Some understanding of the breeding cycle will also benefit your hunt; especially, if you are after trophy size deer. The breeding cycle for NC deer varies somewhat each year, but is reasonably constant -- "The majority of the breeding activity occurs in a 3 to 4 week period in all NC regions. The peak breeding periods by region are:

• Lower Coastal Plain -- last week of October;
• Upper Coastal Plain -- first week in November;
• Piedmont and Foothills -- third week in November; and
• Mountains -- first week of December."

To be successful a hunter must be where deer are. Good scouting and good stand location is very important. A wisely conducted scout will prepare a hunter for the season open and help a hunter adapt as the season progresses. If a hunter does not consider how deer patterns may shift due to hunting pressure then scouting has not been conducted to its best advantage. Once a stand is located hints on stealth will offer tips on how move before and after the season without spooking deer.

Enjoy hunting deer in NC.