3. Tree Stands
A tree stand is by far the best method to let you remain undetected while hunting rutting blacktails.

Make sure that you position your tree stand in the right location and that it is at least 15 feet above the ground. Hunting from a tree stand gives you a big advantage because there is less of a chance the deer will see or scent you.

Many different types of tree stands are on the market today, such as portable, fixed-position stands, climbing stands, ladder stands and tripod stands. They all work well. When selecting a stand, take into account which one is going to work best for your specific type of hunting situation and your physical abilities.

MAKE MOCK SCRAPES
By making a mock scrape, you are trying to fool a dominant buck into believing that another buck has taken over his area. You can do this by either making a new scrape or re-working the buck’s existing scrape, using products produced from actual deer scent glands.

When doing so, you must make sure to wear rubber boots and gloves so you don’t leave any human scent.

When a buck finds another buck’s scrape, most of the time he will deposit his own scent over that scrape to establish dominance once again.

If you set up your tree stand over a mock scrape, chances are very good that you may be filling your tag sooner than later.

USE ESTRUS SCENTS
Lure bucks within range by hanging scent sticks dipped in doe estrus from tree branches. I’ve found this trick to be a very effective. Place them where wind currents will carry the scent throughout large areas such as canyons, ridgelines or heavily wooded areas. Bucks in search of does in heat will travel to find the source of that smell.

MAKING SCENT TRAILS
Another trick I’ve found that works very well for rutting bucks is to apply some doe-in-estrus scent to boot pads. I then walk to my tree stand, leaving a trail along the way. This covers my scent and makes a scent trail directly to my stand.

If the smell on your boots bothers you, try dipping the end of a long stick in the scent bottle and drag the tip as you walk to your stand, re-dipping it every 75 to 100 yards or so. When making a scent trail, always be sure that your stand is downwind or crosswind from approaching deer.

Bucks will be most active during the morning hours as they search for scent-trails of does that have already headed for their bedding areas.

This is when you will most likely see one working his way toward your tree stand.

RATTLE THEM IN
During the pre-rut, rattling -- a method used by many whitetail hunters -- is a very effective way to lure an aggressive or curious buck to within shooting distance of your stand. By mimicking a battle between two bucks locked in combat, over the years I’ve rattled many blacktails to within 20 yards of my stand.

A few years ago, one buck ran in so fast that he caught me by surprise and ended up standing no more than 10 yards behind the bush I was rattling from.

I slowly turned my head, and our eyes met. I don’t know who was more surprised: me, having a flared-up buck staring directly at me with fire in his eyes, or him, realizing that a bush with eyes was staring directly at him.

After a few seconds of the stand-off -- which felt like minutes -- he exploded from the area and took a few large bounds, never to be seen again.

That was a little too close for comfort.

BLEAT CANS, GRUNT TUBES
Bleat cans and grunt tubes work very well during the pre-rut when activity levels are at their peak. A bleat can mimic the sounds of a doe in heat. I use it primarily to catch a buck’s attention and gain his curiosity by doing a few soft calls. Once I’ve accomplished that, I switch over to a grunt tube to coerce him in. The two make an effective combination.

When using these calls, be alert and ready because bucks tend to sneak in very quietly from different directions to get a glimpse at what’s making these sounds. You may turn around and find that one has tiptoed his way in from behind your stand and after catching your movement, is now staring up at you.

To successfully locate a late-season spot for rutting blacktails, scout hard and pay attention to hot sign. Once you’ve accomplished this, it’s time to set up an ambush using your experience and a few tricks to lure a trophy buck to within shooting distance.

I’ve listed a number of tactics that have brought me success over the years. They’ve worked very well for me, and I hope they will do the same for you. Good luck and happy hunting! Keep the tradition alive!