I've own the book Mapping for Trophy Whitetails, which is very good at describing deer movements in relation to their geographical surroundings. Putting it into practice in the field has proved difficult.
Today I was walking a closed road that circled the base of a hill that had three separate small creek drainages on the south side. I noted that each finger ridge (created by the three drainages) had significant deer trails above the road with fresh tracks. Less used trails occurred below the road. A couple hundred yards or so past the base of these ridges and into the next drainage area, the alders associated with the creek and road were rubbed out in many areas. It was late in the day and I couldn't decide whether I should hunt the ridges or the drainages. I assumed I should go up, but I wasn't 100% sure on that either.
Any suggestions on how to hunt this situation or good ideas why the bucks seem to travel in one area and rub in others?
I did try rattling quietly, which got one deer moving, but not in my direction.
Many thanks!
