I'm heading into the hills this weekend to scout some new deer hunting country. I know lots of places to hunt, but I like to explore new areas. To be honest, I am not all that good at scouting for deer. I once spent a whole weekend scouting an area and only saw a few does, but then went back to the same place during hunting season and got a buck. It just looked like good deer country to me.

I try to get a feel for the country and guess where animals are likely to hang out. Whether they are there when I am scouting does not concern me that much. It's kind of counter intuitive, but it works for me. If I go out and see lots of deer, I am more encouraged, but I won't be discouraged if I don't see a bunch of them.

My theory about deer hunting is pretty simple. It only takes one buck to make my season a success. I hunt with that in mind. I try to be ready for that one encounter. I usually see several bucks during a season, and lots of other deer, but the one special encounter that ends my hunt is what I look forward to.

I love observing deer, trying out outsmart them, and even getting outsmarted. My failures are often as entertaining and memorable as my victories. Last year I spotted a big buck crossing a ridge into a big open basin. He had about a half mile head start on me, but I followed him over the ridge. By the time I got there, he disappeared, never to be seen again. I always wonder where he went, and if he will be there again this year.

You just never know what you will encounter, and that mystery is what keeps me going back to the hills every fall.