With archery season less than one week away, one of the most important decisions a hunter must make is choosing the right spot.

Here are a few hints to help you pick a good spot:

One of the main spot you want to pick for an early season hunt is somewhere near food.

My favorite spot is close to the bedding area where the deer will go after eating. A bedding spot is where a deer will lay throughout the day waiting until evening to feed. I like to be about 100 yards away from their bedding area.  I look for a trail spot were the main trail splits and a other trails branch off.

Being at this spot in the morning will put you on the path the deer will travel to get back to their beds.

In the evening you want to be about 100 or so away from the sources of food. I like to be a couple yards away from a corn or soybean field that deer will be hitting up to get the protein that they need.

Another great spot is along a deer trail that is in use.

To find an active deer trail, look for spots where the ground and leaves are beaten down. The best time to look for a deer trail is when there is snow on the ground and you can easily see where the deer are running.  When you find it, remember the spot and in the fall hang a stand or make a blind for the upcoming bow season.

However, even if you find the perfect spot, the deer will not approach if they smell danger.  So you must keep your scent in mind while hunting.

One of the best way you can mask your scent is to purchase a jug of dirt smell at any outdoor store.

You can also control your scent by using unscented laundry detergent or scent waffle that smells like dirt.  When you return home, place you hunting clothes  in a rubber tub or even a scent free trash bag so that they will not absorb scents from your home.

If you pick the right spot and properly mask your scent you will greatly increase your chances of success.