Pre-Rut Hunting Tactics During A Bumper-Crop Acorn Year - With Mr. David Blanton of Team Realtree

Dear Whetstone Weekly Subscribers,

I'm thrilled to share an unforgettable experience from my recent encounter with a legend in the hunting industry, Mr. David Blanton of team Realtree. Spending quality time with such a titan of the hunting industry was a dream come true. He graciously visited the River House for a few days on his way to Ohio for a hunt. During his stay, we had the opportunity to discuss a critical aspect of hunting - strategies for targeting mature whitetail bucks during the pre-rut phase in late October.

While exploring the property, we paused on a hardwood ridge to delve into the intricacies of hunting during this notoriously challenging time, often described as "the calm before the storm." Complicating matters further, unseasonably warm weather is becoming the new normal, and this year's acorn crop has been nothing short of exceptional. In fact, we're experiencing what's known as a "bumper crop year" for acorns.

In this week's Whetstone Weekly, we explore the significance of acorns for wildlife during this season, why an abundance of them on the ground can make deer hunting a daunting task, and why we should embrace this wealth of food instead of lamenting it.

Mr. Blanton emphasizes the importance of not disturbing deer while they indulge in the oak trees. Instead, he recommends getting as close as possible to these feeding areas, setting up a buck and a doe decoy, and using well-timed calls to lure mature bucks off the ridge and into bow range. Mature bucks are eagerly awaiting the first doe to come into estrous, and by creating a realistic stage close enough to catch their attention, you can entice them to investigate.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. David Blanton for his time and the wisdom he shared with us during his visit. His insights are invaluable and offer a fresh perspective on hunting the pre-rut during bumper crop years.

As we continue to embrace the wonders of the great outdoors, I encourage you to share the Whetstone Weekly with your fellow hunting enthusiasts.

Thank you for being part of the Whetstone Weekly family, and stay tuned for more great content on hunting, habitat, and everything in between!

Are you interested in having Zack Vucurevich to your parcel to improve the hunting and habitat? Don’t wait! The 2024 calendar is filling quickly! Give your property the edge by clicking the link below and filling out a form!

Wishing you a fantastic week ahead,

Zack Vucurevich

Whetstone Habitat, LLC