The buck was feeding on acorns that were falling like rain in the light breeze from oak trees overhead. He almost looked like a cow grazing as his antlers rocked back and forth with each mouthful. Every few steps he would raise his head and check the position of a doe he was shadowing. Then for no apparent reason he stopped feeding, walked back along his trail about 20 feet and stood head-erect facing first one direction then another but without advancing or retreating.

It was sometimes difficult to see exactly where he was looking because the cover where he was now standing was moderately heavy compared to the rest of the area. His doe was still feeding unalarmed so I didn't think he was alerted to my presence, never the less, I thought he was acting strange. I couldn't figure for the life of me what this buck was doing.

Where in this picture is your eye drawn? For me it's his nose, black and shiny, it's out of place in this scene and a key to spotting this bedded buck. These are the kinds of details you have to search for when trying to spot bedded deer. Photo by Gary Smith

I thought perhaps he was just being a wise old buck and checking his six. Then his right rear leg began to bend and I realized instantly what was happening - he was going to lie down.

The son-of-a-gun bedded down right there within plain sight, sort of. After staring at him intently for a few minutes I lowered the glasses and regained my composure to wait him out. I scanned the woods to see if I had missed anything while focused on the buck but when I went to look at him again I had a devil of a time trying to pick him out. I finally spotted his nose then the rest of him materialized like Scotty had just beamed him down. As I watched the buck through my binoculars I tried to figure out why he picked that particular spot to lie down.

The area this buck picked was where his safety was maximized. Within just a few feet was a downed oak, which he had to his back. It wasn't particularly large but it did provide him with protection from behind. A hunter or other predator could have easily walked with in thirty yards or closer of this buck and if he just lay there, which they will do, he would not likely be spotted. Due to the fallen tree opening up the canopy, a number of small saplings had sprung up in front of him, which also served to break up the vertical features of the tines on his rack. He was on a slight rise and with a view of the forest in the direction he was facing he had an opportunity to observe any approaching danger.

On this day I was hunting deer with my camera but I've seen bucks lay up in nearly identical places while I've been hunting with a gun and I've wondered how in the heck I didn't see that deer before he jumped up and ran. I'm sure I am not alone in the tendency to not specifically look for a bedded animal. However, I am convinced the only way to see bedded deer is to look for bedded deer. That means you're looking for the glint on a wet nose or eye, the antler tips or a white throat patch. When they're lying down there isn't much else to see. They are much lower than we typically look when trying to spot a deer and close cover conceals them well. You should be looking about one to one and a half feet off the ground to spot bedded deer. Your success rate will also be higher if you hunt areas you know typically are prime bedding locations. Oh, and quality binoculars are a must.

Bedded deer don't always run immediately upon detecting danger. I've been able to get away with a good bit of slow movement and natural noises without spooking bedded deer. Two things that will make them come unglued in a hurry are catching human scent and eye-to-eye contact. If they think they are hidden they will sometimes remain still long enough for you to get a shot off.

Some would argue that shooting a bedded animal is unsportsmanlike but in my opinion if you are able to still-hunt yourself into a position to get a shot at a bedded whitetail you have just about reached the apex of woodsmanship skill. I have taken a couple bedded bucks in some thirty years of hunting and although they weren't wall-hangers, I consider them to be trophies in every aspect.

A bedded deer presents sometimes-unusual angles and after experiencing some very unexpected bullet paths with chest shots I prefer to shoot a bedded animal in the upper neck or perhaps wait till the animal naturally gets up. However, by waiting you will run the risk of a swirling wind or other influence spooking the animal before you get a standing shot.

Remember hunting is one sport where sportsmanship still counts and if you are successful in hunting a bedded buck this fall it will be a most rewarding experience, I promise.

Good Hunting,
Gary

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