GLASSING FOR WHITETAILS
by Ryan Walker

The inferno known as late summer always seems to sap my energy and vitality. Temperatures routinely in the 90s keep me from being in the outdoors for any extended period of time. Fishing tends to slow down, and the beautiful Lake Huron beaches fill up. Occasionally, towards sunset, a cool breeze will remind me that autumn and hunting season are just around the bend. It’s also toward evening that I venture out of the house. One of my favorite late summer activities is to glass for whitetail deer.

“Glassing” is a term that refers to the act of scanning by using binoculars or a spotting scope. It is a common method for hunting various big game animals in the vast, open areas of the world. I glass for whitetails in the late summer to scout deer movement, and just for the enjoyment. This form of preseason scouting can alert a hunter to the general range of any given number of deer. It also provides a fun, family summer activity.

Generations of Thumb residents reflect back to riding in the truck with grandparents, parents, siblings and/or their own children while observing the majestic whitetail deer. Technology has increased with the advent of self-focusing binoculars and window mounted spotting scopes. However, the timeless lure of glassing or looking for deer in the cool summer air with the hope of seeing a buck remains a traditional summer activity even during the age of television and computers.

This summer rite of passage provides valuable information about the quarry to be pursued in the fall months. I pay close attention to the properties I hunt, as well as the surrounding area. A particular note of interest is the variety of crops planted around our hunting grounds. Standing corn can hold deer, which may decrease their frequency of movement. Certain types of beans aren’t as edible to deer later in the season. Alfalfa, sugar beets and clover can provide deer with a food source that lasts into the end of autumn.

Another benefit of glassing for deer is to familiarize yourself with the deer in your area. Whitetails, especially during the rut, can put on several miles. Seeing a nice buck in August doesn’t guarantee he will be in the same place come October or November, but at least you know he’s in the general vicinity. If he continues to make appearances in the same fields, then you may have narrowed down his home range. Scouting by glassing now will help you have a productive, enjoyable hunt later.

A secondary benefit that results from viewing deer in the summer evenings is the opportunity to view other wildlife. While patrolling the neighborhood I am fortunate to see turkeys, waterfowl, pheasants, small game, innumerable songbirds, and the occasional fox or coyote. Observing nature provides a psychological release from the stresses of life. The sounds of summer are grander than any relaxation CD on the market.

The final positive attribute connected to glassing for deer is the fact that it can draw you closer to your neighbors. My neighbors and I regularly stop each other while glassing to share our observations, theories and recollections regarding hunting in general. In the process, we have developed long lasting friendships as well as a valuable hunting network. Together we pine for the upcoming fall, and plan for a successful hunting season with our families.

So, if you find yourself becoming bored, throw a pair of binoculars in your vehicle and enjoy nature up close and magnified. You may find it a useful preseason scouting tactic for whitetails, or you might find it a relaxing way to enjoy summer with your friends and family. Maybe if we cross paths we can swap information and a few dozen hunting stories.