Adam Lewis describes how funnels, saddles, creek crossings, and other pinch points can place hunters in prime position during the rut, when bucks actively search for does. He recommends combining morning funnel or bedding-area sits with evening food-source hunts, using legal scouting tools and attractants, while staying comfortable, alert, and phone-free.

In Montana, the key to successful early-season archery hunting begins in July, according to Scott Bestul's feature on Bob Borowiak. By avoiding reliance on trail cameras and utilizing long-range spotting methods, hunters can better scout mature deer patterns. Borowiak emphasizes the importance of wide-ranging scouting rather than focusing on individual bucks, advising preparation to increase chances of success come fall.

Montana just cut 2,500 nonresident deer combo tags. Here's what hunters need to know before planning their 2026 season.

Montana’s river bottoms and ranch country can grow gnarly whitetails—but Boone and Crockett’s latest record book shows exactly which states consistently turn out the biggest bucks. Here’s what the 17,000-entry data says about America’s top trophy whitetail destinations, from Wisconsin to the Midwest powerhouses and a few surprise standouts.