near and during season, it's important to keep disturbances to a minimum. Whether it is checking track catchers or the photos from infrared cameras, each time out we risk educating deer to our activities.

Continued -- click on page link below.