Standing corn can be outstanding deer hunting. Montana is not known for massive corn fields but where there is corn, there will be deer. A corn field is a perfect habitat for big Bucks or Bulls.
When things get cold in Montana, food is a number one concern for Big Game. The mountain critters migrate into the lower watersheds. This is when farmers and ranchers discover overcrowded critter conditions on their property. If these animals compete with their cattle, they may not be welcome.
White tailed Deer love a corn patch. They pig out on cobs of corn, the grass that grows between them, and the cover that the field provides. There are often puddles of water inside the fields. Big Bucks will bed near the puddles and can move unseen amongst the standing stalks. Food is a stalk away.
Hunting inside a corn field is hard but can be productive. Archers can excel in these close quarters. They hunt into the wind and look carefully for bedded bucks. The deer also uses the space between the rows as travel corridors.
Don’t look for a whole deer. Instead look for antler, color, and horizontal lines. When you see these indicators, you are already in range. A buck in corn will hear you 3 times, see you twice, but smell you just once.
When I target a cornfield, I look for sign along the edges. This is where you can place a stand. Ditches and cut open areas are also places to spot bucks crossing. Corn field edges are perfect places to find rubs and scrapes. Smart old bucks use the corn stalks as cover when they check these doe attractors out.
If you are hunting corn fields during gun season, you may not need long range weapons. Iron sights in the field are perfect. A red dot scope will also work. Magnifying scopes will make finding your target harder.
I have not seen as many mule deer in corn fields, but elk will often take advantage of corn. Some farmers deliberately leave standing corn to attract critters. Rarely do you see corn standing late in the season but if you do, there will be critters amongst the stalks.
Try approaching the corn field with the wind in your face. Stalk diagonally. Only take a few steps at a time. The wind is not a problem. Bucks will bed in the corn on windy days. Your movement and noise will not spook them.
See what is popping in a corn field near you!
Montana Grant
