Quick Answer
Identify trails used by pressured deer by looking for signs of frequent use, such as worn paths, droppings, and tracks, and checking for recent rubs and scrapes on trees. Pay attention to deer movement during dawn and dusk when they are most active. Use a rangefinder to gauge distances and spot patterns in trail use.
Scouting and Pattern Recognition
When scouting for deer trails, look for areas where game trails intersect or converge, as these are likely to be used by multiple deer. Focus on trails with a consistent width, indicating frequent use, and check for signs of recent passage such as disturbed vegetation, snapped twigs, or displaced rocks. Use a 10-power binocular to scan for deer movement and note the time of day when you see the most activity.
Trail Use Patterns
To identify which trails are still being used by pressured deer, check for signs of recent rubs and scrapes on trees, particularly those with a south-facing aspect. These signs indicate that deer are still passing through the area. Also, look for trails with a higher concentration of deer tracks, droppings, and scat, as these are likely to be the most frequently used paths. Use a GPS device to record trail locations and note the number of deer tracks observed per 100 yards.
Measuring Trail Use Intensity
To gauge the intensity of deer use on a particular trail, measure the number of deer tracks per 100 yards and the distance between consecutive tracks. A high track density and short distance between tracks indicate a heavily used trail. Conversely, a low track density and longer distance between tracks suggest a less frequently used path.
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