The end of deer season brings mixed reactions for deer hunters. On one end of the spectrum are those that have had a great season and hate for it to end. On the other are those that, after a long grind, came up empty-handed. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle. Though season’s end can bring a needed respite, most of us aren’t ready to say goodbye to the exciting pursuit that is whitetail hunting. And we don’t have to – at least totally. There are other activities we can dive into that will continue to fuel the fire starting in the period directly following that last legal hunting day. And there are benefits to doing so.
Fortunately, hunting doesn’t have to stop with the end of deer season. For those of us that put many hours into our whitetail hunting habit know that there are a lot of tasks, tactics, and activities that don’t involve harvesting deer. If we spent all our time shooting them, it wouldn’t be much fun for most folks. There are always plenty of things to take care of in the off-season. Some hunting activities are fun and some laborious, but they all can be productive. So why wait? Here are a few things you can do to extend your season right out of the chute.
Post-Season Scouting
One could argue that the time directly following deer season isn’t a real attractive time to get outdoors and scout. After all, it doesn’t seem to have the same ambiance as the fall. 
Missing is the actual hunt, colors, and smells. There is little or no football either. However, knowing that scouting is a key to success, why not do it? When the walls start to close in on you, get out and spend the day evaluating stand locations, travel corridors, sign, and potential staging areas. Take it a step further by going backward. That is, approach your hunting setups from where deer typically enter. This can reveal a lot about your hunting stand and it’s effectiveness. You might be surprised by how viewing the hunting area from the lens of the whitetail can result in needed tweaks to stand placement.
Even if you plan to so some summer scouting later, you can still benefit from the head start. What’s more, a lot of your ideas are fresher on your mind a few short days or weeks after the season ends. Plus, with most foliage gone, tracks, rubs, and buck sightings for that matter are more possible than ever. So pack your binoculars and be prepared when deer show themselves through the timber. If you’re into photography or video, this is a great opportunity for footage – not just for scouting, but fun.
Predator Hunting
Coyotes have long since been a leading killer of fawns; more so than other predators such as bobcats and wolves. However, they all can negatively affect deer herds. If you want to chip into conservation and deer management efforts all at once, consider actively hunting predators. With deer season in the rear-view mirror, it’s a good time to do it. Why wait? Come up with a persistent plan to keep them in check. It will pay dividends. Once again, this form of hunting that includes decoys and calls is fun too. Seeing a pattern?
Shed Hunting
Shed hunting serves multiple purposes. Aside from getting you outside directly following whitetail season, it can help determine bucks that made it through the season. Further, it 
provides a means of getting hands-on and accurate information related to true antler size and future potential. From a lighter perspective, these treasures are just cool to have around. There’s no surprise they’re often referred to as “white gold”.
Opening Act
The early post-season is also an opportunity to create and enhance shooting lanes and openings in the thick brush and timber areas. This task can not only enhance shooting opportunities but open up small patches of ground for sunshine and hence new browse. With less foliage to contend with, it’s an easier undertaking this time of year.
Beat the Heat
Except during the downright frigid and icy days, this period presents a chance to tackle all the above activities and chores without having a heat stroke. In my home state of Texas, this is really something to consider. In fact, this is also a good time to move and build blinds and stands, improve farm and ranch roadways, and burning brush. The work becomes manageable once you start and body heat increases. Plus, it beats the heck out of continually sweating through your clothes.
The bottom line is that there is a lot of fun to be had and chores to get behind you – all before spring turkey hunting arrives. So, keep the hunting fires burning as soon as the season ends. It’s a great way to extend your season and you won’t regret it. I know this whitetail addict never does.
