Welcome.

I don't know about NC, but rifle season is over here in KS so be sure to check your season dates.

You might want to peruse the threads in the whitetail forum. Lots of good information there.

One of the signs to look for are "rubs." Trees with worn spots from deer rubbing their antlers against them.

Scrapes are another sign that indicates buck activity. Deer paw the ground leaving a circular scrape mark. It is a kind of social gathering place as more than one buck will use it and so will does.

Good luck.

Hi CVC,

Thanks for a reply...

I am sure that rifle season in our county is still on. I did scouting last week, I believe I saw a scrapes on the groups maybe around 1.5 feet in length, does that sounds correct? Also when scouting are you suppose to follow the normal walking trail and find signs from there?

Regarding the rubs, it is winter so most of the trees there barks are peeling off, how will I know if that is just the tree or the deer rubs on them?

Thanks Again. I hope this are not dumb questions.

Scrapes probably won't be active this time of year and therefore not much help to you. They are usually on the ground under some branches that the deer lick and rub their antlers on.

The rubs will be on one side of the tree and look fresh.

You'll see trails in the woods that are pretty defined and most likely used by deers. Look for food sources and try to position yourself somewhere on the trail that you can intercept the deer as it travels from its bedding area to the feeding and vice versa.

The main thing is to get out there and try it. You'll make mistakes, but you'll learn from them. I know I continue to make mistakes and continue to learn.

I am sure if you post in the whitetail section you'll get more replies and probably better help than I can be.